Many are familiar with the ever-present struggle to find a solid study spot. Luckily you have me, who went around to cafes in the area to find the best place to lock in.

Overrated: P&P, Starbucks 

I know this is a controversial opinion, but Politics and Prose is not a great place to study. First of all, it’s always busy, so there are no tables and the \ chatter makes it hard to concentrate. Second, even if you get a table they’re too small to even think about sharing. Plus the cafe is tiny to begin with, so it can get cramped. Last and most important, limited access to convenient outlets.

As for Starbucks; no matter what location you go to it always has bad vibes. At least in P&P people seem happy. In Starbucks there’s a constant air of corporate misery that does not motivate you to do any work. Plus the seating is uncomfortable and comfort is key to any successful study session. 

Well Rated: Tatte, Bread Furst

The Bethesda Tatte is the perfect weekend study spot when you need to get a ton done. It’s location is subpar, and while their food and drinks are delicious, they are expensive so prepare to spend $25. However, it’s a large space with lots of different seating and good outlet access! The noise level is pretty moderate; nothing your trusty pair of wired earbuds can’t drown out. 

Bread Furst is more accessible location wise, but it has its downsides. It offers outdoor seating, which can increase productivity tenfold on a sunny day, but it’s next to a very large, busy street, so maybe not the calm sounds conducive to studying. The food is also delicious if you want a sweet treat to motivate you, but again not cheap. Also it’s a bakery first and study spot, like, fourth, meaning that the tables aren’t ideal for being on your computer for hours. 

Underrated: Compass Coffee, Tenleytown Library

Some people might think it’s blasphemous to include Compass as underrated and Starbucks as overrated, but I will stand by it. Compass has everything you could ask for in a study spot; comfy furniture, easy outlet access, low volume, no crowds, and reasonably priced yummy nibbles. 

So far I have exclusively mentioned coffee shops and bakeries, and though the Tenleytown Library definitely doesn’t fit into either of those categories, I urge you to give it a chance! The library is the OG study spot for a reason. For starters, the library is quiet, so yapping with friends to avoid work is out of the question. Also the library has tons of free amenities like desktops, study rooms, and printers! And before you fatties ask me about a sweet treat, Dunkin’ Donuts is practically next door, along with other places in Tenley to get a snack. •