The opinions expressed in this article are the author’s own and do not reflect the views of Spoon University.
Have you ever been stuck scrolling through cafes on Yelp, wondering if it is worth taking the bus to do some work off campus? Here are my top recommendations for cafes around UCLA that are easily accessible from campus without a car, just in time for midterms and finals season!
5. Bonsai Coffee Bar
Bonsai Cafe, located in the Sawtelle neighborhood, just opened this year and is already a UCLA student favorite. With its aesthetic interior and unique lattes, it is perfect for an early morning grind. They also provide free WiFi! I ordered a Vietnamese coffee, and it made for a great study drink.
Beware, the seats fill up quickly, so make sure to get there early! They are open from 7 AM to 4 PM. The cafe also recommends that visitors only sit for a maximum of two hours.
Pros: Quiet; Great Ambiance; Unique drinks: Free WiFi
Cons: Farther from campus; Crowded
How to get there from UCLA: Around 20 minutes on the 1 Venice from either the Hilgard/Westholme stop or the Westwood Blvd/Weyburn Ave stop.
4. The Landmark Cafe
This cafe on Wilshire Blvd was a recommendation from my roommates, and it is for sure a hidden gem! Being at the bottom of an apartment complex, it is a bit difficult to find. But if you walk up the valet ramp, you can see the outdoor patio straight ahead.
As the cafe with the latest closing time on this list (7AM to 8PM), it is perfect for grinding your day away. I usually stick with my vanilla latte staple, but they also offer many delicious bakery items.
Pros: Open Late; Empty; Quiet: Free WiFi
Cons: Hard to find; Not much variety in drinks
How to get there from UCLA: 25 minutes on the 18 Marina Del Mar from the Gayley/Strathmore stop or 17 minutes on the 2 Downtown SM from the Hilgard/Westholme stop.
3. Alfred Coffee (Westwood Location)
When I want to go to a cafe in Westwood that is close to campus, this is my favorite spot! Their lavender latte is one of the best I tasted. I find that while other cafes in Westwood have no seats, Alfred usually has a couple of seats open.
The ambiance of the cafe is very open, colorful, and quiet, making it perfect for studying. They are also open from 7AM to 6PM daily, while other cafes in Westwood like Bluestone Lane, close at 4PM. My favorite part is that the cafe is right next to the Hammer Museum, if you want a study break!
Pros: Close to campus; Usually has seats; Great drinks; Free WiFi
Cons: More towards the expensive end
How to get there from UCLA: 5 minutes on the R12 Palms Rapid from Westwood Plaza or 10 minutes on any bus leaving from Hilgard Terminal.
2. Coffee Commissary (Palms Location)
This is my all-time favorite cafe study spot. The only reason it is not number one on my list is because it is a little farther away than all the other cafes on this list. They have amazing food and drinks, and there are always seats inside and outside the cafe.
They are open from 7AM to 6PM and have multiple locations close to UCLA. The Palms and Santa Monica locations are both roughly 30 minutes away from campus by bus.
Pros: Delicious food and drinks; Open seats; Quiet; Free WiFi
Cons: Far from campus
How to get there from UCLA: 30 minutes on the R12 Palms Rapid from the Westwood Blvd/Weyburn Ave stop.
1. Espressoteric Coffee
There are no bad things to say about Espressoteric. From being close to campus to having great drinks, it is an all-around amazing cafe. My roommate declares, “This is the best matcha you can find in Westwood.” They also offer a 10% discount for all UCLA students if you show the barista your BruinCard.
This cafe has a classic and cozy vibe; great for grinding any work. They are open daily from 7:30 AM to 6PM. Though it may get more crowded during exam season, it is usually fairly empty and has plenty of seating options (bar seating, couches, and tables).
Pros: Usually empty, quiet, close to campus
Cons: No WiFi
How to get there from UCLA: 20 minutes on the R12 Palms Rapid from the Westwood Plaza stop or 20 minutes on the 6 Green Line from the Gateway Plaza stop.