food & drink ·
Published January 15, 2024
The Best Places to Work Remotely in NYC
Get out of your tiny apartment and explore these chic co-working spots. 👩💻
by New York Bucket List
If you ask us, remote work is one of the best things to come out of the 21st century. Having to brave the elements and shlep it on the subway to go sit in a cubicle for 8+ hours? We'll pass. But as any New Yorker knows, apartments can be a little short on space in NYC, and sometimes you need a change of scenery, even if it's only for an afternoon. Instead of hustling from your bedroom-turned-office for another day, why not try out a cool new remote work spot?
We rounded up some of the top cafes, coworking spots, and public spaces throughout the city to plug in and power through some emails. Take a look at our picks below.
18 Places to Work Remotely in New York
Hungry Ghost
Brooklyn, West Village
With 13 locations around the city, there’s bound to be a Hungry Ghost coffee shop near you. Head to one of their cafes, and you’ll find a bright, busy space with lots of seating and free WiFi, plus plenty of gourmet coffee. Hungry Ghost has its own line of coffee made in partnership with Stumptown Roasters, plus nitro brews and kombucha on tap, so you’ve got options to keep you going all day!
WiFi: Free WiFi
Where: Various - see all locations here.
More information.
Manhattanville Coffee
Harlem
Harlem-based Manhattanville Coffee is perfect for remote workers, with cafe tables and communal tables, big picture windows so you can settle in and watch the world go by as you knock out a few hours of work, and, of course, fantastic coffee. They serve up beans from Parlor Coffee and tea from Kilogram tea to keep you caffeinated. Don’t skip the berry scone or the cheddar chive biscuit for a delicious afternoon snack.
WiFi: Free
Where: 142 Edgecombe Ave, New York, NY
More information
NYPL Main Branch
Midtown
With all of the coffee shops and coworking places that have sprung up in recent years, it’s easy to forget one of the old standards of students and remote workers alike: public libraries. We'll cover a few in this list, but the Rose Main Reading Room at NYPL's main branch is a must-visit for the incredible architecture. It's also great for quiet study sessions and brainstorming power hours.
WiFi: Free
Where: Various locations
More information: Manhattan | Brooklyn | Queens
Cooper Hewitt Museum Terrace & Garden
Upper East Side
If you need some fresh air, head to the Arthur Ross Terrace and Garden at the Cooper Hewitt Museum. While the museum requires tickets for entry, the garden and terrace are accessible to all. Connect to the museum’s free WiFi to get some work done while you enjoy a fresh breeze, or take a break and play on one of their ping pong tables. There is also a cafe on the grounds if you fancy a bite to eat while you work.
WiFi: Free
Where: 200 Central Park West, New York, NY
More information.
180 Maiden Lane Atrium
Financial District
Have you heard of POPS? Also known as privately owned public spaces, developers in NYC are sometimes given additional zoning privileges in exchange for including these spaces in their buildings. It's an excellent perk for remote workers, as dozens of these spaces are tucked into skyscrapers dotting the city. One of our faves? The Atrium at 180 Maiden Lane. This space features tropical plants, astroturf, and plenty of picnic benches and cafe tables, making it a great escape from the hustle and bustle of downtown. There’s even a cafe on-site if you need a snack or a caffeine boost.
WiFi: Free
Where: 180 Maiden Lane, New York, NY
More information.
The Ludlow Hotel
East Village
If you’re looking to mix things up a bit, The Ludlow Hotel has a stylish lobby open 24/7, welcoming digital nomads and creatives of all kinds to stop by and stay awhile. They’ve got free WiFi, hip decor, and a lush outdoor patio, all of which combine for a creative, inspiring space to work. Reward yourself after a long day with a cocktail served up by one of their skilled bartenders at the lobby bar.
WiFi: Free
Where: 180 Ludlow St, New York, NY
More information
Book Club
East Village
Does working in a cozy cafe surrounded by books sound like a dream? Well, this reader’s paradise makes your dreams a reality! Book Club is a bookstore slash wine bar in Alphabet City that’s open to remote workers to set up camp during the day. They offer cozy armchairs and work tables tucked among the stacks of books or a patio if you need some fresh air and a change of scenery! Visitors are welcome to work for free until 7 PM when it’s time to shut your laptop so the staff can prepare for evening events.
WiFi: Free and available until 7 PM
Where: 197 East 3rd Street, New York, NY
More information
53rd Street Library
Midtown
The 53rd Street Library was built in 2016, just steps away from MoMA. The sprawling space is a bright, inviting oasis of books and learning and offers lots of tables and desks, power outlets, and free wifi. It also provides 68 computers, including 46 laptops, and has state-of-the-art program spaces for up to 120 occupants, plus a Children’s Room and Teen Zone.
WiFi: Free
Where: 18 West 53rd Street, New York, NY
More information
The Ace Hotel (Midtown)
Midtown
Check into your workday at the Ace Hotel, a trendy Midtown spot that not only welcomes remote workers but encourages them to settle in for the day. Their chic, thoughtfully designed lobby features large communal tables and comfortable leather couches, plenty of outlets and USB ports, and snack offerings ranging from Stumptown coffee to mezze platters for noshing while you work.
WiFi: Free
Where: 20 W 29th St, New York, NY
More information
NeueHouse
Flatiron
NeueHouse is reimagining co-working for creatives with its elegantly designed community space in Madison Square. Members have access to many areas, including private studios, broadcast and podcast facilities, conference and screening rooms, and more. In addition to their thoughtfully designed workspaces, NeueHouse offers members access to refined cuisine and cultural programming to keep artists and entertainers engaged and thriving.
WiFi: Yes, included with membership.
Where: 110 E 25th St, New York, NY
More information
The Farm Soho
SoHo, NoMad
A barn in the middle of NYC? Yep, you heard that right. The founders of The Farm found a century-old barn in Mississippi and reassembled it piece by piece to create a cozy coworking community space in the heart of the city. The Farm offers a range of memberships from day passes to private offices, printing services, unlimited coffee & tea, and community events like happy hours and educational workshops. You can even bring your furry friend to keep you company!
WiFi: Yes, included with a day pass or membership
Where: 447 Broadway, 2nd Floor, New York, NY 10013 (with other locations in Nolita and Nomad)
More information
Hunters Point Library
Long Island City
Queens has its own public library system separate from the NYPL, but their spaces are just as accommodating. In fact, the Hunters Point Library in Long Island City may have the best views of any public library. The space is expertly designed, and if you're lucky, you can grab a table by the windows that look out onto incredible views of the water and downtown Manhattan. It also has free Wi-Fi, free computer workstations, classes, programs, and so much more.
WiFi: Free
Where: 47-40 Center Boulevard, Long Island City, NY
More information
Devoción
Williamsburg
If you can’t bear to look at your Keurig machine for one more day, get yourself over to Devoción Café for some of the best coffee in the city to enjoy while you work. Housed in a former warehouse with reclaimed wood and exposed brick, this cozy industrial-chic Brooklyn coffee shop offers workers comfy leather couches, free WiFi, and, of course, a delicious supply of caffeinated beverages.
WiFi: Free
Where: 69 Grand St, Brooklyn, NY
More information
The Pier 57 Living Room
Chelsea
The ground floor of Pier 57 is a community gathering space or "living room" with tables, chairs, and fantastic views of Little Island, The Hudson, and Lower Manhattan. You can also reserve tech-enabled community rooms (for free) for meetings, classes, study sessions, and more. The best part? You're just a few steps away from dozens of food options at Chelsea Market!
WiFi: Free
Where: 25 11th Ave, New York, NY
More information
Five Flies Coffee
Washington Heights
This newer cafe in Upper Manhattan offers free wifi, wall-to-wall tables, and an assorted selection of pastries and snacks to keep you going through your work day—in the front half of the space, anyway. If you make your way to the back, you'll find a large lounge area with squishy couches, stately armchairs, sprawling tables, and cozy nooks. The back is a computer-free zone, though, so use it to give your eyes a rest from the screen, catch up with friends, network, or simply sip a Maple Brown Sugar Latte in peace.
WiFi: Free
Where: 554 W 158th St, New York, NY
More information
The Karen & Richard LeFrak Lobby
Lincoln Square
Did you know the lobby at Lincoln Center is open to the public? With couches, comfortable club chairs, and free wifi, it's a great spot to be inspired as you work. A retractable garage-type glass door opens up the space to Josie Robertson Plaza in the warmer months, and you can grab a coffee or light snack from The Coffee Bar throughout the day.
WiFi: Free
Where: Inside David Geffen Hall at Lincoln Center Plaza, New York, NY
More information
Capital One Cafe
Midtown East, Herald Square
You don't need to be a Capital One cardholder or customer to enjoy the perks of this multi-use space. With workspaces, nooks, and community rooms all equipped with outlets and free wifi, it's an excellent place to spread out and get some work done for a few hours. They also have handcrafted coffee and snacks on-site, and if you're a non-profit, student, or alumni organization, you can use their community meeting rooms for free.
WiFi: Free
Where: 53 W 34th St, New York, NY | 731 Lexington Ave, New York, NY
More information
Post
East Village
This East Village spot is actually a restaurant that serves American comfort food with an Asian influence, along with lots of vegetarian and vegan options. The outdoor patio is a serene WFH destination, though, with lots of tables, shade, sun umbrellas, and a laidback atmosphere. Perfect for a casual work lunch followed by an email power hour.
Wifi: Unknown
Where: 217 East 3rd Street, New York, NY
More information
EXPLORE MORE:
27 Cafes in New York You Need to Try
12 of New York's Most Iconic Museums
The Best Broadway Shows to See in New York Right Now
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