Tre Stelle masters low-key ambience

Just 10 minutes from campus lies the familyowned Tre Stelle Coffee Co., a hidden gem of a coffee shop. With its diverse menu and refreshing atmosphere, this spot is a must for any student in need of a caffeine fix.

Situated on Preston Road, Tre Stelle has an abundance of classic and specialized café drinks as well as 16 different syrup options. Perfect for those in college, Tre Stelle offers 10% off on drinks to students with an active Comet Card. Run by a father and son, Tre Stelle is named after a cafe in Eritrea, drawing from the nation’s coffee culture. If you’re looking for a relaxed coffee shop with a welcoming environment, Tre Stelle may be the spot for you.

The shop itself has a low-key vibe, minimally decorated and humming with quiet conversation perfect if you’re planning on holding a focused study session. Upon entering, you’re greeted with a smile from behind the counter and the buzz of espresso machines. The space isn’t massive, but it still feels roomy. Lined up against one wall are sleek, high-set barstool tables for small groups, and in the center of the space sits an array of tables for two. If you’re planning on meeting with more friends or studying in a large group, there is a space up front with couches and additional seating.

As for the coffee, it doesn’t disappoint – you can taste the high quality from the first sip. The iced almond milk latte isn’t watered down, and the blend itself is strong and earthy but still light. It is easy to judge a coffee shop’s blend by how it does the classic plain latte, and if a latte’s coffee quality remains untainted by a milk alternative, you know it’s a strong blend.

Most impressive of the flavored coffees is another classic: the hot mocha. Unlike most cafes,

With a perfect blend between rock, punk and pop, Dallas-based indie band Chancy has been hitting all the right notes since 2017. With their latest single ‘Draw It’ released on January 6, the group has proven itself a true local band with relatable lyrics, playful band members and an appeal for dorky, good-hearted UTD students.

the flavor isn’t too heavy, as the chocolate taste echoes the coffee blend rather than overpowering it. As it’s not syrupy nor overly sweet, this is the kind of mocha that won’t distract you from your studies. Bonus points for them actually making it extra hot per request

Numerous alternative milk options are available, with almond, oat and soy milk – plus a n uncommon horchata option. Prices range from $3.25 to $5.25 for non-specialty drinks. Tre Stelle also offers food items and a seasonal menu, where you’ll find an apple cider cake donut and a caramel cookie butter latte. Their classic almond croissant is freshly baked, packed with almond flavor and dusted with sweet sugar powder. Whichever menu item you choose, rest assured it will supplement your assignments or social gatherings wonderfully.

The group consists of five members: guitar player and singer Richard Milton — who moved from California to join the band — as well as drummer Jonathan Masters straight from Craigslist, synth player and percussionist Cole Scott, guitar player and lead singer Austin Franks and guitar player and singer Alex Tuft. The group cherishes playing in locally known spots like the Factory and the House of Blues and proclaims itself to be the “the most local band in the world.”

“It really means that local bands are everywhere,” Tuft said. “We are the idea of a local band itself, sitting across America, so if you support us, you’re supporting local brands everywhere. You’re supporting America.”

Chancy – originally named Lovely and later rebranded to stand out among other bands — is an amalgamation of different music styles influenced by each of the members’ tastes. The bands’ inspirations range from Japanese songs and video game soundtracks to the hardcore sounds of rock and punk. With the range of nerd culture on campus, students are bound to