The Underground Coffee Company

Brown University, 75 Waterman St, Providence, RI 02912, United States
$$$ Cafe
(22 Reviews)

Nestled in the heart of Brown University on Waterman Street, The Underground Coffee Company is not just your typical café; it’s a vibrant hub that encapsulates the essence of student life blended with a passion for exceptional coffee. This charming spot, located conveniently in the basement under the student union, offers the perfect escape for anyone looking to study, socialize, or simply enjoy a moment of tranquility amidst the hustle of campus life.

The ambiance at The Underground is a delightful mix of cozy and lively. As you step in, the aroma of freshly brewed coffee fills the air, inviting you to stay awhile. Whether you're a student seeking a caffeine boost, or a local wanting to soak in the good vibes, you'll find the atmosphere welcoming and conducive to both conversation and contemplation. Patrons often describe the vibes as "incredible," which is echoed in enthusiastic reviews from satisfied customers.

One customer, Liz Duke-Moe, recalls a unique interaction with a barista who spritzed lavender syrup on her hands, leaving her with a delightful scent as she tackled her readings. This unique touch not only highlights the creativity of the staff but also underscores the personalized experience that is a hallmark of The Underground. Evan Lehmann, another fan, raves about the coffee itself, praising the "absolute perfection" of the milk-to-espresso ratio in their lattes—a must-try that you won’t want to miss.

But the joy doesn’t stop at coffee. The Underground is also famed for its delightful array of treats, including tasty donuts that perfectly complement your cup. Jesse Remeis calls it the "best coffee shop in Providence," and it's easy to see why—each sip and bite here is crafted with care and enthusiasm by a team that truly loves what they do.

With each visit, you can expect not only quality coffee but also friendly faces. Shoutout to the talented Tevah, as recognized by regular Arthi Ranganathan, who adds that the staff and the events hosted here create an unbeatable atmosphere that resonates with both locals and visitors alike. Ruby Miller-Gootnick emphasizes the importance of supporting this student-run shop, which highlights The Underground's role in fostering community spirit on campus.

If you find yourself strolling through Brown University's campus or just need a cozy spot to recharge, The Underground Coffee Company is a must-visit. Grab your latte, treat yourself to a delicious pastry, and enjoy some people-watching on the lawn—who knows, you might just find your new favorite study spot or hangout!

Service options
Takeaway
Dine-in
Delivery
Highlights
Great coffee
Great tea selection
Popular for
Solo dining
Offerings
Coffee
Quick bite
Dining options
Dessert
Amenities
Toilet
Wi-Fi
Atmosphere
Casual
Cosy
Trendy
Crowd
Groups
University students
Payments
Credit cards
NFC mobile payments
Openings Hours
Checking

Monday

09:00 AM - 05:00 PM

Tuesday

09:00 AM - 05:00 PM

Wednesday

09:00 AM - 05:00 PM

Thursday

09:00 AM - 05:00 PM

Friday

09:00 AM - 05:00 PM

Saturday

Closed

Sunday

Closed

22 Reviews
Liz Duke-Moe

05 Oct 2025

One amazing barista sprayed lavender syrup on my hands but it was nice. Smelled really good for the rest of my abysmal time ignoring readings. Xoxo.

Evan Lehmann

07 Sep 2025

The coffee is just absolutely incredible.... the absolutely incredible vibes just swirling around in there.... the baristas... they’re so kind! Go there. Make sure you get the latte. The ratio of milk to espresso is Perfect. How do they do it? Idk. But they do! So good! Ughhhh

Jesse Remeis

02 Sep 2025

The Underground has awesome coffee, tasty donuts, and friendly staff! Best coffee shop in Providence.

Arthi Ranganathan

28 Aug 2025

This is my favorite corner of Brown. The baristas, the food, the atmosphere are unbeatable! Shoutout especially to the fantastic and talented Tevah!!! Make sure to pay a visit when you find yourself walking through campus or attend one of the many awesome events hosted there.

Alex Saylor

26 Aug 2025

I JUST MADE SOME CAWFEE. DOES ANYONE WANT CAWFEE? I JUST MADE A FRESH POT OF COFFEE! The underground is the best spot for coffee on campus woot woot!

Amber Allen-Sauer

07 Aug 2025

Chill AF, just see like the sign says. Great place to enjoy a coffee and pastries while checking out the Brown University campus. Located in the basement under the student Union. To the your coffee out in the lawn and do some people watching.

Ruby Miller-Gootnick

21 Jul 2025

Support your local student run coffee shop on Brown University's campus! The coffee and donuts are truly the best in Providence.

Phoebe Kennan

18 Jul 2025

I LOVE this place!! Always quality coffee and very friendly staff - good vibes.

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