By: Kaeson Warnes
It’s that time of year when winter transitions into spring. Hopes are high as the sun begins to peek through the clouds, and dead week has crept up on all of us once again. Spending long nights cramming in the company of your noisy roommate, the last thing you want to be is under caffeinated and understudied during finals week. You also don’t want to spend the last bit of your remaining energy finding the perfect study spot, only to discover the last seat in your favorite café has already been taken. Even worse, your coffee order isn’t quite up to your standards, and you’re left trudging back home with a bitter taste in your mouth.
We at Wavelength know this frustrating experience all too well. A bad study day can easily lead to an even worse finals week, and it’s important to show yourself some extra self-care during this time. To help you avoid these unfortunate scenarios, I took coffee orders from each member of Wavelength, and scoped out some prime study spots to determine whether they were up to my finals week standards.
Café Blue: London Fog
Two mugs filled with coffee drinks set on top of green plates. Underneath is a wooden table with paintings of red berries and green stems, and to the side is a notebook filled with drawings and notes. Kaeson Warnes // Wavelength
Café Blue is an offbeat locally owned shop nestled in a bright alleyway within Fairhaven. This coffee spot feels like a hole-in-the-wall find; but it is bustling and busy inside. You’ll find yourself surrounded by colorful art on the walls and pops of green from the abundance of plants dangling from the shop windows. Although Café Blue is extremely inviting, it is advised you arrive well before any deadline, as my friend and I had to wait a while before finding a spot to rest. As suggested by Lily, I found that the London Fog did not meet my personal expectations and was far too milky. My friend ordered the hot chocolate, and with one sip, I was transported back to the many hot cocoa-filled winters from my childhood. “With a little more cocoa”, my friend claimed, “the hot chocolate would be perfect.” The presentation of each drink at Café Blue was clean and professional, which shows promise for other items on the menu. If you’re searching for a bright, artsy atmosphere; then Café Blue is perfect for your studying needs.
Firehouse Café: Brown Sugar Cardamom Latte
A mug of coffee set on a wooden table, featuring a heart shape made into the foam. To the right is a book titled: “Braiding Sweetgrass”. Kaeson Warnes // Wavelength
For those that love woodsy, quaint café vibes, you will certainly be a fan of Firehouse Café. The natural lighting, cabin-like feel, and fireplace was reminiscent of a place you’d find in a small ski town. As you enter, you’re immediately greeted with smiles from the regulars—whose drink orders have been memorized by the equally friendly staff. Firehouse Café features plenty of indoor and outdoor seating to meet your studying needs. Although Tim recommended the “Caramel”, I took liberty to order the Brown Sugar Cardamom Latte—a seasonal special. The coffee featured strong espresso and a subtle sweet flavor; exactly what I look for in a good latte. If you’re a fan of classic, small-town cafés, I would highly recommend a visit to the Firehouse Café.
Caffé Adagio: Mayan Hot Chocolate
A mug of hot chocolate with whipped cream set atop a wooden table. To the left is a half-eaten pastry on a white plate. Kaeson Warnes // Wavelength
This classic Italian café does not leave anything to disappoint. I was already very familiar with Caffé Adagio and knew what to expect. You can find me spending many hours reading at the cozy corner tables in this family-owned downtown shop. Caffé Adagio is spacious, with plenty of seating opportunities for individuals and groups alike. No need for headphones: light jazz music and the faint murmur of people chattering floats through the atmosphere, gently guiding your study session. Their drinks and pastries are reliable, affordable, and always served with a smile from the barista. Abbey requested I try the Hot Chocolate; however, I took it a step further and tried their unique Mayan Hot Chocolate. With a subtle spice added into the bittersweet chocolate, this drink naturally has become my favorite studying treat.
Narrative Coffee: Ritual Mocha
A clear glass mug filled with coffee, which features an intricate heart design made from foam on the top. Kaeson Warnes // Wavelength
My personal go-to has become Narrative Coffee, a locally owned business off Holly St. near Zuanich Park. Narrative Coffee has a vibrant, modern feel. Although the setting may feel daunting at first, the baristas are quick to strike up a light conversation as they meticulously craft your drink. Narrative Coffee is never too busy, and finding a seat is quick and painless. One thing I noticed at other study spots was the lack of spots that featured electrical outlets and table space fit for computer use; posing a barrier for an avid digital student. No need to worry at Narrative Coffee however: each table is configured to comfortably accommodate your laptop, any study materials, and your coffee order. The only downside to Narrative Coffee is the price. This shop prioritizes the quality of their coffee and features some of the highest-end coffee roasters in the world. My regular order is the Ritual Mocha, which you can tell is crafted with nothing but care. The baristas will warn you that this is not your typical mocha; it’s not sweet at all, and instead features a savory bitter chocolate flavor which pairs perfectly with their smooth espresso roast. Even amongst all these wonderful places I have been able to visit, Narrative Coffee still holds the top spot for my personal studying needs.
Home: Yerba Mate
A yellow and red can reading: “Guayaki Organic Yerba Mate: Revel Berry”. Kaeson Warnes // Wavelength
Finally, we went back home for our last drink. Shayna’s go-to study drink is Guayaki Yerba Mate in the comfort of her own home. Although getting away from the noise and distraction of your place can be useful, it’s not always possible to spend extra time and money finding a new study spot. Having a familiar space with your choice in music, lighting, and company is sometimes all you need to effectively get through finals week. Shayna’s drink of choice is light and fresh, which is perfect for when you need an extra boost at the end of a long day. Plus, for those who are budget-conscious, this drink is highly affordable and worth every penny.