By LYDIA EARHART

Staff Writer

At Crescent City Coffee, snuggled in a hunter green booth, three friends sit studying while they sip on their choice of drink and nibble on a muffin.

"The environment is the best part of this coffee shop," Kyle Tullos, a junior business major, said.

Courtney Gatlin, a freshman basic and career studies major, edges out of the booth to purchase a Four Berry smoothie, which is a smoothie blended from blueberry, raspberry, blackberry and strawberry.

"It tastes tangy," Gatlin said.

Across the table studying quietly while sipping her drink sits Holly McKay, a sophomore basic and career studies major.

"I always get the same thing," McKay said. "I'm a big mocha fan, so I always get the mocha bianca."

McKay said the mocha bianca is white chocolate mocha and whipped cream.

"The prices complement the nice atmosphere," McKay said.

McKay said the lighting, the coffee and the environment all help her study at Crescent City Coffee.

McKay and Gatlin both agree Crescent City is an easy place to study in.

"I have bad eyes," McKay said, while picking at the muffin. "The lighting here is better than [at some] coffee shops."

Two employees shuffle about picking up orders left and right while each customer gets their drink fast with whipped cream and caramel to spare.

Taking a moment away from serving up the goods, Maribeth Ford, a senior photography major and Anne Sabino, a junior photography major, scoot in one of the many booths to chat.

Ford said the customers tell her the coffee is good.

"We use American beans ..." Ford said.

Sabino, who has worked at Crescent City Coffee for a month and a half, said business has picked up.

"We have a lot of regulars to the point where we know exactly what they want," Sabino said.

Sabino said Crescent City Coffee is willing to show art work from anyone who asks. They also have an open mic night which is every second Friday of each month.

Ford said, "The best thing about Crescent City Coffee is the people."

So, many Crescent City patrons can say, "Thanks a latte and mocha gracias" for continuing to keep folks awake all over Ruston.