by Tali Benchimol
With finals right around the corner, it’s time to find places to study at that aren’t the fifth floor of McLennan or the C4 Starbucks! Here is a list of a few of my favorite Montreal cafés that you should definitely give a chance this exam season!
1) Café Olimpico
124 Rue St. Viateur O
This is my go-to spot in Montreal, especially during finals. If you’re anything like me, the library can sometimes be too quiet, so try this Mile-End classic that is always sure to be bustling. Pro-tip: have some cash on you when you go as it is cash only, and the ATM there has quite a pricey fee. Once you’ve made the (worthwhile) trek up to rue St. Viateur, I highly encourage you to try their famous cappuccino and one (or many) of the melt-in-your-mouth chocolate chip cookies. Open from 7am-12am every day, Olimpico is sure to help you get a bunch of work done while also managing to immerse you in a fun and happy atmosphere that the library can sometimes fail to do.
2) The Standard Mile End
251 Rue St. Viateur O
Okay, warning about this one: there is no Wi-Fi. For those of you still reading, hear me out. I went here one day with 200 pages of overdue readings to annotate, and I can honestly say that this environment was perfect for that. If you need to watch lectures or do some research, I would probably not recommend this spot, but if you’re in the mood to crack down on your final essay or study flashcards, this modern and bright café is for you!
3) Santropol
3990 Rue Saint-Urbain
If you want to get out of the McGill bubble but also aren’t super down to trek all the way to the Mile-End, Santropol is a great alternative. Famous for their incredibly mouth-watering sandwiches, it’s a lovely spot to study at for hours on end. Always extremely busy, this Montreal classic still manages to offer a certain comfort of feeling like you’re in your own living room. There is a tiny area in which you can use your computer; however, if you’re not working on your laptop, the rest of the space is free for you to use.
4) Oh My Deer Café
24 Ave des Pins E
Oh My Deer is a pretty new establishment located right on Pine and St Dominique. If you’re looking for a small, cozy spot with delicious food and drink options, then this is definitely the place for you. The tables are spacious, though there are few, so be sure to get there early to secure a spot. You must try the iced spicy dirty chai when you’re there; it’s lifechanging. And, don’t forget to pick up a spinach danish fresh out of the oven.
5) Spill the Beans
3449 St. Laurent Blvd
The owners of this café are super passionate about coffee and know what they’re talking about, so if you’re feeling particularly adventurous, let them surprise you with a drink! Something to note about this spot is how small it is. There are only 5-ish seats at the window, but if you manage to get one, you won’t want to leave. It’s super bright and perfectly located so that if you decide you need to go back to the library, you’ll be able to easily access it.
