Your living room will always be there for you when you need a place to study. But as someone who’s worked remotely for three years and went to college for five, I think I can help you find the right mix of coffee shops for you to work at, depending on what you want.
Though the downtown location is sure to run out of their glittery tables during peak hours, this has to be at the top of the list because it’s the only shop that reliably stays open past 6 p.m. (they’re open until 10 p.m.). Working until they close over a teapot and pizza from Guido’s next door is a core memory for many a student. Definitely bring your headphones.
2C Tip: I love the downtown Boise Flying M, but the City Cast Boise crew agrees it’s actually the third-best after its Nampa and Caldwell locations.
This little shop off Parkcenter Boulevard in east Boise has a maximalist feel, but in a word, it’s just cozy. The decor is whimsical and quirky enough to spark a little creativity, and everyone there is sweet. If you need to take a study break, the Greenbelt is a short walk around the building.
The bling of Zero Six Coffee Fix. (Blake Hunter / City Cast Boise)
What the Latah Street location lacks in parking it makes up for in a spacious patio and relaxing, open feel. Plus, Wyld Child and The STIL are right there for a bite. The 34th Street Garden City location is top notch, too, especially if you’d like to be interrupted by dogs. Maybe the best part of Push & Pour shops is that they feel very outside academia, and sometimes you need that perspective to keep your head level while starting your fourth online assignment of the day.
This shop also feels off the beaten path of higher education, while staying as friendly and community-based as you could hope for. It’s often busy, but the tables are big enough to share, so grab a friend!
Downtown Scholarly Shops
The above coffee shops are my favorites for studying, working, or writing at, but there are a handful more downtown that need to be mentioned.
- Java: With single and double tables, you can get focused quickly here. The Hyde Park location is great for reading.
- Neckar: This will feel the most academic, like you could see someone pull out a chessboard (and you might). It’s bright, and a morning study session here will make you feel accomplished going into the rest of the day.
- Broadcast: Located right on Cherie Buckner-Webb Park, Broadcast has a lush, colorful aesthetic to help you feel both focused and creative.
- Slow by Slow: Some of Boise’s best, most technical coffee is made here, but it’s a good place to put your head down and check things off your list, too.
