Waking up during those cold, dark, foggy fall mornings can be a near impossible task. All I want to do is sleep in until the sun comes up at 12 p.m., but when school starts in half an hour, I don’t have much choice but to peel myself out of bed and trudge through the rest of my day.

The one thing that helps me overcome my overwhelming  urge to take a nap during free periods is coffee. Although coffee is a singular drink, it can take so many forms — some good, some not so good. Those gloomy mornings are the exact times I need the perfect cup of coffee.

A classic option for a decent cup of coffee would be Starbucks. Starbucks has an insanely wide selection of drinks, from a plain roasted coffee to blended sugary goodness with chocolate and whipped cream. You can customize any drink, making it a perfect place for your ‘choose your own adventure’ coffee. 

If you’re someone who isn’t a huge fan of sugary coffee drinks, Starbucks may not be the place for you. I think that one of the best parts of drinking coffee is actually tasting the coffee’s roast and blend, and Starbucks tends to hide those flavors with sugar syrups. 

Another chain that is everyone’s favorite is Philz Coffee. Philz has a smaller variety of drinks, but you’re sure to know that each one of them is executed perfectly. None of their drinks are too sugary, making each coffee drink a wonderful blend of flavors. The cafe is visually appealing and is perfect for having coffee and a snack with friends. Although, if you’re one for strong tasting coffee, Philz might not be the place for you. Since they do pour overs, the rich coffee flavor isn’t super prominent. 

Lastly, there is a small chain out of Wisconsin, with a couple shops in Chicago, Colectivo Coffee. Colectivo doesn’t have as many menu options as Starbucks, but they do have many classic coffee drinks, along with seasonal drinks, and a huge variety of food. 

Although there is variety, everything there is on the expensive side. It’s perfect for a once a month treat with your friends or doing some intense studying. The ambience is relaxing, and it’s evident that the people that go there are ready to work. 

Through all of these different places, my personal favorite would have to be Philz, even though it doesn’t have a huge punch of coffee flavor.

Overall, the perfect cup of coffee is tricky to decipher. It all depends on personal preference and what you’re looking for. So, whether it’s a sweet cup or a bitter one, the options definitely are not limited.