Study spots

"I’m studying for a human sexuality midterm, it’s a psych class"—Anna Shpilkovskaya

Photograph: Beth Levendis

Date: Fri, 27 Feb 2009 08:44:37 AM EST
To: inyc@timeoutny.com
Subject: late-night study spots

I'm a law student who studies all the time, especially on Friday and Saturday nights. (Basically I have no social life anymore, and I often look longingly at your listings to see what I'm missing out there in the real world.) I get so sick of studying in my apartment, and all the libraries and Starbucks stores close pretty early—are there any all-night coffee spots or other mellow places in Manhattan where I could study for a few hours?

Jeff

Three Stars Diner
1462 First Ave at 76th St (212-861-7500). 24 hours
This no-frills neighborhood diner is always open, their menu is extensive (including freshly made rice and bread puddings for $3.50), and the staff doesn't mind if you hang out, taking advantage of their free soda and coffee refills. Also, it doesn't tend to get crowded, so your studying won't be cut short by loud after-hours carousers.

Apple Store
767 Fifth Ave at 58th St (212-336-1440, apple.com/retail/fifthavenue). 24 hours
The glass-cube Apple Store on Fifth Avenue is the perfect locale if your computer or Internet connection calls it quits. Set yourself up at one of the hundred-plus computers available for use—Apple won't kick you out for writing an entire term paper on a shiny new Mac. You'll probably be standing upright, but it'll keep you from falling asleep.

Bobst Library, New York University
70 Washington Square South at La Guardia Pl (212-998-2500, library.nyu.edu). 24 hours
When in need of a serious cram session, sometimes only a spot in the library will do. The study areas on the lower levels, complete with computers, are open 24 hours, while the stacks are accessible from 7am to 1am. The only downside is getting in; NYU, Columbia and New School students get free access, while others have to pay a $225 yearly fee ($175 for alumni or some downtown residents) and get access at limited hours.

"I come here to job hunt and respond to emails."—Mike Brant

Photograph: Beth Levendis

Cup Diner
35-01 36th St at 35th Ave, Astoria, Queens (718-937-2322). Mon–Thu 6:30am–midnight; Fri, Sat 6:30am–2am; Sun 6:30am–11pm
Not only does this diner offer free Wi-Fi, but they've got great mac and cheese ($7) and a must-have chili ($7). They also don't care whether you stay for ten minutes or ten hours, or whether you order three specials or just some coffee. The large dining area has plenty of tables, and outdoor seating will open as the weather gets warmer, though the bar atmosphere in the wee hours can get distracting.

Bowery Poetry Club & Café
308 Bowery between Bleecker and E Houston Sts (212-614-0505, bowerypoetry.com). Daily 11am–4am
This spot is a haven for freelancers, students and others in need of a makeshift office. Although nightly performances don't make for ideal study conditions, the café offers free Wi-Fi, $1 coffee with free refills, and bar food—including po' boy sandwiches ($5). And with poetry, music and even bingo in the background, perhaps you'll get a serving of inspiration with your caffeine.

Tea Lounge
837 Union St between Sixth and Seventh Aves, Park Slope, Brooklyn (718-789-2762, tealoungeny.com). Mon–Thu 7am–1am; Fri 7am–2am; Sat 8am–2am; Sun 8am–1am
It's not just Darjeeling on offer here—Tea Lounge is stocked with everything you'll need to get through finals, including Wi-Fi, lots of outlets and an array of tasty bites. Try one of their chai lattes ($3.75–$4.25) or any of the other 80 or so types of tea they serve. If your work is truly stellar, treat yourself to a drink from their fully stocked bar.

"Esperanto is the late-night spot."—Saul Ami, right, with Ari Normis

Photograph: Beth Levendis

Cocoa Bar
21 Clinton St between E Houston and Stanton Sts (212-677-7417, cocoabarnyc.com). Mon–Thu 8am–midnight, Fri 8am–1am, Sat 9am–1am, Sun 9am–midnight
Chocolate lovers and wine connoisseurs are this bar's target audience, but struggling students pinching pennies for a flourless chocolate truffle cake ($7.25) are also welcome. Get here early to snag some counter space (tables are available too) and get to work—even though it's technically a bar, the space is quiet.

Esperanto Café
114 MacDougal St between Bleecker and W 3rd St (212-475-8900, esperantocafe.com). 24 hours
Here you'll find film and art students hanging out all night writing scripts and sketching portraits, sitting next to a tourist couple on the couch and the odd lawyer prepping for the bar. The neighborhood is a rowdy one and the food isn't particularly a draw, but Esperanto is guaranteed to house a few studious types at any time.

Bridgeview Diner
9011 Third Ave at 90th St, Bay Ridge, Brooklyn (718-680-9819). 24 hours
Expect free coffee refills and a notable Greek salad ($10.45) or cheeseburger ($5.95) at this all-night diner. It gets quiet after 10pm or so, and they have a laissez-faire attitude toward book-toting loiterers.

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