Edmonton’s best digs to eat, study and be merry

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It’s that time of year again for university students far and wide. You have readings to catch up on and term papers you still need find scholarly sources for - and final exams are just around the corner. There are only 24 hours in a day, and you still need to eat and be hygienic. We can’t help you pencil in a shower, but we can help you find a decent place to study and eat at the same time.

Block 1912 Cafe

1
10361 82 Ave NW, Edmonton AB T6E 1Z9

Block 1912 is great café that serves savoury espresso drinks, sandwiches, salads and desserts that partner well with a student’s budget. The space has a bit of a grungy feel with eclectic sofas and easy chairs that you can sink your whole body into. Hopefully, the comfort of tasty food and drinks in a cozy space eases the pain of finals and term papers.

Transcend Coffee

2
10359 104 St NW, Edmonton AB T5J 1B9

Transcend is a great space for students and professionals alike to escape the office or the classroom to get some work done while enjoying a great tasting cuppa. Parking is a bit limited (like everywhere else downtown), and you may want to get there a little early to snag a seat, but there’s a solid Wi-Fi connection, ambient music and affordable bevvies.

Commodore Restaurant

3
10712 Jasper Ave NW, Edmonton AB T5J 2A7

The Commodore Restaurant is a great little diner tucked away on Jasper Avenue. It’s packed to the ceiling with people on the weekends, but during the week there’s usually plenty of tables to camp out at for a few hours to get some work done. Don’t plan to stick around all day because the diner closes early and there aren’t any power outlets. However, the Wi-Fi is free and the food is delicious and cheap.

The Rocky Mountain Ice House

4
10516 Jasper Ave NW, Edmonton AB T5J 1Z7

If you’re looking for a calm, settling atmosphere to crack out that research paper that’s due tomorrow morning, Rocky Mountain Icehouse is a good a place as any. There’s ample comfortable seating, free Wi-Fi and good food. Head on down during happy hour from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. for discounted brews and wines because -let’s face it- you’re going to need something “extra” to get you through the struggle.

Second Cup

5
10200 102 Avenue NW, Edmonton AB T5J 4B7

If you’re avoiding all the pretentious writers who are working on their novels at Starbucks, feel free to pull up shop at Second Cup. The baristas are quick and courteous; they’ll do their absolute best to get you set up with your java and a light snack so you can buckle down to work. I’d recommend bringing a fully charged laptop or working on paper because outlets are limited, but the Wi-Fi is good, the seats are comfy and the food is easy on the wallet.

Remedy Cafe

6
10279 Jasper Ave NW, Edmonton AB T5J 1X8

Anyone who’s anyone studies at Remedy. The sweet aroma of Chai with the comfort of Indian and Pakistani dishes with a twist can calm the nerves of any stressed out student, and promotes a relaxing, ready-to-work atmosphere. Remedy is licensed, as well, for those of you who need that extra liquid courage to tackle the Evil Assignment Monster hulking over your shoulder. Free Wi-Fi, a spacious seating capacity and a decent outlet-to-table ratio make Remedy prime real estate for study space.

Denny's

7
10803 104th Ave NW, Edmonton AB T5J 4Z5

Who doesn’t love this diner? They offer great food with generous servings, affordable prices, free parking, free Wi-Fi, plenty of seats and plenty of outlets, plus unlimited java. You have nothing to lose by studying your brains out at Denny’s. I’d avoid going at peak hours, like the lunch rush though, because you don’t want to be that person who takes up valuable table space and helps increase the waiting time for other patrons. However, any other time is great. The staff is always courteous, especially to working students and, fun fact: Denny’s serves beer. You’ve got to study here.

It’s surprisingly easy to find a delicious, authentic samosa in Edmonton – as long as you know where to look. Here’s a non-exhaustive list to get you started on a mouth-watering quest to find the perfect samosa. Try them all. Compare your notes. Let your taste buds guide you.
Hummus, a blend of chickpeas and tahini, is an iconic Mediterranean dish that pretty much everyone needs to experience. It’s almost always paired with fresh pita bread and explosive flavour. So, if you want to find a literal slice of the Mediterranean but can’t escape the city, make your way to any of the places on this list and let your taste buds take their dream vacation. [Image credit: iStock.com/Anna Pustynnikova]
As the first frost wrestles autumn out of the city, it’s time to buckle down into another classic Canadian winter. You’ve got to get winter tires on, start piling blanket scarves over the three knit sweaters stuffed under your parka and prepare for dark rides to work and dark rides back home. And, what better way to cope with it all than burying yourself in all the Canadian delicacies Edmonton has to offer?
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