The Killam is a convenient place to study in Halifax, but if you’re looking for new and fresh places to hit the books, check out these 10 locations across the city. Whether you like to snack on brain food or comfort food, the list below includes something for everyone. Leave the Killam behind this week (you can only eat a Subway sandwich so many times) and get inspired to study (and eat!) somewhere new off-campus.
1. The Nook
The Nook is an ideal place to set up for the day and get a bunch done. The north end café is cozy and small so it doesn’t get too loud and crazy, however there’s still plenty of space to spread out and study (especially if you manage to snag one of the two booths in the corner). Their snack menu includes naan bread pizzas and some killer nachos — perfect study snacks for hungry students.
2. Good Food Emporium
The Good Food Emporium, located in the west end, is a super cute and colorful place to study in Halifax. The restaurant, which is known for its friendly staff and homely atmosphere, offers up delicious food at a student friendly price. The welcoming space is famous in particular for its fresh baked bread, fish cakes, and a tomato, avocado, and cheese sandwich dubbed “Ghettosocks”.
3. Dilly Dally
This fairly new café on Quinpool Road has quickly become a favorite study spot for students. It’s a bright and inviting space with plenty of windows and natural light. They offer a rotational menu with new items every day and the food is served on plates even cuter than your best stationary. With plenty of gluten, vegan, and vegetarian options, almost anyone could spend the day snacking and studying here.
4. Lion and Bright
Though some may know Lion and Bright as a staple north end bar, it operates as a bistro during the day. The wooden high top bars allow plenty of space to spread out all of your work. The bistro offers upscale versions of student favorites like tacos and grilled cheese sandwiches. If you’re in a writer's-block rut, get inspired by the monthly art exhibitions that hang on their red brick walls.
5. Robie St. Station
If you’re looking for some comfort food to get you through a tough assignment, set yourself up at Robie St. Station. The atypical diner, which serves internationally inspired dishes, has an amazing menu and all-day breakfast. With Vietnamese banh mi, French croque-madame, and homemade donuts, there’s something for everyone.
6. Lucky Penny
Lucky Penny is a cozy little café on Quinpool Road. They offer great brain foods like granola bowls, avocado toast, and turkey sandwiches. If you're tired of your regular study space, come here for a couple hours to get focused, and while you're at it, admire their super cute wallpaper.
7. Pavia Gallery
The Halifax Central Library is definitely one of the most beautiful places to study in Halifax. Pavia Gallery provides students with plenty of brain food to snack on while they’re there. They offer a range of hot pressed sandwiches, salads, and soups. With lots of food options and a good working environment, your papers will be finished in no time.
8. Seven Bays Bouldering
To anyone who hasn’t been to this north end rock-climbing hotspot, it may seem like a weird option for this list. However, the space has become a massively popular hang out for casual studying. The adjoining café offers plenty of seating, fast service, and good quality food. Chomp on vegan rice bowls, cubano sandwiches, and baked goods. If you’re the type of person who works better when there’s some buzz about, (aka the stacks in the Killam terrify you) spend the day studying here — and if you get tired of working, you can always rock climb!
9. Steve-O-Reno's Cappuccino
Steve-O-Reno's Cappuccino serves weekend breakfast until 3pm, so it’s a great place to spend a Saturday morning getting work done for the week ahead. The Halifax staple is known for its famous breakfast sandwiches and offers Spanish-inspired dishes like Huevos Rancheros and Chicken Tostadas with homemade guac.
10. Coburg Coffee
Last but not least, Coburg Coffee. This café, located only a block away from Dalhousie, is a student staple and a great place to kill some time (and homework) between classes. They offer plenty of sandwiches, wraps, and desserts that are made both in-house and also brought in from other local bakeries.