With the pandemic mostly in the rear view there are a few changes to New York City’s landscape that will likely stick around. Example A: with the increase in remote jobs there’s a greater need for cafes to work from in NYC.
It’s easy for cabin-fever to get the most of you if you work from home (been there), especially in a small New York City apartment. And if your windows face alleys or you live alone it’s easy to feel detached from the outside world.
But New York City is inspiring, invigorating and romantic and you should make the most of your time here. Visit one of the many cafes to work from in NYC and spend the day both dreaming and being productive.
If you need help finding the best cafes to work from in NYC I’m here to help. I moved to New York City during COVID and spent more than a year almost exclusively working from coffee shops, malls and public spaces.
I’m going to share the best of the best with you. Whether you’re looking for the best coffee, WiFi or seating arrangement I’m confident this article will help you decide where you’ll be most productive.
Tips for working at a coffee shop in NYC
- Bring your charger: I can’t be the only one whose ventured out looking for the best cafes to work from in NYC only to whip out my laptop and found it dead. Be sure your charger is in your pack, and if you have a long one bring that it just in case the plug is a ways away.
- Buy things from the cafe: If you’re working from a coffee shop in New York City show your appreciation for the space, WiFi etc. by purchasing a coffee or a pastry. The cafes spend money to give you a place to work, do your part by helping keep them in business.
- Consider glare/privacy: If you’re working at a cafe in NYC on sensisitve documents or outside consider a privacy screen for your laptop. They help reduce glare and wandering eyes, I’ve found this one to be an essential item in my pack!
Visiting New York City? If you haven’t decided where to stay (yet) check out our helpful guide on Where to Stay in New York City (The best neighborhoods for first timers +2 to avoid). Don’t have time? Here’s our favorite hotel in NYC, hands down.
Best Cafes to Work From in NYC
Patis Bakery at Arthouse Hotel (Upper West Side)
A true hidden gem in the neighborhood, Patis Bakery is one of the best cafes to work from in NYC. Located inside the lobby of the Arthouse Hotel you’ll find an elegant atmosphere reminiscent of 1920’s swanky speakeasies.
Since the cafe is still under the radar you won’t have a hard time finding a place to sit. There’s a long table in the back where you can work with friends as well as couches for those just looking to get lost in their projects.
The decor makes it feel like you’re in a fancy Airbnb and it’s easy to get comfortable in one of the plush leather chairs. Thanks to the hotel’s WiFi and plethora of tables it’s one of the best cafes to work from in NYC.
The bakery is certified kosher by the Orthodox Union and the pastries are tasty, perfect for a mid-morning boost. You won’t be short on coffee either since the cafe has just about every popular drink available.
Address: 2178 Broadway, New York, NY 10024
Devocion (Williamsburg)
Devoción means devotion in Spanish, and it’s a fitting name because the cafe is devoted to serving locals with the freshest coffee possible. You’ll find Devocion is one of the best cafes to work from in NYC if you’re a coffee connoisseur.
After hand selecting their coffee plantations in Colombia Devoción mills the beans at their warehouse in Bogotá. Using overnight shipping they then bring them to Brooklyn for in house roasting.
From there the coffee is prepared to order and finds it’s way into your cup all within roughly 10 days.
Although there’s a handful of locations their shop in Williamsburg is one of my personal favorite cafes to work from in NYC. There’s an enormous skylight that drenches the cafe with natural light and the exposed brick gives it an industrial feel.
There’s plenty of seating and WiFi, but I’ll admit this is one of the most popular cafes to work from in NYC with folks traveling from different boroughs to visit. I suggest showing up early to stake your claim on a table.
Domino Park is a 5 minute walk however, so if your work allows just take your coffee to go. You’ll enjoy stunning views of Manhattan in the most charming setting, but since there’s no WiFi you’ll be relegated to tech-free work.
Address: 69 Grand St, Brooklyn, NY 11249
Café-Flor (Chelsea)
Café-Flor is a spacious adorned by lovely plants and flowers that are for sale. It’s one of the most beautiful cafes to work from in NYC and if you’re in a creative field it’s perfect for getting inspired.
The second you step foot into Café-Flor you’re greeted with an intense aroma of coffee and flowers, so if you’re sensitive to smell this may not be the place for you.
There is plenty of seating, so finding a table to enjoy a bite or drink shouldn’t be a problem. You’ll find bistro chairs and green leather booths that add to the charm making this one of the cutest cafes to work from in NYC.
Cafe Flor is laptop friendly and outlets are easy to access so expect to find locals busy at work with a great cup of coffee nearby. The plants also help break up the space, so there’s private pockets of seating perfect for deep focus.
Address: 218 8th Ave, New York, NY 10011
Laughing Man Cafe (Tribeca)
Laughing Man was founded in 2011 and is owned by actor Hugh Jackman who made it a personal mission to support coffee farming communities. So much so, he dedicates a portion of the company’s proceeds to programs to help build a sustainable life for farmers and their families.
That’s why Laughing Man Cafe is one of the best cafes to work from in NYC if you make an effort to spend your money at ethical businesses. The company sells fair trade, organic coffee that not only tastes good, it makes you feel good.
With two locations I think their shop in Tribeca is one of the best cafes to work from in NYC. It’s spacious and bright, plays good music and is always bustling with locals. I will say the high-spirited cafe might not be the best for those that have a hard time focusing.
It’s also one of the best cafes to work from in NYC if you’re vegan, because Laughing Man Tribeca is home to a vegan market! You read that right, there is a small space in the back of the cafe selling vegan sandwiches and pastries to fill your belly.
Address: 184 Duane Street, New York, NY 10013
Think Coffee (SoHo)
Although Think Coffee has 11 locations, their shop in SoHo is one of the best cafes to work from in NYC. Whereas most coffee shops in New York are stamp-sized storefronts, Think Coffee is big enough to fit a medium-sized store.
There are plenty of tables as well as single person seats lining the wall. If you’re working solo these seats are ideal because you get privacy and don’t have to feel bad about taking up a table made for multiple people.
The cafe offers most traditional coffee shops pastries to quell your growling stomach if you work up an appetite. I’ll also add that the coffee is excellent and the matcha latte is one of the best in the neighborhood.
Best of all, Think Coffee has bathrooms! In a city where it’s easier to find celebrities than a place to relieve yourself the restrooms make Think Coffee one of the best cafes to work from in NYC.
Address: 471 Broadway, New York, NY 10013
Remi43 Flower & Coffee (Turtle Bay)
Remi Flower & Coffee is a place where cozy meets comfort. This coffee shop is one of the best cafes to work from in NYC and also doubles as a floral shop!
Specializing in the most beautiful hand-tied flower arrangements, their coffee follows in tow. The latte art alone is worth writing home about and there’s a selection of refreshing, colorful juices.
There is something so posh about drinking your coffee, taking in views of the city and being surrounded by gorgeous flowers. There’s even a loft up a winding staircase that provides an aerieal view of the coffee shop.
Depending on where you sit plugins might not be available, so be sure your laptop is at full charge. And I’ll admit snagging a table isn’t always easy, it’s one of the most popular cafes to work in NYC. Try arriving before 10AM and after noon for your best shot at a table.
Something to note: Remi43 is one of two locations of Remi Flower & Company both on the same street. Be sure to head to Remi43 because it is significantly bigger and a better coffee shop to work from in NYC.
Address: 906 2nd Ave, New York, NY 10017
Joe Coffee Company (Bryant Park)
Joe Coffee Company is a popular chain that has a plethora of cafes across New York City. With plenty of brick and mortar stores you’ll be shocked to learn that their kiosk at Bryant Park is one of the best cafes to work in NYC.
Confused? Let me explain – Bryant Park is perfectly tucked into the shadow of towering buildings and has abundant tables and chairs. It also has free WiFi, so when the weather is nice I bring my laptop and grab a drink from Joe Coffee Company.
You have the option of sitting directly under the sun, but my preference is grabbing a table covered by the canopy of London Plane Trees. On a warm day when I’m itching to get outside Joe Coffee Company at Bryant Park is one of the best cafes to work from in NYC!
Address: 55 West 40th St Structure #9, Kiosk #4, New York, NY 10018
Bean & Bean (Chelsea)
Bean & Bean Coffee Roasters is a woman-owned coffee shop in Chelsea and one of the best cafes to work from in NYC. Large and industrial in size the corner cafe is drenched in natural light, ideal for a productive day.
Since there are tons of seating opportunities and outlets at your disposal, you can linger for hours. At times the coffee shop can look like a college campus with locals littering the tables hard at work.
You might notice that the face of the company is a cute little sloth, the reason? Bean & Bean Coffee Roasters saw there was an environmental issue with sourcing coffee beans that led to endangering sloths habitats.
In an effort to help, Bean & Bean partnered with The Sloth Institute and have offered to donate a portion of online proceeds to endanger sloths. Not only is this one of the best cafes to work in NYC, it’s one of the most ethical!
Address: 318 8th Ave, New York, NY 10001
Kona Coffee Roasters (East Village)
The first time I tried Kona Coffee Roasters was on complete accident, I didn’t expect to find one of the best cafes for work in NYC. I was headed to a near by spot and the signage outside this East Village coffee shop caught my eye.
They were advertising a Waikiki Matcha drink and I just knew I had to try it. Served with pineapple puree, milk, coconut cream and matcha, the drink was refreshing and one of the best matcha drinks I’ve ever had.
After asking the barista some questions, I discovered Kona Coffee Roasters sources all of their coffee beans straight from Hawaii and that they are one of the best coffee shops in the East Village.
The interior is clean, peaceful and quiet and you’ll find the tables full of students and who also consider Kona Coffee Roasters one of the best cafes to work from in NYC.
Truthfully, the prices are a bit on the steep side (which is typical for NYC), with a latte potentially costing you anywhere between $5-$8. Considering the quality in flavor of the coffee I’d say it’s worth it, just not daily.
Address: 57 2nd Ave, New York, NY 10003
Ground Central Coffee (Garment District)
Ground Central Coffee has multiple locations but their cafe in the Fashion District is one of the best places to work remotely in NYC. With plenty of outlets, strong WiFi and an endless supply of coffee you’ll have no excuse not to be productive.
The place has an edgy atmosphere, with the walls painted black and murals of New York icons in a stark white. Whereas most cafes are bright, sun soaked spaces Ground Central Coffee is shadowy and dim, which for some people can provide a better environment to focus.
There are a few small tables lining the wall, as well as a communal table that seats about five people. Plus, if you run hot this is one of the best cafes to work from in NYC because the air conditioner runs cold, but if you’re easily cold pack a sweater.
Address: 498 7th Ave, New York, NY 10018
Brookfield Place (Battery Park)
It’s easy to walk into Brookfield Place and forget you’re in Manhattan, the mall has palm trees inside! Even if you don’t plan on shopping you should swing by Brookfield Place, it’s one of the best places to work remotely in NYC.
There are plenty of places to buy a cup of coffee, like Le District, Laughing Man, Ma Ze Dahr, Olive’s and For Five Cafe. At Brookfield Place it’s not so much where you buy the coffee from though – it’s where you get to enjoy it.
On sunny summer mornings the courtyard swells with locals exercising, reading the paper or walking their dogs. Since the mall overlooks the Hudson River it’s one of the cafes to work from in NYC.
In the winter? Brookfield Place is still one of the best cafes to work from in NYC. There is a food court upstairs that offers plenty of seating with giant windows offering the same views you’d get outside, but by staying indoors you stay nice and toasty.
Address: 230 Vesey St, New York, NY 10281
Black Cat (Lower East Side)
Out of all the cafes to work at in NYC you’ll be hard pressed to find one better than Black Cat. Offering free Wi-Fi, a printer and outlets to charge your computer the cafe can serve as a makeshift office.
The popularity of this LES coffee shop means people are constantly in and out, so if you need a quiet place to focus this might not be a great fit.
However, If you’re working on a group project or hosting a business meeting the Black Cat is a one of the best cafes to work at in NYC. Even if you’re working solo, just bring a pair of noise canceling headphones to help you focus.
If you work up an appetite there’s a decent-sized breakfast menu to choose from, as well as fresh pastries. With food, Wi-Fi and comfy couches the Black Cat is one of the best cafes to work from in NYC, it’s basically like home away from home.
Address: 172 Rivington St, New York, NY 10002
Vineapple (Brooklyn Heights)
Vineapple is conveniently looked just across the East River in Brooklyn Heights and is one of the most charming cafes to work from in NYC. Boasting a dazzling, sun soaked backyard garden the cafe gives a whole new meaning to “getting out of the house.”
The popular neighborhood hangout is regularly littered with locals attracted by the cafe’s tantalizing brunch and energizing coffees. The atmosphere is both lively and calm, which might seem like a contradiction but you’ll find is an accurate description.
The colorful, flowery vibe makes Vineapple one of the most artsy cafes to work from in NYC. If you’re in search of inspiration or work in a creative field there are few coffee shops in New York City better for remote work.
Address: 71 Pineapple St, Brooklyn, NY 11201
The Book Club (East Village)
The Book Club is one of the best hidden-gem cafes to work remotely in NYC. An independent book store that has a full service bar, coffee and snacks it’s both charming and inspiring.
The NYC bookstore is a great place to get work done during the day, and to unwind by the evening. In fact, after 7PM the homey bookstore becomes a laptop-free zone (which I just take as a sign that it’s time to crack open the wine).
There’s free WiFi and odds are you won’t be the only one working at the East Village bookstore. The cozy playlist further cements this as one of the best cafes to work from in NYC.
With plenty of spots to plant yourself for hours (including a charming outdoor seating area) you won’t struggle getting comfortable and zoning on on your work.
Address: 197 E 3rd St, New York, NY 10009
PlantShed (SoHo)
All my fellow plant lovers will be in a state of euphoria at PlantShed. Their original Upper West Side location has been an oasis in the concrete jungle for more than 40 years, and their SoHo location is one of the best cafes to work from in NYC.
The plant craze has been in full swing over the last few years and PlantShed has capitalized by creating a place to enjoy some of the best coffee in New York City all while basking in abundant green foliage.
Like most of their other locations, The SoHo store has spaces for guests to hang out. The two story store offers tables where it’s easy to get comfortable. Whether it’s to write a report or read a book, PlantShed provides a Garden of Eden and one of the best cafes to work from in NYC.
Address: 1 Prince St, New York, NY 10012
Amano (West Village)
The West Village boasts one of the best coffee shops to work remotely in New York City. Amano is an airy, light filled shop serving strong coffee, helping you start your day in earnest.
The coffee shop handpicks the harvests they purchase before bringing them to New York to be roasted in house. That’s actually how they chose their name. In Spanish “a mano” means by hand, a nod to the simplest way to ensure quality and some of the best coffee in New York City.
The boldness of their coffee can be tasted both through simple drip coffee or fun drinks alike. Plus, add in the free WiFi and lively neighborhood and you have one of the best cafes to work from in NYC.
Address: 172 West 4th Street, New York, NY 10014
Irving Farm (Greenwich Village)
Serving New Yorkers for more than 20 years, Irving Farm is named after Irving Place, the street in Gramercy Park where they first opened up shop. Although the coffee company has planted roots all around New York, their location in the West Village is one of the best cafes to work from in NYC.
But before you start packing your laptop I have to mention that Irving Farm doesn’t offer WiFi. You might be thinking why the heck would I consider it one of the best cafes to work from in NYC, and I’m going to tell you.
I’ve found that when I have to write (like pen + paper), read a report or study a book Irving Farm is one of the best coffee shops to work from in New York City. There’s an abundance of tables offering bountiful work surfaces, as well as a bathroom and friendly baristas.
Plus, the West Village is one of the most charming neighborhoods in Manhattan so people watching from the window can provide a needed reprieve before diving back into your labors.
In a world where everything is online (and I get it, my work revolves around a computer too) Irving Farm still manages to be one of the best cafes to work remotely in NYC. Being away from a place where you can easily get distracted by Netflix or mindless scrolling online helps keep you focused on what’s in front of you.
Address: 78 W 3rd St, New York, NY 10012
Variety Coffee (Chelsea)
If you’re looking for one of the best coffee shops in NYC that you can work from, might I suggest Variety Coffee Roasters in Chelsea.
The cafe gets flooded with natural day-light and is a great spot to study or work remotely. Finding a seat shouldn’t be a problem since the coffee shop has plenty of tables and chairs to pick from. You’ll also find multiple outlets sprinkled throughout the cafe to charge your laptop and linger for hours.
What really makes Variety Coffee Roasters one of the best cafes to work remotely in NYC? They have a bathroom! The amount of times I’ve found myself attempting to work at a cafe only to have to cut my time short because there’s no bathroom available is ridiculous and Variety Coffee fixes that issue.
Also any cold brew fans in the house? I’ve found that Variety Coffee Roasters serves some of the smoothest cold brew in NYC, without the sour taste — I highly recommend trying it!
Address: 261 7th Ave, New York, NY 10001
Hungry Ghost (Greenwich Village)
Hungry Ghost came to grace us as one of the best cafes to work from in NYC by way of Turkish founder Murat Uyaroglu. Recently having celebrated their 10 year anniversary, it’s safe to say New Yorkers love them.
Serving exceptional Stumptown coffee, Hungry Ghost has 12 locations in the Big Apple but their West Village location is one of my favorite cafes to work remotely from in NYC.
In terms of cozy NYC coffee shops it doesn’t get more charming than the Hungry Ghost. The cafe is sun drenched and exudes an airy feel, and the decorative arches give the space a modern look.
The cafe is a bit small, but I’ve noticed that folks tend to grab and go so you should be able to snag a seat. There’s free WiFi and counter-style seating so you shouldn’t have a problem focusing on your work.
“I saw the game changing, coffee started being treated like wine; it’s special. It’s important where you get it, how you roast it, how you brew it.”
MURAT UYAROGLU, THE BRIDGE BROOKLYN BUSINESS NEWS
Address: 315 Bleecker St, New York, NY 10014
787 Coffee (SoHo)
787 is a Puerto-Rican coffee company making some of the best coffee in New York City, period. Their shop in SoHo is one of the best cafes to work from in NYC and I’m not the only one who thinks this, it’s always littered with locals.
The coffee is consistently great and the baristas are always top-notch. I especially love the purpose-driven mission of this charming cafe, which is to provide a farm to cup coffee experience while supporting the local community.
The coffee is grown and processed on a farm in Puerto Rico by the owners of the cafe. The goal is to grow coffee in a sustainable manner and offer livable wages to the locals they hire.
That’s why I think 787 Coffee is one of the best cafes to work remotely from in NYC. They understand the meaning of hard work, and give you all the WiFi (and caffeine) for you to do the same.
Address: 72 Thompson St, New York, NY 10012
Butler (SoHo)
Ryan Butler blessed New Yorkers when he opened Butler in 2016. Being a chef by profession, Butler has curated an exquisite and simple menu that compliments their delicious coffee from Intelligentsia coffee roasters.
Roasted to perfection, the coffee is among the smoothest you’ll find and makes working at the NYC cafe a breeze. Plus, the ability to walk to the register and order food helps keep you focused on your work.
Whether you pop in first thing in the morning or for an afternoon snack, Butler has the perfect cup of coffee to keep you focused. And the sleek and gorgeously designed interiors makes it one of the cutest cafes to work from in NYC.
Their SoHo location at any given time is littered with chatting friends, or folks on laptops working away. With their big and light filled space it’s a great place to hunker down and be productive.
Address: 177 Lafayette St, New York, NY 10013
Stumptown Coffee (Greenwich Village)
Stumptown Coffee Roasters are national coffee favorites with locations all across America. Simply stop by one of their many locations and see for yourself why they are so widespread and popular.
But if you’re wondering which one of their cafes is the best work remotely from in NYC I suggest visiting the Greenwich Village outpost. Albeit a bit small you’ll find the tables perfect for working solo on a laptop.
The WiFi has been fast and reliable every time I’ve visited and minus for the steady stream of locals grabbing their coffee to go there isn’t a bustling atmosphere. Since the cafe is close to NYU most of the folks who stay are busy studying or working on a project with headphones.
I also think Stumptown is one of the best cafes to work remotely in NYC because of the coffee. Maybe it’s because I’m a west-coast transplant, but I think the coffee is some of the best in the city.
Address: 30 W 8th St, New York, NY 10011
Partners Coffee (Williamsburg)
It didn’t take long for Partners Coffee to become a NYC staple. In 10 years the brand has gone from a single cafe in Williamsburg to 5 across the Big Apple. The success is due to them serving the best coffee in New York City.
However, it’s hard to trump the original Williamsburg shop as one of the best cafes to work remotely in NYC.
The coffee is roasted in house so you’ll find an alluring aroma leading your nose into the coffee shop. Once inside you won’t struggle finding a table to hunker down and get some work done.
The beloved coffee joint is quintessential, hipster Williamsburg, Brooklyn. It’s bright, slightly industrial and totally charming. Plus the tables are large enough that I can comfortably fit my laptop, hard drive and notepad as well as my coffee.
Partners Coffee is also one of the best cafes to work from in NYC if you’re also looking for a meal. I know that I’m not the only one who easily works up an appetite working, and Partners has a decent menu to quiet a growling stomach.
Address: 125 N 6th St, Brooklyn, NY 11249
The Bean (East Village)
The Bean opened their doors in 2003 and have since made a name for themselves as one of the best cafes to work from in NYC. Boasting plenty of tables and plugins, it’s easy to find a place to hunker down and be productive.
This East Village coffee shop also serves an impressive amount of food and quick bites for a cafe. The Bean has your typical savory and sweet pastries, along with acai bowls and smoothies in case you work up an appetite.
It’s also one of the best cafes to work from in NYC if you’re a student because you get a 10% discount. Having been a broke college student myself I know that every penny counts.
Address: 31 3rd Ave, New York, NY 10003 & 771 Broadway, New York, NY 10003
All the Kings Horses
If you’re someone who works from home and is looking for one of the best cafes in NYC to work from, I suggest checking out All The Kings Horses (ATKH) in the East Village.
It’s an Australian-based coffee shop that opened in 2020 serving Partners Coffee in a chill, laid-back atmosphere. There is plenty of seating both inside and outside with a few outlets scattered throughout the shop.
Offering plenty of organic, gluten-free and vegan options, not only is ATKH one of the best cafes to work remotely in NYC, but it’s also one of the few cafes that serves delicious options to those with dietary restrictions.
Location: 521 E 12th St, New York, NY 10009
Best Cafes to Work NYC
In sum, here’s a quick round up of the best coffee shops for working NYC
- Arthouse
- Devoción
- Café-Flor
- Laughing Man Cafe
- Think Coffee
- Remi Flower & Coffee
- Joe Coffee Company
- Bean & Bean
- Kona Coffee Roasters
- Ground Central Coffee
- Brookfield Place
- Black Cat
- Vineapple
- The Book Club
- PlantShed
- Amano
- Irving Farm
- Variety Coffee
- Hungry Ghost
- 787 Coffee
- Butler
- Stumptown Coffee
- Partners Coffee
- The Bean
- All The Kings Horses
Map of the best coffee shops for work NYC
More Coffee Posts
- 20+ Irresistible Coffee Spots in New York City (Guaranteed to Satisfy)
- 10+ Bold Brooklyn Coffee Shops (You’re Guaranteed to Love)
- 20 Cute Cafes in New York City (Instagram Worthy Spots)
And there it is folks! The best cafes to work remotely in NYC.
Cheers!
Leave a Reply