Hey everyone!
We’re getting to the end of the semester and with that comes an abundance of final projects, long study sessions, and back-to-back final exams that students are gearing up for. For me, getting out of my room to do my study sessions has always made me so productive and has allowed me to really hone in on my work while treating myself to a sweet drink and snack. For those of you looking for spots in Iowa City to get some homework done, hang out with friends on your break, or maybe you want the author aesthetic for your creative writing, this is the post for you!
The Coffee Emporium
Previously known as “High Ground Cafe,” The Coffee Emporium is a popular study spot on the edge of Iowa City. It’s known for having amazing sandwiches, an assortment of teas, and coffee blends that are locally blended. Inside, you’ll find tables, couches, a fireplace, and if it’s nice, some outdoor seating to finish your homework or chat with an old friend. I find myself here once a week because I love the community and how friendly the workers are. The windows also wrap around the side of the building, so it gives its clients a great view of Iowa City, and if there’s anything about me, it’s that I LOVE to people-watch.
Tru Coffee
If you’re looking for a coffee shop that has more of a social vibe then this one is for you! Tru Coffee doubles as both a coffee shop AND a thrift store. Crazy right!? They’re constantly adding new clothing items to their racks and it’s a lot of fun to grab a drink and pick through the new materials. It also has a great plant collection, windows that face the road, and some colorful couches to sink into. Every once in a while, they’ll also let people set up their small Etsy shops as booths to help get their work out there. This place is definitely community-oriented, and it shows!
Javahouse
One of my favorite things about Javahouse is its aesthetic. Unlike the other coffee shops I’ve mentioned, this one has a dark interior, warm lighting, and self-portraits whose eyes seem to follow you as you walk by. It definitely has a quieter vibe to it and if you’re someone who likes feeling like they’re cocooned in a blanket while they work, this might be the spot for you! They have themed drinks for every season, plenty of indoor and outdoor seating, and they’re connected to Heirloom which is a sandwich/salad bar if you need a bite to eat. Located right in the heart of Iowa City and about a block away from Target, this is also a great spot to go if you want to kill two birds with one stone and get your grocery shopping done while you’re out and about!
Prairie Lights Cafe
An absolute classic here in Iowa City! Prairie Lights Cafe is located above the famous, small business bookstore, Prairie Lights. It’s known for bringing in best-selling authors who do readings of their books and talk with the Iowa City community. The cafe really reflects the writer vibes with its wood seating, walls of artwork, and tiny feel. Since it’s adjacent to the bookstore, this is a great place to go if you just need some time to relax with a good book and chill in a quiet spot.
fix! Coffee
Located inside of the Chauncey, fix! Coffee is another well-lit coffee shop with comfy seating, big windows, and friendly service. It’s not well-known which gives it an intimate feel and its upstairs seating gives clients a great view of Iowa City from a hotel point of view. It’s good for socializing, writing, and studying, and if you’re feeling like a much-needed study break is needed, there’s a movie theater, an arcade, and a bowling alley downstairs just waiting for people to go and have fun! They also typically have some events going on down there, so you can take a peek during your study breaks.
The Encounter Cafe
When I think of this place, my mind immediately goes to all the food choices it offers. Of all the places I mentioned, The Encounter Cafe has some of the best breakfast and lunch options in Iowa City. They have fresh pastries, healthy omelets, packed paninis, and sweet smoothies, to name a few! This location fills up pretty fast, so I recommend going early and securing a table for you and your friends. Definitely treat yourself to brunch and try to get some work done if you don’t mind a bit of noise in the background.
But hey, anything for good food, right?!
Cortado Mediterranean Cafe
Located right across from the Pentacrest, Cortado Mediterranean Cafe is another coffee shop that might be good if you’re not looking to spend so much time inside. While there is seating with a clear view of the Old Capitol building, its closeness to campus makes it a great spot to get your drink and continue with your day if you don’t have much time to stick around. Even though the cafe has vivid green walls, pristine white tables, and all the Mediterranean food options you could ask for, sometimes it is good to get out and enjoy the weather while you can. If that’s the case, Cortado has you covered!
T-spoons
Hidden inside the Old Capitol Mall, this small business is super tiny, but makes up for it by how cute it is! Inside Tspoons, there are only a couple seats, but it has great drink options, a lot of snack choices, and they serve homemade donuts! I’ve yet to indulge myself in the donuts, but I know there will come a day when I can’t resist!
Don’t worry if there isn’t much seating inside. There are plenty of spots inside of the ped mall to sit and study, so just grab your food and find a table to get your things done!
That’s all I have for coffee shops! There are so many located in Iowa City (some that even I haven’t had the opportunity to discover in my two years here) so there really is something for anyone.
Enjoy the shops, your coffee, and any studying you might have to do! Good luck on finals and as always, Go Hawks!
