For the Caffeine Fiends and the Library-Loathing

by:  Lauren Sarkesian

Tired of being stuck in the library with the gunner from your section who wants to know if you, too, have already finished the fourth Torts practice exam and didn’t understand how to work IIED into question #2? Yeah, we’ve all been there. You need to get out! Take a break from those drab white walls and endless stacks of Law Reporters towering over you. There are other places to study. And I’m not talking about the Starbucks at Pearson & State.  I’m talking places where the espresso swirls into beautiful designs in your mug. Places where you can sink into a comfy couch to read your Examples & Explanations.  Places where nobody will bother you.

The Bourgeois Pig (photo by _nickd)

…or maybe you’re just feeling adventurous. Either way, here are a few ideas for cool spots around town to study, by neighborhood:

Lincoln Park The Bourgeois Pig – 738 W. Fullerton Ave.

Feels like studying in an old European apartment. Lots of vintagey décor, great coffee, and very tasty food.  (The sandwiches are named after great novels as well—seriously, try The Sun Also Rises!) Oh, and it’s just off the Red Line Fullerton stop. Just beware the DePaul students.

Filter (photo by Eric Wittman)

Wicker Park
Filter – 1373 N. Milwaukee Ave.

This place is grunge-chic. Filter has a great assortment of old, mismatched, beat-up couches and lamps that create a fun atmosphere. My favorite of the coffeeshops I’ve found in Chicago for that alone, although I’ll admit that I could get a better latte at Starbucks. …Or across the street at a smaller, nerdier, vintage video game-themed Wormhole coffeeshop. Beware the hipsters (at both).

Caribou Coffee (photo by Heather Elias)

River North
Caribou Coffee – 600 N. Kingsbury

Unfortunately, River North is not home to many coffeeshops. Caribou is the best we’ve got in River North (my ’hood) but really, it’s not a bad option. This location is right on the park, has lots of windows, usually is quiet with seating available, and offers its usual lodge-like atmosphere—complete with a fireplace. Beware the moms that intermittently stop in with loud kids.

The Loop

Intelligentsia (photo by Liz Clayton)

Intelligentsia – 53 W. Jackson Blvd.

Best espresso you’ll find around. The shop boasts an unfussy, classic aesthetic.  Though it’s a chain (like everything in the Loop) at least it’s a Chicago-based chain, and, this location is inside the historic Monadnock building. If there’s no seating available, you could always pick up your caffeine and head over to the Harold Washington Public Library down the block. Or check out their Lakeview location (on Broadway). Beware the coffee snobs.

Enjoy!