How to choose a café to work from

Working from a café is an art. The right place can transform your productivity; the wrong one can ruin your day. Here are the criteria to consider — in order of priority — for choosing your next temporary office.

1. WiFi: non-negotiable

This is criterion number one. A café without reliable WiFi is not a work café, period. Test the connection as soon as you arrive. If the speed is under 10 Mbps or the connection drops every 15 minutes, move on.

CaféWork tip: Our WiFi score accounts for both reliability AND speed. A score of 4/5 or higher means you can make video calls without issues.

2. Power outlets

Your laptop has 4-6 hours of battery life? Fine. But for a full day, you need outlets. The best cafés have outlets at every table or along the walls. The worst force you to fight for the only outlet near the restrooms.

3. Noise level

This one is subjective, and that’s why our scale isn’t linear. Some people work better with a light buzz (the famous “coffee shop buzz” at 4/5). Others need near-total silence (5/5). Know yourself.

4. Laptop tolerance

Not all cafés are created equal when it comes to welcoming workers. Some actively encourage it (large tables, WiFi prominently displayed, outlets everywhere). Others give you side-eye if you pull out a laptop. Our “Laptop tolerance” criterion spares you the bad surprises.

5. Food and drinks

If you’re planning to stay 4+ hours, you’ll get hungry. A café with a good menu saves you from having to leave to eat. Bonus: places with good food often have better coffee too.

The remote worker’s café checklist

• WiFi tested and working
• Outlet accessible from my seat
• Noise-canceling headphones in bag
• Laptop + phone charger packed
• First order placed within 10 minutes
• Second order after 1-2 hours