Best Local Coffee Shops for Studying and Work (Local Spots Only)

For the better part of a decade, I’ve been in school. Either dragging through my Graduate or struggling to finish a paper for my PhD.

From time to time, I need a break from my usual surroundings. When I get tired of my home office, I like to get out.

For me, that means a coffee shop, putting on my headphones, listening to soft music, and holding a warm cup of coffee.

Not every coffee shop is suited for my needs. Some are loud. Some don’t have a comfortable sitting. Some don’t offer food or good coffee.

That’s why I decided to compile a list of local shops suitable for studying or working.

Criteria¶

This was a challenging task. How do you rate a coffee shop? What does it take for it to be a good one for schoolwork or meetings?

In data science, we call it qualitative data. It is a non-numeric people’s opinion. The answers are subjective.

Let’s take height. If two people are 5‘7”, they are the same height. That’s unquestionable. But if you ask the same two people how much they like a KitKat, you will get different answers. That’s qualitative data.

To do this, I established some baselines. Here they are:

Only local shops. I’ve had my share of corporate coffee and no longer care for it. I like to try local shops, get to know the owners, and where the roasted coffee is coming from. So, I’m not considering Starbucks or Dunkin’, or any chain coffee. This is only for local establishments.

Coffee: The coffee is my opinion of how good it is. I did not consider any sugary drinks or their varieties. I’m rating based on the flavors of a cup of coffee.

Sound: Compared to the general population, I’m a little sound sensitive. Focusing on volume would be unfair; instead, I am rating the building’s acoustics.

Space: This is the sitting area. I’m considering the number of seats, the space, and whether I have enough space to do the work. And coziness. There is a huge difference between a standard restaurant like a coffee shop and a really cozy one. There is a big difference between the shop on the left (⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️) and the one on the right (⭐️).

Food: When I think of food, I think savory. Cakes and pastries don’t count. I’m also considering the variety of the menu. If the options are limited to four or five items, it will affect my rating.

The rates were based on the best. Let’s say the best food is at Coffee Shop A. It becomes the baseline. The remaining will be compared to the best. The same goes for all of the other criteria.

The local coffee scene is growing. Every time I look around, a new coffee shop has opened. There is no way I can visit every single one and rate them properly. I selected a few between Augusta and Columbia County. If you live in the surrounding areas, my apologies. I will do better next time.

Quick Summary¶

Rooted Cafe Riverwood¶

This review is for the Riverwood Location. Rooted Cafe has several other locations around town.

Coffee: The coffee is good, not excellent. At times, when ordering a specialty drink, it might not come super hot.

Sound: The acoustics are good. When it gets busy, it might be a little harder to concentrate.

Space: The sitting area is not very large. You might find yourself sharing a table with someone else. Hightops are available, but the stool has no backrest. Outside sitting is also available.

Food: The food is amazing. I’ve had lunch there before. It offers a wide variety of items, including some really healthy options.

Goat Kick - Evans¶

Coffee: The coffee is not my favorite. Their super-sugary coffee drinks seem popular. When I go, I avoid the coffee.

Sound: The acoustic is very good. Even with a good number of people, I can still concentrate and get things done.

Space: The sitting area is large with a decent number of tables. There is a couch and a kids’ area if you decide to bring a little one. There is a large bench perfect for setting up a computer.

Food: The food is great. It offers a wide variety of breakfast sandwiches, smoothies, and other smaller items.

Cafe Dulce - Washington Road¶

Coffee: To be fair, I only had their coffee a couple of times. I go for the dessert 🍰. The times that I did have, it was good.

Sound: The downstairs area can get noisy, especially when people come and go. The upstairs is more secluded and well-suited for homework. Although when it gets busy, it could get loud.

Space: The sitting area is not that large, but with two floors to choose from, it is unique. Neither is very large.

Food: The menu is very limited, with only 4 items. But the desserts are excellent.

Inner Bean Cafe - Davis Rd¶

Coffee: Their coffee is brought from Washington State. It is good, not the best I’ve ever had, but good. Free refills on drip coffee.

Sound: Average. Nothing too out of the ordinary. It is very similar to a restaurant.

Space: The sitting area is mid-sized, resembling a restaurant. The tables are either two- or four-seaters.

Food: They have a decent variety of deli-like food—sandwiches and chips.

New Moon Cafe - Downtown¶

Coffee: The coffee is good. Their drip coffee has free refills, which is another great feature.

Sound: At times, it can get noisy. Once, I sat at a table by the coffee grinder. The bouncing sounds of random conversations and the grinder were brutal.

Space: The sitting area is mid-sized, with some outdoor seating. If you are into art, they display local artists’ work throughout the shop. Important note: the number of receptacles is limited. Make sure your devices are charged before you go.

Food: Their food is amazing. They bake their own bread with local ingredients. Not to mention their smoothies. With a wide variety of options, you can easily do breakfast or lunch.

Commanders Coffee - Downtown¶

Coffee: The coffee is one of the best in town. If you are lucky during your visit, you can watch them roasting the coffee. It is mesmerizing.

Sound: When busy, it can get loud. But because the space is large, it is easy to tune out.

Space: The sitting area is fairly large for a coffee shop. Aside from the traditional tables, you can enjoy sitting on the couch or a more comfortable chair.

Food: With the absence of a kitchen, the food is limited to pastries and bagels.

Buona Caffe - Central Avenue¶

Coffee: Locally roasted, the coffee is good.

Sound: Because of the small size, it gets really loud. If you want to study, you will need headphones.

Space: The seating space is small and cramped. You will find yourself sharing tables with strangers or other fellow students.

Food: The food is pretty good with a decent variety for a coffee shop. Mostly sandwiches and one or two different types of quiche.

My Picks¶

Best coffee: Commanders Coffee — not even close.
Best for long study sessions: Goat Kick — space, sound, and food all work.
Best food: Tie between Rooted Cafe and New Moon.
Coziest vibe: Cafe Dulce upstairs or Buona Caffe.
Best all-around: New Moon — solid across the board.

Conclusion¶

This doesn’t even scratch the surface of the number of local coffee shops in the area. This is an ongoing post. I will continue to add more as I visit and experience them firsthand.

What do you think? Leave your thoughts and comments below.