It’s exam week at Loyola, but students don’t have to stay inside under fluorescent lights for several hours straight. No need to fight with peers over chairs at the library. There are relaxed and fun study places in the uptown area with coffee, food, and free Wi-Fi.

Hey! Café
4332 Magazine St.
504-891-8682

Sun. -Thurs.: 7 a.m.-2 a.m.
Fri. & Sat.: 7 a.m.-10 p.m.

Each room in Hey! Café has a different feel. The well-lit front sitting space sees the most action and noise – a mixture of customer chatter and music.
The quiet middle room is good for serious studying during the day, and some evenings, it hosts live music performances.
Patrons are also welcome to sit out back in the patio’s shaded area.
Browse Domino Sound’s record selection or lounge in a recliner to play an old-school Sega video game during a study break.
The café buys from Rouses and local bakeries, so it’s a place to go help support New Orleans’ businesses.
The iced coffee is the favorite menu item among Hey! Café regulars. Add some almond or coconut milk to make the drink more interesting.
 
PJ’s Coffee and Tea Company
7624 Maple St. 
504- 866-7031 

Mon. to Fri.: 6 a.m.–10 p.m.
Sat. & Sun.: 7 a.m.–10 p.m.

This café is the study spot for students who need a shop close to campus. The large amount of available work space and walking distance from school make it the best choice for group study sessions.
This location offers the most indoor and outdoor seating of all the cafés reviewed. The tables are spread out so there is enough privacy to create a quiet atmosphere, where talkative study groups will not offend other patrons. Order the Praline Velvet Ice for a cool caramel pecan treat in this spring weather.
  
Rue de la Course
1140 S. Carrollton Ave.
504- 861-4343

Mon. – Fri.: 6:30 a.m.
Sat. & Sun.: 7 a.m.
Stops serving at 11 p.m.

Located in an old bank, high ceilings and a second floor make this café a spacious place to study. Classical music adds to the calm yet focused ambiance. The South Carrollton coffeehouse offers a variety of pastries. Try an almondine or lemon bar for a subtlety, sweet snack. The other Rue de la Course on Magazine Street has less room and a busier atmosphere.
 
Village Café
5335 Freret St.
504-861-1909

Café: Mon. – Fri.: 6 a.m.-9 p.m.
Sat. & Sun. 7 a.m.–8 a.m.
Kitchen: Mon.–Sat.: 11 a.m.-4 p.m.

This coffeehouse, a highly organized set-up and stylized atmosphere, has a similar mood to Starbucks. There are plenty electrical outlets around the room, making it a good place to bring laptops. Outdoor patio seating is available.
Village Café has the most extensive coffee menu of all the cafés reviewed, and it’s worth taking the time to read through it. The Black and Gold Frappe is a caramel, chocolate, and espresso mixture. For something even sweet, try one of their Haagen Daz flavors.

Zotz
8201 Oak St.
504-861-2224

Daily: 7 a.m.–1 a.m.

Zotz is more for the creative, right-brained group.  The walls are made to look like a cave, complete with fossils and all. A table overflows with local periodicals and flyers. There are PCs available to customers, though the place is more of a lounge than a library. There are a few tables in the front room, and couches and benches in the two back rooms. Patrons can play board games or browse through books for sale. The café is fair-trade certified and offers vegan pastries. Try their Reanimator drink, a mixture of EmergenC, fruit juice, and soda for a wakeup in between long study sessions.

Seattle’s Best Coffee at Borders
3338 Saint Charles Ave.
504-899-1501

Mon. – Thurs.: 9 a.m.–10 p.m.
Fri. – Sat.: 9 a.m.–11 p.m.
Sun: 10 a.m.–9 p.m.

This is the place for those who want the literary feel without the stressful atmosphere of the library during finals.
Use books for reference while studying or entertainment on a break. There are cushioned chairs throughout the store and tables in the café area, though the most seating is located outside, along St. Charles Avenue. Order Seattle’s Best signiature drink, the White Orange Bliss Latte to try a mixture of coffee and orange flavors and white chocolate.

Yvonne Labbé can be reached at
[email protected]
 

A barasitia hands a green Kiwi Italian Cream Soda from Rue de la Course Coffee House. This drink is a local favorite. (Elle Maloney/Photo Editor)

PJ’s Coffee shop on Maple Street offers a large variety of fresh coffee. This is a popular place for students to purchase coffee to drink in the dorms. (Elle Maloney/Photo Editor)

A coffee shop attendant at PJ’s Coffee & Tea Co. on Maple Street whips up an iced coffee. (Elle Maloney/Photo Editor)

Brad Wilkins, owner of Oak Street Cafe, fixes tables during the shop’s off hours. He is a common sight at the cafe. (Elle Maloney/Photo Editor)