With midterms coming, it might be hard for some to remember the last time they ventured beyond Tenleytown. Revamp your study spot and check out these five off-campus places to finally start writing that paper:
1. Saxby’s Coffee | Georgetown
3500 O St NW
Georgetown, DC 20007
The medium-sized, one-story shop has a warm vibe, which is perfect for winter studying. Tables are sometimes hard to come by, so claim them early. If you’re willing to meet strangers, you can put a sign provided by the shop that says you are willing to share your space on the table. There are also comfortable couches and a small fireplace that makes you feel at home. The hum of the espresso machines keeps a nice white noise, but not enough to distract you from conversations or textbooks. They also have a sweet dirty chai.
2. Starbucks | Dupont Circle
1301 Connecticut Ave NW
Washington, DC 20036
Visiting the newly renovated two-story location will appeal to those who like good views and quiet corners. On the corner of Connecticut Avenue and facing Dupont Circle, this Starbucks has a cozy, yet modern feel with an emphasis of wood panels and wide windows. The first floor has wooden bar tables with plenty of outlets and stools lining the windows facing the busy streets. The typical hum of baristas preparing drinks is a bit louder than Saxby’s Coffee and the sights of D.C.’s eclectic population give visitors a great chance to “people watch” to their hearts content.
If you need a bit more quiet and focus, head to the beautiful and open air second floor. There are more private tables, couches, and outlets for solitude and quiet. One of the special things about this coffee shop is the group of couches directly facing the Dupont Circle. In between textbook pages you feel like you’re looking at the heart of Dupont with the best view.
3. Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Gallery | The Mall
700 Independence Ave SW
Washington, DC 20560
Kill two birds with one stone by visiting the inspiring Hirshhorn Art Museum and study on the third floor panorama room on a Saturday or Sunday morning. You can bring a group of friends to see works from artists, then have a study session with a view on the third floor of the museum. A wall-to-wall window facing The Mall and Hirshhorn’s sculpture garden brings natural light into the quiet and peaceful room. There is ample study space in the large room with black couches for lounging and broad, black tables closer to the middle of the room.
4. Library of Congress Jefferson Building
101 Independence Ave SE
Washington, DC 20540
While this seems pretty obvious, there is something about the Jefferson Building that screams Hogwarts. The beautiful wooden desks are surrounded by stacks upon stacks of books that even standing close to will increase your IQ by 10 points. For architecture buffs, the gilded accents and extremely high ceilings give it an awe-inspiring feel while you are trying to write your senior thesis, research paper or highly articulate tweet.
5. Tryst | Adams Morgan
2459 18th St NW
Washington, DC 20009
Kogod alum Constantine Stavropoulos founded wildly popular D.C. spot Tryst in 1998, so it seems fitting to show your support. Finding seating at Tryst can be difficult on the weekends, but if you get there early enough you can grab a good spot. Brunch crowds love Tryst and bring their work along while they enjoy a bite. Their small plates are a great snack while studying and they have a full coffee menu including a “chaippuccino.” If you enjoy a bit of bustling noise while you study, Tryst provides plenty of it.
6. The Potter’s House | Adams Morgan
1658 Columbia Rd NW
Washington, DC 20009
One of D.C.’s oldest coffee shops and bookstores may be a good haunt for history buffs. The Potter’s House has been around for more than 50 years and began as an unconventional church and meeting space for artists and the disenfranchised. They still hold spiritual meetings, but there is also a cozy and warm space for those looking for a quiet afternoon of focused studying. The Potter’s House also serves food and drinks at a reasonable price.
jsmith@theeagleonline.com
