Author Spotlight
Lyda Cosgrove
As an avid latte drinker and homework-loaded high school student, stuck in my house for seven hours a day, what better place to knock out three more hours of homework than a coffee shop? There’s a multitude of coffee shops within a five mile radius of East, and I tried out a few so you wouldn’t have to. I rated them out of five on a few different factors, including seating options, safety precautions regarding COVID and level of distraction.
The Roasterie in Brookside
Outdoor Seating Option: Yes!
COVID Precautions: 5/5
Distraction Level (Low to High): 2/5
Social Distancing Ability: 5/5
While this is more of a drive for students further South, the Roasterie is a must-try for coffee lovers looking for a COVID-friendly study environment. Being one of my all-time favorite coffee shops, I was more than happy to spend a few hours knocking out Pre-Calc worksheets and Sig Fig practice problems here.
From the multitude of indoor and outdoor seating along with engaging baristas and variety of drinks and pastries, it’s certainly my idea of the perfect coffee shop.
Finding a seat on a Wednesday afternoon was no problem, with nine outdoor tables as well as high top tables, couches and booths inside. The Roasterie exceeded my expectations with their safety precautions — every other table has a sign reading “Table Closed for Social Distancing” along with bright green tape lines leading up to the register to ensure the six-feet-apart guideline is followed at all times.
I picked out a small outdoor table tucked away in the shade, every so often smiling at a passerby walking their dog. If you can ignore the distractions of occasional honking cars on Brookside Boulevard, you’ll have no problem getting caught up on all your homework while sipping on an outstanding iced latte, or other drink of your choice.
Homer’s
Outdoor Seating Option: Limited
COVID Precautions: 4/5
Distraction Level: 1/5
Social Distancing Ability: 4/5
In the heart of downtown Overland Park, Homer’s Coffeehouse is a cozy shop with a stage upfront that’s often used to host musicians and poetry nights. Although there were no performers on the rainy Sunday afternoon I spent there, I was still able to enjoy soft music humming from the shop’s speakers.
Similar to the Roasterie, I was impressed with their efforts to enforce a safe environment. As I walked in, most tables were accompanied by a sign that read “Please wait for this table to be cleaned.” All I had to do was ask a barista to wipe it down and I could enjoy my vanilla steamer while working on assignments — without stressing over germs or bacteria left by previous customers.
While they keep everything clean and have a large space allowing for adequate distance between customers, outdoor seating is limited to three small metal tables and there are no open windows conducive to air flow. So if an open-air option is important to you, I would give McClain’s Market a try.
McClain’s Market
Outdoor Seating Option: Yes!
COVID Precautions: 4/5
Distraction Level: 3/5
Social Distancing Ability: 5/5
If you’re feeling a little extra hangry (hungry and angry) from never-ending essays and assignments, McClain’s Market will meet all of your hunger needs while giving you the perfect study environment. Off of Roe and 107th, it’s a little bit of a drive, but most definitely worth the extra mileage.
Whether you like indoor seating, outdoor seating or something in between — McLain’s Market has everything you need. I spent my Monday afternoon in their sun-filled outdoor “garage” — an open-air, plant-filled room separated from the rest of the cafe by a garage door.
Complete with high top seating, several two-person tables and even a cushioned bench, you’d find me spending all my studying hours here if it weren’t for the 20 minute drive.
Not only did I feel comfortable sipping my latte mask-free, safely distanced and in fresh air, each table had its own hand sanitizer centerpiece as well.
The only downside of McLain’s Market is that it’s near a highway and a busy intersection, but if the rush of traffic doesn’t bother you, you’ll feel right at home at McLain’s.
The Filling Station
Outdoor Seating Option: Limited
COVID Precautions: 1/5
Distraction Level: 3/5
Social Distancing Ability: 2/5
Right across the street from Shawnee Mission North, The Filling Station is a hot-spot for high schoolers — so be prepared for a crowd.
My first venture to this coffee shop was on a Thursday afternoon. As I pulled into the small yet crowded parking lot, it was clear that everyone seemed to have the same idea as me. The indoor tables and high top counters were all occupied, and the customers were certainly not adhering to social distancing guidelines. I walked around to the back where three outdoor tables were also crammed with study groups.
I headed home, but was still determined to try out this high-ceiling, gas station-vibe coffee shop. So, I returned a few days later on a late Sunday afternoon. All of the seating was empty except for a few women out for coffee and a pair of dads stopping in after a run.
I was able to completely spread out at the high top table, right next to a bright window — getting in my dose of Vitamin D for the day. For a solid hour and a half, I worked fairly distraction-free, excluding the temperature situation.
While I’m always grateful for some steady air circulation, especially during COVID times, the blasting AC had me shivering with goosebumps, which turned out to be a distracting factor while trying to finish my Chapter 14 outline for EHAP.
If you’re looking to try out the Filling Station, you might want to come on a slow day and learn from my mistake — bring along your coziest hoodie and opt for the hot latte over iced.
Hattie’s Fine Coffee
Outdoor Seating Option: Yes!
COVID Precautions: 2/5
Distraction Level: 3/5
Social Distancing Ability: 2/5
Hattie’s Fine Coffee is a given stop for any East student, located right in Corinth Square. Though it’s on the pricier side of things, Hattie’s has an extensive menu featuring everything from various coffees to mouth-watering smoothies.
Deciding to take a break from my usual latte order, I tried out the Black Bear smoothie — a mix of berries with a hint of honey. I sipped on the delicious beverage while curled up in a back corner on a cushioned bench covered in fall themed throw pillows — making for a comfy Monday afternoon study sesh.
Lucky for me, there was only one other customer at the front of the store. However, on a busy day, Hattie’s might not be my first pick. Its cozy but small environment makes it difficult to socially distance, and I can see my new favorite homey spot easily getting snagged by fellow students. As a back-up plan, there are several benches outside the store-front, as well as a side patio with several tables.
In addition to inability to social distance, there didn’t seem to be any other COVID precautions being enforced during my visit besides the usual mask mandate.
The mellow music and soft decor made for a distraction-free environment, only interrupted by the violent blending of a smoothie every so often. I would definitely return to Hattie’s on a slow day.
Leave a Reply