Here are my picks for the top cafes for studying in Toronto by neighbourhood.
ANNEX
Located a few short blocks from U of T's campus, The Common makes for an excellent alternative to Robarts. Instead of dimly-lit stacks and Brutalist architecture, you'll find a bright and inviting study sanctuary equipped to fit your caffeine and WiFi needs.
BEACHES
Don't feel like schlepping your books from the east side to a downtown library? I feel you. The Remarkable Bean has a low-key atmosphere and a roster of coffee beverages and snacks that will help you power through essay writing.
BLOORCOURT
Looking for a place that feels like home? Head to Field Trip Cafe. It boasts hanging Edison bulbs and a plenty of chic wooden accents - so chances are it's actually more inviting than your own apartment. There's plenty of space to lay out your books and Apple products, so don't fear overpacking.
ODIN looks nothing like a library in the best possible way: it's bright, airy and impeccably designed. Also working in its favour are the large tables that are perfect for study groups.
DANFORTH EAST
Red Rocket is an institution on the east side. It serves good coffee and baked goods and offers both table and chair seating - making it conducive for those who want to study in pairs or fly solo.
DISTILLERY DISTRICT
The Distillery District is home to the most aesthetically-pleasing of all the city's Balzac's locations. With exposed brick walls and a massive chandelier, this coffee shop gives off some serious Hogwarts vibes. Sadly, you'll probably be studying for STATS101 instead of Defence Against the Dark Arts.
DUNDAS WEST
If the fluorescent lights and cavernous nature of libraries are too much for you too handle, head to the Tampered Press. The cafe has plenty of natural light during the day and a comfy, homey feel that'll keep you from going stir crazy.
JUNCTION
The Good Neighbour has plenty of different sized tables, making it ideal for group cram sessions, essay writing and everything in between. The space boasts exposed brick walls and even a gas fireplace, perfect for cozying up with the books on cold days.
KENSINGTON MARKET
At Cafe Pamenar you'll find everything you need for a successful study sesh: plenty of table space, inexpensive beverages, and an atmosphere that won't have you questioning you decision to invest in a post-secondary education.
KING EAST
If you've gotten your fill of croissants this exam season, head to Neo Coffee Bar for something a little different. The cafe serves up Japanese pastries that will satisfy your sweet tooth and distract you from study stress (if only for a few mere moments). It's also equipped with pedestal tables, communal tables, and a couple spacious booths, making it work for groups of all sizes.
Quantum Coffee is a streamlined King West spot that offers few distractions (decor elements are minimal) and ample space for studying. Head to the large back room if you're with a group or are touting a bounty of books.
LEASIDE
In Leaside, Lit Espresso is where to go to hit the books. Skip taking a seat at the barista bar and head to one of the more spacious tables in the cafe - they're large enough to fit you and all your academic journals.
LESLIEVILLE
Tango Palace Coffee Company has an edge on many Leslieville cafes: it isn't flush with strollers (nixing the chance of toddlers accidentally bumping your latte onto your laptop) and it's open until 11 p.m. for those who need to cram for an exam.
LITTLE INDIA
If you're in need of some creative inspiration, Flying Pony may be your ideal study spot. The space doubles as a gallery, showcasing pieces from emerging and mid-career artists.
LITTLE ITALY
Manic Coffee is a favourite of U of T students. It serves up all the heavily caffeinated beverages and house-made baked goods you'll need to make it through those dreaded 20-page papers.
OSSINGTON
I Deal Coffee's Ossington location offers a sweet refuge from libraries for students living in the Ossington area. It has an unpretentious feel, a smattering of seats and free WiFi.
Planning on posting up for more than a few hours? Goat Coffee Co. may be your saving grace. Aside from having a mix of bar seating, two-person tables, and large communal spaces, it also has a full menu of sandwiches and salads for when you're in need of some fuel.
PARKDALE
If your coping mechanism for academic stress is eating a bounty of sugar, try the Tempered Room. The cafe/bakery has a display case filled with Instagrammable treats that'll help you get through the final months of school and large tables fit for group sessions.
QUEEN WEST
Another option for those in need of a sweet escape from the stacks is Constantinople Bakery. It has a homey vibe and enough seating that you'll likely find a table.
RIVERSIDE
Dark Horse Espresso is the answer to all your prayers: it's bright, it's big and it serves a mean latte. Whether you're tackling your thesis paper alone or are working on a group presentation, it has space (and coffee) for you.
RONCESVALLES VILLAGE
After you've taken the necessary Instagram of Reunion Island's tile flooring, grab your caffeinated beverage of choice and head for the tables. The bright white cafe is sure to keep you awake even when you're working with the driest data.
ROSEDALE
Boxcar Social offers a rustic-chic alternative to bland study cubicles. It is also fully licensed, meaning that you can aid your study woes with a little bit of booze - hey, it may even help with your exam prep.
SCARBOROUGH
While the Scarborough Civic Centre Library may be one of the city's nicer branches, if you hail from the east end, The Birchcliff is your best bet. You'll find gourmet coffee, upscale design, and plenty of seating.
Krave Coffee has quickly become a fan favourite for working and studying on St. Clair West. Its two-person tables are ideal for solo caffeine-fuelled cram sessions.
WEST QUEEN WEST
R Squared Cafe has been serving overworked students for years, making it a tried and true option. The space is dominated by two-person tables, so it's best for taking on a project alone or with a partner.
YONGE & COLLGE
Located in close proximity to both Ryerson and U of T's campuses, Coffee Public is a welcome retreat from school for students of both universities. The space is bright and makes for the perfect essay-writing spot. There aren't large tables, so if you're with a group, you're best to head elsewhere.
YONGE & DUNDAS
It should come as no surprise that Balzac's appears twice on this list. This location, situated in the heart of Ryerson's campus, is a welcome alternative to the bustling Starbucks and Tim Horton's kiosks and cafes that dominate the area.
YONGE & EGLINTON
de Mello Palheta Coffee Roasters is open until 9 p.m., making it an option for those of us who aren't early birds. It offers a mix of bar and table seating and boasts decor that's little bit quirkier than your average coffee shop.
YONGE & ST. CLAIR
9 Bars offers a cozy place to hole up with your textbooks. There's comfy seating, a menu stacked with sandwiches and plenty of caffeinated beverages to aid you in your studies.
YORKVILLE
5 Elements Espresso is an Italian-inspired cafe in Yorkville that offers two floors of study-friendly space. There's a mix of solo seating and large tables, so it's conducive for tackling everything from essays to group work.
What did I miss? Add your picks to the comments.
by Alice Prendergast via blogTO
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