Finals are drawing near, a Zags basketball loss nearly crushed our spirits, and study spaces are filling up (almost) faster than Starbucks during the wind storm power outage. So, why not venture off campus to break out of the infamous Gonzaga bubble, grab some sugary carbs to lift your spirits, and people watch between sips of the cheapest coffee on the menu. Drum roll ... Here are my top three off-campus study spots for my fellow caffeine-craving Zags.
1. Boots Bakery & Lounge
Hours: Sunday-Tuesday: 6 a.m.-6 p.m., Wednesday-Saturday: 6 a.m.-10 p.m.
Pros:
All food and desserts are gluten-free/vegan, which admittedly scared me off my first visit, that is until I tried the banana-nut scone. I then awkwardly dug myself out of the gluten-free inferiority myth that I had been proclaiming, and I haven't looked back since.
They never have the same menu! You can follow their Facebook page to see the daily specials.
The food is made with love. Seriously. Boots has a "suspended coffee program," meaning that those who pay for a coffee can choose also to buy another cup for a later customer who may not be able to pay their share. When a homeless person from the community steps through the doors, they are welcomed with a hot cup of coffee, and served just as any other customer would be served. They are not invisible to Boots; they are loved.
Cons:
The music selection is always top notch, but it can be a bit noisy for studying. Try arriving closer to their opening/closing time for optimal study success. Or, even better, stop by for a sweet-treat study break!
Food options and coffee drinks can be pricey, but since all the ingredients are local and made fresh daily, I don't feel too bad spending a little extra in exchange for much higher quality.
2. Coeur Coffeehouse
Hours: Monday-Saturday: 7 a.m.-7 p.m., Sunday: 8 a.m.-6 p.m.
Pros:
Coffee is taken super seriously at this joint. Hearts made of latte foam often top off the fancier hot beverages. It has many different "extraction" methods for the espresso, so if you aren't sure if you prefer the Aeropress or the V60, just ask! These people know their beans.
This coffee shop has the vibes. Succulents, clean colors and productivity flow through the walls, especially in the back room, where the chatter of orders and espresso grinders is minimized.
While it has very few food options, the "toast and spread" is the most French-looking baguette and jam I have laid eyes on since returning to the U.S. Pain, beurre, et confiture, we meet again.
Cons:
Seats are limited, so claim your spot early and don't let it go.
3. Rockwood Bakery
Hours: Monday-Saturday: 7 a.m.-5:30 p.m., Sunday : 8 a.m.-3:30 p.m.
Pros:
Tucked away in a quaint South Hill neighborhood, you'll find quiches, muffins, cookies, pies, croissants, and cookies galore. Seeing as this 100-year-old building, formerly known as the local grocery store, is now housing a well-loved local bakery, the charm-factor of the rough wooden floors and scenic windows are all you need for an afternoon well spent.
Huge wooden tables cover the space, so finding a fairly quiet study spot is no problem.
Cons:
... None? You might feel inferior to the fairly wealthy, cute families that come meandering through the doors as you sit with your dry-shampooed bun and favorite over-sized flannel. Then again, you may feel a little happiness from the adorableness of the kids conquering their pastries.
Find a friend with a car to take your studying out into the Spokane community, or better yet, pick up a free bus pass to avoid parallel-parking encounters ... and $30 parking tickets (it's OK, Boots pistachio-almond bar; you were worth it).
