YouAlberta
Everyone experiences those periods of time in the semester when the assignments have piled up: you probably have a few exams around the corner and endless readings to catch up on, but you know the second you get home, you're saying goodbye to any amount of productivity you think you have left, ruling that out of the question. You'd also rather be anywhere else than on campus. And for days that pose this dilemma, this will serve as the perfect guide to finding your perfect study place to camp out for the afternoon at some of life's greatest joys – cafes near campus! This guide will be complete with ratings out of 5 on price ranges of beverages, atmosphere, and milk substitutes for your convenience.
Block 1912
This is one of my favourite cafes to go to when I want to study off-campus. It's a good place to go to in order to just unwind and read a book, draw, write, or whichever other hobbies you may have – but also, it's a great place to hole up and get some work done. The atmosphere is one of my favourite parts of this cafe. With warm lighting created by the scattered string lights hung around the ceiling and the rustic look achieved by using a variety of chairs and tables– you've got to see it to understand– this cafe has the comfortable vibes of your own living room. There's even a little book nook to borrow books from while you're there. It's like a library without the commitment!
My favourite thing to order here is their latte, though they have options for non-caffeine drinkers, too, including teas and rich hot chocolates. Drinks aside, this place has a wide range of unique desserts available, from slices of cakes to brownies, to toffee puddings, with a consistent rotation – so there's something new to try every time, which is something I always look forward to. They also have lunch options available!
Atmosphere: 4/5
Price: $5-7
Milk substitutes: Yes
The Woodrack Cafe
This cafe ranks a close second for me. And it's also women-owned! Located inside the Dominion Hotel on Whyte ave, it's an unsuspecting gem that feels like a secret (only semi-well kept.) With a warm, rustic vibe, this cafe is a small, homey feeling room. The decor is very subtle and humble, with a dried flower in the middle of the table to match your violet latte and lace mounted on a frame. They also use cute mugs, adding to the feeling of home! They have a wide selection of both hot and cold drinks, but my favourite part of this cafe's menu is the floral latte options! Have you ever thought to flavour your coffee with a gentle hint of lavender or violet? It's a flavour combination I had never thought of, yet it has quickly become my favourite, and I find myself coming over to this place specifically for their flowery coffees. They also offer an array of 'house-baked' pastries to pair with your drink and lunch options, including soup of the day.
Atmosphere: 3.5/5
Price: $5-6
Milk substitutes: Yes
Remedy Cafe
Remedy Cafe is always a safe option since many of us are familiar with it, and we have so many locations right on campus. There are two location options off-campus yet close to the university for a change of scenery: one on Whyte Ave and one on 109th street. For a warm and comforting environment, this place is my favourite. Its warm colour schemes and variety of seating options make this place inviting and feel like a slice of home. Their menu is very large and inspired by Indian and Pakistani cuisine, providing unique flavours and drinks like lassis and chais. They have options for nearly everyone, including a large breakfast, lunch and dinner menu. If all that studying has got you hungry, this cafe will double as a restaurant.
Atmosphere: 4/5
Price: $5-8
Milk substitutes: Yes
Sorrelina Coffee: Brew Bar
Sorrelina– which is Italian for "little sister" is also a women-owned, small and narrow cafe, but the place's personality makes up for its size. Being a combined bar and cafe, this spot is colourfully lit by bright neon and strip lights on the inside. The front half serves as the cafe with long booth seating, and the back half is the bar. A small yet fulfilling drink menu makes it easier for indecisive folks.
Atmosphere: 3/5
Price: $5
Milk substitutes: Yes
Cat Cafe on Whyte
And as a bonus, my all-time favourite cafe, not only because of the cats, but also the unlimited drinks, the Cat Cafe! If you come here and are planning to visit the cats, you pay for an hour's visit, plus any baked goods and snacks, but you get to enjoy free drinks! Sure, you can't necessarily study in this one (unless you're incredibly committed), but it's a great place to go afterwards to unwind and pet some kitties. They do have a little seating area separate from the cats that you could potentially use – if this is your happy place.
Atmosphere: 5/5
Price: $16-18 for admission, depending on the day of the week!
Milk substitutes: Yes
I hope this guide helps you discover a new cafe, and happy studying!