A Remote Worker’s Guide for Finding the Best Café (The Three A’s)

Sometimes, you need a little caffeine and creativity when working from home to switch up the vibe. Finding the right café to work from used to be a stressor for me, and sometimes it can still be a bit unpredictable. To make my options more favorable, I follow the “three A’s” when choosing the right place in advance: Audio, Aura, and Adjustability.

Audio: I use “audio” here to describe the volume level in the space. I consider factors like: Do they play music? How loud is it? Is the space popular or more laid-back? Is it crowded, or does it have less foot traffic? Some days I need more quiet, while other days I prefer the buzz of a busy location.

Aura: I need to ensure that I’m working in a space with an inspiring atmosphere. The aura is subjective and depends on personal preference. Some days, I may crave a mysterious, Harry Potter-esque vibe to focus, while other days, I might want an upbeat, plant-filled café with good music playing. Am I looking for a scenic view while I study? Do I need a bright, airy space? A coffee shop with character, one that feels welcoming, is most important. I’m a big fan of places that make you feel like they want you to be present and engaged. Give me an interesting piece of art to stare at when I need to take a break from my work, you know?

Adjustability: This is probably the most important factor for me—adjustability. I need a space that offers various seating options. Some days I need a high-top table, while other days, I need a 4-seat table to spread out my work. And almost always, I require a cozy sofa—though not so cozy that I fall asleep! It has to be just right. If the spot offers cubicles or those cozy, enclosed egg sofas, I’m sold. Sometimes, I like to switch seating locations if I plan to be there longer than an hour to keep my brain active and engaged.

I have a set of standards, as you can see, that I’ve developed from experience. Below, I’ve shared some of my recommendations and tips for finding the perfect spot, along with two of my favorite places:

• Steer clear of grab-and-go spots. You might find yourself in a cramped space, and the last thing you want is a line of customers hovering over your shoulder while you try to work. If this is your only nearby option, see if there’s a library nearby as a backup, so you can still enjoy your coffee.
• Consider the type of seating you prefer.
• Some cafés offer working spaces or cubicles for an additional cost or even for free. Here are two coffee shops that provide working spaces:
  • My Half of The Sky Coffee + Coworking in Wheaton, Illinois
  • Istanbul Cafe and Bakery (Zuni Street Location) in Denver, Colorado
• If you need a quieter space and are unsure of the volume level, try not to choose the most popular spot in town, as these tend to attract more foot traffic. Also, consider investing in noise-canceling headphones or any headphones that help reduce background noise during calls or meetings. Libraries and bookstores with cafés are always a safe choice.
• Ensure that the Wi-Fi is secure. Free Wi-Fi is nice, but it’s not always the safest option. If they don’t offer a secure Wi-Fi network, consider using your own hotspot.
• Consider the time of day. Information about a business’s peak hours can usually be found online to give you an idea.

As always, feel free to share what you’d like to see next in the comments, and let me know some of your favorite places to study or WFH!