Best Coffee Shops to Do Work in NYC: The Remote Worker’s Guide

Let’s be real—working from home gets slightly cabin-feverish real fast. When you want to spice up your work from home routine and you need a change of scenery, NYC delivers. From cozy neighbourhood cafés to luxurious hotel lounges, the city is full of spots that make remote work feel inspiring (and maybe even a little glamorous).

The best coffee shops to do work in NYC don’t just have Wi-Fi, great coffee & food, and charging outlets—they have vibes. And there’s nothing quite like sipping a cappuccino in a sunlit corner surrounded by New York City’s electric vibe, thinking, “Yep, I’m working—but I’m also living.”

 digital nomad

NYC is one of the best cities in the world for remote workers and students.

Hungry Llama Cafe, located in the far West Village, is one of those coffee shops in New York City that impresses you.

Not only is it a nice spot to bring your laptop and be productive, but it also offers a warmth that makes you want to linger.

Add this authentic cafe to your list of the best coffee shops to do work in NYC. 

Pros:

• You must try the whipped honey latte— phenomenal if you like sweet drinks
• It has a warm and community-inspired atmosphere
• Great location, walking distance to the Hudson River Waterfront pier walk to get your step in while breathing in the crisp air

Cons:

• This spot can get packed, however, there are additional spots at the bar seating area

The Malin is a dedicated coworking space in 3 lovely locations around NYC. I tested their Williamsburg location, locked in, and had a productive working day. This welcoming space is one of the best spots to do work in NYC. Did I say there’s unlimited free coffee and tea included in your membership?

Pros:

• Unlimited free coffee and tea. Snacks are also provided
• Beautiful workspace with gorgeous views of the city at their Williamsburg location

Cons:

• The noise. Many workers take calls in the coworking space, which can make you feel distracted. However, they do provide private booths to work in noise-cancelling spaces.

Devoción, rated one of the best coffee spots in New York City, not only satisfies your caffeine needs but also offers an aesthetically pleasing workspace.

One of the best coffee shops to do work in NYC, Devoción has 6 different locations spread across the Big Apple..

Pros:

• Free wifi
• Top-notch Colombian coffee
• Charming and aesthetically pleasing

Cons:

• This spot can get pretty packed, so it’s best to arrive early if you want to grab a seat. That said, I managed to snag a spot on the sofa after a short wait

Inside the Made Hotel, this laptop-friendly café in the heart of Manhattan offers the perfect setting for a WFH day in NYC. With high-quality artisanal coffee and light bites, the layout of the space is both functional and warm, with plenty of seating options for solo work or coworking.

Pros:

• Early opening from 7am-5 pm
• Free wifi
• Aesthetically pleasing and stylish interior
• Conducive to focused work
• Comfortable seating
• Light bites and delicious coffee

Cons:

• Can get crowded, especially during peak hours
• Closing time at 5 pm is not suitable for evening work sessions

This collective workspace, coffee house, and event space in the West Village offers you the sweetest treats and drinks as you get your work done. With Bedford Studio’s creative atmosphere and thoughtfully designed interiors, it’s the kind of place that will make your productive work session feel far more enjoyable.

Pros:

• Free wifi
• Top-notch Colombian coffee
• Aesthetic vibes

Cons:

• You need to pay a day pass fee to bring your laptop. The day pass is $10, which includes access to work from Bedford Studio and a 10% discount on purchases.​ They offer monthly and annual memberships too.

Follow them on Instagram to keep up to date with their regular pop-ups and receive free goodies!

Picture sophisticated lounge areas, impressive high ceilings, and a combination of a restaurant, café, and bar. The Hoxton Hotel deserves a spot on your remote-friendly places to work form in NYC list.

Situated in Williamsburg, Brooklyn, this hotel doubles as a café, restaurant & bar, offering you one of the best spots to work remotely in New York City.

Pros:

• A warm, inviting space
• Take a stroll on your work break to stunning views of the river or to the local park, all within walking distance
• Munch on delightful pastries while you chomp through your work!

Cons: The space can fill up as it is a restaurant, cafe & bar as well

If you’re searching for the best spots to work from in New York City, the lobby space in the Arlo Hotel is one of the best laptop-friendly places in the Big Apple.

Pros:

• Easy to get a spot. I worked from the Arlo Hotel on a Friday, and there were plenty of spots available
• Quality coffee and food
• With multiple locations, the Arlo Hotel provides a stylish lobby space with ample seating and free Wi-Fi, making it a comfortable spot for remote work in NYC

Cons:

• Limited charging powerpoints available

A laptop-friendly haven in NYC, this spot offers the perfect blend of a comfy workspace and irresistible baked goods.

Martha’s Country Bakery has 5 locations in Queens and Brooklyn— perfect for a day out in either borough.

Pros:

• Delicious bakery delights & coffee
• Amazing, inexpensive weekly specials. I purchased a slice of pie and a freddo iced cappuccino for only $8USD!
• Big and small tables are available

Cons:

• Few to no power outlets for charging devices

You can’t go wrong with Starbucks—a classic fan-favourite cafe in NYC.

Starbucks isn’t just a laptop-friendly café—it’s a solid spot to settle in for a full day’s work. With fast, reliable Wi-Fi, free coffee refills for rewards members, and great coffee, it checks all the boxes for a productive remote work session in New York City.

Pros:

• Free coffee refills!
• Overall, great vibes
• Generally easy to get a wors space spot
• A solid selection of coffee and food items
• Unlimited free wifi

Cons: Not all Starbucks have charging outlets. *Make sure to charge your laptop before arriving, just in case.

• Change of scenery.
• Provides you with a fresh perspective, thus increasing your clarity and productivity.
• Refresh your energy from working in as opposed to working in your usual home space every day.
• Great coffee and food- enjoy the simple pleasures in life
• Gain inspiration from your surroundings which you may not have gained otherwise if you worked from your home office
• Socialising benefits— you get to meet new friends
• Make memories- feel like you’re living your life and working at the same time

I hope you’ve enjoyed this roundup of the best coffee shops to work from in NYC. New York City truly is one of the best cities in the world for digital nomads. The remote working culture here is huge, and there’s no shortage of great spots to fuel your productivity—one great cafe at a time.

What do you enjoy doing to switch up your remote work routine? 👩🏼‍💻

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Author: Lana

Welcome! Lana is the founder of Living Her Way. She's passionate about all things Travel and Self-Empowerment. Lana's mission is to inspire you to live a more happy and fulfilling life your way each day.