Pictured Above: The courtyard on the side of Black Crow is a great place to study outside. The coffee shop now offers expanded outside seating with tables and umbrellas.
Patrick Tobin | The Crow’s Nest
By Edyn Gottlieb
Coffee shops become classrooms when courses move online. Caffeinated study session, anyone?
When attending Zoom classes in your bedroom gets boring, pack up your laptop, charger and face mask and head to your local coffee shop for a change of scene.
Zoom boredom plagues us all, so students are on a search for COVID-safe study spots in The ‘Burg. All listed locations have confirmed that they are following CDC guidelines and enforcing social distancing and mask wearing.
Pom Pom’s Teahouse and Sandwicheria, at 2950 Central Ave., is the perfect place to enjoy a sandwich, tea or perhaps a sweet treat while you work. It even has a private study room you can reserve if you need peace and quiet.
Pom Pom’s is open Sunday through Thursday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Fridays and Saturdays from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Face masks and adequate social distancing is required for all employees and guests.
Black Crow Coffee Co.’s Grand Central location is open any day of the week from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. to enjoy fresh coffee and outdoor seating.
USF student and Black Crow Coffee Co. employee Hayley Manis recommends the shop’s new drink, appropriately named “The Black Crow,” a latte-frappe hybrid. Mannis also says the cinnamon rolls are a “must-try” for students craving a treat while studying.
You can find Black Crow Coffee Co. and its cinnamon rolls at 2157 First Ave. S. Masks are required inside the restaurant and outdoor seating is first-come, first-served.
For students skeptical of a coffee shop’s ability to enforce COVID-19 guidelines, North Shore Park is a great alternative to get some fresh air while socially distancing.
Located in the Old Northeast District at 901 N Shore Drive NE, North Shore Park offers a waterfront view and plenty of community picnic tables.
On your way to the park, stop by Bandit Coffee Co. for coffee or tea off its grab-and-go menu. Bandit’s dining room has been closed to guests since March and will continue to be grab-and-go for the remainder of 2020.
Bandit is located at 2662 Central Ave. You can place an order online, on the phone or at its walk-up window seven days a week from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.
