Ever found yourself trying to be productive from your apartment living room with no success?  Perhaps you work from home every day, and after a while, cabin fever starts to kick in.  Or perhaps it’s a Saturday afternoon and you simply have a couple hours of studying to wrap up.  Enter the coffice.  A coffice is simply a coffee shop that can easily transform into a productive space for work.  I spent the past year working from home, but on certain days, my motivation and concentration levels need a new and fresh environment.  (And a cup of espresso usually helps.)  

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In no particular order, here are ten of my favorite coffices in New York City:

1) 12 Corners, East Village

This quaint coffee shop really sets the standard high for coffices.  The staff is exceptionally friendly and accommodating - important if you're planning on hanging out for several hours to crank out productive work.  The coffee is worthy of Australian approval as this corner store serves the highly coveted flat white.  Unlike most coffee shops, 12 Corners not only serves pastries, but sandwiches as well if you find yourself in this coffice during the lunch hour.  Free wifi, plenty of outlets, a good amount of space - this pitstop will soon become your downtown favorite.

2) Whynot Coffee, Lower East Side

As the nonchalant name would suggest, Whynot Coffee is ideal for anyone looking for a spot with a relaxed European feel.  High ceilings for those who need space to breathe in the craziness of the city, plenty of tables, fast and reliable wifi - it also boasts delectable pastries and excellent espresso thanks to their La Marzocco coffee machine.

3) Toby’s Estate, Williamsburg

Toby’s Estate is a treasure in the heart of Williamsburg.  Massively high ceilings with Nordic like decor, the atmosphere is tough to beat.  Amazing coffee, good selection of pastries and the wifi is plentiful, however, the outlets are not.  Still worth a visit, but charge your laptop before you enjoy their brew.

4) Cafe Jax, Upper East Side

Recommended by our very own bSmart founder Meagan Hooper, Cafe Jax is a hidden gem on the upper east side of Manhattan.  Don’t be fooled by the smaller entrance - there is a spacious lounge downstairs and an outdoor patio with additional seating.  Pair your Stumptown Coffee with a pastry (there are gluten-free options too!) and settle down for a couple hours of work, without paying extra for wifi.

5) Capital One 360 Cafe, Midtown East

This spot earns a special place in my book because they serve a favorite West Coast blend (Peets).  Not only the cheapest coffee for blocks, but the free wifi and large amount of seating is also a draw at Capital One 360.  An additional benefit is that every barista also doubles as a Capital One 360 banker! Save money and grow your bank account at the same time.

6) The Bean, East Village

Relaxed and cozy, The Bean has everything from coffee to smoothies to pastries to sandwiches, and lots of chocolate options too.  It's that neighborhood coffee shop you've seen in NYC shows and films with their warm and relaxed atmosphere.  Definitely one for regulars.

7) Sweetleaf, Long Island City

While some city dwellers may think Long Island City is a hike, this espresso bar is only a 15 minute trip from Grand Central (combined train & walk) and boasts TWO of the three Sweetleaf locations in the city.  My recommendation?  Walk a few minutes further and check out the Center Boulevard location.  Amazing coffee and espresso, free wifi, friendly baristas, scrumptious pastries (both vegan and gluten free), and tons of space on couches and tables to do work.  If you’re not careful, you’ll be here every day.

8) Cafe Noi, Upper East Side

Settled right on 2nd Avenue and 76th, this espresso bar is simple, clean and serious.  The baristas mean business and your cappuccino will reflect that in the artfully poured milk.  Plus, there is free wifi, plenty of outlets and a decent amount of space at Cafe Noi.

9) Grounded, West Village

As stated by a Yelp review, 'Grounded is one of those places that makes people love the West Village.'  I think it’s safe to say that any place that serves a Nutella latte is worth checking out. Besides organic teas and freetrade coffee, Grounded also serves up Murray’s bagels, local cookies and homemade breakfast burritos.

10) Irving Farm Coffee Roasters, Upper West Side

If you’re lucky enough to get a spot here to work for a few hours, take advantage of it.  Excellent espresso and great pastries.  The 'farm' vibe is further enhanced by the old fashioned black and white wallpaper in the back room of Irving Farm Coffee Roasters.

Know of a great place that’s not included in this list?  Let us know!  Comment below to share your favorite space for dynamic productivity in your local coffee shop.

 

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