Confining your studying routine to the familiar shelter of Bender Library or Mary Graydon Center is a dangerous move. As an AU student, it's easy to develop the same plight as Princess Jasmine in "Aladdin" and remain within the palace grounds. Studying on campus is rather convenient, but beyond the quad dwells a whole new world and there's no evil Sultan keeping you from experiencing it. Hop on your magic carpet, or Metrobus or rail of your choice, and explore the plethora of alternative studying locales around D.C. at your disposal. The following places serve as a basic springboard for further off-campus studying adventures with easiest transportation routes from the AU/Tenleytown area.
5) Sticky Fingers, 1370 Park Rd., N.W. Best transportation route: Columbia Heights Metro, H4 bus.
A few steps from the 14th Street core of Columbia Heights rests vegan sweet haven Sticky Fingers, an ideal spot for morning studying. Modern in its design, Sticky Fingers is a hotspot for the socially and politically conscious, as the establishment strictly abides to vegan and animal rights conditions and standards. Also a staple are killer pastries, which there's no shortage of here. From their famous sticky buns to delectable cupcakes, brownies and muffins, it's easy to flirt between sugar rush and diabetic shock. Once you're all amped up on sugar, though, Sticky Fingers has a dozen or so tables for studying or working purposes.
4) Ebenezers Coffeehouse, 201 F St., N.E. Best transportation route: Union Station Metro
Nestled on a quiet corner in northeast D.C. a few blocks from Union Station, Ebenezers Coffeehouse is the perfect spot for a day when you want to get far off campus. The building was purchased by the National Community Church in 2002 and extensively renovated before its 2006 opening. Not to worry, though - there's no trace of religion in the coffee. All profits of the fair trade coffeehouse go towards community outreach projects around the Capitol Hill neighborhood through the National Community Church. Aesthetically, Ebenezers has the sophisticated, sterile ambiance of a Starbucks, its exposed brick and eclectic seating arrangements make for a lively coffeehouse. Its barren basement is used for concerts and dance classes nearly every night. During the day, however, it makes for an excellent, expansive space to spread out your books and papers and dive headfirst into your work.
3) SoHo Café, 2150 P St., N.W. Best transportation route: Dupont Circle Metro, N buses
A hop, skip and jump away from the Circle resides SoHo Café, a quaint coffeehouse with ample pizzazz. Featuring bold colors and unique décor lining the walls, SoHo Café is an ideal destination for writing papers. The seating dynamic is tight and clustered, making it rather difficult to spread out, but ideal for getting down to business on your laptop. The café has recently acquired a liquor license, sporadically rendering it a bar hangout spot on weekend nights. During weekdays, however, SoHo boasts a fairly subdued work environment - a quick, easy retreat off campus for those in search of an afternoon studying session with a jolt of caffeine.
2) Steam Café & Lounge, 1700 17th St., N.W. Best transportation route: Dupont Circle Metro, N buses
Steam Café & Lounge is irrefutably the most accommodating place to study off campus, if only for its unique hours of operation. During the week, Steam is open from 7 a.m. to 1 a.m. and to 3 a.m. on weekends, which is ideal if you've got a full day of studying ahead of you. The accommodating nature extends to the kitchen, too. Steam has an extensive menu that entails selections from every meal of the day, served from open to close - yes, all-day breakfast. The standard seating isn't particularly comfortable, but Steam attains its charm through the large windows that boast pleasant Dupont Circle vistas.
1) Tryst Coffeehouse/Bar/Lounge, 2459 18th St., N.W. Best transportation route: Woodley Park-Zoo/Adams Morgan Metro, H4 bus
Undoubtedly the most textbook "coffeehouse" in terms of personality, style and setup, Tryst is a fully functioning bar, café and lounge. With a haphazard seating arrangement composed of plush armchairs, dining room tables and everything in between, Tryst exudes a busy, yet welcoming atmosphere with delicious meals and myriad caffeinated beverage options, each served with Tryst's signature side of animal crackers. Studying and working in groups can be difficult given the helter-skelter seating organization and consistently popping business. The clientele ranges from students and locals to families lost on their way to and from the zoo, so it can get quite loud at times. For those that require silence to study, look elsewhere; for those who like boisterous work environments it doesn't get much better than this.
You can reach this staff writer at thescene@theeagleonline.com
