How to Not Let Midterms Destroy You: The Best Cafes to Study at

Listen up, ladies and gents. I’m the first to admit I will drink lukewarm, mediocre coffee if its in a cute little cafe where I can catch a ~trendy~ pic for my IG story. We can all tolerate an uncomfortable wooden chair for 30 mins and watered-down iced coffee if it means we get to catch up with friends, or get a picture for our feed (just being real). But when it comes to midterms, you need more than a charming mahogany seat, just-ok coffee, music that isn’t echoing off the ceiling, and espresso machines that aren’t rattling and reverberating off the walls. 

I’ve gone out of my way walking to coffee shops and cafes to find that there were no seats. Or to grab the one seat left with a janky leg, and a table that wobbles every-time you go to pick-up your drink. You need a place that is comfortable for your booty (again, just being real), coffee that is actually worth the 3 dollars left in your checking account, where the tables are big enough to hold more than one notebook and 2 of your pens, and an atmosphere that is mellow, but so much as not to put you to sleep. 

So, grab your paper and pencil and start taking notes on these spots… 

Ace Hotel Coffee Bar: When I think hotel coffee, I often think bean-water. To be fair, this is usually the continental breakfast type of coffee that is can only be guzzled down with cream and sugar. 

But, Ace Hotel has changed the game. They offer a coffee bar that could definitely stand-alone as its own cafe outside of the hotel. Aside from the option to actually eat-in at the hotel’s restaurant, Whitfield, you can grab options from a plain drip to an espresso or cappuccino and sit at one of the cozy couches, benches, or bar tables to get some work done. I will say, I work well with some energy around me. If you’re the same, I would highly recommend Ace. There’s often other people working autonomously around you, mellow music playing, and a sort of still dynamism. Biiiig champion of the Ace. 

Astroid Cafe: THE hidden gem on South Side. I hate sharing it because it’s a spot I selfishly want to keep to myself, but it's just simply so good I can’t. It’s tucked away within the Terminal Building on East Carson down by third street. It opened just this past winter and I have been lovingly singing its praises since. They serve Parlor coffee (roasted in Brooklyn, NY) and it is some sort of magic. The space with Astroid is stellar - with yellow and off-white tiled floors, and mint green walls, its modern, and made with serious character. I always stuck with an iced drip with extra oatmilk (the go-to). But when I reached that 10th drink on my punch card (loyalty, loyalty, loyalty) I’d go for a latte. Please, check it out. 

Gasoline Street Coffee: Okay, I feel like I’ve had to shout in people’s faces to go here because it is a hidden treasure right next to campus. It’s tucked within the underpass of First Ave (about an 8 minute walk from campus...I’ve timed it) with comfy chairs if you plan on sitting for hours on end with your organic chem flashcards. Coffee, teas, espresso, bagels, pastries, bagel sammies. If I haven’t said something that doesn't sound of interest to you, well then that could be a personal problem because this place has it all. 

The Abbey on Butler Street: The best thing about the Abbey is that you can post up here in the morning for coffee and studying, then grab a beer or cocktail in the evening (you might need it) ((21+ only, people)). The space is sizable, has a great vibe for busting out a paper or working on a project.  I’m a huge advocate for this place - couches, coffee, suuuuper flexible hours (it competes with Gumberg, @ Duq Students), and solid service. Pls go here. 

Commonplace Coffee (Nova Place or Mexican War Streets): You’ve probably had Pittsburgh-made commonplace coffee - it’s served at many-a-place in the city (Ace hotel, represent!!). And if you haven’t - what are you doing? Go right to the source. They offer a few different locations but Nova Place is my favorite little spot (North Shore). There’s not a ton of people stopping in this location to study because of its positioning as an epicenter of businesses. There’s seating within Nova place that’s apt for getting some work done. The Mexican War Streets location is cute as HECK and dreamy on a fall-day. The Mexican War Streets location has a suburban-hometown type of feel. It’s quiet, its feels far-removed from the city. It has sizeable tables, pacific music, a sort-of undisturbed disposition. 

Hope you took your notes. Now get movin and go study!