There's no doubt about it, New York is a busy, expensive place. Unlike coffee shops in other parts of the country, many of the city's favorite caffeine-joints have policies that discourage people from posting up with a laptop. But that doesn't mean there aren't great places to work in the city that will cost you little to nothing. Here are five places you can call your office that won't cost you more than a cup of coffee:
Location: 235 W 23rd Street
Subway: 1 or 2 at 23rd Street
This used to be the best deal in the city — a first come, first serve, absolutely free coworking space. Recently, they’ve had to tighten up their policy and you now have to apply for a 4-month membership to use the space. It’s still free, it’s still a great space, but they’re definitely moving towards establishing the requirement that you have a Wix-based website to be eligible for membership. Still, it’s a hard deal to beat considering the WeWork down the street charges $350/month for unlimited access, while a Wix website is free to set up.
Location: 20 W 29th Street
Subway: N, R at 28th Street
The lobby of the Ace Hotel has long been a popular hangout for bearded people wearing skinny jeans with MacBooks. This place has been popular as a workspace for so long that entire companies have actually been run out the space. Because it’s so popular, however, you’ll likely have to wait for a space at one of their communal tables. If you see someone leave, pounce on their spot like it was a rent controlled apartment that belonged to your recently deceased neighbor. If you don’t, someone else will.
Location: 816 Broadway
Subway: 4, 5, 6, L, N, Q, R at the Union Square Station
Caffebene, just south of Union Square, offers a surprisingly laid-back atmosphere — especially considering it’s in one of the most hectic parts of Manhattan. The inside is quiet and cozy, but where they really shine is in their outdoor space. Their backyard is big, wood-filled and looks like it was designed for a spa. But, it's not that kind of spa, so keep your clothes on, grab a coffee and enjoy the fact that the wifi works outside.
Location: Wherever you are, there’s probably a library within a couple of blocks.
Don’t overthink it. You may have traded in your library card for a Kindle years ago, but all those big, beautiful buildings stuffed with paper books are also wired. The New York Public Libraries are generally pretty quiet and offer a reliable and free internet connection — no password necessary. Just be prepared to be scolded if you take calls in the building.
Intelligentsia Coffee at the High Line Hotel
Location: 180 10th Avenue
Subway: A, C, E at 23rd Street
Sure, this is just a small, chain coffeeshop in the High Line Hotel, but buying a coffee at this particular location gives you access to a beautiful back courtyard by the High Line. There are a ton of tables outside, complete with umbrellas and trees. There are actually two Intelligentsia's in the hotel, you want the one that is not a 1963 Citroen coffee bus. Be prepared to share the space on sunny days.
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