If you’re based in Chicago’s Gold Coast and want a change of scenery from your home office, the neighborhood offers plenty of cafés with strong coffee, reliable Wi-Fi, and a welcoming atmosphere. Whether you need a quiet corner for focus or a lively spot to spark creativity, these cafés can serve as your go-to workday escapes.
What Makes a Café Great for Remote Work
Not every café is equally work-friendly. The best ones have dependable internet, plenty of outlets, comfortable seating, and hours that match your schedule. Add in quality coffee and food, and you’ve got the perfect setup for being productive outside your apartment.
Top Café Picks Near PPM’s Gold Coast Apartments
Big Shoulders Coffee (858 N State St)
This café is a favorite for locals who want excellent coffee and a comfortable setting. It has plenty of seating and good access to outlets, making it easy to settle in for a few hours of work.
La Colombe Coffee Roasters (4 E Elm St)
Bright and modern, La Colombe’s Gold Coast location offers a calm atmosphere with spacious seating. It’s a good spot if you want a quieter environment to focus or take calls.
Dollop Coffee (860 N Dewitt Pl)
Dollop has a relaxed vibe with a mix of bar-style seating and tables. It’s popular with students and professionals alike, so you’ll blend right in as you open your laptop for a few hours.
3rd Coast Café (1260 N Dearborn St)
More than just a coffee shop, 3rd Coast Café is a long-standing neighborhood favorite with a full menu. If you like to combine your workday with a proper breakfast or lunch, this spot is worth checking out.
Aster Hall Bar & Study (900 N Michigan Ave)
For a more curated work environment, Aster Hall’s Bar & Study offers stylish seating and an upscale atmosphere. It’s perfect for days when you want to mix productivity with a little bit of luxury.
Newberry Library (60 W Walton St)
While not a café, the Newberry Library is a gem for remote workers who need a quieter space. Its reading rooms offer a focused environment with fewer distractions than the average coffee shop.
Tips for a Productive Café Workday
Working remotely from a café can be a great change of pace, but it helps to set yourself up for success.
- Pick the right time of day: Mid-morning or mid-afternoon are often the sweet spots. You’ll avoid the morning rush of commuters and the lunch crowds, giving you better seating options.
- Choose your spot carefully: Look for a table near an outlet if you’ll be working for several hours. Window seats can be inspiring, but they’re not always the most practical if you’re on video calls.
- Bring the right gear: Noise-canceling headphones are essential if you need to tune out chatter or background music. A portable charger or power bank is a lifesaver when outlets are limited.
- Mind your posture: Not every café chair is ergonomically friendly. If you plan to stay for hours, take breaks to stretch or walk around the block.
- Stay connected: If you’re hopping between cafés, consider using your phone’s hotspot as a backup in case Wi-Fi is slow or crowded.
- Be a good guest: Support the café by ordering something every hour or two. Not only is it courteous, but it also gives you a chance to refuel with coffee, tea, or snacks.
- Set boundaries: Decide in advance how long you’ll stay. Cafés are great for shorter bursts of productivity, but don’t try to recreate a full eight-hour office day at one table.
By keeping these habits in mind, you’ll get the most out of your time away from home while staying focused and energized.
Stay Connected in Gold Coast with PPM Apartments
Working remotely doesn’t mean staying in one spot all day. Gold Coast offers a range of cafés where you can get work done while enjoying a change of scenery, and PPM’s Gold Coast apartments put you right in the center of it all. With locations at 1000 N. LaSalle, 1111 N. Dearborn, 1120 N. LaSalle, 1133 N. Dearborn, 1330 N. Dearborn, and 20 E. Scott, you’ll always be just steps away from work-friendly cafés and everything else this neighborhood has to offer.
