If you’re looking for a new place to study beyond the usual CoffeeBar or Starbucks, we visited five cafes that might meet your criteria. We rated each cafe according to its study atmosphere, menu, and available space. All of the cafes offer complimentary Wi-Fi, a good cup of coffee, and their own unique features.
Good Thing 7/10
Hidden in the heart of Palo Alto’s University Avenue lies Good Thing Coffee. Good Thing opened at the end of last year and is both the perfect sit-down cafe and a place to lock in. When you first enter the space, you’re greeted by an aesthetically pleasing, bright interior. There is minimal seating near the entrance, and most of the seating seems intended for people who want to have a casual catch-up over coffee and indulge in their specialty—Japanese-style cheesecakes. But as you keep walking, you will discover that there is a second floor. The second floor has large tables, a few outlets, and a couple of magazines tucked in the corner. The second floor offers a place to escape the bustle of the customers downstairs and is a far more productive atmosphere. Good Thing is open Tuesday-Sunday from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., and on Monday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
If you prefer romanticizing your studies with upscale coffee and dessert in a light, minimalist setting, Good Thing is the place for you.
Sana’a Cafe 10/10
On the corner of Redwood City’s Broadway and Jefferson sits Sana’a Cafe. Inside, the interior features gold and green accents and a bright ambiance. Despite its curated aesthetic, customers can still pop open their laptops without fear of ruining the vibe, making it the ultimate study destination. Sana’a’s offers a variety of seating, from casual bar chairs to comfy booths with couches, providing a comfortable place to accommodate your study session. The grand windows fill the space with natural light from all directions, while the beautiful artwork on the walls cultivates a dreamy setting, making it more pleasurable to work. The cafe is open from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. Sunday to Thursday, and closes at 12 a.m. Friday and Saturday, making it the place to go for late-night studying. Sana’a offers a variety of quality Yemeni coffee, tea, and sweets, adding a traditional twist to your usual cafe finds.
The atmosphere surrounding Sana’a Cafe actually makes you want to finish those long assignments while enjoying good quality Yemeni tea or cake. It is the perfect combination of relaxation and locking in.
Yummy Future Coffee 6/10
You can find Yummy Future Coffee on University Ave, where it opened last October. Yummy Future Coffee stands out from other cafés because instead of humans making the coffee, a robot does. When you first enter, it’s hard not to notice the robot, designed to deliver drinks at high speed and top precision. Although it may seem off-putting at first, their menu will quickly change your mind. They offer a wide selection of sandwiches, pastries, coffee, and matcha, making it easy to find something that satisfies your afternoon cravings. The space itself is windowless and dimly-lit, making it feel a bit closed off. However, it’s the perfect place if you want to focus, offering way too many outlets, plenty of seating, and whiteboards at customers’ disposal. It’s an optimal spot during finals focus week.
If you want to get things done, this is the place for you—however after a few hours, the windowless room and the robot’s presence might start to feel unsettling.
Oklava Cafe 8/10
If Yummy Future Coffee or Good Thing aren’t your cup of tea, there’s one more cafe along University that may fit your liking. Its small exterior could make it easy to overlook, but the assortment of baklava and Turkish delights makes it hard to resist once you step through the door. Not only are the desserts delicious, but the natural light and cozy (but not overcrowded) atmosphere make it a great place to get work done. With vast windows radiating natural light, Oklava creates a comforting working space. But the tables provided are compact, restricting room for items. Oklava is open from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. Sunday to Thursday, and closes at 11 p.m. on Friday and Saturday. The late closing times make it a great late-night spot for a quick study session. The seating is very limited, which makes it difficult to get a spot amid the afternoon bustle. And Oklava is an electronic free space on the weekend, which is not favorable for studying.
Oklava isn’t just a place to study, it’s a place to get a perfect treat too. After finishing those assignments, you deserve more than a pat on your back. To elevate your taste buds, Oklava offers you multiple desserts to reward you after a long day.
With distinct vibes at each cafe, all are equally appealing. So whatever your preference is, you’ll likely find a spot you enjoy.
