Hang in there, college friends– the end of the semester is in sight! As you're approaching the most stressful time of the school year, let us guide you to places to get coffee, concentrate, and conquer your final exam studies! We're taking you through some of the best places to study in Eau Claire during finals week including cozy coffee shops, relaxing places that bring the outdoors in, and spots beyond campus & downtown Eau Claire!
Photo: ECDC
ECDC
Take a break from campus, and explore downtown Eau Claire with a coffee, breakfast, and study session at ECDC (Eau Claire Downtown Coffee)! This shop is located at The Lismore Hotel and offers seasonal coffee drinks, fresh fruit smoothies, breakfast and lunch sandwiches, soup specials baked goods, and more. ECDC can be accessed by taking the shuttle to the Haymarket landing or by crossing the West Grand Avenue Bridge or Phoenix Park Bridge to downtown.
Cabin Coffee
Experience River Prairie with a study break in a cozy cabin environment! Cabin Coffee is a rustic, woodsy coffee shop that creates hot and iced coffee beverages, flavored teas, and bakes desserts & pastries. With plenty of tables and some outdoor seating, Cabin Coffee is a popular study spot beyond campus and downtown Eau Claire. Check out other ways to explore River Prairie here.
Kahvi Coffee House + Cafe
Kahvi is the hot spot for coffee lovers and students in Eau Claire. This coffee shop is located on the south end of Eau Claire and is one of the more modern places to study and meet up with friends for coffee. Even your fur babies are welcome on the pup patio at Kahvi and can enjoy pup cups, too! Kahvi is located right next to Strong Soul, a yoga and cycle studio with great workouts to begin your day before studying at Kahvi!
Photo: Shift Cyclery & Coffee Shop
Shift Cyclery & Coffee Shop
Another downtown coffee shop typically filled with studying students is Shift Cyclery & Coffee Shop. This shop is located on Graham Avenue off of the Lake Street Bridge. Here, you'll find a cozy, yet industrial-style coffee house and a bike repair shop in the back. Not only are students typically found doing schoolwork here, but bike enthusiasts can be found gathering here before a ride!
Acoustic Cafe
Barstow Street's Acoustic Cafe is another common place to find students studying in a chill, hip downtown environment. This is a great place to fuel up with delicious hoagies made with a secret sauce for lunch, as well as warm up with a warm coffee or cup of soup. After a productive study session, treat yourself to a scoop of ice cream at Acoustic Cafe!
Phoenix Park
Looking for a study break outside? Phoenix Park is your go-to! From campus, you can take a short walk on the Chippewa River State Trail to Phoenix Park, and you'll find trees to hammock in, lawns to lay a blanket on, or benches to relax on. Here, you can study with stunning views of the Pablo Center, and you'll be within walking distance of many tasty places to grab a bite. Head across the bridge to eat at Madden Ramen, The District, or Cast Iron Pizza Company, and grab a cone at Olson's Ice Cream or Ramone's Ice Cream Parlor!
Photo: Racy D'Lene's Coffee Lounge
Racy D'Lene's Coffee Lounge
Located on Water Street right along the Chippewa River State Trail, Racy D'Lene's Coffee Lounge is the perfect place to swing in on your walk to campus, grab a coffee, and relax before finals! Racy's is connected to The Nucleus Cafe, the locals' favorite brunch spot, and serves coffee beverages, teas, smoothies, and more drinks. Get cozy at this vintage shop, say "Hello" to Earl the turtle, and fuel your day with brunch and coffee at Racy's and The Nucleus!
The Goat Coffee House
The Goat Coffee House is another Water Street coffee shop and is one of the most popular coffee spots for college students. Any time you're here, you're guaranteed to be surrounded by student peers studying or grabbing breakfast on their way to class. The Goat makes baked goods that are perfect for study snack breaks, and it's the most convenient place for students to meet up and collaborate on schoolwork.
The Nostalgic Bean
Another Altoona coffee shop that's a must-visit place off campus is the famous Nostalgic Bean. At least the locals would consider this French pastry and coffee shop a must-do! The Nostalgic Bean is a tiny shop that serves fresh-baked pastries, quiches, and coffee drinks of various flavors. Get here early to claim your table– it fills up quickly, and customers are in and out constantly at The Nostalgic Bean!
Photo: The French Press
The French Press
For a cozy, country cottage restaurant feel, check out The French Press for brunch! This inviting breakfast spot serves pastries & baked goods, fruity or hearty breakfast platters, and various coffee creations! This spot is especially favored for its seasonal coffee flights that feature espresso lattes, chai lattes, matcha lattes, and more. With plenty of tables and a giant menu, this is a great place to bring a study group or get work done and have a tasty meal!
The Cabin
The Cabin is a coffee shop located on campus at the University of Wisconsin - Eau Claire at the Davies Center. They serve hot or iced coffee drinks from Starbucks as well as blended drinks & refreshers. If you're looking to stay on campus and make the most of your time, get your cup of Joe at The Cabin for some easy energy.
Grand Avenue Cafe
If you're feeling the stress of finals season, you'll feel like you're getting a warm hug when you walk into Grand Avenue Cafe! This sweet, charming cafe keeps their coffee simple and their entrees cozy. Grab a table, and enjoy French toast, quiche, soups, and various desserts at this quiet little cafe on Grand Avenue, just a short walk from campus. You can get here by walking or biking along the Chippewa River State Trail through Owen Park!
Photo: Five & Two Cafe
Five & Two Cafe
Needing a serotonin boost?! The coffee shop at Down to Earth Garden Center is just the spot! Get coffee, breakfast, lunch, and dessert at Five & Two Cafe, and grab a seat inside the cute little restaurant. Take your experience to the next level by wandering through the greenhouses at Down to Earth, and find yourself at the Cafe Corner amongst the plants! Get some natural light, take in the aromas, and study within the greenery at Down to Earth!
The Coffee Grounds
Here at The Coffee Grounds, you can order breakfast and lunch all day long, and, of course, can get your hands on some true coffee grounds. This location is full of various goods for sale, but don't worry– there are tables and chairs that professionals and students are bound to be spotted at. Order a coffee, and start grinding on your final studies of the semester!
Phoenix Coffee
Start the morning off right with some caffeine at Phoenix Coffee in downtown Eau Claire! Located right along the Eau Claire River and across the street from Phoenix Park, this coffee shop is a prime, central location for meeting up with study groups. Explore their incredible coffee menu, pastries, and more!
Wonders of Nature Cafe
With its cozy, plant-filled atmosphere and calming natural light, Wonders of Nature Cafe offers a peaceful environment that encourages focus and creativity. The menu features a variety of coffee and tea drinks, as well as smoothies and juices, toasts, sandwiches, and baked goods to keep you fueled while prepping for finals!