For many St. Joe’s students, caffeine isn’t just a fun beverage choice. It’s a way of life. 

From those early 8 a.m. treks up Barbelin Hall’s steps to late-night study sessions, everyone needs a little pick-me-up now and again. But few caffeinated drinks offer the same pleasure and fulfillment as a crisp, cold Diet Coke. 

Unfortunately, you’re not going to find one on this Pepsi campus. But there are plenty of options up and down City Avenue to get a fix.

Here are five options near the Hawk Hill campus where you can get the most elite Diet Cokes (because, yes, they all taste different).

Rated on carbonation crisp, water-to-syrup ratio and the coolness of that first sip, this ultimate Diet Coke guide will help you find a hit and avoid a miss.

McDonald’s
Address: 5020 City Line Ave., Philadelphia, PA 19131
Overall Rating: 4.8/5.0

There’s a reason McDonald’s has a near-perfect reputation when it comes to their fountain sodas, and more specifically, their Diet Cokes. The City avenue McDonald’s is no exception. From the first sip, this soda is absolutely electric.

McDonald’s uses pre-chilled syrup and water for maximum carbonation, and for Riley Miller ’27, it shows. Miller’s favorite Diet Coke is the one at McDonald’s.

“It’s always the crispiest,” Miller said.

At only $1.85 for any size, it’s also a steal. The reasonably-priced drink is an amazing way to get the fix you need after a long day, before a big event or simply as a treat for yourself on the way to class. 

7-Eleven
Address: 169 City Ave., Bala Cynwyd, PA 19004
Overall Rating: 4.16/5.0

7-Eleven’s Diet Coke is a strong second place. While it doesn’t match McDonald’s level of carbonation, it levels up for a fantastic chill, full of rich flavor. Plus, the self-serve pour allows for more control of the ice-to-liquid ratio.

At just $1.79 for the Big Gulp size, this is the most economical choice, while not compromising the integrity of the Diet Coke. 

Chick-fil-A
Address: 4040 City Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19131
Overall Ranking: 4.0/5.0

Chick-fil-A’s Diet Coke is good but not great. The near-perfect chillness gives this soda a slight boost, but the taste leaves you wanting more. The soda tastes watered down and is inconsistent with its better-quality chicken sandwiches.  

While Chick-fil-A’s Diet Coke is a nice pairing to wash down those crispy waffle fries, at $2.49 for a medium, it’s not worth the drive across City Avenue. 

Wendy’s
Address: 259 City Line Ave., Bala Cynwyd, PA 19066
Overall Rating: 3.9/5.0

Wendy’s lands near the middle of the rankings. This fountain drink is not one to write home about, but it gets the job done. The carbonation is active, and the flavor is present. It does not give you the intense rush the others do, but you’re not mad at the soda while drinking it. 

The fountain machines at this location are on the newer side, and the overall cleanliness ensures a pleasant experience. 

At $2.89 for a small, this Diet Coke is on the higher side of what some students might be able to afford. But for students stopping by for a quick lunch, it’s a nice, reliable Diet Coke experience. 

Wawa
Address: 801 Conshohocken State Road, Bala Cynwyd, PA 19004
Overall Ranking: 2.8/5.0

An East Coast and Middle Atlantic staple, this convenience store-mixed-gas station has a strong reputation for hoagies, breakfast sandwiches and late-night snacks. But when it comes to fountain Diet Coke, it falls flat. Literally. 

Wawa’s Diet Coke is syrupy, and the crispness is subpar at best. The chill of the drink is up to the drinker’s discretion, as this store has a self-serve station, allowing you to add in the desired amount of ice. However, this does not necessarily mean better soda. 

Kathryn Wert ’27 said the excess options on the self-serve machine actually make the soda worse. 

“I find that it takes away both from the flavor and the carbonation levels,” Wert said. 

At a relatively high cost of over $2 for a medium-sized cup, the value does not justify the pricing of this soda. If in need of a hoagie, snack or quick pick-me-up coffee in the morning, Wawa is your spot. But when it comes to Diet Coke, it misses the target every time.