It’s been a long hibernation in Butler with only stale Blue Java croissants for sustenance. While it’s not quite sunny enough to tan or read on the grass, a stroll over to Morningside Park to find a cozy cafe with free WiFi is slowly entering the realm of possibility.
When looking for a study spot, students generally walk to perennial favorites Hungarian Pastry Shop and Max Caffé to crack the books. And while no one can beat Hungarian’s rum balls or Max Caffé’s cozy couches, both of these places have bad lighting and frequently end up too crowded.
For a less jam-packed option, Cafe Fresh is a little-known but cute eatery on Amsterdam and 121st Street. The atmosphere is warm and welcoming and their espresso is strong enough to keep your studying going. Ask for one of their “Love Brownies” made with Brazilian chocolate heated up for a sugar fix. Though Fresh is close to campus and not as crowded as the aforementioned student favorites, tables are a little small for midterm cramming, there is no wireless available, and, if you’re unlucky, you could end up with the barista who solely plays Europop. Other than that, though, it’s a great place to curl up with a textbook between classes.
A little further downtown sits Zanny’s Cafe, on Columbus Avenue at 108th Street. The cafe may not host an edgy or hip crowd, but its wooden benches and old pillows lend it a rustic charm. The staff is extremely friendly and there’s usually upbeat folk music or classic rock playing. There is no wireless here either, but it’s rarely crowded. And while I’m doubtful of Zanny’s claim to the “best hot chocolate in New York City,” their cocoa does have a pleasant flavor and is served with a chocolate garnish, though the cups look eerily like the salmon-colored John Jay mugs.
If you are willing to make the trek across Morningside Park, Society Coffee & Juice at 114th Street and 8th Avenue serves up an excellent cappuccino with an ambience perfect for the busy student. It’s dark brown leather couches, big square tables with plenty of room to spread out books, free wireless, good lighting, and tasteful music ranging from dub to jazz to Latin make for a perfect day of studying in style.
Society also has books, board games, and magazines available, as well as an extensive wine selection for a post-problem set toast. Laptops are not permitted on Saturdays and Sundays to encourage conversation, making it the perfect place to meet with your Gateway group over wraps and smoothies. Society Coffee is a little known jewel in Harlem for engineers and philosophers alike to find a quiet moment.
Hitting the books at cafes can be a rewarding excuse for a daytime stroll, a good cappuccino, and the opportunity to chat with fellow studiers. Unfortunately, Morningside Heights is at a loss for a truly great cafe culture, but scattered about the hills of our neighborhood lie a few study havens for those of us disillusioned by Blue Java.
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