Brew up your best work at these local cafes | 

Mia Smith, Staff Writer | 

The most trying time of the year is upon us once again—the dreaded exam season. Students across Calgary are entering the most demanding season of the school year. And while there are several on-campus opportunities and spaces for students to hit the books, many students find that leaving campus can offer more productive environments to study, as well as a nice change of scenery.

Calgary is home to many hidden study spots in cafes and restaurants. I took the liberty of trying a few of them to see what the environment was like and what kind of snacks and coffee they offered. Lord knows we all need caffeine right now to get through these next couple of months. Whether you study alone or in a group, sometimes trying a new place can bring a small sense of excitement during such a nerve-racking time.

As a self-proclaimed coffee addict myself, trust me when I tell you that my latte senses are quite heightened.

Analog Coffee, 17th Avenue

With such a small building and a busy location, you are testing your luck trying to find a seat to study at. But, if you do get lucky and snag a seat, the experience is phenomenal. The food and coffee selection is wide, and as a basic white girl, I know a good vanilla latte when I taste it. Being so central on the always bustling 17th Ave, this location might not be great for you if you need peace and quiet to lock in. However, if you are able to dial in and appreciate a good cup of coffee, this cafe might be your new favourite spot.

Analog Coffee on 17th Avenue is a hot spot for those looking to study or work
remote while enjoying a nice brew and a buzzing atmosphere. Photo courtesy of
Instagram/@analogcoffee.ca

Phil & Sebastian, Marda Loop

Marda Loop is home to many thriving local companies. I stopped by Phil & Sebastian and found the large open concept refreshing, as many cafes are known to be small and cozy. This well-known Calgary cafe is renowned for its irresistible coffee and tasty snacks. Although, personally, the coffee was not my cup of tea.

While I found it to be a great study space, the coffee was an acquired taste. However, I must give a special shout-out to the staff—for being on the larger side of a local chain, they are always fantastic. They go as far as to chat with you about your life while the espresso is brewing, which took me aback, as baristas are usually not this chatty while crafting their artwork.

Monogram Coffee, Altadore

Monogram is a great study spot, and not very far from Mount Royal University. Its quaint and tiny environment provides an ideal atmosphere for students to grab an exceptional coffee and hit the books. Walking into the cafe, I was personally devastated to find out that they do not carry vanilla, so I cautiously opted for a condensed milk latte. I was pleasantly surprised by how much I liked this alien coffee.

However, the main setback for this cute location was the daily early closures at 4 p.m. This forces the cafe to miss an influx of night-time students who are not leaving school until later on. Monogram makes up for the lack of hours with an endearing vibe and tasty coffee.

Philosafy Coffee, 17th Avenue

This cafe is one of my personal favourites. The vibe is excellent and besides the daily lunch rush from the high schoolers across the street, I have never seen this place packed to the brim. Which in terms of a study place, makes for an exceptional vibe. This professional hub is a breeding ground for focus.

The coffee is excellent and the staff are even more so. No surprise, I highly recommend their vanilla latte. Like the caffeine aficionado I am, I often opt for grabbing an extra shot of espresso on the side of my coffee for extra flavour and kick. The majority of the time, workers here give me the extra shot with no questions asked.

The only con is the lack of food options. But with so many spots for food on 17th, a quick study break and a walk down the street for a bite to eat would be an easy side quest.

Element Cafe, 17th Avenue

Similar to any popular cafe on 17th, finding a spot can be tough but, when you do, it is a fantastic experience. The coffee is delish and the pastries even more so. Although the coffee and food are top-notch, the noise level for studying is a bit distracting.

The shop offers an array of flights that are unique to them. It has a wonderfully relaxed vibe and serves as a potentially great grind session for students. The staff is friendly and welcoming. Element works closely with local artists and surrounds the cafe with their work, which I thought was a nice local touch.

Mia Smith is a Staff Writer for The Reflector 2024-2025.