The fast approach of finals combined with Brown and Brew's limited hours have left many students searching for an alternate cozy, caffeinated study spot. Though Tisch gives students a nearby locale to conquer heaps of work, there comes a time in almost every Jumbo's study schedule when fluorescent lights start to strain the eyes, insta-chai packets at Tower Café no longer satisfy, and that pesky voice before closing makes everyone too grumpy for the late-night reading-room crowd. Cafés provide a welcome change of atmosphere with low lights and drinks with actual steamed milk. Though nothing will replace the convenience and comfort of our dearly departed weekend Brown and Brew (R.I.P.), there are several attractive options in the Medford/Somerville area.
Diesel Café in Davis Square: Throw on your skinny jeans and muss up that gender-ambiguous haircut, because this place is full of hipsters. Open until midnight every night of the week, Diesel wins for the best late-night coffee-shop hangout. Seemingly squished between the Davis Square shops, Diesel is far larger than it appears. Despite the impressive size, don't expect to find a spot easily on a Sunday afternoon; staking out a table is sometimes necessary, especially one with an electrical outlet. Inside, fabulous details and oddities abound, including an ancient typewriter, pool tables and a photo booth offering four black-and-white prints for $4. Food and drinks are delicious, but the selection is less extensive than other café options. Try the "Gobblit" sandwich: With stuffing, cranberries, turkey and cream cheese, it's a condensed version of the classic Thanksgiving dinner.
True Grounds in Ball Square: Another popular spot right across from the much-loved hangover-cure Soundbites, True Grounds is on the smaller side and features dark-red curtains and lime-green accents for a cozy but contemporary feel. Music choice is eclectic and often indie, like Diesel's, and colorful mosaic tiles decorate tabletops and the wall border. The list of sandwiches and wraps is impressive. An employee recommended the Pearson -- a satisfying mix of turkey, pesto, mozzarella and sliced Granny Smith apples. Tea lovers should go for the chai, "Cornelius" style, with a hint of hot chocolate. True Grounds also garners bonus points for the best artwork selection, a rotating décor which currently features the dark, expressive portraits of Rick Berry. True Grounds closes on the earlier side, though, so be ready to pack up by 7 p.m. on weekends.
Soleil Café in Teele Square: This sunny yellow shop is often overlooked, but is an easy trek for Curtis Avenue residents. Desserts are a showcase for Soleil, inspired by its Italian owner, Fortunate Conte, who started off at a renowned pastry shop in Salerno, Italy and then brought his expertise to the North End. Be sure to have a taste of the café's Italian gelato, and perhaps even venture for some authentic pasta dishes like the "gnocchi alla sorentina" when dinner rolls around. Presentation and service are exceptionally personal in this intimate café, and you can expect to have dinner brought right to you rather than picking it up at a counter. Fortunately, it's sometimes possible to get free wireless from neighboring areas here, but the connection can often be shoddy if you don't shell out nearly $5 per hour for Soleil's service.
Danish Pastry House on Boston Avenue: The Pastry House prides itself on making just about every item a little bit gourmet, and has received notable praise from the Food Network and The Boston Globe. Things tend to get pricey, though, as the European bakery knows the value of its delicacies. One can hardly go wrong with the desserts displayed at the counter, though, and its coconut blondies are superb. Regular sandwiches are made with a twist, and its egg salad is worth a try. The place is cozy but not usually crowded, which makes for many a relaxed reading session. Open until a reasonable 9 p.m. on weeknights and 10 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays, Danish Pastry House is a notably nearby and convenient study spot for off-campus students and dorm-dwellers alike.
