Locals Share Their Top Picks for Cozy Late-Night Studying Cafes in the 925 (Ideally With a Cocktail!)

When Sara L. (Downtown Lafayette) asked the community for a late-open, cozy cafe near the Caldecott Tunnel — ideally with dessert, something to eat, and maybe a cocktail — the responses poured in. The consensus: truly late study spots in Lafayette and Orinda are scarce, but there are a few solid options nearby and a handful of close-to-home maybes depending on the night.

Caffe La Scala in downtown Walnut Creek came up again and again. Sedina S. (Creekside Drive) called it a lovely all-of-the-above spot, with hours that stretch later than most. Alba M. (Downtown Walnut Creek) seconded the pick and added a tip for sweet-toothed students — the tiramisu. Several folks — including Amy S. (Parkmead) — praised the classic 90s cafe vibe that still makes it easy to hunker down with a laptop.

Closer to the tunnel, several readers pointed to the Lafayette Park Hotel. Sharon F. (Alhambra/John Muir) and Joan B. (Moraga Place) both suggested the bistro and bar near the fireplace as a quiet, comfortable place to read or work — especially if you want a glass of wine or a cocktail while you study. Chris C. (Pleasant Hill Elementary) called it a chill spot that checks the boxes for atmosphere and amenities.

There were mixed reviews of Casa Orinda as a studying spot (people are very clear about its fried chicken). Lloyd G. (Rossmoor — Tice Creek) floated it as an option, but Kathleen C. (Burton Valley) countered that it is so dim you can barely read the menu — not ideal for note-taking or spreadsheets. Laura M. (Stein Way) agreed it might be too dark to study.

Several Lafayette choices got quick nods with hour caveats. Denise M. (Homestead) suggested Lafayette Public House, though Beryl G. (Downtown Lafayette) noted it may close around 8. Ingrid E. (Saranap) thought Sideboard runs to about 9, which could work for an earlier evening session. Marilyn G. (Happy Valley) flagged the Starbucks at Oak Hill and Mt. Diablo as open until 9 once its temporary plumbing issue is sorted — not a cocktail bar, but a predictable late cafe option.

Newer and food-forward picks also made the list. Suzanne I. (Buena Vista) pointed to Tropa in Lafayette, which advertises later hours on some days — good for dessert and a study bite, with the possibility of a later window. Claudia C. (N Civic) mentioned Tutu’s, and Lisa G. (Heather/Valley Glorietta) tossed in Social Bird and Tourelle as places to look into for a bite and beverage while you work.

A few readers said the quiet-with-cocktails niche is exactly what the area lacks. Kim F. (Downtown Lafayette) wished for a small, cozy cafe with great desserts that reliably stays open until 10 — without having to head to Walnut Creek. Jane H. (Rheem) added that a planned mixed-use project at the former Bank of America site in Orinda is slated to include a coffee bar, which locals hope could become a real evening gathering place.

And if you are willing to go a bit farther, Francine H. (Sky West) reminded everyone that College Avenue in Berkeley is about a 10-minute hop from Orinda, with multiple late-open study-friendly cafes near Ashby. Not perfect for every night, but a good fallback when you need those extra post-9 p.m. hours.

Bottom line — if you want cozy study vibes and the option of a cocktail, start with Caffe La Scala in Walnut Creek and the Lafayette Park Hotel bistro for ambiance. Keep an eye on Tropa’s schedule, and verify closing times at Lafayette Public House, Sideboard, and the Oak Hill Starbucks. As Sara L. put it, sometimes you just need a semi-quiet place away from home — teens, chores, and distractions included — to get the work done.