What’s the first image that comes to mind when someone tells you they “freelance”? If your answer is a person typing away on their laptop in a coffee shop all day, you’re in good company. Coffee shops and freelancers are nearly synonymous these days, and for good reason. Studies actually show, in fact, that the right level of ambient noise can trigger our minds to think more creatively, backing up many freelancers’ convictions that working in a coffee shop boosts their productivity.
So, what are some things to look for in an ideal coffee shop? We’ve narrowed down key features at some of the country’s best spots, so check them out and try working at one during your next writer’s block.
Houston, Texas
Tout Suite
Located in the up-and-coming EaDo (East Downtown), one of the best Houston neighborhoods for newcomers, it features a great layout and design filled with an assortment of seating options; whether you’re into sitting at high top tables, lower picnic-style tables, or want to practice working-from-a-coffee-shop-etiquette and sit at a single-seater table, you’ll find it at Tout Suite.
We should also mention the place has a full menu until 10:30pm. Their brunch menu includes tasty items like the Vietnamese Steak and Eggs–seasoned tenderloin, crostini, sunny side up eggs, and a side of ginger basil chimichurri. Who says you can’t treat yourself while getting some work done?
New York
Sweetleaf (Greenpoint Location)
This chic, rustic coffee shop is located in the Greenpoint neighborhood of Brooklyn. It’s quietly tucked away from the noise of Manhattan and offers the perfect space for anyone trying to get some work done. The place boasts a large garage door that they open up when the weather is nice enough, and there are plenty of seats scattered around the inside, too. Owner Rich Nieto roasts his own beans and serves up two special iced drinks: the Voodoo Child and Rocket Fuel. Either will help you start your work day off with a boost.
Los Angeles, Californie
The Semi-Tropic
One of Echo Park’s coolest spots for brunch and drinks, The Semi-Tropic also has major game when it comes to its weekday coffee shop vibes. The space is large and spread out, so you probably won’t have to share a table while you’re there. Sit at the bar and use the ample outlets underneath it, or relax and work at one of the cozy chairs or couches. When you’re done for the day, grab something off their $5 happy hour drinks and snacks menu (11am-7pm).
San Francisco, Californie
Haus Coffee
Their motto is “Your Favorite Coffee Shop”, and, after one visit, it might be just that. Located on bustling 24th Street in the Mission District, Haus Coffee is a reprieve for freelancers looking to escape the noise and get some work done. Their outdoor patio is great for sunny days and it’s filled with ample tables positioned in just the right amount of shade to make your laptop screen visible.
Sit inside at one of the many sturdy, wooden tables and you’ll get a view of brightly colored murals outside that have helped give the Mission its identity and made it one of the best neighborhoods in the city. Oh, and Haus Coffee’s drinks and food aren’t too bad, either. Try a macchiato or a chai latte, both crowd pleasers here, and toast with goat cheese and honey for just $4.
Chicago, Illinois
Sawada Coffee
Welcome to one of the most interesting coffee shops in all of Chicago. Not only does Sawada Coffee have a huge, spacious working area with large picnic tables, it serves up doughnut vault doughnuts, delicious pour over coffees made on reclaimed skateboard decks, something called a Military Latte, and a ping pong table and pinball machine to hit up when you need a break. Bring your laptop and hang out for a while; your creativity will thank you for it.
Philadelphie, Pennsylvanie
Elixr Coffee Roasters (City Center Location)
Elixr is exactly what you want in a coffee shop, and then some. Their “mindfully sourced, roasted, and brewed coffee,” has won 2nd Place at the 2018 U.S. Barista Championship, been named one of the 50 Best Cafes in the U.S. by Business Insider, and chosen as one of the Best Cold Brews in America. Add to that the six locally-created art installations on the City Center location’s interior and exterior, and a lower seating area with outlets aplenty, Elixr is a coffee shop dream come true.
Boston, Massachusetts
Remnant Brewing
There’s nothing about this cafe slash brewery that you won’t love. It’s located in Somerville’s Bow Market, along with 30+ independently-owned food, art, comedy, and retail spaces. Its front door opens up to an outdoor beer garden with stepped seating that’s open 365 days/year, weather permitting, of course. If working inside is more your thing, they have plenty of bar seating immediately when you enter, and a longer bar to the left with seats facing the actual beer brewing tanks. Grab a coffee and work here awhile; when you’re done for the day, enjoy an ice cold beer and food from the Bow Market.
We’d be surprised if you didn’t see something here that gets your creative juices flowing. Working from a coffee shop is proven to boost your productivity, so what are you waiting for? Get off your couch, get out of your apartment, and get to work!
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