Where to study in brooklyn, NY
November 9, 2013 3:51 PM

Looking for somewhere quiet and convenient in the prospect heights area to get some schoolwork done on a regular basis. Willing to travel about 20 minutes, so suggestions for places in surrounding neighborhoods are also welcome.

I need a place that always has seating and tables available. I'm not looking to curl up on a big chair with a book, I need to sit and solve problems. Wi-fi and outlets are crucial. Coffee and/or baked goods are ideal.

I use my school library sometimes but it's not super close to where I live and has no coffee. I also kind of despise the sterile environment of school libraries, with people frantically cramming for tests/writing papers etc. I need something a bit more mellow to avoid getting stressed. In undergrad I gravitated towards smaller department libraries or the student union.

In the past I've found Starbucks to be okay but a *little* too loud. I don't like music while I study, but I don't like dead silence either. Some faint music or people talking quietly is fine.

Thanks!
posted by DayTripper to Education (10 answers total) 2 users marked this as a favorite
I like Brooklyn Kolache, not sure if that is convenient enough for you.
posted by mlle valentine at 3:58 PM on November 9, 2013


I've heard good things about Clover's Fine Art Gallery on Atlantic (this should be less than 20 minutes from you). It seems like a hidden gem where you might be able to work in a cool atmosphere.
posted by annabellee at 4:01 PM on November 9, 2013


The Brooklyn public library has a cafe on the first floor.
posted by ocherdraco at 4:01 PM on November 9, 2013


Breukelen Coffee, on the off chance that you live near the Franklin Ave subway stop.

Wifi and big communal tables for working/studying. Outlets. Stumptown coffee and delicious snacks. Soundtrack is solid. Also the scene there is very work oriented and people tend not to go to chat and hang out and bring the kids. I remember being in there once and a bunch of stroller people came in with loud toddlers. I think the rest of the room side-eyed them so hard they landed in Park Slope.

Brooklyn Kolache is great if you're in Bed Stuy. Not quite as work focused (and in fact they have mommy & me music story time whatever on certain weekdays), but plenty of outlets and delicious kolaches.
posted by Sara C. at 4:02 PM on November 9, 2013


Breukelen Coffee is right around the corner from Nimba, a newer but similar coffee shop which I personally prefer over Breukelen. They are both often fairly crowded, but one or the other will almost always have seats.
posted by showbiz_liz at 4:05 PM on November 9, 2013


The Brooklyn Public Library's new space on the first floor is very nice.
posted by akgerber at 8:24 PM on November 9, 2013


Hungry Ghost. Milk Bar.
posted by greta simone at 10:04 PM on November 9, 2013


The Tea Lounge in Park Slope should do great for you if your timing works to get a seat.
posted by Salamandrous at 1:50 PM on November 10, 2013


I just moved out of yer neighborhood, but when I lived there and sought what you're seeking, my go-to choice was always The Glass Shop on Classon.
posted by Dr. Wu at 6:09 PM on November 10, 2013


I was also going to suggest Glass Shop or Hungry Ghost.

Another option is the St. Catherine on Washington at Bergen. The music is there but usually pretty quiet, at least during the day, and it's got lots of outlets so you can always get one.

The Penny House on Washington between Park & Prospect plays NPR, but there's only about four tables so seating is hit-or-miss.

I'd say the back room at Soda Bar on Vanderbilt at St. Mark's -- often the music is off during the day -- but there's no pastries.
posted by mgar at 7:27 AM on November 11, 2013


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