Opus offers a wide variety of drink and food options for students, including their famous cookies. Photo courtesy of Spoon University
A warm oat milk latte. A fresh, buttery chocolate chip cookie. The leaves are on the ground and you’re probably wondering if you’ve brought enough sweaters. It’s definitely that time of year again and Opus 1 and 2 are here, ready to do their part.
Opus 1 brings the alternative, flannel wearing, poetry reading, alt-J blasting vibes one would expect from a Darkside coffee shop. Get there early enough and you will smell the croissants just leaving the oven, a smell that can only be compared to the aroma of fresh waffle cones at your local Ben & Jerry’s. That is, HEAVENLY. The chairs are worn, art is on the walls, and a fresh soup—maybe Curried Pumpkin? Cuban Black Bean?—is waiting for you. Every now and then, they like to throw Sunday brunch into the mix. Maybe they’ll serve up some bagel sandwiches, perfectly warm bean burritos, or pesto-y eggs alongside a large coffee in order to help that post-Saturday recovery.
Now, Lightside needs its caffeine fix as well, which is where Opus 2 comes into the picture. Situated in the science center, this energetic, student-run cafe is ready to provide and fuel you up for that Organic Chemistry exam right around the corner. Supplied with the same delicious baked goods and warm soups as Opus 1, this sleek, minimal, hole in the wall stop is also prepared with hearty lunch options. Look for their Sunday emails, which give you the week’s line up of items, from Sesame Noodles to a Grilled Cheddar and Leek Baguette sandwich. Opus 2 knows how to make lunch and when asked about her favorite Opus 2 meal, Toscana Finke ’20 exclaimed, “ CHEESY NAAN! CHEESY NAAN! CHEESY NAAN! CHEESY NAAN!” One can’t expect to hear higher praise than that when it comes to food on campus. Hearing Toscana mention her favorite meal immediately prompted Aidan Holmgren ’23 to challenge her Opus 2 allegiance by saying “Opus 1! Hot Mocha Latte and chocolate croissant or nothing.”
No matter the contentious rivalries that may exist, both these joints are perfect for this time of year. Make sure to stop by and enjoy what Opus has to offer.