Whether you’re in need of an afternoon pick-me-up or spiritual guidance, Four Winds Café is a go-to spot for CMU students. Located on the corner of 12th and Bookcliff, the Four Winds is only a short walk from campus and offers a relaxing and wholesome atmosphere that’s great for studying and unwinding after a long day.
Four Winds is a non-profit coffee shop. The proceeds go to the Christ Center, a ministry that practices in the same building. The presence of Christianity in the Four Winds is undeniable. Pro-life posters, prayer group meetings and Christian music welcome customers. However, the coffee shop itself is fairly neutral. It’s easy to avoid the religious aspect if you’re not interested in it.
The baristas are very friendly and helpful. Serivce was pleasant and efficient during my visit. I’m not a huge coffee person so I asked the barista for some suggestions and she gave me plenty of options. I decided on a vanilla chai and a piece of peach coffee cake. The Chai was delicious, not too sweet like other places I’ve tried. The peach coffee cake was awesome. It tempted me to try all the other pastries they had displayed, but I decided not to be “that girl” and to exercise self-control. Because Four Winds is non-profit, I paid a notable deal less for my coffee and pastry than at Starbucks or Jazzman’s.
The Four Winds is furnished with lounge couches, plenty of tables and outlets. It’s an ideal place for studying. They also have rooms available for study groups, meetings and anyone looking for a quieter environment. They’re open until midnight Monday through Saturday and offer free Wi-Fi.
Having lived in the apartment complex that shares a parking lot with Four Winds for a year, I wish I had visited the coffee shop more frequently.
After my recent visit there, I’ll definitely be returning for a chai and a few hours of productivity on nights when my procrastination catches up with me and my anxiety levels peak.