While college offers ample opportunity to “go wild,” students hoping to A. graduate and B. avoid jail time might want to crack a few books and embrace legal forms of entertainment. Consider the following study spots and all-ages hangouts as roads to a solid future. And remember, clean records and intelligence are a surefire way to snag a date.
nnTHE USUAL SUSPECTS
nnU of U Marriott Library
n295 S. 1500 East, 581-8558
A silent, if not sturdy, place to pore over required reading and type up term papers in corporate-style cubicles. Or, as CW reporter Shane Johnson preferred during his tenure, an ideal spot to catch up on z’s.
nnSalt Lake City Main Library
n210 E. 400 South, 524-8200
Recently named Library of the Year by Library Journal, this sanctuary excels in function and form, complete with the sort of glass staircases a former U student once cited as the source of “scrotum-tightening fear.nn
GET YOU BUZZ ON
Coffee Garden
254 S. Main, 364-0768; 878 E. 900 South, 355-3425
New 900 South location features a cozy, isolated corridor where patrons can read, research or sleep without running into 15 people dying to talk about the latest episode of Lost. Downtown location can get a little crowded in the mornings, so bring earplugs or an iPod to block out chatter.
nnSalt Lake Roasting Company 320 E. 400 South, 363-7572
nnPonder a stint in the Peace Corps over free-trade coffee and organic tea. Photos of Third World countries will further inspire you to take the plunge. Closed Sundays.
nnSalt Lake Coffee Break 430 E. 400 South, 355-4244
nnKnown as the “training bar,” this popular café is often overflowing well past 2 a.m. Arrive early to cram for econ, amp up on Turkish coffee, vegan cookies and hummus, smoke, get really upset about the war in Iraq then discuss the passion of Davey Havoc.
nnNostalgia, 248 E. 100 South, 532-3225
nnLoyal patrons will probably cringe reading this because they’ve typically got the place to themselves. Since most business takes place during lunch hours, late-night customers can read, coffee'or beer'in hand, without distraction.
nnAlchemy Coffee, 390 E. 1700 South, 322-0735
nnStretch out at the adjacent Soma Yoga, refuel with goodies made by Sage’s Café and Granato’s or other locally grown organic food and beverages.
nnThe Bridge, 511 W. 200 South, 359-2278
nnVegan central. Located near a tattoo parlor and electronic music store, this spacious, sleek café is often filled with uber-hip artists, musicians and activists. But even cool kids need down-home cooking. Make (meat-less) Sloppy Joe Fridays a part of your week.
nnSugarhouse Coffee, 2102 S. 1100 East, 466-7007
nnA good place to wave your freak flag, this corner café attracts punk rockers, anguished teens, Westminster business students and anyone else who appreciates a decent cup of coffee, Rico burrito and people-watching.
nnNoBrow Coffee, 353 W. 200 South, 364-3448
nnUrban chic. Located next to a men’s boutique, this place swears it’s no frills, no fuss. Still, you might want to check a mirror before you stop in.
nnCROSS YOUR ARMS AND SAY WHATEVER
nnAvalon Theatre, 3605 S. State, 266-0258
nnKeeping the kids out of trouble, this concert venue doubles as a community church. Save your soul with a strong dose of emo, screamo or punk.
nnKilby Court, 741 S. 330 West, 320-9887
nnNationally renown, locally adored, this Salt Lake City fixture books bands before and after they land on the cover of Spin. Catch the next Shins, Rilo Kiley or Devendra Banhart for around $7. Buy a Leia Bell magnet with the leftover cash.
nnVelour, 135 N. University Ave., Provo, 801-818-2263
nnOwner Corey Fox convinces quality acts, including Starlight Mints, to play shows in Happy Valley. Discover what all of the fuss is about. It really is worth the drive.
nnMojos Caffe, 2210 Washington Blvd., Ogden, 801-627-6469
nnStop hating on Ogden and give this quirky venue a chance. All-you-can-handle acoustic singer/songwriter and garage band nights.
nnWHERE EVERYONE KNOWS YOUR NAME, BUT NO ON KNOWS YOU
nnMySpace.com
nnReach out and touch someone (18+).