The Golden Roast, located at 825 Melrose Place, is a coffee shop that's been open for 10 years. Shop owner Alan Zeigel roasts all of the coffee beans himself in a German roaster almost 100 years old. Zeigel sells more than 20 different varieties of coffee beans in the shop, many imported from all over the world.

Employees said the shop is highly dependent on the University, with many students and professors coming in each day. They also said they haven't seen a drop in business in the past year despite the sagging economy.

Many students said they enjoy the unique atmosphere the shop provides, one so different from the library. Students said its proximity to campus is also a plus.

Senior Alyssa Hmielewski said she enjoys spending time at the Golden Roast.

"I like the atmosphere, and I love coffee," she said. "It's just so much better to study here than at the library."

The Golden Roast serves sandwiches, pastries and desserts in addition to coffee. The shop is open Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. to midnight. Saturdays and Sundays the shop opens at 8 a.m and usually closes a little after midnight.