Although we’re only three weeks into classes, the reading, projects, papers, and exams seem to be piling on. It’s easy to fall into the Butler-daze, spending hours on hours studying in stacks with limited lighting and the scent of old books. Beware though, it IS possible to burn out on the library, and midterms haven’t even arrived yet! Her Campus Barnard gives you a guide to the best cafes on and near campus, to get you out of the library. So grab your laptop, an iced coffee, and lounge in a café to get your reading done while you still can.
1. Nussbaum and Wu
This café is filled with students, and can fulfill all your edible and academic needs. With individual wooden tables and a bar-like style of chairs, this is place to grab a bagel, a fresh squeezed orange juice, and do your reading (and soothe your hangover) on a Sunday morning
2897 Broadway
2. Starbucks
Although the Starbucks on 114th street reminds me more of Grand Central Station than a haven of coffee and folky music, the Starbucks on 110h is an underused treasure. The chain coffee destination may be 5 blocks away from campus (we know that’s a large trek) but has ample seating and a much more cozy ambiance. Another perk: Starbucks has brough Pumpkin Spice Lattes back to the menu.
111th and Broadway
3. Hungarian Pastry Shop
Hemingway used to pen away his novels at this historically-famous locale, and with cozy lighting and seating to match, we can understand why. A bit more old-fashioned than Starbucks, this Amsterdam café may have no wifi and few outlets, but the darker ambiance is fit for serious writing or reading. Perhaps accompanied by rainymood.com or some Death Cab for Cutie.
1030 Amsterdam Ave
4. Coffee Bean UWS
If you’re looking to get off the MoHi campus and get an unbelievably good cup of coffee, the various Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf locations on the Upper West Side may be your go-to place. Straight from southern California, Coffee Bean has only been a NYC stable for a couple of years. With a brighter atmosphere than Starbucks, Coffee Bean’s original ice blended makes any First Year English or Senior Seminar reading that much better.
2169 Broadway, 532 Amsterdam Ave, 392 Columbus Ave
5. Joe’s
Joe’s is one of the newest additions to campus, and we’re thrilled about it. Located on the 2nd floor of the Northwest Corner Building, large white tables make it the perfect place to meet up with a friend, or do work in a beautifully lit space (the building is entirely glass)
120th and Broadway
6. Max Caffe
My personal favorite place to get work done, this café is as close to the café from Friends that I’ve been able to find in New York City. Clad with large couches, ornate pillows, exposed brick walls, and delicious chai tea lattes, Max Café is a hidden treasure on the northern part of camp
1262 Amsterdam Avenue