With finals looming and the threat of burn-out dangerously real, where you study can mean the difference between finishing your final project or calling it quits. No one wants to tap out of their assignments by curling into a ball of defeat and turning to memes for comfort while crying into a generic Starbucks latte.
Fortunately, UA students need not fear as Tucson has a variety of coffee shops, hookah spots, and cafes to feed your inner caffeine junky and banish the procrastination demons once and for all.
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Espresso Art Café
942 East University Boulevard. Tucson, AZ 85719
Hours: 8 am-Midnight
This is a sweet hookah spot located right off of the UA campus. There is a wide selection of hookah flavors and plenty of pastries and goodies to choose from to fuel your study sessions.
If you like to drink something a little stronger while cramming you will enjoy Espresso Art Café. They have liquor-based coffee drinks and will be a happy accomplice to fueling your Bailey’s problem (just don’t drink and drive!).
Espresso Art Café has a small outdoor area to sit in as well as front and back seating areas inside. The bar is in the back of the cafe. There is lots of cool art on the wall, and if you like a piece they are for sale! Just don’t let it distract you from your primary goal of studying.
Throughout the week there are themes such as Whiskey Wednesday, Nostagia Night (rock your best 80’s/90’s outfits), and karaoke.
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The Scented Leaf
943, 165 East University Boulevard Tucson, AZ 85719
Hours: 9am- 9pm
It is no accident that studying has the word dying in it. Many students before you have felt the soul-sucking effects of being assigned a 20-pager or the agony of staring at an anatomy and physiology exam study sheet.
Fortunately, the Scented Leaf is an expert in reviving brain cells with a wide selection of refreshing teas (there are also pastries, and, yes, coffee!).
Located across the street from Espresso Art Café, the Scented Leaf should be the next stop in your studying adventures. They have a second location on Congress Street if you are in the downtown area.
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Shot In the Dark Café
121 East Broadway Boulevard Tucson, AZ 85701
Hours: 24/7
Rough night, but still gotta study? Shot In the Dark Café has got your back!
This 24/7 coffee shop is a gem and a necessity for habitual procrastinators. Located a stone’s throw away from Congress Street nightlife, Shot In the Dark will always answer your call no matter the time of night- unlike that girl or guy at the Funky Monk who most likely gave you a fake number.
Maybe it’s the adrenaline rush of beating the impending deadline or the thrill of blowing that annoying professor’s ridiculously detailed outline out of the water, but 2:30 am greasy food and a laptop full of unending tasks has no other place to be but here.
It is also dog and cat-friendly so bring your four-legged study companion and type up a storm. Just be warned random strangers will assault your animal friend with lots of pets and free food.
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Black Crown Coffee
4024 East Speedway Boulevard Tucson, AZ 85712
Hours: 8 am-Midnight
If you are ever at the point where you aren’t sure if the words on your screen are moving or if your eyes are crossing, then you need to head over to Black Crown Coffee. The baristas are subject matter experts on all things coffee and will have your eyes knocked back into their respective sockets in no time.
The outside does not look like much, but once inside the bar and the first floor are decorated with local art and there is a decent amount of seating. There is an upstairs loft if you like to have a view of what people downstairs are studying and the outdoors area has tables and chairs.
Photo credit: Occupied Tucson Citizen
Revolutionary Grounds
606 North 4th Avenue Tucson, AZ 85705
Hours: 8 am-8 pm
If you work better under pressure, then Revolutionary Grounds Books and Coffee is an excellent addition to your routine of purchasing that yummy black liquid capable of raising your blood pressure and stress.
Located on historic 4th Avenue, this bookstore/ coffee shop has an outdoor patio with an awning included – as any smart Tucson business person knows to save customers from skin cancer and third-degree burns. Inside, you can purchase food and drinks as well as check out their selection of books guaranteed to trigger right-wingers.