Books & Beans: coffee shops for studying this fall

With midterms already upon us, and finals week closer than we’d like to think, the need for a study sanctuary looms larger every day. There are so many factors that go into finding the perfect spot, and it can be difficult to find the time to pick out your perfect study locale. As a seasoned coffee-shop-studier, I feel I have some sort of authority on the amenities shops around Bozeman offer. Each shop listed here will be analyzed on five criteria: 1) “The Cost of Existence” (How much does a standard 16oz latte cost?), 2) Outlets (What’s the power situation like), 3) The Vibe (What’s it like in there? Will there be distractions like open mic nights or rowdy Bible Study groups?), 4) Hours (How late can I be there, how late can I order a coffee without judgement) and finally 5) Honorable Mentions (What makes this place unique?). Without further ado:

Wild Joe*s Coffee Spot is located on Main Street across from the Ellen Theater. Because of its location, parking can be a pain, but it’s worth it sometimes just for the reward of browsing Main’s shops after you’re done with your work. A 16oz latte costs $4.75, and Wild Joe*s’ menu includes lots of delicious specials, my favorite being the Scorched Earth Mocha. Is open until 6:00 p.m., which offers great flexibility during the day, but cuts evening study sessions a little short. The space can get quite loud during peak hours, so if you need complete silence, I would not necessarily recommend this spot. The outlet situation is pretty good at Wild Joe*s, by my estimation only a couple tables have no outlet access.

Ghost Town Coffee Roasters is, in my opinion, the best cup of coffee in town. Ringing in at $5 for a 16oz latte, this spot is at the upper end of the price range. While the coffee is great, both Ghost Town locations are not that conducive to studying. The Bridger Center Drive location is spacious, but is just too far out of the way for my taste. The Olive Street location is far closer, but the space inside is very small, with limited seating and not too many outlets. The space is all floor to ceiling windows, so it gets a bit sauna-like in there in the afternoons. Both locations close at 5 p.m., which may be good for daytime studiers, but again cuts evenings short.

Cold Smoke Coffeehouse is a quasi-local chain that is a real contender for my favorite study spot. There truly is always a wild conversation to eavesdrop on (for example: AA Sponsor meetings or heated Bible Study discussions), and there are outlets practically at every table. After noon their breakfast burritos are discounted, and let me just tell you, there are few things better than a discounted panini-ed breakfast burrito to prime your brain for maximum knowledge absorption. A 16oz latte costs $4.25, they are open until 7 p.m. (though closed on Sundays) and with abundant high-backed booths at both the 19th Street location and the Huffine location, there are few places better to hunker in for some high intensity studying.

International Coffee Traders has been, I’m sure, part of most MSU students’ studying experiences. In my opinion, the coffee is not that good, clocking in at $4.00, but the proximity to campus really can’t be beat. Outlets are not abundant, and you often have to hang around for a while waiting for a table during peak hours. During the warmer months it gets almost unbearably hot inside due to the giant windows, but in the winter it is nice and cozy. The plants add a lovely atmosphere, and they offer some pretty delicious breakfast sandwiches. International is open until 7 p.m. every day.