Unfortunately, midterm season is upon us. Whether you’re the type of person who likes to procrastinate studying or a person who likes to hibernate in the library, it's time. WSP is at its busiest, students are scamming to find a seat in Bobst, and people are fueling their addiction to caffeine. Personally, I find myself to be the most productive at small cafés, instead of the typical spots like the dorm or the library. If taking leisurely walks and finding new study and coffee spots describes you, then this is the perfect article for you! Here are five of my favorite study cafés in NYC:
Ludlow Coffee Supply (LES)
176 Ludlow St, New York, NY 10002
This coffee shop located in the Lower East Side is the perfect spot to get stuff done. Whether you want to write an essay, read a book, or even just take a break from all your studying, this is the perfect place. This café gives off hip vibes, with records playing chill and mellow music and a large collection of plants all throughout the shop, which makes it the best place to study. The shop has counters, chairs, and couches which help make it very cozy and can make you feel right at home. Another bonus? They also have free wifi and really good coffee, but with a not-so-friendly price (my latte was around $4.75).
Grounded (LES)
28 Jane St, New York, NY 10014
If you need a place to write emails or articles, this is the place for you! With their extensive amount of seating, it isn’t hard to find a seat, although one drawback, however, is that the seating can be a little tight. The interior here is cozy and calming as they have a ton of cool artwork on display and a great amount of hanging plants. On the plus side too, there is free wifi and you can get cheap coffee and tea for around $2 to fuel up on your caffeine addiction.
Irving Farm NYC (WSP)
78 W 3rd St, New York, NY 10012
Irving Farm is a modern café with many different locations across Manhattan. With the two minute walk from WSP and the busy atmosphere, this is the place to work on group projects or meet up for a coffee date with classmates. I would definitely not recommend coming in here with the expectation of reading a book, as the conversations of the people beside you will prevent that from happening. However, definitely check this place out for light work and take a break while munching on some of their amazing pastries.
Urban Backyard (Lower Manhattan)
180 Mulberry St, New York, NY 10012
This small café in the Lower East Side is definitely worth the 20 minute trek from campus! With their amazing lattes and cute, homey atmosphere, you could definitely get some work done here. Although they have a limited amount of seating, this adds to the quiet vibe of the cafe which makes it perfect for reading a book or writing all your midterm essays.
Rebel Coffee (West Village)
19 8th Ave, New York, NY 10014
If you want to take a nice walk and stumble upon a contemporary café, make sure to stop by Rebel Coffee. This spot has rustic appeal and plenty of open seating which makes it very ideal to study. You’ll see many students with books and laptops here grinding on their work which will only make you more motivated to study as well, so definitely make sure to check this place out!
Honorable Mentions:
- Joe Coffee (multiple locations)
- Gregory’s Coffee (multiple locations)
- Saltwater Coffee (multiple locations-- now open by WSP!)
- Newsbar (13th Street and University Ave)
- Perk Kafe (14th Street b/w Avenue A & B)