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With downtown just steps away from campus, it can become an extension of study spots or places to grab a quick bite. Whether it’s looking for a quiet place to finish some homework or a fun place to eat a snack with a friend, here’s some of downtown Columbia’s best places to sip and study.
One great option for a coffee shop downtown is Shortwave. With two locations in downtown Columbia, there’s a spot at Shortwave for everyone. Shortwave’s coffees and pastries can fuel an hours-long study session or act as the backdrop for a coffee stop with a friend.
Right across from Shortwave is Lakota, another coffee option downtown. Like Shortwave, Lakota has a large coffee menu but has the added benefits of bagel sandwiches and some lunch options. Lakota also opens at 7am, making it an ideal spot for an early morning study session.
Acola is another option for downtown dining, but it’s a bit of a further trek from campus. Acola has more food options than Shortwave, including crepes, avocado toast and other breakfast options. With the larger food menu, Acola is a good place to fuel up for the day. Another added plus to Acola is the outdoor patio, which is the perfect place to soak up the warm temperatures before the seasons change.
Main Squeeze is the best stop for all the health gurus of Mizzou. Offering vegetarian breakfast and lunch, coffee, smoothies and plant-based ice cream, Main Squeeze has options for everyone. It’s a great place to get some lunch in between classes or grab a snack on the weekends.
Don’t be fooled by our list of recommendations, there’s many options in downtown Columbia that go beyond our four listed above. As the year begins, remember to take advantage of our close proximity to downtown and expand your study spots beyond Ellis Library.
By Allie Tribe