Save my GPA!

February 13, 2006 8:54 PM

Looking for personal recommendations of quiet coffeehouse-type study spots in the Twin Cities. With the Winter Olympics in full swing, I am no longer able to withstand the temptation of the television in my room.

Free wi-fi is a must, late (11pm or 12am) hours on weekdays is a bonus. Anywhere in Minneapolis or St. Paul will work, although the closer to downtown Minneapolis or the Macalaster/St. Thomas area (Grand and Snelling in St. Paul) is preferred. Some local joints I've already found that I enjoy:

- Muddy Paws Cheesecake
- Vera's Cafe
- Coffee News Cafe

Thanks in advance!

posted by charmston to Food & Drink (8 answers total)

Best answer: Free Wireless in Minneapolis. I like Spyhouse, Caffetto (both open late). Also try Moose & Sadie's in the Warehouse District (2nd at 3rd), Cafe of the Americas (3019 Minnehaha past Lake) or Wilde Roast (Hennepin and Central, in NE not far from the U).
posted by hamster at 9:26 PM on February 13, 2006

Nina's - corner of Selby & Western on Cathedral Hill.
posted by nathan_teske at 9:44 PM on February 13, 2006

Espresso royale in Dinkytown is always packed with students studying or hanging out. And about a block from there is The Purple Onion. (You'll find both of those listed in the handy link provided by hamster). I don't like the atmosphere at the Purple Onion nearly as much, but they have nice big booth tables where you can spread out all your notebooks, flashcards, laptop, or whatever.
posted by gauchodaspampas at 2:03 AM on February 14, 2006

I second Nina's. Great looking place and there are always students there.

There's also a Dunn Bros on Lake St and the River Rd in Minneapolis. Tables in the back, comfy chairs upfront.
posted by emoeby at 5:24 AM on February 14, 2006

It's not open particularly late, but Acadia Cafe (corner of Franklin and Nicollet) serves fantastic beer, has great food, and also has free wireless. And if you need any more distractions, they have live music most nights.
posted by elquien at 6:36 AM on February 14, 2006

I've found that the UST library is a pretty good place to get stuff done. I always would study up on the fourth floor, looking out over the quad.
posted by Coffeemate at 6:48 AM on February 14, 2006

Urban Bean on 32nd (maybe 33rd?) and Bryant is a good place. Not quite as cool as Spy House, but nowhere near as crowded, at least usually.

And all of the Dunn Bros locations are pretty good, with free wireless... I like the one on the south side of Loring Park.
posted by COBRA! at 8:46 AM on February 14, 2006

Best answer: A Fine Grind on Cleveland and Marshall in St. Paul is just a few blocks from St. Thomas, has free wifi and is open until midnight.
posted by hootch at 10:33 AM on February 14, 2006