This blog post is all about the best coffee shops to work from in New York City.
As a digital nomad, there’s nothing better than strong coffee and even stronger WiFi.
Whether I’m deep in writing mode or just catching up on emails, I’m always on the hunt for coffee shops to work from in New York City that have the right mix of atmosphere, plug sockets, and caffeine.
Luckily, NYC is one of the best cities in the world for remote workers and students.
With cosy corners in bookshops, stylish hotel lobbies, and laid-back cafés with fast internet, the city is packed with freelancer-friendly spots to get things done.
New York City is my favourite place on the planet, and I feel incredibly lucky that I can work from anywhere.
Over the years, I’ve explored dozens of coffee shops to work from in New York with WiFi, and I’ve now got a solid list of go-to favourites. Especially in Manhattan and Brooklyn.
If you’re a remote worker, digital nomad, student or freelancer looking for the best coffee shops to work from in New York, this blog is for you.
RELATED Coffee Shops to Work From in New York blog posts to read:
- Where to Find the 10 Best NYC Bagels in New York
- The Best & Coolest Museums in New York to Visit
- The 8 Best Breakfast and Brunch Spots in New York City
- 20 Great Unique Date Ideas in New York City
- The Best 30 Coffee Shops to Work From in Brooklyn
- Coliving in New York: Why You Should Consider SharedEasy
- 48 Hours in New York City: A Local’s Epic Itinerary
If you’re planning a trip to New York City, make sure to check out my 140+ page travel guide eBook which you can download here to help you plan!
This blog post is all about the best coffee shops to work from in New York City.
What Makes Great Laptop-Friendly Coffee Shops to Work or Study From in NYC?
There are thousands of cafes in New York, but not all of them are ideal for setting up shop with a laptop.
Here’s what I look for when searching for the best WiFi coffee shops in Manhattan and Brooklyn:
- Reliable and fast WiFi
- Comfortable seating and outlets
- Relaxed atmosphere
- Great coffee and snacks
- Laptop-friendly policies
Whether you’re a night owl who works best in the evening or someone who likes to start their day with a 9am cold brew, there’s a spot for you.
I recently spent three weeks in New York as a digital nomad, staying at SharedEasy apartments in Williamsburg, Brooklyn. You can see a lot of these coffee shops to work from in New York in my YouTube vlogs during my most recent trip to New York:
Let’s dive into my favourite coffee shops to work from in New York City.
Coffee Shops to Work From in New York: Manhattan
Below are my favourite coffee shops to work from in New York City.
These coffee shops have been tried and tested by yours truly, so you can know for sure that these are great places to set up shop with your laptop for the day.
No matter if you need a coffee shop to study from or to get some work done, this list of coffee shops to work from in New York will have exactly what you need.
1. Bibliotheque – SoHo
Address: 54 King Street, New York, NY 10014
An ideal pick for anyone searching for NYC coffee shops with WiFi and ambiance.
Set among bookshelves and bathed in warm lighting, it’s one of my favourites for a quiet and stylish work session.
I sat at the bar area to work when I visited which had plug sockets underneath.
Almost everyone there was working on a laptop, but you can browse some books before you leave too or grab a glass of wine.
Just note, laptops are banned after 5pm!
2. Housing Works Bookstore – SoHo
Address: 126 Crosby Street, New York, NY 10012
This one is a true gem. A café with a purpose, Housing Works supports programs for the homeless and people living with HIV/AIDS.
It’s one of the best coffee shops to work from in New York for remote work thanks to its welcoming space and reliable WiFi.
However, when I visited they didn’t have any plug outlets if you needed to charge your laptop.
3. Cafe Urbana – Chelsea
Address: 225 West 23rd Street, New York, NY 10011
A green oasis in the heart of Chelsea and one of the best coffee shops to work from in New York City.
This plant-filled café is vibrant and peaceful. Perfect for freelancers looking for a fresh, focused vibe.
4. The Marlton Hotel – West Village
Address: 5 West 8th Street, New York, NY 10011
If hotel lobbies are your vibe, this is a dream.
With vintage furniture, roaring fires in the winter, and soft music, it’s the perfect retreat when you’re tired of cramped cafés.
The Marlton Hotel is my favourite place to work remotely on a wet, rainy day in New York.
Their tomato soup is also the perfect winter warmer.
5. Stumptown Coffee Roasters – West Village
Address: 30 West 8th Street, New York, NY 10011
A consistent favourite among remote workers.
With its great WiFi, even better coffee, and community feel, it’s an excellent choice for anyone wondering where to work remotely in NYC.
Just know that it doesn’t have as much seating as other options on this list.
However, it’s just across the street from the Marlton Hotel if you need a back-up.
6. Amano – West Village
Address: 172 West 4th Street, New York, NY 10014
Minimalist and quiet, Amano is one of my go-to coffee shops to work from in New York City when I need to be super productive.
The clean interiors and fast internet help me focus for hours.
It’s best to go here during the week when it’s quieter as it’s not the largest coffee shop ever, but if you can grab a seat, you’re in luck!
7. The Drama Book Shop – Midtown
Address: 266 West 39th Street, New York, NY 10018
Not many people think of Midtown when looking for a peaceful work spot, but this bookstore café is a game-changer.
With low noise levels and comfortable seating, it’s great for focused work time.
If you need to find a coffee shop to work from in Midtown, New York, this is the spot!
8. Capital One Café – Midtown
Address: 853 Broadway, New York, NY 10003
A surprising yet fantastic option for digital nomads in NYC. If you’re a Capital One cardholder, enjoy half-price drinks while working from co-working rooms with free WiFi.
For those that aren’t Capital One customers (like me), you can still make use of their free WiFi and work for the day.
They’ve got many breakfast options and lots of plug outlets too. A great spot near Central Park to get some work done.
9. The Clock Coffee Shop – Midtown
Address: 200 Park Avenue, New York, NY 10166
Inside the MetLife Building, this café caters to the city’s corporate crowd.
But for freelancers and remote workers, it offers strong coffee, a professional vibe, and solid WiFi.
10. Bluestockings Cooperative – Lower East Side
Address: 116 Suffolk Street, New York, NY 10002
A peaceful and socially conscious café in the LES, ideal for writers and deep-thinkers.
One of the best NYC coffee shops with WiFi if you’re after something with soul.
If you’re planning a trip to New York City, make sure to check out my 140+ page travel guide eBook which you can download here to help you plan!
11. Georgie’s – Lower East Side
Address: 175 Delancey Street, New York, NY 10002
A new find for us and one I’d definitely go back to!
Massive and full of light, Georgie’s is a fantastic option if you’re looking for spacious coffee shops to work from in New York City.
Just bring a full battery, as plugs are limited.
12. P&T Knitwear – Lower East Side
Address: 180 Orchard Street, New York, NY 10002
Need a podcast studio and a WiFi café in one? You’ve found it. While seating is limited, it’s a fun spot with excellent coffee and creative energy.
This is probably my top spot that I always love to work from.
You’re in the middle of a bookstore, it’s never too busy and you’ll always find a seat to work from.
Plus, they have a great coffee shop inside too with soft drinks.
And even better, you’re on Orchard Street. My personal favourite street in all of New York.
13. Black Cat LES – Lower East Side
Address: 172 Rivington Street, New York, NY 10002
You’ll find Black Cat on every list of coffee shops to work from in New York City.
It’s extremely popular with freelancers and students, so be sure to arrive early.
If it’s packed, Rex is just around the corner!
14. Rex – Lower East Side
Address: 151 Essex Street, New York, NY 10002
Perfect for late-night creatives, Rex stays open until 10pm on weekdays and 1am on weekends!
We worked here on a few occasions as it was always quiet enough to grab a table in, great stable WiFi and lots of plug outlets too.
One of the few coffee shops to work from in New York that opens late.
Coffee Shops to Work From in New York: Brooklyn
Below are the best coffee shops to work from in New York, located in Brooklyn.
I recently spent three weeks living in Brooklyn in December and January, so tried my fair share of coffee shops in the area for remote work!
Let me take you through the best coffee shops to work from in New York that I came across.
And if you want to see an extended list, you can read this blog post of the 30 Best Coffee Shops to Work From in Brooklyn here.
15. Brooklyn Roasting Company – Williamsburg
Address: 25 Jay Street, Brooklyn, NY 11201
Whether you’re writing blog posts or editing a YouTube video like me, this place delivers on all fronts: strong WiFi, comfy seats and fantastic coffee.
A solid pick for digital nomads working in Brooklyn.
16. Think Coffee – Williamsburg
Address: 10 Devoe Street, Brooklyn, NY 11211
Laid-back, community-driven, and filled with remote workers.
Easily one of the best coffee shops in NYC for remote work, especially if you’re based in Brooklyn.
17. The Hoxton Hotel – Williamsburg
Address: 97 Wythe Avenue, Brooklyn, NY 11249
Another stylish hotel lobby café that’s ideal for winter work sessions.
A great setting for client calls, focused work, or just sipping coffee and planning your next project.
One of the best coffee shops to work from in New York if you want to treat yourself.
If you’re planning a trip to New York City, make sure to check out my 140+ page travel guide eBook which you can download here to help you plan!
18. Devoción – Williamsburg
Address: 69 Grand Street, Brooklyn, NY 11249
This one might be the most beautiful coffee shop I’ve ever worked in. The lush greenery, huge skylights, and high-quality Colombian coffee make it a must-visit.
Just note that it’s very popular (for its amazing coffee) so you might struggle to find a table if you don’t get there at a good time.
19. Nyla Café – Williamsburg
Address: 65 Irving Avenue, Brooklyn, NY 11237
If you need a brunch break between Zoom calls, head here. Nyla is a well-rounded café with strong WiFi, good food, and a friendly vibe.
This was our local spot near to where we were living for the three weeks and we always managed to grab a table.
It’s a spot where you’ll quickly feel like a local – we loved it!
20. Sweetleaf Coffee Roasters – Greenpoint
Address: 159 Freeman Street, Brooklyn, NY 11222
Arguably the top spot in Brooklyn for freelancers. It’s spacious, well-lit, and filled with digital nomads and remote workers.
Plug in, grab a flat white, and get to work.
I would move to Greenpoint just so I could work from here every day. The best of the best coffee shops to work from in New York.
21. Principles GI Coffee House – Gowanus
Address: 139 9th Street, Brooklyn, NY 11215
Set in a converted warehouse, this large café stands out not only for its vibe but also its ethics – they pay their staff a liveable wage, and tipping isn’t expected.
A great pick if you want to work somewhere with purpose and happen to be in Gowanus.
The Best Coffee Shops to Work From in New York
Finding the right coffee shops to work from in New York City isn’t hard.
It’s narrowing them down that’s the real challenge.
Whether you need all-day comfort, late-night hours, or just great coffee and solid WiFi, the city has something for everyone.
Here are my personal top picks of the best coffee shops to work from in New York for digital nomads:
- Most beautiful space: Devoción, Williamsburg
- Best all-rounder: Sweetleaf Coffee Roasters, Greenpoint
- Best for brunch and work: Nyla Café, Williamsburg
- Most atmospheric: The Marlton Hotel, West Village
- Best Midtown hidden gem: The Drama Book Shop
Wherever you go, bring your charger, grab a good coffee, and make the most of one of the world’s greatest cities to work remotely in.
RELATED Coffee Shops to Work From in New York blog posts to read:
- Where to Find the 10 Best NYC Bagels in New York
- The Best & Coolest Museums in New York to Visit
- The 8 Best Breakfast and Brunch Spots in New York City
- 20 Great Unique Date Ideas in New York City
- The Best 30 Coffee Shops to Work From in Brooklyn
- Coliving in New York: Why You Should Consider SharedEasy
- 48 Hours in New York City: A Local’s Epic Itinerary
If you’re planning a trip to New York City, make sure to check out my 140+ page travel guide eBook which you can download here to help you plan!
By Orlagh Shanks
Orlagh Shanks is the Editor of Orlagh Claire, an award-winning travel and lifestyle blog.
After working in the PR & Influencer Marketing industry in New York City and London, Orlagh quit her job to travel Asia for 12 months and moved to Sydney, Australia where she is now a full-time travel blogger and content creator sharing travel tips and recommendations for all 30 of the countries she’s visited so far.
