Published: Thursday, 19 October 2023
Written by Esperanza Hernandez-Muñoz (She/Her), Communications Student Assistant
Are you a coffee connoisseur, student and looking for cool study spots near campus?! Here are three must-visit study spots in Long Beach:
1. The Library A Coffee House
The Library A Coffee House is a mix of a coffee shop, traveler's hub and library; the aesthetic is a blend of antique and rustic finish. This gem truly transports its customers to another place. It has the perfect coffee shop feel from the dim lighting to the low old classics being played. The only thing letting you know you are in the digital age is all the laptops around you. Their mismatching antique furniture and diverse decor helps build on their aesthetic, as well as the darker colors in the decor that are nicely contrasted by the natural light coming in from the large front windows.
Now let’s talk about the vast menu from a large variety of drinks, pastries, breakfast and lunch options, and even ice cream! According to employees their most popular drink is their Vietnamese iced coffee, and it lives up to expectations. The coffee airs a lightness – allowing its flavors to breathe, revealing subtle nutty undertones without an overwhelming presence. As for pastries, the chocolate tiramisu did not disappoint either with a balance of sweetness and freshness.
Things to know: Free Wi-Fi, limited outlets, friendly and quick service, street parking may be a bit difficult to find, plenty of indoor and outdoor seating, and it may also run a bit warm inside but heading into the chilly season that should not be a problem.
Hours: Monday to Sunday (6 a.m. to 11 p.m.)
Price Range: $ (Most popular drink and dessert comes out to $13.51 including tip)
Location: 3418 E Broadway Long Beach
2. Ground Hideout Coffee
The Ground Hideout is your crisp classic coffee shop. A quiet, small town, movie-like coffee shop. The quaint ambiance is paired with a black and white color palette and a simple coastal style decor.
After an hour-long visit, it became quite clear that this is a spot for the locals, many who are regulars mostly getting orders to go. The service is quick, friendly and helpful. There is a sense of community especially when employees remember the name of the regulars.
Street noise is limited and drowned out by the classical, jazzy and slow tempo atmosphere – your ordinary coffee shop noise.
This small local shop is forced to make itself stand out from the competition and it does so through its unique drink, breakfast and lunch menu options including, but not limited to, almond butter toast, chimichurri melts and so much more!
While I’m not particularly fond of orange flavors, the orange cardamom latte, renowned as their signature beverage, was their most popular drink. It was quite a unique blend, and I can see why it reigns as their year-long popular drink. It was the perfect blend of strong coffee with a light freshness of citrus. Paired with a sweet pastry, the drink was exquisite.
Ground Hideout Coffee has all the elements of the ideal study spot for students. The one thing holding it back is the limited seating, but ironically it is the limited space that enhances the shop’s uniqueness – creating the vibes of an exclusive hideout.
Things to know: There is free Wi-Fi, limited outlets, plenty of street parking, and limited indoor seating and more outdoor seating with umbrellas available.
Hours: Monday to Sunday (7 a.m. to 4 p.m.)
Price Range: $$ (Most popular drink and dessert comes out to $16.27 including tip)
Location: 356 E Fourth St Long Beach
3. Hot Java
Hot Java has an incredibly friendly and warm atmosphere. It is LGBTQIA+ friendly and even displays art from local artists. The décor, in comparison to the others, lacked cohesion. Furnished with couches, chairs and tables of different sizes, this coffee shop feels like a blend of coffee shop and a cozy living room.
The large rustic room has limited natural light with pops of color coming from the vibrant art on the walls and Spanish style tiles. Which is why Hot Java is the perfect spot for customers and students looking for a quieter spot as the 2010s music plays low with minimal background chatter.
As for the menu, Hot Java hosts a large variety of drinks and pastries to choose from. After trying one of their most popular drinks, an iced chai latte for the first time, I knew I would return. Maybe not to study as I personally prefer more background noise, but most certainly for their light, sweet and creamy delicacy – reminding my tastebuds of the classic and traditional Mexican drink, Horchata.
In addition, their popular cranberry walnut muffin is a great blend of tart and nutty flavors balanced with the sweetness from the sugar grains topping.
Things to know: Parking may be difficult to find due to the busy location, free Wi-Fi, limited outlets, and quick and friendly staff.
Hours: Monday to Sunday (6 a.m. to 6 p.m.)
Price Range: $ (Most popular drink and dessert comes out to $12 including tip)
Location: 2101 E Broadway Long Beach
During your next long study session, make sure to stop by one of these local coffee shops to fuel up, and remember to support your local businesses! Go Beach!
