As the semester begins, we’re itching to escape the too–soon drudgery of studying in stuffy GSRs (group study rooms, for the uninitiated). This is the guide to the top spots in the city to conquer homework fatigue. Whether you crave airy spaces or eclectic vibes, Street’s curated the perfect mix. So clock in, fire up Canvas, and let’s get some work done.
Free Library of Philadelphia Parkway Central Branch
After a $35.8 million expansion, the Free Library of Philadelphia’s Central Branch is a college student’s dream. The new area boasts 7,200 square feet of clean, airy public space with comfortable chairs, couches, and tables all within reach of power outlets. The space also includes meeting rooms for that study group that actually made it out of the group chat. Want a cozier vibe? Check out the reading rooms on the second floor to get some work done among the stacks. Stick around after work for a free author event in the basement auditorium.
The Ground Rittenhouse
This is quickly becoming a favorite café for us. Part plant store, part coffee shop, this is a funkier spot for work. With cushy seating up front by the large display windows and tables in the cordoned–off café area, you can choose whether you want people–watching or privacy. The menu boasts coffee–shop staples and excellent bubble tea. If you have a sweet tooth, we recommend trying their chocolate–covered–strawberry latte and a croffle (a French croissant baked as a Belgium waffle with a light brown sugar brûlée). With this spot located steps away from Rittenhouse Square, if you didn’t already get enough nature time inside with the plants, you can take a stroll in the square during your break.
South Philadelphia IKEA
Okay. Hear us out. IKEA makes for a great work spot. Head up to the second–floor cafeteria for loads of seating, views of the Delaware River, and Swedish meatballs. Seriously, the food is pretty good, and prices are student–friendly. And fear not—despite the sheer size of the cafeteria, during weekdays the space has coffee–shop level background noise and, miraculously, isn’t echoey. If you’re getting bored between assignments, you can even tour around the rooms and lounge on a Friheten or Pärup. Sorry, *sofa.
The Board and Brew
Our favorite West Philadelphia board game café is a remote–work hidden gem. Known by most for its second–floor board game room, the first floor is a bustling coffee shop. It’s just steps off of Penn’s campus, so we suggest linking up with a friend to work at this café and take advantage of their sprawling library of games for a break. This café also goes way beyond “brews,” with sandwiches, soups, and salads—not to mention its wine and cocktail menu for a post–study pick–me–up.
Green Line Café
We’d be remiss if we didn’t include Green Line on this list. There are five locations in Philadelphia, so you’re bound to be within a SEPTA ride of one—even during the Trolley Blitz. We recommend starting your day with a Green Line Latte and having one of their signature paninis for lunch. Our favorite spot is the 44th and Locust location right next to campus. With a full rowhouse footprint, this café has tons of seating options with lots of natural light.
Vernick Coffee Bar
This ethereal café is in the Comcast Technology Center and is perfect for a few hours of work. It’s located on the second floor of the building, and you can lounge among the lobby treetops and finance bros staying at the Four Seasons on the top floor. There are plenty of seating options, all in varying shades of beige–mom tan. This is a Four Seasons café, so expect a $4 iced coffee. While there are USB charging ports at most tables, there aren’t many three–pronged charging outlets, so make sure to come with your devices fully charged.
Four Seasons Meeting Rooms
We’re including this option as a “secret third thing.” Situated in part of the Comcast Technology Center in Four Seasons territory is the tallest work spot in the city. Located on the 59th floor, right below the SkyHigh Bar and Restaurant, is one of the bougiest places one can study. With large tables and private meeting rooms—not to mention the best views in Philadelphia—this space has it all. Obvi, be courteous, you’re not a guest. But we won’t tell.
