Feeling uninspired studying at home? With midterm season right around the corner, there's just something about settling into a cozy café with a warm latte that makes tackling that dreaded study session or endless paper a little more manageable. Luckily, Montreal is full of inviting coffee shops that provide the perfect environment to boost your productivity.
Whether you're a student deep in exam prep or a remote worker craving a change of scenery, this list has you covered. But don't worry, this isn't just another roundup of crowded, Instagram-famous cafés. While those spots have their charm, we're focusing on cafés that truly set you up for a productive work or study session. Every spot on our list hits the essentials: ample space, reliable WiFi, affordable food and drinks, cozy vibes, and yes, a touch of aesthetics, because let's be honest, ambiance matters.
Without further ado, here are our top picks for the best coffee shops in Montreal to study or work from when you need the perfect spot to focus and get things done.
Multiple locations
With multiple locations across the city, La Buvette du Dep in Griffintown is easily the go-to spot when you need to get some work done. While Le Petit Dep, its Old Montreal counterpart, is definitely worth a visit, they tend to get a bit crowded. The Griffintown location, however, offers a much more laid-back atmosphere and plenty of space to settle in.
Read also:
The Best Coffee Shops in Montreal
In fact, their second floor, called Le Loft LPD, is entirely dedicated to coworking. Open every day, Le Loft LPD offers unlimited WiFi, a coffee bar for your breaks, and a fully equipped conference room for professional meetings and presentations. The abundance of natural light is another huge plus, especially during the winter months when motivation can be hard to come by.
To access this space, a day pass is required, and it comes with some great perks. The pass gives you 20% off all your purchases, with rates set at $7 for a full day, $5 for 3 hours, or $120 for a monthly package. Access is free after 5 p.m., making it a perfect spot to transition from work to evening mode.
Add to that the charming decor, a great selection of drinks, and an evening menu perfect for unwinding after a long day, and you've got the ultimate work-friendly café.
211 Boulevard du Curé-Labelle, Sainte-Thérèse, J7E 2X6
Barri Café is quite literally the café of the future and the ultimate spot for studying or coworking. Their menu changes with the seasons and trends, featuring new fall drinks, irresistible stuffed croissants, and healthy yet delicious sandwiches. Everything is designed to make your day both productive and enjoyable.
What truly sets Barri Café apart are the robot servers that let you stay focused without having to line up at the counter, and the soundproof cabins where you can work in peace, hold a meeting, or prepare for an exam. You can reserve a pod for eight hours or more, or simply take one that's available on a first-come, first-served basis.
Now that's what you call an effective work session.
294 Rue Sainte-Catherine O., Montreal, H2X 2A1
"What is an anticafé?" you might ask. Simply put, it's the ideal spot to get work done. Not only do you get plenty of space, but anticafés also offer unlimited food and drinks for a flat hourly rate. At Anticafé Montreal, you pay $4 for the first hour, then $2 for each additional hour, up to a maximum of $12 for the entire day. No pressure to keep ordering, just a cozy, productive atmosphere. Plus, it's conveniently located at Place-des-Arts, right in the heart of downtown Montreal, just a short walk from the metro.
1104 Rue St-Zotique E, Montreal, H2S 2H1
You know those ultra-modern, minimalist coffee shops with concrete walls and uncomfortable seating? Yeah, this isn't one of them. Located in Rosemont-La Petite-Patrie, Café des Habitudes feels more like a second home than a café. Think cozy seating, lush greenery, and plenty of natural light, perfect for a relaxed and productive work session. Open from morning to evening, it's the kind of place you can settle into for hours. Bonus: they're proudly eco-friendly, and their entire menu is 100% vegan.
780 Avenue Brewster, Montreal, H4C 2K1
Okay, we know we said we wouldn't include super viral cafés, but let's be real, this list wouldn't be complete without mentioning Savsav. Not only is this coffee shop spacious, cozy, and aesthetically pleasing, but it's also designed with productivity in mind. When you order a drink, they serve it in a pitcher, so you're set for your entire work session. Plus, if you get hungry, they offer a vast lunch menu with plenty of delicious options to keep you fueled. Fair warning, though, it can get a bit crowded, so don't forget your headphones!
3498 Avenue du Parc, Montreal, H2X 2H5
How often do you come across a coffee shop that's open 24/7, 365 days a year? Milton B is truly a hidden gem for students and remote workers alike. Conveniently located near McGill University, this spacious café offers free WiFi and an impressive selection of food and drinks. From breakfast to dinner, pastries to smoothies, and even bubble tea, there's something for everyone. The staff's warmth and friendliness only add to the welcoming atmosphere, making it an ideal spot to settle in and stay productive at any hour of the day (or night).
Multiple locations
With ten locations across Montreal, Tommy Café is a reliable go-to for remote work or productive study sessions. Some spots are conveniently near schools like Dawson College and McGill University, making them perfect for midterm season. Most locations stay open well into the evening, with some welcoming guests until 10 PM. With plenty of seating, a wide selection of drinks, pastries, and meals, Tommy Café provides the ideal environment for a focused and productive day.
425 Boulevard De Maisonneuve O, Montreal, H3A 3G5
Another great spot near the McGill campus, Onna Café is a charming place to grab a delicious meal while getting some work done. Serving specialty drinks along with breakfast, brunch, and lunch daily, this café offers the perfect setting for productivity, thanks to its bright natural lighting and spacious, relaxed atmosphere.
Photo: @th3rdwave
1 Place Ville-Marie, Montreal, H3B 4E8
Imagine studying for your midterms with a view of the city. Located on the 45th floor of Place Ville-Marie, Café Sora serves coffee and pastries with a stunning panoramic backdrop. Barstool seating along the windows makes it the perfect spot for a solo study session or a focused work date. Open Monday to Saturday from 9 AM to 4 PM, it's ideal for days when you want to be productive while soaking in the skyline.
1430 Rue Balmoral, Montreal, H2X 1G4
Café Constance Signé Bazin is one of Montreal's dreamiest cafés, and it's not just about the stunning aesthetics, it's also a fantastic spot to get work done. With spacious seating, large tables, and an abundance of natural light, this café offers the perfect environment for focus and productivity.
Beyond the beautiful décor and elegant light fixtures, they serve a wide selection of French-inspired dishes, pastries, and drinks. And for those who want to unwind while working, they also offer wine, making it an ideal spot to power through an evening session in style.
921 Rue Ste-Catherine E, Montreal, H2L 2E5
If you're looking for a great spot to work late at night, La Graîne Brûlée is the place for you. This boutique-café hybrid feels like a playground for adults, with vibrant colors, unique seating options, including floor seating, fun décor, cozy cabins, and even a TV room.
Open from 7 AM to 10 PM, they serve a variety of colourful lattes, delicious food, and cocktails, making it perfect for both productive work sessions and relaxed, fun evenings. Whether you're tackling deadlines or just craving a refreshing change of scenery, this quirky café has you covered.
1030 Rue St-Alexandre, Montreal, H2Z 1E3
Located near the Square-Victoria metro station, Café Paperhill is a charming spot perfect for studying or remote work. With plenty of space, a welcoming atmosphere, and a diverse seasonal menu, it's open every day of the week. The greenery-filled décor adds a cozy and inviting touch, creating a soothing environment to focus. In the evenings, you can enjoy aperitifs while browsing their selection of books and newspapers, making it the ideal place to unplug and recharge between intense work sessions.
12 Rue Maguire, Montreal, H2T 1B8
Located in the Mile-End, this coffee shop feels like stepping into a friend's kitchen. Small yet cozy, with a warm and inviting atmosphere. It's a simple, no-fuss spot where distractions are minimal, and high-quality coffee is always guaranteed. They also have a selection of books for those who want to sit back and enjoy a quiet moment.
Multiple locations
With five locations across Montreal, including several conveniently near cégeps and universities, Café Myriade is a reliable go-to spot. From delicious drinks and freshly baked goods to a welcoming atmosphere and free WiFi, it has everything you need. With ample space and friendly staff, it's the perfect place to settle in and get work done. Most locations stay open until 6 or 7 PM, depending on the site.
1188 Rue Sherbrooke O, Montreal, H3A 1H6
Situated near McGill University and Concordia, Améa Café is a hidden gem for students and remote workers. With plenty of comfortable seating, accessible plugs, and free WiFi, it's an ideal spot to settle in and focus. Located inside the historic Maison Alcan building, the café also serves delicious pizzas and Mediterranean-inspired dishes. Their lattes are a must-try, and for a sweet pick-me-up, the New York-style croissant rolls are absolutely heavenly. While the café itself closes at 4 PM, you can still remain in the building to finish up your work.
150 Promenade des Lanternes #10, Brossard, J4Y 0L1
One of the few spacious and stylish coffee shops in Brossard, this café in Quartier Dix30 has everything you need for a productive study or work session. Enjoy great coffee, comfortable seating, and plenty of natural light. And if your work or study session stretches into the evening, they also serve wine from Thursday to Sunday to keep the inspiration flowing.
Photo: @ wtvr.wonder
Multiple locations
With three locations across Montreal, this cozy and low-key coffee shop delivers both quality coffee and food, making it an ideal third space for working in groups while grabbing a bite. From breakfast options to grilled cheese sandwiches and soups, it's the perfect spot to settle in for a productive day. The warm ambiance, friendly staff, and reliable WiFi make it a great choice for anyone looking to combine work and comfort. Whether you're fueling up for a study session or just need a quiet place to focus, this café has you covered.
