You know the routine: Class, coffee, class, library, sleep (maybe, but unlikely) and repeat. Wouldn’t it be nice if there were places not coated in the green siren logo to do homework at for a few hours and get a change of pace? DING-DING! They exist, and they’re all around the Chicago Loop area.
Here are the top 6 places for doing homework downtown (WiFi included at each, of course!):
1. Goddess and The Baker
Photo by Natalie Reehl
This heavenly spot is located in the heart of the Loop and offers delicious, healthy foods such as sandwiches, salads, and a full breakfast menu of parfaits and avocado toast. There’s also a full array of baked goods (hence the title) and unique coffee drinks like Vietnamese iced coffee (coffee and condensed milk shaken over ice, yum) so whether it’s 11 am or 5 pm, you’re in the right spot. It’s an open and comfortable environment with lots of natural lighting and an organic-urban vibe.
2. Peach and Green
Photo by Meredith Simmons
Peach and Green offers a full, fresh menu including french toast and scrambles for breakfast and pastries galore. It also sits next to Goddess and The Baker, which means if you go to one on Monday, you have an easy decision where to go Tuesday. Their lattes are out of this world, and if you’re already high on caffeine, they have a selection of juices and smoothies to balance out your bloodstream. So head over and get all-natural for the afternoon. Peach and Green is an organic oasis unlike any other with amazing snacks and comfy chairs near the window.
3. Argo Tea
Photo courtesy of Creative Commons
Argo Tea is a stellar chain that’s often overlooked but deserves serious praise, as the tea and coffee drinks alike are handcrafted with love and are sure to refresh & recharge. With dozens of tea options that can be made hot or cold, and specialties like a latte made with the tea flavor and milk of your choice, there’s quite literally something for everyone on their menu. Argo Tea is a simple, but inviting, dimly-lit cafe setting with power outlets everywhere and snacks such as empanadas, power bowls, and cookies.
4. Leonida’s Chocolate Cafe
Photo by Natalie Reehl
While this cafe is really a Belgian chocolate shop filled with truffles and exquisite treats galore, they also offer incredible coffee and sweet bites that help take the edge off studying those three chapters on microbiology. The hot chocolate is an obvious favorite, and food-wise, the waffles (or “gaufres” as they’re called there) are topped with fruit, drizzled with melted chocolate, and are all-around amazing. Come fora a cozy, warm environment that’s perfect for rainy days calling for comfort and calories.
5. Dollop Coffee
Photo by Natalie Reehl
With locations all around the Chitown area you have options, however the Loop location is seriously cute and has a vintage feel complete with marquee “Dollop” sign. From local pies to sandwiches you have snacks galore to pick from and don’t forget about the drinks made with Metropolis Coffee’s carefully selected beans. It’s the perfect laid-back, but Instagram-worthy, coffee shop to sip a latte at and breathe between classes.
6. Two Zero Three
Photo by Natalie Reehl
Feeling fancy? Check out Two Zero Three in the Virgin Hotel off Wabash, where the youth drink coffee all day and the adults drink wine all night. With gaslight vibes and a cool coffee bar looking out at the madness of the city find your inner chill, get a cupcake, and get that last paper done. Not to mention the record collection to look through. If you’re at *that point* in the school day, come here for a quiet, grown-up attitude and a mid-day drink.