Study Spots for the Hungry and Stressed (So, All of Us)
by: Kate Sestero
As school assignments pick up, motivation can start to dwindle. Luckily, numerous locations around town offer exquisite study environments to help maintain high grades. While LC-fan-favorite locations like Starbucks and Thomas Hammer are great, reliable spots, this guide offers a look at some different cafes, shops, and other areas perfect for studying. Scroll to find each location’s relative price, Wi-Fi and outlet availability, menu highlights, hours, parking information, and more.
Price Ratings:
$ - 12 oz. Latte and Muffin for less than $6
$$ - 12 oz. Latte and Muffin for between $6 to $9
$$$ - 12 oz. Latte and Muffin for over $9
Multi-vendor locations:
The Wonder Building:
The Wonder Building is an excellent place to study either alone or with a group. Inside the spacious, renovated warehouse building are a variety of vendors, including Uno Más Taco Shop, Victory Burger, Victory Bar and Coffee, and Koselig Kitchen (frozen treats and nostalgic eats). The many options are great for groups that struggle to agree on food. On study breaks, you can compete in foosball or ping pong, or perhaps admire the rotating art installations. There are many tables and benches of all sizes, but the spot may be best in the afternoons, as more vendors are open.
Price: $$
Wi-Fi: Through Uno Màs and other available free networks
Outlets: Yes
Energy drinks: No
Alternative Milk Fee: $0.75
Syrup Fee: $0.50
Accepts Credit Cards: Yes
Hours: Each store has unique hours, but there is always something open from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. (Sunday through Thursday) or 10 p.m. (Friday and Saturday)
Pros: Plenty of tables, games, and food options
Cons: Must pay for parking on the street or adjacent garage, less cozy
Address: 835 N Post St, Spokane, WA 99201
Saranac Commons:
This charming area is similar to the Wonder Building but smaller and downtown. It is cozy and home to Boots Bakery, Hatch Beaker, Burr coffee, and Peace Pie Pizza. Although there are fewer tables than in the Wonder Building, there are various sizes, leading to another great spot for indecisive groups. All businesses here are inclusive of vegan and gluten-free diets. Check out the limited-time Coffee Cola, a double espresso with sparkling water, cherry syrup, and orange peel.
Price: $
Wi-Fi: Yes, with purchase
Outlets: Yes
Energy drinks: No
Alternative Milk Fee: $0.75
Syrup Fee: $0.75
Hours: Sunday through Thursday, 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.; Friday and Saturday, 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Pros: Variety of food and tables, proximity to downtown, vegan/gluten-free friendly
Cons: Difficult street parking, no outdoor seats
Address: 19 W Main Ave, Spokane, WA 99201
Gonzaga John J. Hemmingson Center:
This is the HUB for Gonzaga students with a large selection of comfy seats. While the large cafeteria is only available to GU students, the Qdoba, Starbucks, and Iggys Market (fruit, drinks, snacks) are open to the public. Although the couches and seats are comfortable, the area can feel intruding and stagnate. However, the free parking and late-night studying hours are a definite plus.
Price: Starbucks prices
Wi-Fi: Yes
Outlets: Very limited
Energy drinks: At Iggys Market, pre-bottled
Hours: Weekdays 7 a.m. to 12 p.m., weekends 8 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Pros: Large free parking garage nearby, playing popular music, open late at night.
Cons: Not cozy, not meant for high school students, no outdoor seats
Address: 702 E. Desmet Ave. Spokane, WA 99202
Huckleberry’s:
Although typically considered a grocery/health store, they also have a large restaurant sitting area (bistro style) with many four-person tables. They offer many foods beyond typical groceries, including a sushi bar, juice/smoothie bar, custom omelets, salad bar, hot bar, pastry selection, typical restaurant-style foods, and more for all diets. While they make some pastries in-store, they carry products from other local bakeries like The Rocket, Boots, The Shop, Feast, and Chaps. Another positive is that each department offers a punch card loyalty program for frequent customers. Huckleberry’s has the largest selection of products. However, the seating area is less cozy than a typical coffee shop.
Price: $, Latte $3.99, Muffin $1.99
Wi-Fi: Yes
Outlets: Yes
Energy drinks: Pre-Bottled
Alternative Milk Fee: $0.70
Syrup Fee: $0.70
Accepts Credit Cards: Yes
Hours: 7 a.m. to 10 p.m., Juice Bar - 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Pros: Largest variety of food products, indoor and outdoor, food for all diets, large free parking lot
Cons: Busy on weekends, less cozy
Address: 926 S. Monroe St., Spokane, WA 99204
Free Locations:
Library:
The Spokane libraries are wonderful, modern, frequently underutilized study spaces. The South Hill location features naturally lighted tables and study pods. Groups can reserve one of the two study rooms equipped with whiteboards and TVs for a private, collaborative space. The quiet atmosphere helps ground thoughts and increase productivity. The Wi-Fi and free printing options act as a wonderful benefit. There is something incredibly calming about studying around so many books that will surely increase focus.
Wi-Fi: Yes
Outlets: Yes
Hours: South Hill: Monday through Thursday, 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.; Friday and Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Sunday - 12 p.m. to 4 p.m.
Pros: Free parking, many seats, quiet area, surrounded by knowledge and help
Cons: No food or drink options
Address: 3324 S. Perry Street, Spokane, WA 99203
Outdoor:
See: Wonder Building, Huckleberry’s, Indaba (Kendall Yards), New Love Coffee, Madeline’s, Atticus, Meeting House, Rockwood Bakery, The Rocket, Revel 77, The Rocket Market, The Shop and Arctos
Coffee Shops:
Kendall Yards/West Central:
Indaba Coffee (Also see downtown Indaba):
This founding location provides a classy, comfortable atmosphere. It is one of the best places for coffee connoisseurs, with one of the largest varieties of coffee-bean options. Patrons can choose single-origin espresso for an additional $0.50. The $5.50, one-of-everything pallet allows adventurous groups to try many different coffees. This location would be best for smaller groups as they only have one 8-person table. They carry some Made with Love bakery products and Boots vegan cookies but no muffins. While the standard pastry options are limited, they offer three different breakfast burritos or basic bagel options. For a limited time, try the House Pumpkin Spice Latte.
Price: $$, Latte for $4.75, no muffins but cookie for $2.50
Wi-Fi: Yes
Outlets: Yes
Energy drinks: Lotus
Alternative Milk Fee: $0.75
Syrup Fee: $0.50
Hours: Monday through Friday - 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday through Sunday - 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Kitchen closes at 2 p.m.
Pros: Try fancy coffee blends, free street and lot parking, indoor/outdoor seating
Cons: Limited pasty and snack options, smaller space
Address: West Central - 1425 W Broadway Spokane, WA 99201
Kendall Yards Satellite - 1315 W Summit Pkway Spokane, WA 99201
Downtown - 518 W. Riverside Ave. Spokane, WA 99201
New Love Coffee:
This electric blue, central Kendall Yards spot partnered with Bean and Pie. Inside, find an assortment of comfortable chairs and modern art. Even stepping into the space will bring happiness simply due to the interior design and smell. While there are limited food options and no classic pastries besides Bean and Pie, the hand pies are a perfect, filling treat or snack. The sweet hand pies include Berry, Strawberry Rhubarb, Peach, and Peach Huckleberry. They also have savory hand pies, including classic chicken pot pie, vegan buffalo Chick’n, Biscuits and Gravy, and more. Try the fall Salted Caramel Apple Cider Chai with scratch-made marshmallow on top.
Price: $$$, $5 latte, no muffins but hand pies for $6.25
Wi-Fi: Yes
Outlets: Yes
Energy drinks: No
Alternative Milk Fee: $0.55
Syrup Fee: $0.55
Hours: Kendall Yards Location - Sundays 7 a.m. to 5 p.m., Mondays 6 a.m. to 5 p.m.,
Tuesday through Friday 6 a.m. to 8 p.m., Saturday 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Pros: Indoor outdoor, free 90-minute parking, unique seasonal drinks, bright interior, indoor/outdoor space
Cons: Limited traditional food options
Address: 1102 W Summit Pkwy, Suite 102, Spokane, WA 99201
Downtown:
Indaba (also see Kendall Yards/West Central):
This Indaba shares its counterpart’s high-end, modern atmosphere in Kendall Yards. The interior is trendy, with exposed brick and bright tile. They offer plenty of seating on couches and tables in the recently expanded café. However, this space is best for groups of four or more due to the limited large table spaces. If needed, their website has a section for reservations for board rooms. They specialize in artisan toast and have a special PSL for fall.
Price: Latte for 4.75, no muffins but cookie for 2.50
Wi-Fi: Yes
Outlets: Limited
Energy drinks: Lotus
Alternative Milk Fee: $0.75
Syrup Fee: $0.50
Hours: 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily. Kitchen closes at 2 p.m.
Pros: Couches, specialty toast, modern and recently expanded
Cons: Parking downtown, no outdoor seating
Address: Downtown - 518 W. Riverside Ave. Spokane, WA 99201
West Central - 1425 W Broadway Spokane, WA 99201
Kendall Yards Satellite - 1315 W Summit Pkway Spokane, WA 99201
Revival Tea Tasting Room:
This is a cozy, hidden tea shop filled with couches and armchairs for relaxing in a warm, underground, almost speakeasy-style environment. They sell specialty teas with a fun smell testing area, specializing in customizable teas and oat milk tea lattes. Revival is an excellent place for tea connoisseurs and boba enthusiasts, as upstairs is an affiliated Boba shop. The loyalty program offers a wonderful park for frequent visitors. This differs from a traditional coffee shop because they do not serve pastries but a few tea-inspired treats. For example, they have mini gluten-free chai waffles and chai yogurt. For a limited time, try the Pumpkin Pie Chia Latte ($6), Rooibos Chai Lemon Shaker ($5), or Spiced Apple Pie Latte ($6).
Price: $$, Latte for $5, no muffins but cookie options for $3
Wi-Fi: Yes
Outlets: Yes
Energy drinks: Tea
Alternative Milk Fee: No, they only use gluten-free oat milk.
Hours: Sunday through Thursday, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., Friday and Saturday, 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Pros: Cosy environment, comfortable sofas, very customizable drinks
Cons: Limited food, downtown parking, no outdoor seats
Address: 415 W. Main Ave Suite 100, Spokane, WA 99201
Madeline’s:
This French-inspired, family-owned Café serves gourmet food and drinks. Their menu consists of omelets, salads, gourmet sliders, French pastries, and more on a rotating basis. Inside, find a decadent, rustic theme perfect for focusing. They have a large outdoor space in the back for when the weather is nice. Although there are a few larger tables, the space would be best for small groups. For a limited time, try the homemade pumpkin spice syrup.
Price: $$, Latte $4.25 Pastries $2.50
Wi-Fi: Yes
Outlets: No
Energy drinks: No
Alternative Milk Fee: $0.75
Syrup Fee: $0.75
Hours: Wednesday through Sunday, 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Pros: Wonderful environment, large back patio, large collection of food and snacks
Cons: Difficult hours for school, downtown parking, food can be expensive
Address: 415 W Main Ave, Spokane, WA 99201
Atticus:
This charming coffee and trinket shop is a wonderful spot to get inspired. The unique local shop attached has a range of items that can spark creativity. Find traditional roast coffee, tea, and pastries behind the store and outside. They also have a small refrigerator with a selection of sandwiches and drinks.
Price: $, Latte $4.00, Muffins $2.00
Wi-Fi: Yes
Outlets: Limited
Energy drinks: No
Alternative Milk Fee: $0.75
Syrup Fee: $0.50
Hours: Monday through Saturday, 7:30 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Sunday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Pros: Local unique trinkets store attached, outdoor seating, fresh pastries and sandwiches, lower prices, nice music, vegan/gluten-free friendly
Cons: Downtown parking, limited seating
Address: 222 N Howard St, Spokane, WA 99201
First Ave Coffee:
This modern downtown café features earth-friendly, sustainable supply chain coffee. Connoisseurs can sample their ten organic, fair-trade coffees and uniquely house-made syrups. In addition, their in-house bakery supplies gluten-free, keto, and vegan options. Enjoy the freshly baked donuts, macarons, muffins, oat bars, and more. They also have a selection of savory foods, including biscuits (with keto options), savory grilled sandwiches (with keto, grain-free, and vegan options), and take-and-bake frozen treats. The menu changes seasonally and currently features a Maple Brown Sugar Latte, Pumpkin Chai, Apple Cider Sparkler, Café con Chocolate, and a Pumpkin White Russian. There are a few large community tables on the main floor and many smaller tables in the upstairs area for a focused atmosphere.
Price: $$$
Wi-Fi: Yes
Outlets: Yes
Energy drinks: Redbulls in Fridge
Hours: Daily 7 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Pros: Earth-friendly coffee, a large variety of pastries and food, vegan/gluten-free friendly, house-made syrups, fun atmosphere
Cons: Downtown parking, no outdoor seats
Address: 1011 W. First Ave, Spokane, WA, 99201
Meeting House (Other location in Perry Neighborhood):
Meeting House is a convenient, relaxed place to enjoy a drink and a delicious pastry. The staff is friendly and knowledgeable about creative drink concoctions. Exposed brick walls accentuate the cozy camping atmosphere at both locations. The menu offers a variety of classic options, while RedBull drinks are only available upon request. Pastries are freshly baked and include croissants, muffins, oatmeal, and parfaits. The Meeting House in the South Perry district has a larger selection of sandwiches, toast, and rotating pastries (currently raspberry danishes and maple pecan braids) for more substantial breakfasts or lunches. It also has a large grassy backyard for outdoor studying. The South Perry location has free street parking, many more multi-sized tables, and reserved conference rooms. Both locations are a great place to meet with friends before or after school. For a limited time, check out the Sweater Weather, Pumpkin Patch Latte, or Cinnamon Brown Sugar syrup. For back-to-school season, by purchasing a $20 gift card, they will add an additional $5 for free.
Price: $$, Latte $4.75
Wi-Fi: Free, no restrictions
Outlets: Yes
Energy drinks: Yes, on request
Alternative Milk Fee: $0.75
Syrup Fee: $0.50
Hours: Howard - Monday through Thursday - 7 a.m. to 4 p.m., Friday - 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Perry Street - Sunday through Wednesday 7 a.m. to 3 p.m., Thursday through Saturday 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Pros: Proximity to school for Howard location, friendliness, pastry options, seasonal specials, promotes work/study stays, indoor/outdoor, very large and cozy location near Perry, free street parking on Perry
Cons: Limited snacks, limited outdoor seating on Howard, small location on Howard, difficult to find Perry location
Address: 507 S Howard Street Spokane, WA 99204, and 1801 E 11th Ave. Spokane, WA 99202
South Hill:
Rockwood Bakery:
Rockwood Bakery offers a home-y, Friends-inspired atmosphere. They have a mix of classic tables, inside and outside, and a larger relaxed sofa area in the back room. They offer all typical coffee and pastry options, including some options for vegan and gluten-free diets. All bakery items are made fresh in-store and sell out quickly. The atmosphere is incredibly cozy for studying. Operating hours can cause difficulties for school day schedules, along with no Wi-Fi.
Price: $$
Wi-Fi: No
Outlets: Limited
Energy drinks: No
Alternative Milk Fee: $0.75
Syrup Fee: $0.75
Hours: Tuesday through Saturday - 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Pros: Pastry options, friendliness, outdoor seating, free parking, large sitting area, incredible atmosphere
Cons: Typically very busy, difficult hours for school, no Wi-Fi
Address: 315 E. 18th Ave. Spokane, WA 99203
The Rocket:
The Rocket provides numerous artsy, classic cafés to fulfill all study needs. They currently operate six locations, with one more on the way. Each store has different hours, but all are open before and after school every day. They offer a uniform menu and fresh pastries at each location. Beyond traditional drinks, they carry Yerba Mate, Kombucha, Italian Sodas, a Fruit Smoothie, and various bottled drinks. Meanwhile, the pastries are the star. Classic peanut butter chocolate chip, snickerdoodle, no bakes, brownies, and more accompany the renowned Pink Cookie. The South Hill location offers two small rooms, better for small study groups, and a large outdoor seating area.
Price: $$
Wi-Fi: Not at the South Hill location, but at all others
Outlets: Limited
Energy drinks: Yes
Alternative Milk Fee: $0.75-$1.05
Syrup Fee: $0.75
Hours: South Hill - 7 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Pros: Pastry options, friendliness, outdoor seating, free parking
Cons: Pricey drink modifications, smaller areas, especially busy on weekends
Address: 1301 W. 14th Avenue Spokane, WA 99204, and other locations
Revel 77:
This is a modern, bright coffee shop near Moran Prairie. It would be best for small groups, as it has numerous small tables and one central long table. Plenty of natural light creates an amazing environment for watching snow or rain. The pastry options (scones, breads, berry bars, and cinnamon rolls) are not made in house, but their syrups are, and accompany their classically house-roasted beans. They also have stuffed bagels, Boots granola, and avocado toast. Their mailing list gives perks, such as a free drink for signing up. For fall, they offer a PSL and an Apple Cinnamon Latte with a selection of fall syrups such as Apple Cinnamon, Pumpkin Spice, Hazelnut, and Almond.
Price: $$, Latte $5.10 Muffin $2.50
Wi-Fi: Yes
Outlets: Yes
Energy drinks: No
Alternative Milk Fee: $1.00
Syrup Fee: $0.75
Hours: Monday through Friday, 6:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Saturday and Sunday, 7 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Pros: Small free parking, outdoor seating, house-roasted coffee, less focus on pastries, loyalty program
Cons: Small size
Address: 3223 E. 57th Ave, Suite K Spokane, WA, 99223
The Rocket Market:
Although commonly known as a quaint shop and gas station, they also have an indoor/outdoor eating area with frequent live music. Inside, find a selection of pastries from local shops, like cake slices and macarons from miFlavour and cupcakes and cookies from Boots, a vegan, gluten-free bakery. They also have smoothie shakes, lattes, chai, and more. The connivance of a large collection of snacks next to the sitting area is crucial for studying. The indoor study/eating area is surrounded by large windows, making it a fantastic area for watching the weather and focusing. This is a great option for those not necessarily craving coffee or pastries, as they have a wide range of drinks, sandwiches, salads, snacks, and donuts.
Price: $, Latte $4.25, Muffin $2.00; however many other options available
Wi-Fi: Yes
Outlets: No
Energy drinks: Yes, to purchase and Redbull Italian Soda
Alternative Milk Fee: 0.90-1.20
Hours: 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily
Pros: Indoor/Outdoor, all snacks and food options present, many bakery treats
Cons: Events/wine classes close down the study area unexpectedly, no comfortable seats
Address: 726 E 43rd Ave Spokane, WA 99203
Perry Street:
The Shop:
The shop is a small, unique atmosphere on Perry Street. There are a few small tables both inside and outside. They sell coffee frappes, fruit smoothies, traditional café drinks, and bottled fridge drinks. The assortment of food is much larger than most other cafés. While they carry Boots and other bakeries products, the unique features are the bagels, focaccia sandwiches, falafel, grilled cheese, quinoa, “Gravity Bowls,” and more. As the name suggests, a small local vendor shop is inside with products such as teas, jewelry, and socks.
Price: $$, Latte $5.35 Muffin $2
Wi-Fi: Yes
Outlets: No
Energy drinks: Pre-Bottled
Alternative Milk Fee: $0.65
Syrup Fee: $0.60
Hours: 7:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. all days but Thursdays 7:30 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Pros: Lots of outdoor seating, vegan and gluten-free friendly, many food options, free parking, local vendor shop attached
Cons: Small area, hours are restrictive to only Thursday and weekends
Address: 924 S. Perry St. Spokane, WA 99202
Meeting House (See above)
North/Gonzaga:
Arctos:
This quaint, cozy coffee shop is a go-to place for GU students. They have one large and a few small tables. It is very similar to Rockwood Bakery—however, it is a sixteenth of the size. The music is modern, and the energy is exciting. They target GU students, so the coffee is not specialty, but cheap. Most snacks and food are prepackaged. For example, the fridge has Costco cheese packs and apple sauce. The highlight is definitely the stressed, over-caffeinated student energy.
Price: $, Latte $4.00 Muffin $2.00
Wi-Fi: Yes
Outlets: Yes
Energy drinks: Yes, lotuses
Alternative Milk Fee: $0.75
Syrup Fee: $0.50
Hours: Monday through Friday, 6:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Saturday and Sunday, 7 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Pros: Indoor/outdoor, great study atmosphere, snacks, surrounded by other studying students
Cons: Small space, very popular, parking may be difficult but free, non-specialty coffees and treats, cheap
Address: 1923 N Hamilton St Spokane, WA 99207
Clarks Fork:
As the door states, “there is a great abundance of good food here.” For all-day breakfast, try huge traditional items or their specialty real cinnamon roll French toast. Try the deli sandwiches, hot wraps and sandwiches, soup, and an all-you-can-eat salad bar for lunch. While they have traditional café drinks, students enjoy the refrigerator items or the free refill beverage bar of fountain drinks, teas, or drip coffee for $2.45. They have a large free parking lot with many small tables and bright lights. For frequent customers, the loyalty squad provides discounts and freebies. On Mondays, order a burger and add a patty for free; on Tuesdays, order an espresso get a shot for free; and on Wednesdays, answer trivia questions correctly for ten percent off. This is a cheap spot for good food and a relaxed environment.
Price: $, Latte $3.59
Wi-Fi: Yes
Outlets: Yes
Energy drinks: Yes, RedBull Italian Soda
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.; Saturday and Sunday, 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.; Salad bar from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Pros: Cheap food, lots of light, many small tables, all-you-can-eat options, free parking
Cons: Cannot visit after school, not traditionally cozy
Address: 1028 N Hamilton Ste. 100, Spokane, Washington 99202
