Let me set the scene: it’s a random Tuesday, and I just managed to find a seat at the hightop counter by the windows in Still North Books & Bar.
The man next to me moves his beer away from me. “Not because I’m worried you’d drink it,” he laughs. “It’s just a bit cramped here.” Jazz chords flow from my headphones as my eyes browse the titles of poetry books to my right: “Milk and Honey” by Rupi Kaur and “Woke Up No Light” by Leila Mottley. Then, I glance at some humorous non-fiction: “Subpar Planet: The World’s Most Celebrated Landmarks and Their Most Disappointed Visitors” by Amber Share catches my eye.
Scanning the room, I see that every bean bag, side table and barstool is packed. Patrons order the drink of the month — the white chocolate lavender matcha latte — look around at the other customers crammed in like sardines and ask for their drink to go. For any new customers walking in, Still North is now officially standing room only.
Still North is a Hanover staple and for good reason. The natural lighting, pastries, drinks and, of course, the books all offer a welcome distraction from on-campus life. The popularity of the multiuse bookstore-cafe-study space limits its already sparse places to sit. This got me thinking — what would I consider my “ideal seat” at Still North? To provide a definitive list of where to sit in the local shop, I tested every possible spot and took thorough notes. What follows is my complete list, ranked worst to best, of potential seating options.
7. The couches: 2.5/10
Depending on when you go or what you plan to do at Still North, the “ideal” place to sit can vary. That being said, I’ve only sat at the comfy chairs around the jigsaw puzzle once, and it was when I was waiting for a drink. From my 30 minutes spent on that couch, I had two observations: it was uncomfortable and — with the couches and seats a little too far apart to accommodate a cohesive group — offered an awkward layout. However, customers with dogs tend to congregate in this area, which gives this location a positive edge.
6. The picnic table near the bookstore register: 3/10
You see the picnic table when you first walk into the cafe’s bookstore entrance. I steer clear from this communal table simply because it’s too risky. With larger groups congregating at the table — and the possibility of multiple groups sitting there at once — it’s difficult to gossip without being overheard.
Case in point — one morning my friend and I were exchanging stories from our wildly riveting social lives, completely unaware of the open ears that surrounded us. After about an hour had passed, our drinks were empty and our homework remained untouched. We were about to drop off our dishes when two students who had been sitting on the other side of the table introduced themselves to us.
One gave us a nervous smile. “Not to be weird, but we are so invested in your lore,” they said. Aware that our conversation now had an audience, we continued our gabbing with much more caution.
5. The window tables: 4/10
Look to your left when entering Still North’s bookstore entrance, and you’ll run into the window tables. Not unlike the window seats in the Berry Library stacks — with an impractically small surface barely wide enough to use — the wooden slabs at Still North are sorry excuses for “tables.” You can barely fit your laptop sitting by yourself, let alone with a stranger up against your shoulder — as is typically the case.
4. The outside tables: 6/10
Ah, yes, the outside tables. Only enjoyable about three months out of the year — preferably after an eventful night that needs discussing — this spot is the Class of 1902 Room of Town: there’s always at least one person you know, and no one is doing work. Bask in the sun and take in the views of Allen Street, Stinson’s and your peers rushing back and forth to wherever they need to be.
3. The bar: 6.5/10
When there’s nothing else available, there’s the bar to the left of the cafe register. I’ve only sat here once, mainly because of its accessibility to outlets. It was the only time I hadn’t ordered a caffeinated drink — I was trying to cut back — instead opting for a lavender hot chocolate. I sat there for a while, observing the views of baristas preparing coffee and salads, before migrating to Blobby for a nap.
2. The high-top wooden plank next to the bar: 8/10
The most underrated — and overhated — seats in the establishment are the barstools that line Still North’s open kitchen. Perfect for eavesdropping, this makeshift high-top arrangement is just uncomfortable enough to force you to finish your work. It also forces you to sit close enough to acquaintances that 10-minute small talk between readings ensues.
1. The two-person tables by the cafe windows: 10/10
The crème de la crème of Still North seating are the small tables in the cafe next to the windows. You know it’s going to be a good day when one of these tables is open. These seats are a triple-threat: great to work, great to chill, great to gossip. Many of my finest Still North memories have been made at these tables — trying my first spooky brownie, a seasonal pastry I miss dearly, introducing my best friend to my parents and many, many Sunday morning debriefs.
Still North is normally so busy that where you sit isn’t always a choice. In a way, maybe there is no optimal seat, just whatever is open. The truth is, you’ll be just as happy sipping on your white chocolate lavender matcha latte whether you’re sitting on the couches or at the bar. Still, nothing compares to the feeling when you finally do get that coveted two-person table by the window.
