The best places to study in Washington
The 10 libraries and study cafés in Washington best suited to a long session with a laptop or a textbook, led by Big Bear Cafe, Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Library and Mercy Me.
Ranked by work score: Wi‑Fi, power, seating, hours, what reviews say about laptops and noise, and who recommends working there. One branch per chain.
01Big Bear Cafe
café1700 1st Street NorthwestWi‑FiWork 100
Beautiful with garden patio seating and an entire upstairs with a working fireplace. The food is just OK but it is one of the coziest little nooks to do some deep focus work.
DevourDCJanuary 2026 02Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Library
library901 G Street NorthwestWi‑FiPowerWork 100
The Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Library (MLKML) is the central facility of the District of Columbia Public Library (DCPL), constructed and named in honor of the American civil rights leader Martin Luther King Jr. Its address is 901 G St. NW in Downtown Washington, D.C.
Strong Wi-Fi, lots of seating options (including rooftop views!), and plenty of outlets. You can bring your own coffee or get one inside.
Bay Atlantic UniversityJune 2025 Hours, amenities and photos for Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Library
04Lot 38 Espresso Bar
café1001 2nd Street SoutheastWi‑FiWork 100
Seating is ample—it’s a great place to meet fellow teleworkers and grab a large communal table.
DC Area MomsMarch 2020 05Doubles
café3118 Georgia Avenue NorthwestWi‑FiWork 100
Excellent neighborhood spot with a massive patio in the back with big communal picnic tables perfect for when the weather is warm. Limited but cute n cozy seating inside.
DevourDCJanuary 2026 there are no outlets here though if you are outside, and the inside is packed
r/washingtondcDecember 2025warning 06Kramers
café1517 Connecticut Avenue Northwest★ 4.5Wi‑FiWork 100
Kramers is a landmark independent bookstore with a cafe in northwest Washington, DC. The space combines books with upscale American food and drinks, including seasonal specialties and brunch options. The patio is a relaxed spot where visitors easily lose track of time.
07Gelman Library
library2130 H Street Northwest★ 4.5Work 100
The Estelle and Melvin Gelman Library, more commonly known as Gelman Library, is the main library of George Washington University, and is located on its Foggy Bottom campus, at the corner of 22nd and H Streets.
08Jacob Burns Law Library
library716 20th Street Northwest★ 4.4Wi‑FiWork 100
09Le Pain Quotidien
café2000 P Street Northwest★ 4.1Wi‑FiWork 100
Classic light fare & organic breads fill out the menu at this rustic-chic bakery/cafe chain.
10Starbucks
café1455 K Street Northwest, Washington★ 4.1Wi‑FiWork 100
