7 of the best spots to work & study in Tuscaloosa

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Sunday Afternoon On The Quad At The University Of Alabama. Photo By Libby Foster For The Bama Buzz.
The Quad at UA is a great spot for anyone to work or hang out. Photo by Libby Foster for The Bama Buzz.

Though Tuscaloosa may seem like a quiet college town at first glance, it’s full of dynamic professionals and students hard at work. Sometimes, the perfect quiet spot makes all the difference. We picked out several of the best spots to hunker down and be productive in Tuscaloosa!

1. Monarch Espresso Bar

Monarch Espresso Bar Is A Classic Study Spot Amongst Ua Students. Photo By Libby Foster For The Bama Buzz.
Monarch Espresso Bar is a classic spot in Tuscaloosa. Photo by Libby Foster for The Bama Buzz.

Monarch Espresso Bar is an oasis in downtown Tuscaloosa. The coffee shop serves up delicious drinks that are sure to wake up anyone after an all-nighter. I like to order Monarch’s cold brew when I sit down in their inviting cafe.

2. Heritage House Coffee

Heritage House Is My Favorite Coffee Shop In Tuscaloosa! Photo By Libby Foster For The Bama Buzz.
Heritage House is my favorite coffee shop in Tuscaloosa! Photo by Libby Foster for The Bama Buzz.

I head to Heritage House’s location across the Black Warrior River when I want a quick escape from the stress of life in T-Town. I always order the iced Heritage House special to start my work off right. Heritage House’s Towncenter location is more lowkey, and it’s quiet enough for me to crank out articles and papers with as little pain as possible. There are ample tables and couches for an individual or group work session.

3. Woods Quad

Woods Quad University Of Alabama
Woods Quad is filled with beautiful sculptures and provides an artistic atmosphere for studying. Photo by Libby Foster for The Bama Buzz.

Woods Quad is easily my favorite study spot on the University of Alabama’s campus; you can find me there almost any day of the week! Woods is decorated by beautiful sculptures and is the home of UA’s art department. The eclectic energy in this quad keeps me inspired and motivated.

4. FIVE Java

The View From My Favorite Study Spot At Five Bar. Photo By Libby Foster For The Bama Buzz.
The view from my favorite work spot at Five Java. Photo by Libby Foster for The Bama Buzz.

FIVE Bar is Five Java from 8 AM to 3 PM every day. The swanky restaurant is also a perfect spot to work in the morning. Though Five’s dinner menu is upscale, they also offer more affordable coffee and pastries. I like to get a cafe au lait and a toasted croissant when I start my day at Five. The beautifully decorated restaurant has awesome work spots outside and inside.

5. Just Love Coffee Cafe

The Coffee At Just Love Tuscaloosa Is The Perfect Pick Me Up For A Cram Session! Photo By Libby Foster For The Bama Buzz.
The coffee at Just Love Tuscaloosa is the perfect pick me up for a cram session! Photo by Libby Foster for The Bama Buzz.

Just Love recently opened in Tuscaloosa to rave reviews. The restaurant and coffee shop has breakfast and coffee all day–what more do you need to destress? Just Loves serves up my favorite dirty chai latte in town. Even better, Just Love has plenty of nooks and crannies where anyone can hide away and finish up some work.

6. PJ’s Coffee

Pj'S And Rita'S Just Opened Up On The Strip, But It'S Quickly Becoming A Favorite Study And Meet Up Spot. Photo By Libby Foster For The Bama Buzz.
PJ’s is a quiet spot to work right on The Strip. Photo by Libby Foster for The Bama Buzz.

PJ’s, an iconic New Orleans coffeehouse, just opened a location in Tuscaloosa. It’s already become a favorite work and meetup spot. I’m a sucker for their caramel creme latte.

7. The Quad

Sunday Afternoon On The Quad At The University Of Alabama. Photo By Libby Foster For The Bama Buzz.
Sunday afternoon on the quad at The University of Alabama. Photo by Libby Foster for The Bama Buzz.

The central quad on campus is the historic heart of The University of Alabama. It’s located on approximately 22 acres and has ample spots to work or hang out in the shade and sun. I’m always more motivated to work with Denny Chimes in my peripheral vision.

Do you have a favorite work spot in T-Town? Tag @thebamabuzz to let us know!

Libby Foster
Libby Foster
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