Studying at libraries or in Vassar, especially if you’re the only one in a COLLABORATION room, doesn’t have the spice that some Lakesiders crave. For us, studying at cafes is fun, accessible, and helps with accountability. Seeing other people around you studying makes you less likely to scroll on your phone, and the added factor of others seeing you work is motivating. In fact, it can increase your productivity because you’re enticed to order more drinks and pastries while you work, so you work longer. For the Lakeside students living in Seattle or on the Eastside, we have reviewed a list of popular cafes for you to check out the next time you need a long lock-in session.
Bellevue/Eastside (Pia):
Nana’s Green Tea: Located right near Bellevue Square, Nana’s Green Tea is home to many matcha and hojicha drinks, parfaits, and other pastries. I tried the Matcha Mochi Parfait and the Matcha Chocolate Crunch Frappe. They both had good matcha flavors without the bitterness, and the creamy and crunchy frappe and chewy parfait both had fun textures to eat. I enjoyed the pairing of matcha and chocolate in the frappe; neither felt overpowering. The noise level is at a “buzz,” similar to a library, but large groups of people can be loud when ordering, so I would recommend noise-canceling headphones or earbuds. Nana’s Green Tea has free Wi-Fi and many charging outlets, as well as solo and group tables. Afterwards, you can take a quick shopping spree at the mall. Plus, if you’re on Instagram, Hungry Hungry Hanny has been spotted here with friends and editing his reels.
food: 5/5 stars
study environment/comfort: 4/5 stars
affordability: 2.5/5
Cilo Lab: A new tea and gelato spot that recently opened where boba shop Don’t Yell at Me used to be, Cilo Lab has innovative drinks and food. Unfortunately, when I got there, half of the menu was already sold out. I ended up just ordering their Creme Brulee Fresh Milk Tea. Service took 20 minutes, and they messed up my order by forgetting to add boba, and when I asked for boba they also put ice in my drink when I originally asked for no ice. The milk tea was strong and flavorful, but it did taste sweet for 50% sugar. I enjoyed that they had a high boba to drink ratio and were also generous with the creme brulee cream. In terms of study environment, it’s generally loud because of the machines, small space, and workers yelling out order numbers. They have some small tables, but they do not have many power outlets. Overall, this is a good place for drinks or gelato if you’re in the area, but I wouldn’t recommend it for serious study sessions.
food: 4/5 stars
study environment/comfort: 2/5 stars
affordability: 4/5
Timeless Tea Dessert Cafe: This cafe has many boba options as well as some pastries and snacks. It has a cozy feel, with small tables, a few couches, board games, a deck of cards, and sticky notes to draw on. The cafe also features a wall of many drawings customers have made. It has a similar vibe to Boba Up near UW. I tried their red bean matcha drink with boba, and while I liked the drink, the texture with the red bean wasn’t my favorite. Although the matcha wasn’t bitter, it didn’t taste very high quality. Their Oreo Mille Crepe Cake wasn’t the best crepe cake I’ve ever had, but it still satisfied my craving. The cream had a light texture and strong Oreo flavor, but the crepes were slightly overcooked. There are a few different locations of this chain around the greater Seattle area. They do have Wi-Fi, and since it’s small and cozy, it’s super quiet. They also have soft music playing in the background sometimes.
food: 3.5/5 stars
studying: 5/5 stars
affordability: 4/5
Mercury’s Coffee Co.: Located all around Washington, Mercury’s Coffee Co. feels like an upgraded Starbucks; they have tons of food, dessert, pastry, and drink options, with many tables and outlets for studying. They also provide free Wi-Fi. I have been multiple times in the past, and have tried everything from their Twice Baked Vanilla Almond Croissant to their Pesto Pasta Salad, and even drinks like their Caramel Silk, which is my favorite, S’mores Cold Brew, and Peach Mango smoothie. The croissant was buttery, flakey, and the vanilla flavor was rich. I’m always stunned with their menu items, which feature unique, innovative, and bold flavors. Their energy elixirs feature many flavor choices and pair energy drinks with syrups traditionally found in coffee. Also, they have so many coffee drinks: mochas with every kind of chocolate flavor profile, tropical and milk teas, and even more. Their food items are high quality and feature fresh flavors; I’ve never been disappointed by them. One of my favorite pre-dinner snacks are their flatbread pizzas, which are also perfect for sharing. Their many, differently sized tables make this place perfect for studying at any time with anyone. Without considering the cost, this cafe has the best coffee and food items/options, but in my opinion, the cost here is worth it. Generally, the environment is as quiet as a coffee shop could get, but the area near the coffee machines and ordering system can get loud, so noise-canceling headphones or earbuds would be helpful.
food: 5/5 stars
studying: 5/5 stars
affordability: 2.5/5
Seattle (Elina):
Macrina: A classic if you live in the Maple Leaf Area! Right across the street from Maple Leaf Park, this cafe has delicious pastries and drinks. I have been there at least five times, and I love their environment, which has a lot of natural light. I especially like their Dill Scone, which goes for $5.95, and their London Fog, which goes for $4.55. I’ve also tried their sweeter pastries, and I really like their Pecan Sticky Buns. In terms of actual studying, though, Macrina is a bit of a hit or miss. A lot of people like to stop by before work or after work, so it’s often pretty filled up. Macrina is also a fairly small cafe, so once there aren’t any seats, you have to take your drink and go. But if you are able to grab a seat, their Wi-Fi’s amazing, there’s a lot of natural light, and the atmosphere’s very clean! I would bring a fully charged device, however; there are limited outlets.
food: 4.5/5
studying: 4/5
affordability: 5/5
Barnes & Noble: Everyone loves to larp being performative, right? Well, if you are, Barnes & Noble in Northgate is the perfect place to go! With a Starbucks and bookstore inside, it’s perfect for studying, hanging out with friends, or larping for your Instagram. I really like the matcha latte with oat milk and mac and cheese. One note though — in the past, they used to have tables distributed inside the Barnes & Noble. However, recently, they removed the tables for unknown reasons, so you have to rely on either the kid’s section or the Starbucks seating area. Because of this, seating can be hit or miss, but if you do manage to get seating, it’s very quiet, has good lighting, and a great atmosphere! Make sure to bring a fully charged device, as there are limited outlets.
food: 4.5/5
studying: 3.5/5
affordability: 5/5
Third Place: Located in Roosevelt, Third Place is a cafe, restaurant, and bookstore! If you’re looking to buy a book and get a cozy read, Third Place is the way to go. Nestled inside Third place is Cafe Arta, which offers a multitude of Greek desserts and snacks. When not nibbling on their pita, hummus, and baklava, you can order their drinks; the London Fog and Americano are great. Although it is a bit pricey, I personally think it’s justified — it’s family owned, after all! Additionally, the studying atmosphere is great. With a lot of natural light and open space, it’s extremely quiet and has free wifi, numerous outlets, comfortable chairs, and wide tables. Another great thing about Third Place is how late they open until — 8 p.m.! Some days, I’ve been able to get 4.5 hours of studying done in the same place.
food: 4.5/5
studying: 5/5
affordability: 3/5
