As a genuine café enthusiast, I’ve explored numerous options and spent considerable time exploring different café shops since moving to the Bay Area. I prioritize five key elements when selecting a café: aesthetics, space, drink menu, prices, and music.
First and foremost is aesthetics. I love capturing the ambiance of cafés through photos, which makes me feel like the main character in my study routine. If a café lacks that charming, inviting atmosphere, I’m unlikely to return.
Next is space. While many cafés can be aesthetically pleasing, an overly cramped setting can be overwhelming and distracting. I find myself needing to arrive before opening just to secure a spot, which is why I prefer places where I can settle in without feeling cluttered, as a crowded environment can hinder my focus.
Third is the drink menu which ties closely to pricing (both of which are crucial.) Although I enjoy treating myself to iced coffee, I’ve encountered cafés with exorbitant prices that are hard to
justify, especially as a college student. If an eight ounce drink exceeds $7, especially when half the cup is ice, it feels like a rip-off. I appreciate cafés that offer a diverse selection of beverages at reasonable prices.
Finally, the music plays a vital role in my café experience. I’ve been to places where the volume is so high that I struggle to concentrate, even with headphones. I favor a setting where the music enhances the atmosphere without becoming a distraction.
After considering these essential factors, I’ve compiled a list of my four all-time favorite coffee shops to study at—places that consistently provide a comfortable and motivating environment that meets all my criteria:
- SoDoi Cafe
- Yali’s Cafe
- Cafe Leila
- CoRo Coffee Roastery
- Gold Bean Cafe