When Joe Swenson, graduate student in LAS, orders coffee at Aroma Cafe, the barista behind the counter already knows his order and greets him by his first name.

Aroma Cafe, located at 118 N. Neil St. in downtown Champaign, offers both a study space and a specialty food and drinks spot, popular to the Champaign-Urbana community. The cozy cafe offers an alternative to the coffee shops familiar to the University student on campus. 

“It’s sort of like when you come to this cafe, you can really get involved,” said Jamarr Turner, manager of Aroma Cafe. “You have the sense that you’re not here just to drink coffee. It’s kind of like a family atmosphere.”

When customers enter the shop, they are greeted by a display of children’s drawings along the wall near the counter. Local artwork adorns many of the green and purple walls of the warmly lit shop.  

In 2003, former owners Michael and Lisette Wells opened Aroma Cafe at its current location. In March 2012, the cafe changed ownership and is now under the direction of Alex Niizuma and Casey Hayasaki.

Niizuma described the cafe’s menu as an array of flavorful coffees and healthy dishes that use fresh ingredients. 

She said Aroma Cafe favorites include organic specialty coffees, fruit tea smoothies, organic lemonades, healthy wraps and sandwiches, and pastries from the bakery The New Sweet Indulgence on West Windsor Road in Champaign.

“It’s the kind of food you want when you’re on the go, really simple bites,” Turner said. “Our drinks, I think, are the best in town.”

To keep up with current trends and available ingredients, the cafe updates its menu every year. Its newest items, which include bubble tea, were introduced in March.

However, certain items stay on the menu all year round. One of the classics is the Sienna Turkey Wrap, one of the most popular wraps, Turner said.

Rolled into a garlic herb wrap, the dish consists of turkey, bacon, lettuce, tomato chutney, onion, avocado and mayo. 

The wrap also comes with a side order; options include a seasonal fruit medley, aroma salad or chips and salsa.

Other than providing food, Aroma has become a staple in the local art community.

The cafe’s artwork is rotated in every other month to give local artists exposure, Niizuma said. 

Turner said they will be installing new art in the cafe Tuesday as part of the Boneyard Arts Festival. 

Artwork includes paintings, photos and jewelry by Mella-D and photography by Joel Tucker and Doug McDannald.

Aroma Cafe also hosts performances by local musicians every Thursday from 6 to 8 p.m. This week, musician Jeff Arrigo will be playing bluesy folk-rock originals and covers, advertises a flyer on the counter.

Filled by the work of local artists and musicians, the coffeehouse has a comfortable atmosphere, complete with a welcoming staff, Turner said.

“I think we have the friendliest coffee staff of any cafes here in Champaign,” he said.

Aroma Cafe has a loyal customer base, and Turner said the coffee shop is trying to bring in more students.

Swenson said he’s been going to Aroma Cafe for the past two years. He said that the environment is suitable for both studying and sitting down to enjoy specialty coffees.

“For me, it’s a good place to study,” Swenson said. “I’ve come here quite a bit over the past two years, and I know the people pretty well. They’re very friendly and nice people.”

Alison can be reached at [email protected].