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9 cafés in the Quartier des Spectacles where you can study or relax

February 2, 2017

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The holidays are over and assignments are piling up for the thousands of students who attend one of the seven educational institutions in the Quartier des Spectacles. To stay motivated when it’s time to hit the books, sometimes it’s a good idea to have a change of scenery and work in an inspiring spot – especially if it happens to serve delicious snacks!

Whether you’re at UQAM, Cégep du Vieux Montréal, INIS or the École de danse contemporaine de Montréal, here are nine cafés where you can fend off procrastination, read, or simply take a breather after class.


FOR FOODIES

Juliette et chocolat

1615 Saint-Denis St.

For an energy boost, supplement your studying with a brownie or a mug of hot chocolate. There are now many Juliette et chocolat outlets in Montreal, but this Saint-Denis St. location is where it all started. If you’ve got a sweet tooth, you’re sure to leave wearing a big smile!


FOR MEDITATIVE TYPES

Camellia Sinensis

351 Émery St.

Tea is king here, and the owners travel to the four corners of the world in search of the very best varieties. Note that computers are not allowed in the tearoom, making it a thoroughly Zen space for getting some reading done.


FOR LIBRARY-RATS

PARVA CAFÉ AT THE GRANDE BIBLIOTHÈQUE

475 De Maisonneuve Blvd. East

There’s something about the Grande Bibliothèque that sparks productivity. Maybe it’s the light, the furniture by Bixi designer Michel Dallaire, or the building’s clean lines. Before heading for your favourite quiet corner, take a coffee break in the new café. The locally oriented menu includes croissants and chocolatines from Les Copains d’abord.


FOR DESIGN MAVENS

Café Parvis

433 Mayor St.

When you cross the threshold at Café Parvis, you step into an incredibly photogenic world. The décor by Zébulon Perron will soothe your eyes when you need a rest from your books. The café’s ample tables make it an ideal spot for group projects. And if you’re feeling peckish, the pizza is superb.


FOR THE URBANE

Café 1880

1186 Saint-Denis St.

If you’re lucky enough to get a seat in this UQAM neighbour, you’ll quickly see why it’s so hard to get a table. The 1880 has everything you want in the new generation of cafés now flourishing all over the city: delicious coffee, cool people and gorgeous décor.


FOR THE CHILLED

Soupesoup

1228 Saint-Denis St.

If you want a delectable way to warm up, there’s nothing like a fine bowl of soup. And that’s the claim to fame of this restaurant, which has mastered the art of soup, serving up an array of seasonal recipes. Once you’ve slurped the last drop, you’ll be fully recharged for more homework!


FOR NONCONFORMISTS

Anticafé

294 Sainte-Catherine St. West

You’ll find the ultra-charming Anticafé in an old two-storey apartment overlooking the Place des Festivals. Put on your slippers, grab a cookie and a cup of coffee or tea – it’s all free! – and pull up a chair or, if you’re with a group, take over a whole room. Instead of paying for what you eat and drink, you pay for the time you spend here.


FOR ARTISTIC SOULS

L’Escalier Resto-Bar- culturel

552 Sainte-Catherine St. East

This bar and restaurant is particularly colourful and cozy. Make yourself at home! The menu features vegetarian dishes that will give your brain the energy it needs to stay sharp. It’s also a great spot for after-class drinks and intimate live music performances.


FOR BOHEMIANS

Café Gitana

2080 Saint-Denis St.

“Warm” may be the best word to describe this Turkish café, shisha lounge and bar. The menu focuses on Turkish coffee, Kurdish tea and mint-based infusions, while the music is Gypsy at heart. Slide onto a banquette and discuss your latest project, or just shoot the breeze.

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