Chicago Dispatch: Coffee Shop Report
As a newbie in the freelance system, I finally adapted to the working-in-coffee-shops routine. At first, I found the music too distracting, the pressure to order disrupting, the people-watching seemed more interesting or the idea of being watched made me anxious. Then there was choosing between couches and chairs, picking the least noisy and unbalanced chair-table which is like stress level 500. It took me two years of grad school to work on each of these aspects before I could get some real work done. So this dispatch is both a success story as well as a review bulletin of the ones I found optimum work had been accomplished with expenses that could be justified.
Volumes Book Café in Wicker Park
This is good if you actually want to get done. Situated on a busy street and the slightly uncomfortable chairs force you to work. So plus points for that because really that should be priority. The outlets are kind of accessible if you get there early and find a good spot. There are also books for browsing which is a fun break from working.
Under 10$ for a 16 oz tea
First Slice Pie in Andersonville
This is ideal in terms of noise level and inspiration. Situated on the corner of Balmoral and Ashland Ave it overlooks the sidewalks and some suburby homes that can be refreshing when you need to look away from the screen. The downside was the lack of outlets everywhere. I had charge on my devices so this worked out. They also have actual food like pies, salads and sweet treats, so you can stay here all day. I got a decent amount of work done.
Under 20$ for a salad and iced tea
Dollop in Buena Park
This is a huge spot and full of people working remote. The music isn’t a distraction at all. It has a very hobbit-cave vibe so once you start working you can get lost in it. The wifi is great too, not spotty like in some places. The lights are pretty dim so it feels like you're inside a library unless you walk in when someone is having a meeting in there.
Under 20$ for a sandwich and coffee
Build Coffee in Hyde Park
This has been my favorite. It’s a fairly busy and a small space but the vibes are so relaxed and welcoming. Nestled in the corner of Blackstone street, it’s hard to find. But once you enter the space you quickly become grateful for the secret spot. Situated under leaves and at a cul-de-sac, it feels cozy and private. I got 5 solid hours of work done here and the playlist was perfect. It made my job easier. The outlets too were pretty easy to access. I also really liked the crowd inside which was a curious mix of children, working professionals and college students doing homework. There was also a few people just reading books and sipping coffee.
Under 20$ for a coffee, sandwich and iced tea
The Robey Cafe by the Damen Stop
Located on the third floor of the Robey Hotel in Wicker Park, this coffee shop is upscale. The AC in here is pretty high so carry a sweater if you plan to work long hours. It also feels like the kind of place you should dress up a little so I would save this one for meetings perhaps. However, the location of charging points, good lighting and comfortable seating with a city-view makes this ideal. They also do open mics once a week and have performers in the space which is nice. Since its attached to the hotel the bar serves food, drinks and coffee.
Under 10$ for a coffee
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