Studying in cafés is a classic way to change up your routine, and get your focus on with a nice latte and some ambient sound. Luckily, Montreal doesn’t lack places to cozy up for hours to cram for upcoming midterms. There is nothing worse than study spots that are too loud, too cold or that don’t make you feel comfortable to stay there for hours. Here are five cafés to have nice long study sessions.
1. Café Expressions 957 Mont-Royal Ave.
This place almost seems like it was designed for long study sessions. Located on the bustling Mont-Royal Avenue, the café includes square tables pushed together to form rows of seemingly long tables where you can really sprawl out those books. The place always has friendly baristas, and another plus? It’s nice and warm. The café is open every day from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m., so it gives you a good chunk of time to order one of their fair trade coffees or teas.
2. Café Pista 500 Beaubien St.
This café opened during the summer, and has been a hot spot ever since. It might have something to do with the fact that their coffee is out of this world, but the decor is another selling point. The decor is classy, with a gold ceiling, turquoise accents and black, grey, and white tiles. You feel very chic when you stop in for a visit. The café has lots of seating room, so you are almost guaranteed to get yourself a good spot to study. Nothing is worse than trying three cafés before finding one where you actually have room to sit. Café Pista is open every day, from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
3. Hinnawi Bros Bagel and Café 2002 Mackay St.
One of the obvious upsides to this one? It’s located right beside Concordia’s downtown campus’s Hall building. What’s nice about this place, is that it serves as a nice break from the downtown hectic-ness. The spot doesn’t have too many windows, so it’s a little sombre, which can be a great way to feel closed off from the city streets. It’s a good little spot to really concentrate. Additionally, their coffee is good quality and rich, and the prices are student-approved. Hinnawi Bros Bagel and Café is opened every day from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
4. Second Cup 1602 Ste. Catherine St.
While I hesitated on including a chain café in this list, Second Cup is opened 24 hours, and situated right beside the downtown campus. In student code, that’s A+ for a study spot. While the coffees can be a bit expensive, and the chain vibe isn’t always the most comforting or comfortable, their coffees are decent, and they have a ton of seating space.
5. La brume dans mes lunettes 378 Ste-Zotique St.
While a little out of the way for downtowners, this place’s charm, quality products, comforting music and vibe, make it a go-to for long nights of hitting the books. The spot also serves good food, from gourmet paninis to muffins, to salads. There is a lot of seating room, and a lot of fellow students doing the same thing you are doing- which can be a good source of comfort when you’re feeling a little stressed out.