It’s hard to study on campus or work at home when you have roommates, pets, kids or everyday distractions. Fortunately, there are some great study and work spots to get work done throughout Ottawa! Here are just a few of our favourites to grab a cup of joe and dig into those books.
Haven Books and Café
Coffee connoisseurs looking for a place close to campus to escape to will be happy to know that the Haven Books and Café has excellent coffee and is quiet enough to set up shop to get stuff done. You’ll find French press coffee, delicious espresso beverages, teas, and delectable bakery snacks to get you through those long study sessions. Plus, you can find a number of the textbooks you need for less than on campus, and you can even turn your old ones in for cash!
Where: 43 Seneca Street, in Old Ottawa South
Website: havenbooks.ca
Why? Close to Carleton campus, quiet, well-lit space, with a good selection of textbooks
Bonus: Vegan and nut-free options available and a 9-drink free Loyalty Card
Black Squirrel Books & Espresso Bar
If you’re looking for a quaint place to hide and study, Black Squirrel is the place to be. This two-level operation offers a book-filled basement and a snug upstairs with decent seating and delicious locally roasted coffee, craft beer, and wines. Study by day and then stay to catch their live music and other fun events at night.
Where: 1073 Bank Street in Old Ottawa South
Website: blacksquirrelbooks.ca
Why? Cozy café with a good selection of used books to help you procrastinate during your study breaks
Bonus: Open late till midnight every day and serves beer
Planet Coffee
Some of us need a bustling coffee shop to keep us focused and energized. Planet Coffee in the Byward market is just the place. It has a nice buzz but still provides a great environment to work and study. And in the summer, you can take advantage of their big patio to enjoy the rays or to people-watch to distract you. Planet Coffee is also famous for their in-house baked goods, very helpful customer service, and for serving solar-powered coffee.
Where: 24a York Street in Byward Market
Website: planetcoffeeottawa.ca
Why? Big outdoor seating space and a decent menu with soups and sandwiches.
Bonus: Big windows for people-watching in the winter
Pressed
This cozy neighbourhood gourmet sandwich bar and coffee shop is located on Gladstone just North of the Glebe. It’s the perfect place to work and relax during the day and enjoy live music and events every night of the week. They also feature a famous Bluegrass show on Mondays and offer delicious brunch on Saturdays and Sundays. But don’t worry, they also have an all-day breakfast menu available during the week in case you can’t pull yourself out of bed. There’s lots of space to work here too!
Where: 750 Gladstone in Chinatown
Website: pressed-ottawa.com
Why? Great food menu, local alcohol options, daily events, weekend brunch
Bonus: All-Inclusive (LGBTQ+) friendly space – everyone is welcome!
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