Café caters to college students’ needs

CK’s café is a unique café that caters to college students’ many needs.

During the day, it serves as a quiet place for college students to study with outdoor and indoor seating and newly added wireless Internet. At night, it serves as a hip place for the residential youth to hang out and interact.

On Thursday evenings, starting at 8:30 p.m., people are welcome to participate in Open Mic Night. An MC briefly introduces each act,  and the show generally features a variety of eclectic and indie performers.

Customers can sip on a variety of beverages ranging from boba smoothies to hot chocolate. CK’s is known for its assortment of herbal teas with more than 20 different flavors to choose from. The café also has a collection of small snacks, such as trail mix, chips and candy to munch on. CK’s offers hookah in many flavors, such as strawberry and mango, at only $4 per person for half an hour.

The café has a vintage feel. The original sign used to read “NICK’s Café,” but as the story goes, the “N” and the “I” fell off. Claremont’s post-high school crowd, who now served as its main occupants, eventually dubbed it CK’s. 

Inside the café is decorated with murals painted by local artists. There is a bulletin board posting the latest happenings in the area from apartments for rent to bands performing nearby. There are small tables, sofas and chairs where you can enjoy your purchases, and a small stage that is cleared off for performances. Outside is an enclosed porch where more seating is available and a canapé is strung with lights.

CK’s café is located in the alley off of First Street and Bonita Avenue, in the city of Claremont. Weekdays hours are from noon to midnight and on the weekends from 10 a.m. to midnight.