Working remotely is a strength for some and a weakness for others. Whether it's because of roommates, Netflix, or the availability of a cozy bed, working at home can be distracting. Luckily, in New York, there's a decades-long tradition of writers and artists who use the city as their workspace. With so many options and environments to choose from, it can be overwhelming to just sit down somewhere and get cracking.
This guide has some tried-and-tested, insider recommendations for anyone in New York struggling to get in the zone. The venues are grouped according to environment and atmosphere, so readers can decide which ones suit them best. Hopefully, after reading this guide, there's one less excuse for not getting things done.
Quiet And Uncrowded
Black Cat LES
Deep in the Lower East Side of downtown Manhattan, Blackcat LES is a neighborhood gem. Many prominent writers are rumored to frequent this joint that, on Saturdays, hosts open mic nights for budding stand-up comedians. The furniture is classic, homely, and wooden, and there's usually calm and unobtrusive music playing in the background. On weekdays, it's never too busy and there's always a place to sit.
The baristas make an excellent Matcha Latte, or if patrons need some mental lubrication, they have a decent selection of beers in the fridge.
- Address: 172 Rivington St, New York
- Hours: 7 AM - 10 PM on weekdays; 8 AM - 10 PM on weekends
- Amenities: Printer, free Wi-Fi, bathroom, board games, bookshelf
Kava Social
Kratom and Kava bars might just be the future of cafe culture in big cities. These relatively obscure teas make for excellent workmates, and many people claim that they work better than coffee. Kava Social in Williamsburg specializes in eccentricity, minimalism, and good vibes, which make it one of the best places to work in New York.
Located near the Bedford Avenue subway station, this cafe has a tendency to turn first-time visitors into regulars. There's a lot of open space and a variety of seating arrangements available. It's never too crowded or noisy, and the "kavatenders" are some of the friendliest people in the city. It's easy to get in the zone at Kava Social, where hours can pass in the blink of an eye.
- Address: 120 Bedford Avenue, Brooklyn
- Hours: 11 AM - 11 PM on weekdays; 12 PM - 12 AM on weekends
- Amenities: Free Wi-Fi, bathroom, bookshelves, board games
Buzzing Atmosphere
Stumptown Coffee Roasters
Stumptown is a Greenwich Village classic. Back in the day, the location was a bookstore that attracted the likes of Ginsberg and Kerouac. In addition to having some of the best coffee in the city, Stumptown is situated near Washington Square Park and NYU, which means that it's always buzzing with life. Some people find that busy environments force them to buckle down and get tasks done.
Channel the spirit of New York's cultural pioneers and get some work done at Stumptown.
- Address: 30 W 8th St, New York
- Hours: 7 AM - 5:30 PM on weekdays; 8 AM - 6 PM on weekends
- Amenities: Bookshelves, free Wi-Fi, bathroom
La Colombe NOHO
La Colombe is another NYU favorite, located in a trendy neighborhood. Early in the morning, the cafe is full of sleepy students cramming for exams. Apart from students, it's also a breakfast and coffee staple for voguish New Yorkers who work in the area. This, coupled with the award-winning coffee, endows La Colombe with a hustle and grind vibe that's sure to motivate even the laziest procrastinators.
- Address: 400 Lafayette St, New York
- Hours: 7:30 AM - 6:30 PM
- Amenities: Free Wi-Fi, bathroom
For Night Owls And Novelty Seekers
Of course, as much as cafes are good places to grind, some of the greatest writers prefer to work in dive bars where the music drowns out their pesky inhibitions. The Looking Glass is a no-frills local watering hole in Bushwick that also happens to be a conducive environment for getting work done. The lighting is dim but tasteful, the drinks are relatively inexpensive, and the bartenders are unobtrusive. It's fairly common for people to come to this bar alone on weekdays, and patrons will usually be left alone to focus on the tasks they came to finish.
- Address: 1087 Broadway, Bushwick
- Hours: 6 PM - 4 AM
- Amenities: Free Wi-Fi, pool table, jukebox, bathroom
The Broadway
On the border of Bed-Stuy and Bushwick, this venue has a leathery, neon aesthetic for those who are into that sort of thing. On the ground floor, there are old-school booths to nestle in with a cheap drink, or if visitors are peckish, the basement has a cozy noodle bar that's easy to lose track of time in. The only pertinent advice for workers is to avoid going to the top floor, which is often where live musicians are screaming over a mosh pit of very alternative New Yorkers.
- Address: 1272 Broadway, Brooklyn
- Hours: 4 PM - 4 AM
- Amenities: Free Wi-Fi, plenty of seating, jukebox, live music, bathroom
These are just a few solid spots in New York City for remote working. Hopefully, it's enough to get through a week of remote assignments. The best part is, none of the listed venues are exorbitantly priced or hostile to workers. Good luck and work hard!