Glowing bright red calls you to the room, the familiar cursive script rising vertically along the powerful machine. An intimate deep buzzing, mixed with a background fan and the clink-clink of falling quarters signals your arrival at the Coke capital of Penn. Nostalgia, or taste, or something more draws all-nighters to the Mecca of sucrose beverages that is the Van Pelt Library Coca Cola Vending Machine.
While not known for spacious seating or ambiance, the VPLCCVM is ideal for quenching your thirst during a power study session. The metallic half-circle patterned tables and orange plastic chairs seat you efficiently, if not comfortably, just outside of the Vending Machine room, which is too crowded for tables or chairs. The VPLCCVM shares its space with a snack vending machine, and the two co-exist symbiotically for that one-two punch that Van Pelters have come to expect. For an impatient enthusiast such a myself, the exceptionally fast and friendly service was much appreciated.
I started with the Coca Cola Classic 20oz. bottle ($1.25), a safe appetizer, as well as a barometer of the VPLCCVM's culinary prowess. It was true to form: a smooth Coca Cola taste that did not overdue the carbonation nor skimp on the tanginess. Next up was the Diet Coke 20oz. bottle ($1.25), a similar venture that did not stray too far from the soft drink staple that diners have come to expect. For a small adventure, I recommend the Nestea Cool Lemon Iced Tea ($1.25), with a subtle kick of lemon that satisfies the most dedicated iced tea aficionado. The Sprite ($1.25) was a let-down, as was the Dasani Purified Water ($1.25). Both lacked the signature "oomphf" of lemon-lime and nothing, respectively, that have made their brands so popular among vending machine regulars.
The most welcome surprise of the night was the Coca Cola Classic 12 oz. can ($0.75) and Diet Coke 12 oz. can ($0.75), both offshoots of their bigger counterparts. The Coca Cola Classic shone, with just enough fizzle and value to trump its big brother, and the Diet Coke gave the satisfaction of $0.50 without giving up any of the signature aspartame taste. Though it's a bit of a trek for the off-campus crowd, Penn students sacrifice for the sweet sweet joys of Coke.
