As a new student at William Jewell College, one of the first things I noticed was the popularity of The Beak. For those who don’t know, Jewell offers a coffee shop on campus — usually open during normal academic hours — on the third floor of the Pryor Learning Commons (PLC).

Officially being on campus for only a month, I’ve already spent my fair share of Cardinal Dollars on The Beak’s delicious drinks. I prefer their coffee drinks, as tea has never been my cup of tea. Iced coffee — a sweet, sugary and caffeinated beverage — became a favorite of mine way back in high school, and it has since become a big craving throughout a typical day in my life. I guess I could live a day without a coffee, but I won’t be happy about it! 

Now that I have daily access to The Beak, here are my three favorite drinks, how I order them and what makes them stand out to me.

Iced Crunched For Time

Crunched for Time — a macadamia nut latte — is my favorite by far. I can, and will, drink this all day every day. The drink is not too sweet, but also not bitter like other iced coffees can be. White chocolate is added in just the right amount so that the flavor doesn’t overwhelm the drink; the coffee taste is still present, despite the add-ins, and is actually enhanced by the macadamia nut and milk. I usually order the drink with oat milk, which makes the taste lighter overall.

Iced Sweet Mocha Madness

Another favorite of mine is the Sweet Mocha Madness, a white and dark chocolate latte — though this one is more of a treat than coffee to me. A decadent combination, the white and dark chocolate come together to create a chocolate-y pick-me-up that I can enjoy if I am craving a really good chocolate milk-type drink. The Sweet Mocha Madness can also tolerate milk substitutes well, so don’t be afraid to add oat milk like I do.

Iced Cardinal Grind

This was the first signature drink from The Beak that I tried — mainly because it was the first recommended to me. The combination of the mint and espresso always hits in just the right way, even though I’m not a big fan of mint. The drink boasts a minty-fresh aftertaste that combines well with the strong chocolate milk flavor. Although I wouldn’t drink it every day, I think once or twice a week is a good compromise. Since the Cardinal Grind is made with chocolate milk directly, adding a milk substitute takes away some of the signature flavor of the beverage. The Cardinal Grind, iced and hot, is a favorite at Jewell, and for good reason.

I still have a long way to go before I graduate, but until then, you will absolutely see me ordering these drinks and maybe trying new ones. 

Let’s set the scene: You are a first-year student at William Jewell College, only just beginning to spend your days studying in the PLC and meeting up with friends in the Union. You see the Beak and the Perch – Jewell’s resident coffee shops that serve as a selling point for prospective students. You decide it’s time to finally start spending the Cardinal Dollars you’ve been trying to conserve.

When you get to the counter, you’re overwhelmed. The menu shows a variety of teas, cold beverages, smoothies, hot drinks and coffee. Do you want a hot or cold drink? Tea or coffee? An always-reliable lemonade? Like a deer in the headlights, you’re unsure which move to make.

Little do you know, there only is one move to make: an iced Cardinal Grind, the best drink at the Beak and the Perch.

Clearly, the superior drink served to Jewell students, the Cardinal Grind features a classic mix of mint, chocolate and espresso. It’s just the right amount of sweet with a hint of mint. Ordered as an iced drink – because, as I’ve previously argued, iced coffee is the only acceptable choice – the Cardinal Grind is practically unbeatable.

I’m not denying that there are some drinks with the ability to give the Cardinal Grind a run for its money. Strawberry lemonade can be tempting on hot summer days as a good way to refresh before another afternoon class. And sometimes, even I have been swayed by the classic iced vanilla latte.

As a first-year myself, I experienced the overwhelmed feeling when first ordering at the Beak and I’ve tried several of the options on the hunt for the best. The Cardinal Grind is it. Add an extra shot of espresso on the days your 7:45 a.m. class is just a little too early in the morning and the Cardinal Grind will be able to fulfill all of your college student beverage needs.

In lieu of an on-campus bar, where do William Jewell College students go to grab a cold brew and vent their frustrations? Easy, the campus coffee shops. There any student can pull up a stool and talk about any topic to the willingly – and contractually obliged to be – listening baristas.

As well as being beloved by the Jewell community, the Fresh Ideas contracted coffee shops were recently recognized by the Clay County Public Health Center with a Food Safety Excellence Award.

For the year of 2018, these awards were given to the top 8 percent of establishments overseen by the Clay County Public Health Center and reward a commitment to the Clay County Food Code, outstanding food safety and sanitation practices, and the achievement of exceptional inspection results during the calendar year.

“I’m so proud of this team of baristas for diligently serving the Jewell community,” said Kristina Clevenger (‘18) supervisor of the Jewell coffee shops.  

For @TheBeak and The Perch, receiving this award means placing in the 92 percentile – or better than the other 92 percent – of establishments inspected by the Environmental Health Protection Section of Clay County Public Health Center during the 2018 calendar year.

“I love working the bar at The Beak,” said barista Cindy Eggleston (‘91), shocked that the Jewell coffee shops received the award.

The Clay County Public Health Center’s Environmental Health Protection Section is responsible for permitting and inspecting all food establishments within its jurisdiction, including: restaurants, taverns, grocery stores, convenience stores, schools, hospitals, bakeries, childcare centers, mobile units, push carts, vending machines and temporary event concessions.

During 2018, 1,486 routine food establishment inspections and 231 temporary food event inspections were conducted by the Environmental Health Protection Section of the Clay County Public Health Center. Additionally, 130 food-related complaints were investigated.

Of those evaluations, “FRESH IDEAS COFFEESHOP @ WJC” ranked among the highest in quality of food safety and adherence to The Clay County Food Code. The establishments were required to make only minor adjustments following the Dec. 7, 2018 evaluation.

In the press release for the awards, section chief of environmental health protection at the Clay County Public Health Center, Becky Steiner commented that most food establishments in Clay County meet the required food safety standards but that those receiving a Food Safety Excellence Award are exceptional.

“While most Clay County food establishments regularly meet high food safety standards, we like to recognize the ones that consistently prove they value clean and healthy food service,” said Steiner. “Through the efforts of these trained food employees and managers, we can ensure safe and enjoyable dining experiences for Clay County residents and visitors.”

Other Liberty businesses recognized with an award include Alexander Doniphan Elementary School, Eileen’s Colossal Cookies, Hy-Vee (Salad Bar, Produce, Test Kit) and Liberty North Senior High. A full list of the award recipients can be viewed here.

This decline in attendance has impacted the staff.

“It’s just so sad up here. What are we doing wrong?” said Perch supervisor Kristina Clevenger. “We’ve got smoothies!”

Other employees were more accustomed to the easy-going pace of The Perch.

“It’s weird when people come by and, like, want coffee,” said sophomore and new Perch employee Mikayla Roller. “When there are tours or something it’s kind of overwhelming.”

When asked about their attendance at The Perch, most students were unsure where the coffee shop was located. When it was clarified that The Perch was above the only eating establishment on campus, most recalled having been to the coffee shop for Orientation. However, they were not eager to revisit the establishment.

“I mean, stairs,” said sophomore Sam Buhlig.

*Correction: the original version of this story called the coffee shop “The Cage.” It’s actually “The Perch.” The Cage is that place where you made your friends wait an hour and a half for nachos that one time.