With the first round of exams coming up, only one thing is on people’s minds: Where can I consume the best caffeine and lock in the hardest? Don’t worry, when I see a need, I fill it. I’m here to introduce you to the coffee shops that I found within a reasonable radius of campus and what I think about them. Let’s start off with the coffee shop right next door to the 182 Broadway dorms.
No Plates Coffee
Their coffee is quite nice. The sizes are a bit small for the price, but it is a very cute vibe with a minimalist touch considering there’s basically nothing on their workspace except an espresso machine. They have some syrups on the side if you like a little sweet flavor in your coffee and you can add them in yourself. Otherwise, they have a pretty basic coffee shop menu, but with Japanese ceremonial matcha for my matcha girlies. This is the perfect spot to stop in and grab a drink or some food (oh yeah, did I mention they have an adorable prepared food selection?) and then continue to your favorite park in the area to lock in because, unfortunately, they do not have seating.
787 Coffee
Next up, let’s discuss maybe one of the coolest places I’ve ever been. 787 Coffee comes in literal bags (no, I’m not kidding) and happens to be pretty good. On top of the classic americanos and cortados, they also have a specialty menu with fun flavored lattes. I quite enjoyed my first dulce de leche latte. Now, this place I could study in forever. They have an upstairs and downstairs full of seating, and what seating it is. They have everything from beanbags to couches and back again. The vibes? Impeccable. The coffee? Delicious. If I needed to study for a creative class, this is where I’d go.
Bean and Bean
Okay, let’s head on over to Wall Street and stop by Bean and Bean. Tucked into the hustle and bustle of Broadway, Bean and Bean is a cute coffee spot that has matching cute cups to go with it. They’ve got some seating that lets you watch the going by of the city while also locking in on your math homework or whatever you’re working on. They’ve got a wide selection of drinks, from refreshers to coffees, matchas, and chai. Personally, the coffee wasn’t my favorite, but 10/10 would go to study there, especially because it’s so close to campus; you can just walk 10 minutes to your next class.
Variety Coffee
Speaking of close to campus, Variety Coffee is one that Pace students walk past, but it’s just as cute on the inside as it is the outside. Unfortunately, everyone knows it, so finding seating can be a challenge sometimes, but if you do, it’s the best. It’s super vibey and the coffee is great. They keep it classic with their menu; sorry to my matcha lovers and lovers of fun syrups. They’ve got a great space to enjoy and a fair amount of seating, and who knows who you’ll run into? (You tell me if that’s a pro or con).
Madmen Espresso
Okay, the name of this next one, I will admit, got me hooked. Madmen Espresso is the cutest little hole-in-the-wall by Washington Square Park with the best vibes and coffee. They’ve got coffee, tea, and some fun flavors to go with. The best part, in my opinion, is the seating. While they are small inside, they do have a few tables and a bar space by the window. But don’t worry, there’s an outside! I love a good outdoor space and they have one. Plenty of tables that stick onto the street in one of those cute wooden porches; it’s so city vibes and makes you feel like you’re right in the middle of it all. I would highly recommend it for a daytime study group or a nice day when it feels like a shame to be inside.
Qahwah House
Just a five-minute walk from campus is a spot I rave about. Qahwah House has exactly what I love in a study spot. With hanging lights, plants, and cozy decorations, this place is a hot spot where people love coming and hanging out — so there’s always people coming in and out if you’re a people watcher like me, but no music to battle your studying mix. Guess what the best part is: It’s open until 1 a.m.! So for everyone who procrastinates until literally the last second, this place is for you. They’ve got a huge drink menu, fun desserts, and tea galore. Here’s what I would say the one downfall is: it’s low-key expensive. But if you commit to it, you could get a solid five-hour study session in and make it all worth it.
Book Club Bar
My absolute favorite recommendation is Book Club Bar! This is genuinely the best place I’ve ever studied. Book Club Bar is a bookstore, bar, and coffee shop all in one and it’s perfect in every way. They have insane amounts of seating indoors and outdoors for the sunny days and the walls are lined with books that are for sale. The coffee is perfection with a basic menu, but fun syrups. But be warned, they ask you to put your laptop away after 8 p.m. because they shift from a coffee vibe to a bar. Genuinely a 10/10 for studying or reading the day away.
Birch Coffee
If you want to know if I saved the best for last — yes, yes, I did. Birch Coffee holds a special place in my heart because it was the first coffee shop I ever went to in the city. I love the vibes, everyone there is so nice. A huge plus, it’s right across from 15 Beekman! They have such a woodsy, calm vibe that is nice and quiet, and great to get lots of work done in. Their coffee is fire and they currently have a brown sugar spiced latte that tastes like fall. Highly recommend in literally every way!
Okay, now that you have all the info, go and grind your way through your quizzes, readings, and labs, and be the best of the best with the best of the best coffee spots.