One thing I love is a good cup of coffee. Another thing about me is that I go to RIT and therefore take my studies very seriously. So, when I have the opportunity to mix business and pleasure, I take it. I’ve visited almost every major coffee shop in Rochester and am working on a definitive ranking of them. However, I think this is a relevant list for students like me, who want to actually enjoy their study time and get out of the house. My credentials are: I’ve now lived and studied in Rochester for 5 years and am VERY particular about both my coffee and study aesthetics. So, I present to you, in no specific order, my top 5 recommendations for this purpose.
Hydra Coffeehouse
Location: Monroe Avenue in Downtown Rochester
Hydra is an adorable coffee shop off Monroe Ave in downtown. It is a converted family home, so it exudes a wonderful, cozy/homey vibe. They have breakfast sandwiches, pastries, and a plethora of coffee drinks, teas, and seasonal beverages. Some of my favorite items on their menu are their lattes with seasonal flavors (currently loving the salted maple) and their breakfast sandwich. The breakfast sandwiches are truly my favorite in all of Rochester. The rolls are incredibly fluffy and flavorful, the eggs are cooked perfectly, and the sandwiches are topped with the most delicious maple sriracha aioli. Highly recommend getting the everything roll with bacon, egg, and cheddar, and of course, aioli. They have two floors with a modest amount of table space. If it gets hectic (often around 11 a.m. on a weekend), it can be challenging to find a table, so I recommend arriving early if you’re trying to study.
Village Bakery and Cafe
Location: Pittsford, Eastview Mall, Webster or The Armory
Village Bakery and Cafe is a Rochester area staple. You can recognize their drinks with the signature blue rooster logo. They have four locations, but I have two favorites in particular: one in Pittsford, near the canal, and the other in The Armory, close to downtown. The Pittsford location is excellent if you're someone who likes a good walk after studying for a while, because the canal is right next door. Either way, though, the coffee and food quality are excellent at both, and there is always ample seating and table space available. I love their Belgian Chocolate Mocha or French Toast Latte, as well as one of their breakfast sandwiches, specifically the Evelyn, which is a solid bacon, egg, and cheese. They also bake all their bread in-house and offer a wide range of lunch options. The only downside is that they close at 3 pm, so plan accordingly.
Fuego Coffee
Location: Woodbury Blvd., Downtown Rochester
Fuego is hands down one of the best coffees I’ve had in Rochester. They roast their own beans, and it shows. The coffee quality is hard to beat, and their baristas are exceptionally skilled at helping you select the perfect drink. They don’t have quite as many food options, but they do offer some cookies and pastries from Red Fern, as well as bagels. I love their spot because it's in an old warehouse building with high ceilings and lots of natural light. Their wifi is excellent, and they have outlets throughout. Table space is not as plentiful as at Village Bakery, but I have never not found a place to sit and study there. If you’re priority is a good cup of coffee while you study, this is it.
Java’s
Location: Gibbs St., Downtown Rochester
You may be thinking: Why would I drive all the way downtown and struggle to find parking just to get Java’s when we have it on campus? Great question, and I’ll tell you why. We all know Java's has excellent coffee and cookies. It is hands down the best coffee on campus (unfortunately, it only accepts real money, not Dining Dollars), and getting it on campus is excellent when you’re between classes or don’t feel like driving. However, if you’re willing to go the extra mile (no pun intended), I promise the downtown location is worth it. It is so cute and eclectic, giving you all the cozy academia vibes while you enjoy the coffee you know and love.
Additionally, numerous students from nearby colleges attend, making it feel like one big study group. They have the coolest wall art and furniture; it really provides the most fun backdrop for that chemistry homework or paper you have to write. Plus, they have specialty baked goods and sandwiches on Saturdays.
Winter Swan
Location: Neighborhood of the Arts, Downtown Rochester
Winter Swan is the newest coffeeshop to me, and I’ve only been a couple of times, but I’ve loved it so much it’s now become the one I recommend to friends most. A true hidden gem in the back of the Neighborhood of the Arts (NOTA) neighborhood. Their coffee is excellent, and they offer some fun flavor options; however, I will say that their food options are not as plentiful as those of some of the other places on this list. The real draw to this place is the fact that it’s attached to possibly the cutest flower and gift shop in all of Rochester. Can you imagine a better study break than browsing adorable books and candles and admiring the most gorgeous plants ever? I can’t. Their seating area, located at the back of the store, features a massive moss wall and beautiful skylights, along with ample seating and tables. All of my friends I’ve taken or recommended it to have been shocked that it’s not too crowded.
I’m sure I missed one or will change my mind about this later, but as of right now, I feel pretty confident recommending any one of these to a fellow coffee shop studier. Let me know if you try it out and hate it or love it!
About the author
Hi everyone! I'm Katrina, a 5th year in the Physician Assistant BS/MS program. I am originally from Dover, New Hampshire, just an hour outside Boston. I’ve been involved in many different clubs and organizations at RIT, including the Student Government and the Honors Program. I love finding fun coffee shops and walking local trails, and often make content that shows off what Rochester has to offer!
