Visiting New York City and looking for a fun space to get some work without shelling out for a co-work space day pass? Here are 6 (free!) spaces I’ve stayed productive in across the city.
Devoción Coffee
Devoción Coffee has a strong following, as the coffee is sourced directly from Colombia and roasted on site immediately. There are three locations across NYC (in Flatiron, Williamsburg and Downtown Brooklyn) and each are spacious, filled with plants, and remote workers enjoying the free wifi. My favorite location for working purposes is in Williamsburg thanks to a massive sunroof window that will keep you from feeling like you’re stuck inside working all day!
Canal Street Market
If you find yourself downtown, have a working lunch at Canal Street Market’s Food Hall. There is open wifi and food vendors vary, but Joe’s Cantonese Steam Rice Rolls remain a cheap, local favorite. Follow it with a bubble tea Boba and check out the market’s mixed-use space that hosts podcasts recordings, artists in residence and retail pop-ups.
Starbucks Reserve Roastery New York
I know, I know but trust me. It’s not just any Starbucks. There are only three Starbucks Reserves across the country, and New York’s opened in Chelsea in 2018. The roastery is HUGE, and in addition to a cafe with its own special drink menu, retail space, and an espresso themed bar, the lower level offers ample working space surrounding a coffee flight bar.
The Ace Hotel
This historic boutique hotel has a cozy lounge that screams old school New York yet has ample plugs and charging stations. You can settle into an old leather armchair or grab a seat in the bar area. They offer rotating cocktails, bar snacks and a weekday happy hour to keep you going. This lounge is fairly large, but can fill up quickly, as many come to work all day.
Paper Coffee in Made Hotel
Just around the corner from The Ace Hotel, I ended up here one day when Ace was full and actually may prefer it. There is both a coffee shop and hotel bar in the Made Hotel lobby, making it feel slightly like a (free!) coworking space. Grab a table in one of the front windows and look for the side lobby doors that lead you downstairs to Debajo tapas bar when in need of a bathroom break.
New York Public Library
There’s public libraries, and then there’s THE Rose Main Reading Room at the New York Public Library’s main campus, which is open to the public for research and quiet study. Not only do they keep it quiet and clean, you will feel like you are in a film, and may see a few tour groups pass by while you work.
Reward yourself with a cocktail and view at one of my favorite nearby rooftop bars when you’re done.
