6 places to grab a coffee and study in Columbus

Part of being in college is spending long hours in the library, coming in before the sun comes up and leaving when it’s already been dark for hours. Even if you don’t work that hard, studying is something you’re going to need to do if you want to graduate before you’re eligible for retirement benefits. 

If you’re in need of a place away from campus because your roommates are driving you crazy or you just can’t focus in a sterile library environment, you have a variety of options in Columbus. Check any of these spots out for your next exam or when you need a little inspiration for your life drawing class.

An elegant, open space with lots of windows letting the bright light flood in, Fox in the Snow is a go-to coffee shop where Ohio State University students can tear into their textbooks and enjoy a quality latte at the same time. The menu also features items like pecan sticky buns, custard-filled rolls and buttermilk biscuits with house-made jam, salt, and honey to fill you up when all that studying leaves you starving. Grab a table by the window during the daylight hours, so you stay awake for those long study sessions.

Where: 1031 N Forth St, Columbus, OH 43201

A small café that prides itself on the invention of something called a pancake ball, quaint and charming are words commonly used to describe Katalina’s. When you’re looking for a place to study without waiters bothering you around the clock, Katalina’s is an ideal choice. Stop in for those famous pancake balls, a sandwich, or a quality cup of coffee. Grab a table in a corner so you don’t get distracted when the pace picks up around lunchtime.

Where: 1105 Pennsylvania Ave, Columbus, OH 43201

Jack Kerouac was a notorious beat writer who crafted his most loved novel on a long scroll at his mother’s kitchen table. Whether you’re working on the next great American novel for a creative writing class, or you’re digging into some macroeconomics, Kafe Kerouac is a great place to do it. Grab a coffee in the morning, or come in during the evening hours for a beer, glass of wine and a small bite to eat. If you’re in need of a break from the books, Kafe Kerouac also features poetry readings, live music, and art for those times when you need to let loose instead of study.

Where: 2250 N High St, Columbus, OH 43201

One Line Coffee is all about sourcing the best beans in the world from sustainable, fair-trade resources. You might not be a bean connoisseur, but you will enjoy the effort put into every cup of coffee that comes out of One Line. Visit in the morning for a pick me up and to prepare for an exam, or swing by in the afternoon when those morning classes leave you in need of a pick-me-up.

Where: 745 N High St, Columbus, OH 43215

Mission Coffee Co. is deeply serious about their coffee. No, we mean really serious. So serious that they offer classes in cupping and provide educational tidbits to anybody who comes in the shop with an open mind. You don’t have to be a coffee addict to enjoy some time at Mission though. Bring your books, order an organic espresso, fair-trade pour-over or a top-notch latte, and get down to work. If you love the roast – and you probably will – you can even take a bag home with you for those all-nighters.

Where: 11 Price Ave, Columbus, OH 43201

Known as a coffee lover’s paradise, Stauf’s Coffee also does their own roasting and even sells unique items like vanilla syrup to help you perfect your latte at home. But don’t worry, they’ll still let you hang out even if you don’t have a state-of-the-art espresso machine at home. Visit Stauf’s for a killer coffee and a laid-back environment that’s just right for some serious studying.

Where: 1277 Grandview Ave, Columbus, OH 43212

There’s nothing wrong with the library, and sometimes breaking out the books in bed is exactly what you need. Other times, though, you need to go out just to get some perspective and allow yourself to focus in a new environment. For those times, any of these six top places to study in Columbus, Ohio are just about perfect.