If you're looking for the best places to work remotely in Chicago, look no further! We've got the inside scoop on the best artsy cafes, trendy co-working spaces, and quirky hotel lobbies for remote workers to set up for the day.

Whether you're a digital nomad or just looking to get out of the house for a change of scenery, this list is for you. Check out Bucket Lister's picks below:

Gallery Cafe

Artists and creatives will feel right at home working at Gallery Cafe, a cozy spot where art meets coffee. This bright, all-day cafe features ample seating indoors and outdoors and walls adorned with art to keep you inspired. Opt for one of their decadent breakfast sandwiches to start your day off right! 

Where:1760 W North Ave, Chicago, IL 60622  

Hours: 8:00 AM - 3:00 PM daily 

WiFi: Free

Food: Breakfast + Lunch

Neighborhood: Wicker Park

Parking/Public Transit: Paid street parking

For more information.

Standing Passengers

In Chicago, there's no shortage of amazing places to get your caffeine fix, but if you're looking for a unique spot, check out Standing Passengers coffee shop. This hidden gem, part cafe, part transit-focused gallery, is located in the heart of downtown. Their coffee is top-notch, and they’ve got plenty of tables or couches to set up your laptop. There’s also a small patio out back if you need fresh air! 

Hours: Monday - Saturday, 7 AM - 7 PM, Sunday 8 AM - 7 PM

Where: 1458 W Chicago Ave, Chicago, IL 60642

WiFi: Free

For more information.

Chicago Public Library - Chinatown Branch

The Chicago Public Library’s Chinatown branch is reimagining how the modern library should look. This stunning, feng shui-inspired aluminum and glass building is an excellent place for remote workers looking for a quiet place to spend the day. Floor-to-ceiling windows make the space bright and airy, and there’s plenty of comfortable seating throughout the stacks of books.  

Where: 2100 S Wentworth Ave, Chicago, IL 60616

Hours: Monday, 12 PM - 8 PM, Tuesday, 10 AM - 6 PM, Wednesday, 12 PM - 8 PM, Thursday, 10 AM - 6 PM, Friday & Saturday, 9 AM - 5 PM, Sunday, 1 PM - 5 PM

WiFi: Free

Plugs: Limited

Neighborhood: Chinatown

Food: None

For more information.

Brooklyn Boulders

Working remotely…from a rock-climbing gym? Yep, you heard us right. Brooklyn Boulders isn’t just a place for adventurous folks to practice their climbing skills. They also have co-working spaces in both their West Loop and Lincoln Park locations where visitors can set up shop and work while watching other people conquer the climbing routes. 

Where: 100 South Morgan St, Chicago, IL 60607 (West Loop) and 2121 North Clybourn Ave, Chicago, IL 60614 (Lincoln Park) 

Hours: Monday – Friday: 7 AM – 9 PM, Saturday and Sunday: 9 AM–6 PM

WiFi: Free

Plugs: Yes in Co-working spaces

Food: Bring Your Own

Neighborhood: Lincoln Park / West Loop

Parking: Street Parking (West Loop), Parking Lot (Lincoln Park)

For more information.  

The Harold Washington Library Center

Not enough space in your apartment? Why not head to the world’s largest public library building to spread out. Inside the expansive Harold Washington Library Center in South Loop, remote workers will find plenty of comfy seating options in the library’s sun-soaked rooms. Pro tip: if you’re looking for quiet while you concentrate, book one of the library’s private study rooms for a truly tranquil space to get work done. If you find yourself needing a break, take a stroll through the stunning atrium of the library’s Winter Garden. 

Where: 400 S. State Street, Chicago, IL 60605

Hours:  Monday - Thursday, 9 AM - 8 PM; Friday & Saturday, 9 AM - 5 PM; Sunday, 1 PM - 5 PM

WiFi: Free

Plugs: Limited

Food: None

Neighborhood: The Loop

For more information.

Botanical Cafe

Did you know plants can have a calming effect? If you’re looking for a relaxing place to work remotely, check out Botanical Cafe, Chicago’s first plant shop slash cafe. Settle in at one of the cafe’s tables with a cup of coffee, or treat yourself to one of their decadent donuts as you work, all while surrounded by beautiful plants. All the plants in the cafe are for sale, so you can go home with a new addition to your home if something catches your eye! 

Where: 3740 N Lincoln Ave, Chicago, IL 60613

Hours: Monday 7 AM - 5 PM; Closed Tuesdays, Wednesday - Friday, 7 AM - 5 PM; Saturday & Sunday, 8 AM - 5 PM 

WiFi: Free with purchase 

For more information.

The Newberry Library

If you’re looking for a quiet, reflective place to knock out a few hours of work with deep concentration, step into the stately halls of The Newberry Library. The library’s reading rooms are open to members (free but registration required). Settle into one of the reading rooms overlooking Washington Square Park to while away an afternoon getting to inbox zero. 

Where: 60 W Walton St, Chicago, IL 60610

Hours: Tuesday - Friday, 10 AM - 4 PM, Saturday, 12 AM - 4 PM

WiFi: Free

Plugs: Yes

For more information.

Working From_Fulton Market

Working From_ is a luxe coworking space located within the Hoxton Hotel, and it’s a one-stop-shop for all of your WFH needs. Working From_ offers options ranging from day passes to monthly memberships. Members receive access to the space, free WiFi, a pantry with unlimited snacks, fruit, tea, coffee, and private phone booths for conference calls. They’ve got daybeds in case you feel like taking a break from your work to lounge properly, and you won’t want to miss the outdoor terrace complete with rooftop firepits. If you feel like you need to get your body moving after working all day, there’s a fitness studio on-site open to all members…or you could simply head to the on-site pool for a post-work swim! 

Where: 200/208 N Green St., Chicago, IL 60607

Hours: Open 24/7 

WiFi: Free for members

Plugs: Near Every Seat

Neighborhood: West Loop

Food: Snack Pantry, Coffee/Tea, Cira restaurant (lobby floor)

Parking/Public Transit: Valet or Paid Street Parking

Extra Perk: if you’re not a member of Working from, the lobby of the Hoxton Hotel (Cira) is another great space to work!

For more information.

Freehand Chicago

Business is made casual at the Freehand Chicago hotel in their quirky lobby space. Set with all of the amenities that remote workers need, including free wifi, coffee, and Jenga, the lobby is the perfect place to spend an afternoon answering emails. Lounge in one of their cozy nooks with your laptop, and then wrap up the day with a cocktail at their award-winning cocktail bar, the Broken Shaker. Go on; you’ve earned it! 

Where: 19 E Ohio St, Chicago, IL 60611

Hours: Open 24 hours 

WiFi: Free 

For more information.

Sol Cafe

Take a trip to a tropical paradise when you visit Sol Cafe, a specialty coffee shop in Rogers Park. This botanical beauty of a cafe is decked out with lush plants galore, plus sumptuous leather seating and plenty of outlets for you to plug in. In addition, they dish up specialty coffees and nourishing foods made from scratch to keep you fueled all day long. 

Where: 1621 W Howard St, Chicago, IL 60626

Hours: 8 AM - 2 PM daily 

WiFi: Free

Plugs: Many 

Food: Breakfast + Bowls

Neighborhood: Rogers Park

For more information.

Colectivo Coffee (Wicker Park Location)

Head to this colorful Wicker Park cafe for a change of scenery to shake up your WFH routine. Grab one of their Session Roasted™ coffees before you cozy up by the fireplace or snag a table outside on the cheerful garden patio. This location is also where Colectivo baristas from across the city are sent for training, so when you’re posted up here, you know you’re getting a seriously good cup of coffee from the best of the best. 

Where: 1211 N Damen Ave, Chicago, IL 60622

Hours: Monday - Sunday 6:30 AM - 6 PM

WiFi: Free

Plugs: Near almost all seats

Food: Light Breakfast Bites

Neighborhood: Wicker Park

Parking/Public Transit: Street Parking

Extra Perk: A ton of seating options including indoor, half outdoor, and full outdoor tables in the summer!

For more information.

Marshall’s Landing at theMART

Tucked inside Chicago’s famous theMART building, Marshall’s Landing is a trendy new gathering place for remote workers in search of an energetic spot where they can knock out a few hours of work while taking in the views (and the scene!). The space was designed with remote workers in mind, and they even have “call pods” with buttons that guests can push to call their server, so your boss won’t overhear you ordering an Old Fashioned while you’re supposed to be listening to the weekly team meeting. Snag a table by the windows to watch the world go by as you take in the views overlooking the Chicago River. 

Where: 222 W Merchandise Mart Plaza, Chicago, IL 60654

Hours: Monday - Friday 7 AM to 8 PM 

WiFi: Free

Plugs: Limited

Food: Restaurant (11am-8pm), Coffee Bar (7am-4pm)

Neighborhood: The Loop

For more information.

Aster Hall Bar & Study

Aster Hall is a foodie remote worker’s dream come true! This sprawling food hall stretches over 22,000 feet on Michigan Ave and is packed with purveyors offering everything from grain bowls and salads to fried chicken sandwiches to the ultimate work-from-anywhere treat: a Small Cheval burger. With plenty of spots to set up your laptop and crank out a few hours of work with some of the best food in the city at arm’s reach, we wouldn’t blame you if you never wanted to leave! 

Where: 900 N Michigan Ave Level 5, Chicago, IL 60611

Hours: Monday - Wednesday 12 PM - 7 PM, Tuesday - Sunday 12 PM - 8 PM

WiFi: Free

Food: Food Hall

Neighborhood: Michigan Ave.

Parking/Public Transit: Paid Street or Garage Parking

Extra Perk: Lots of seating and fairly quiet so works for meetings!

For more information.

Froth

The folks at Froth don’t mess around when it comes to coffee! They take a cocktail-like approach to their beverages, with a roster of skilled baristas available to prepare hand-crafted drinks to keep you caffeinated all day long. Don’t miss their signature FROTHtails, like the Dalgona Iced Latte or the Floating Hibiscus Matcha. 

Inside, they have rows and rows of plush velvet or luxurious leather chairs to nestle into for the day with your laptop, or an expansive outdoor patio to enjoy in the warmer weather. You can even bring your pup to keep you company! 

Where: 1515 w Monroe Lobby, Chicago, IL 60607

Hours: Monday - Wednesday 8 AM - 2 PM,  Tuesday - Sunday 8 AM - 7 PM

WiFI: Free

Plugs: Limited

Food: Limited Light Bites

Neighborhood: River West

Parking/Public Transit: Free Street Parking

Extra Perk: Lots of seating and fairly quiet so works for meetings!

For more information.

Edie’s All Day Cafe & Bar

At Edie’s, community is king. Remote workers are welcomed with open arms to this upscale, eclectic café that sees itself as a pioneer of the “third place,” or a place between the office and your house. The café is thoughtfully designed to function as not only a place to grab a bite to eat while you work (and their menu is delicious, packed with fresh, locally-sourced ingredients!) but as a place to foster connections and community with other remote workers. Grab a seat at the bar and enjoy some wine on tap, or head out to the patio for some fresh air and sunshine. With wine on tap, You never know who you’ll meet when you spend a day at Edie’s! 

Where: 675 N Wells St, Chicago, IL 60654

Hours: Monday - Sunday 7 AM - 6 PM

WiFi: Free

Plugs: Limited

Food: Full Breakfast + Lunch Menu

Neighborhood: River North

Parking/Public Transit: Paid Street Parking

For more information.

Soho House Cafe - The Allis

Across the world, Soho House has a reputation as an exclusive club for the elite, but this chic industrial space is the perfect place to settle in for a day of people watching – we mean, work. Cafe by day and cocktail bar by night, The Allis is open to the public, so grab a cozy leather chair and help yourself to the WiFi as you nosh on house-made pastries or caffeinate with a coffee by Intelligentisa. When you simply can’t bear to look at your screen any longer, avert your eyes to floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking bustling Green Street, and treat yourself to the Allis’ signature cocktail, the 1915. Go on, you’ve earned it… 

Where: 113 - 125 North Green Street, Chicago, IL 60607

Hours: Temporarily Closed

WiFi: Free

Plugs: Limited

Neighborhood: West Loop

Parking/Public Transit: Paid Street Parking

For more information.