Going to school in New York City, finding the perfect study spots among the chaos has been quite the project, but one I never grow tired of. For the past two years of college, I have made it my goal to go to one new coffee shop each week to study on my day off from class, in what has become known among my friends as “coffee shop wednesdays.” Whether you’re going to school in the metropolitan area or just need a break to re-caffeinate and relax while visiting, here are ten coffee shops in New York City that are perfect for studying and a piece of quiet among the madness.
This one has to be my favorite. With several locations scattered throughout Brooklyn and Manhattan, all serving the same delectable roasted coffee blend, if you’re looking for a place to plant yourself for hours, the location in DUMBO on Jay St. is definitely your best bet. Situated in an old converted factory building in what used to be a shipyard and steel production plant just on the East River, the industrial and vintage vibes of this place are unreal. This coffeeshop is huge, with plenty of seating on refurbished vintage couches and workspaces at old repurposed industrial wood tables. My favorite place to sit is on a leather sofa by the big windows looking over the East River and Manhattan, sipping on a Brooklyn-roasted cup of coffee and writing or reading for school. It doesn’t get better than this!
A favorite of my coffee shop exploration partners, and of mine too of course, Stumptown is located in the heart of Greenwich Village and just a few blocks away from the iconic Washington Square Park. Walk into the old-school, bohemian styled parlor, decorated with wood and retro finishes and draping vines in the windows looking out over the village. Although the seating inside is limited, if it’s a nice day, you can enjoy their outdoor seating along Washington Square West. Their cold-brew is perfect and the ambiance is even better. You’ll never want to leave.
Another great option for nice days, Hardwater Coffee in Williamsburg, Brooklyn has a beautiful backyard patio with individual tables and chairs as well as long tables perfect for study groups or study sessions with your friends. Their minimalist/indie decor is gorgeous, and the mural out back is begging for an Instagram feature. Grab a latte and plant yourself in this hidden gem in the heart of Williamsburg. You’ll find yourself coming back again and again.
Variety is a regular stop for me and my friends. With locations scattered throughout the city, my favorites are in Manhattan, one in the Upper East Side quite close to the iconic Metropolitan Museum of Art (big Gossip Girl vibes), and the other in Chelsea near the Fashion Institute of Technology. Both are elegantly decorated with marble tables and wrought iron chairs, hints of sleek oak and gold finishes. This is a popular study and work spot for students and professionals alike– productivity is at its peak here. Stop in for a latte or spend the afternoon in one of their cozy booths. Before you know it, you’ll look up and it’ll be dark outside!
Located in the Lower East Side, a short walk from SoHo, Ludlow Coffee Supply is the cutest, trendiest, coziest little gem of lower Manhattan. Popular among locals (and famous visitors– indie pop bands and singers often visit from the hotel across the street), you’ll walk into Ludlow and feel like you’ve been transported into an indie/bohemian dream. With old records constantly spinning, leather sofas and chairs begging you to stay for hours, and sunny window seats perfect for curling up with a book, Ludlow is easily one of my favorite places to be. Don’t miss out!
Another popular New York City coffee roasting company with locations throughout the city, my favorite is located in Williamsburg, Brooklyn. This place is the perfect study destination– with cozy chairs and couches, long tables and counters for studying with friends, and large windows allowing for plenty of natural light, Partners is a great place to get that work done that you’ve been procrastinating all week.
With locations in Midtown Manhattan quite close to Grand Central Station, you can probably guess where this coffee shop got its name. This place is dimly lit and super cozy, with exposed brick walls, velvet chairs and sofas, and shelves of old books and paintings, giving off major vintage industrial vibes. Claim a velvet wingback chair under an old-Hollywood style lamp and open up your laptop to grind out your work. This place is so cozy– trust me, getting up will be a challenge.
Prince Coffee House is off the beaten track and located in New York City’s original Little Italy in the Bronx’s Belmont community. This Albanian family-owned coffee shop not only has an extensive menu with items you may not find elsewhere, but their space is perfect for studying. Although the upstairs can get a little noisy with chatter and conversation, be sure to check out the basement if you’re looking to get work done. Only blocks away from my university’s campus, my friends and I study down there all the time. Check it out for yourself, and if you’re an espresso lover, get the tiramisu. Best $4 you’ll ever spend.
Blocks away from Washington Square Park in Greenwich Village on the border of SoHo is Third Rail Coffee, a bright and sunny spot for your afternoon study session. Also serving small bites, grab lunch and settle into a booth among the decorative greenery to crank out those assignments. This place is so cute and is perfect for your studying needs.
If you have a sweet tooth and are a fan of chai, you can thank me later. The Bean is an East Village favorite for those who like their ambiance to be a little funky. The decor is colorful and almost psychedelic-inspired, with glass-blown lamps and spacey murals. Other than the super cool decor, this place has an extensive menu of coffee, smoothies, sweets and treats that is sure to get you through your homework. Check it out!
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