We all long for the aesthetic coffee shop study date — one with artisanal coffee, exposed brick, natural lighting and an abundance of tables for you to lock in at. However, in New York City, this dream is almost impossible. Many trendy coffee shops are a nightmare to work at. Although these cafes are abundant in New York City, they often house tiny tables, $10 matchas and not one singular power outlet.

When assessing a potential study spot, focus on the two P’s: power outlets and places to sit. When I say places to sit, I mean real chairs and big tables, and when I mention power outlets, I ideally mean one for every other table — wishful thinking, I know. Complementing a recent listicle on study cafes in Brooklyn for Tandon students, I found five special spots in Manhattan that are not Bobst Library and are ideal for getting work done.

For tons of tablespace

Barnes & Noble Café

33 E. 17th St.

You probably think I’m insane for this pick, but there’s a method to my madness. The Barnes & Noble in Union Square is not just for book shopping — its third floor is a study mecca for students. The Barnes & Noble Café serves Starbucks products, but you don’t have to buy anything to use the cafe’s resources. Since it’s part of the store, the tables are open to all potential customers. And sure, you may not be buying anything — but they don’t have to know that.

As far as the two P’s go, the Barnes & Noble Café has an insane supply of seating. The tables are gigantic, perfect for those big projects where you need your laptop, iPad and notebook open simultaneously. As far as power outlets go, as long as you can secure a spot against the wall, you should be able to keep your devices charged for the duration of your study session. And never fear — they also have free Wi-Fi.

For weekday work

Kona Coffee Roasters

57 Second Ave.

By far the most visually pleasing cafe on this list, Kona Coffee Roasters is a peaceful paradise to sip coffee while catching up on emails or writing that paper you’ve been avoiding. The shop’s founders created the local chain in 2017 with a mission of bringing Hawaii to the Big Apple by using Hawaiian coffee beans and cultivating a laid-back atmosphere. Complete with tons of windows for natural light and minimalist decor, the cafe is both pretty and practical. Its East Village location fulfills the two P’s — the cafe is packed with tables, some ideal for group work and others fit for a study date. There’s a substantial number of power outlets sprinkled throughout the space as well. However, this spot is best for weekday studying, as the cafe limits Wi-Fi use over the weekends in an attempt to encourage people to relax and unwind. 

For an abundance of power outlets

Capital One Café

853 Broadway

Capital One Café has become the hottest club in New York City, and for good reason. This third space acts as a place of respite for all New Yorkers — from corporate cogs to suffering students. Capital One Café has it all: an impressive supply of seating, more power outlets than any other spot in the city, natural light, multiple floors and complimentary Wi-Fi. The cafe provides a wide variety of seating options, including booths, desks, armchairs and stools. Although the cafe has decent coffee and food options, much like the Barnes & Noble Café, you do not have to buy anything to use the space. However, since it’s so perfect, it can get pretty crowded. If you’re planning a Sunday study session, I recommend arriving bright and early to secure a coveted table. Trust me, it’s worth it.

For a lock-in lunch

Spring Cafe Aspen

14 W. Fourth St.

Located right by the Stern School of Business and only a few blocks from the Paulson Center, Spring Cafe Aspen is a comfy cafe offering light lunches like veggie sandwiches and a variety of salads, pastries and coffees. Although the cafe becomes a restaurant during the evenings, the cafe doesn’t see much foot traffic during weekdays, meaning you’ll be sure to find a table. It’s a great place to stop by when you have a break between classes, allowing you to both grab lunch and get stuff done with free Wi-Fi. As far as power outlets, it’s probably the weakest on the list — but there are a few; you just might have to hunt for the right seat. Hey, it’s still better than searching for a spot at Bobst!

For a sweet study session

Ole & Steen

873 Broadway

This Danish bakery’s eye-catching front window displays mouthwatering flaky pastries and rustic sourdough, making it hard to believe that the cafe’s a solid study spot. However, this shop is more than just a sweet-treat stop, it’s a study haven. This cafe is filled with booths and power outlets, complete with a basement containing even more space to hunker down for the afternoon. The best part? Everyone there is locked in, making it a distraction-free environment. Not to mention, their coffee, savory bites and sweet treats are to die for. Sometimes, the best way to incentivise yourself to study is with the promise of an airy croissant or decadent cupcake, and Ole & Steen is the perfect place to do just that.

Contact Annie Emans at [email protected].