Five Local Cafes Worth Visiting for Studying and Homework
Written by: Safiya
Written by: Safiya
As the weather in Calgary continues to get colder and the days begin to shorten, us students are preparing for upcoming due dates and final exams.
While it is an option to stay at home and complete that homework assignment that’s due in the next five hours, or to study for that midterm you remembered only a couple days ago; there is the alternative in changing your study environment and taking your school work to the streets—sorry—to the cafe seats.
Calgary has numerous local cafes that are worth visiting; whether it's for the vibe, the menu, or the cute barista, this city has a lot to offer.
On those nice winter days, when it's convenient, you can plan your study trip and take it to a new place you have yet to visit.
Within the past couple of months, I have visited a few new places in an attempt to change up my lifestyle and make my student life more interesting. Based on the location, atmosphere and drink/food quality, I have conducted a list of five cafes that are worth visiting:
Address: 617 11 Ave SW #101, Calgary, AB T2R 0E1
Food Attributes: Halal and non-alcoholic
Layali Cafe is a middle eastern restaurant/ cafe that offers a variety of delicious, traditional food and drinks. It is worth coming here during the weekday for a homework-sesh because the customer service is exquisite and the atmosphere is relaxing. I suggest going on a weekday because the restaurant becomes more lively on the weekends and at night! So if you get distracted easily and cannot have too much noise around you, I suggest you go from 12:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
If you enjoy intaking any type of caffeine while doing work, then you have many options to choose from Layali’s drink menu. They have hot and iced coffee and lattes, as well as six hot tea flavours, including Arabic tea — I suggest all tea lovers to try it. When you get the food menu, I highly recommend trying the falafel wrap with the Beirut Smash salad — it is the perfect combination for a satisfying meal.
Address: 1319 9 Ave SE, Calgary, AB T2G 0T2
Food Attributes: Vegan
The next place to add to your list is Canela Vegan Bakery & Cafe, and I bet you can guess what this lovely place sells… Nothing but delicious vegan baked goods and your favourite cup of dairy-free coffee. Coming here to complete school work is ideal for any day of the week. However, due to its popularity it does get really busy on the weekends… Also beware of the parking situation since Canela is located in Inglewood.
Their menu options are to die for as they provide unique variations of baked goods you would not expect to be vegan! Some of which are their frittatas, donuts, croissants, and bagel sandwiches. You might end up ordering more than expected, because of how good everything is, but it will be worth it once you munch and study.
I can promise you that you will return to Canela after the first time, and when you do make sure to bring a study partner with you!
Address: 632 17 Ave SW, Calgary, AB T2S 0B4
Food Attributes: Dairy alternatives
You can never go wrong with Philosafy, it is a classic for Calgary cafes and a great choice for choosing a study location. The cozy atmosphere allows you to relax and focus on your work.
Located on 17th Ave., this place is perfect for meeting with colleagues, whether it is for a group project or a study date. I must also point out that most tables have outlets next to them, consider that a bonus because it seems that it is hard to find plug outlets in a lot of places.
Address: Located Inside the Residence Inn by Marriott Calgary Downtown/Beltline District, 610 10 Ave SW, Calgary, AB T2R 1M3
Food Attributes: Dairy alternatives
Stable is another classic cafe that I suggest going to. If you are in the downtown area or go there often, then this cafe is the perfect place for you to settle down and bring out the laptop. One thing about Stable that makes it different from most local cafes is that it is open late! Yup, this place does not close at 6 p.m. on a weekday. Being open until 11 p.m. on weekdays, and 10 p.m on weekends is convenient if you prefer to study and/ or do school work during the evenings, or if you have a busy schedule and that is the only time you have. Additionally, the interior of this cafe is aesthetically pleasing, I was even impressed by the mug they served my vanilla latte (with oat milk) in, it was such a cool mug I wanted to take it home — don’t worry, I didn’t.
Address: 111 2 Ave SE, Calgary, AB T2G 0B2
Food Attributes: N/A
Photo taken by: Rathaine Randle
Last but not least, I present to you Ambient Cafe! Calgary’s first Korean cafe/ cocktail bar.
Before I begin let me clarify: This place is only suitable for cafe vibes during the day. Although Ambient is open until 1 a.m. on weekdays and 2 a.m. on weekends, don’t be fooled into thinking that you can go in at 7 p.m. and expect to focus on your work as it gets very lively when people want to go out. Anyways, now that’s out of the way, I have to tell you about their iced hazelnut latte. This latte was one of the best iced hazelnut lattes I have had in my years of drinking coffee, so if you are an iced coffee lover then you should definitely try.
Disclaimer: I am not sure if they have dairy alternatives, but they do offer other dairy-free drinks such as their sparkling drinks and many other special beverages.
Ambient’s food menu is also very impressive with the variety and flavour. My personal favourite are their Standing Eggs which are Korean eggdrop sandwiches made with egg, veggies, meat and sauce (of your choice) stacked in between two slices of milk bread. If you choose to eat one while studying, make sure to bring the wet wipes as it can get messy… But where’s the fun in not getting a bit messy once in a while!
Now you have five new cafe options for studying and completing homework, and one of these places might become one of your new favourites. I wish you all the best of luck in your studies, and happy cafe-hopping!