City / area

Chicago

🏒 40 conventionalβ˜• 40 alternative

Alternative workspaces in Chicago. Narrow the list by the attributes that matter to you.

Alternative workspaces

40 spaces

Chicago Athletic Association - The Drawing Room

β˜• Alternative

Arguably the most iconic 'unofficial' office in the city, featuring grand fireplaces and leather chairs. Wi-Fi is reliable and free for guests of the lobby; power outlets are tucked near the walls and under some communal tables.

πŸ’² $$$ 🎭 Executive Lobby 🚫 No outdoor seating πŸ•’ 9:00 AM – 2:00 PM (before the happy hour crowd)

πŸ“ 12 S Michigan Ave, Chicago, IL 60603

Harold Washington Library - Winter Garden

β˜• Alternative

Located on the 9th floor, this sun-drenched atrium offers a library-quiet atmosphere with solid public Wi-Fi. Outlets are available along the perimeter, but come early to snag a seat near one.

πŸ†“ Free 🎭 Grand & Silent 🚫 No outdoor seating πŸ•’ 10:00 AM (at opening)

πŸ“ 400 S State St, Chicago, IL 60605

The Hoxton - Lobby

β˜• Alternative

A West Loop staple for the creative class. The lobby is designed for all-day lingering with strong Wi-Fi and plenty of power strips integrated into the large communal tables.

πŸ’² $$$ 🎭 Tech Startup & Social 🌿 Outdoor seating πŸ•’ 8:30 AM – 4:00 PM

πŸ“ 200 N Green St, Chicago, IL 60607

The Understudy Coffee and Books

β˜• Alternative

A theatre-themed bookstore and cafe that actively welcomes remote workers. The internet is fast, and the back seating area is specifically set up for reading and laptop use.

πŸ’² $$ 🎭 Artistic & Airy 🌿 Outdoor seating πŸ•’ Weekdays before 3:00 PM

πŸ“ 5531 N Clark St, Chicago, IL 60640

Metric Coffee Co.

β˜• Alternative

Industrial-minimalist space with an exceptional coffee program. Features a dedicated laptop bar with outlets and high-speed Wi-Fi, though it maintains a 'focused' noise level.

πŸ’² $$ 🎭 Minimalist & Focused 🌿 Outdoor seating πŸ•’ Tuesday – Thursday mornings

πŸ“ 2021 W Fulton St, Chicago, IL 60612

Chicago Cultural Center

β˜• Alternative

A hidden Loop gem with numerous free galleries and seating areas. The lower-level seating and the 1st-floor lobby offer free Wi-Fi and a quiet respite from the downtown bustle.

πŸ†“ Free 🎭 Historic & Peaceful 🚫 No outdoor seating πŸ•’ 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM

πŸ“ 78 E Washington St, Chicago, IL 60602

Hexe Coffee Co.

β˜• Alternative

Large, dark-toned space with plenty of table room. Excellent Wi-Fi and a surprisingly high number of outlets make this a favorite for long-haul coding or writing sessions.

πŸ’² $$ 🎭 Mood Lighting & Spacious 🌿 Outdoor seating πŸ•’ Late mornings

πŸ“ 2000 W Diversey Pkwy, Chicago, IL 60647

Collectivo Coffee - Logan Square

β˜• Alternative

Massive interior with a high turnover but plenty of seating for remote workers. Wi-Fi is reliable, and power is plentiful under the long bar seating near the windows.

πŸ’² $$ 🎭 Vibrant & Neighborhood Gem 🌿 Outdoor seating πŸ•’ 8:00 AM – 10:00 AM

πŸ“ 2261 N Milwaukee Ave, Chicago, IL 60647

Groundswell Coffee Roasters - Ravenswood

β˜• Alternative

Well-known for its laptop-friendly culture. Outlets are available at almost every table and the Wi-Fi is consistently ranked among the most stable in the neighborhood.

πŸ’² $$ 🎭 Community-Focused & Steady 🌿 Outdoor seating πŸ•’ All day on weekdays

πŸ“ 4839 N Damen Ave, Chicago, IL 60625

Wormhole Coffee

β˜• Alternative

An 80s-themed cafe with a loyal freelancer following. Outlets are found under the bar counters and the internet holds up well for general administrative work.

πŸ’² $$ 🎭 Nostalgic & Quirky 🚫 No outdoor seating πŸ•’ 9:00 AM

πŸ“ 1462 N Milwaukee Ave, Chicago, IL 60622

FROTH

β˜• Alternative

Industrial-chic cafe with a high ceiling and a very laptop-friendly layout. It offers solid Wi-Fi and a terrace for those who want to work in the fresh air during summer.

πŸ’² $$ 🎭 Modern & Airy 🌿 Outdoor seating πŸ•’ 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM

πŸ“ 1515 W Monroe St, Chicago, IL 60607

Newberry Library - Reading Rooms

β˜• Alternative

An independent research library where silence is mandatory. Excellent for deep work with dedicated desk space and outlets, though you must register for a reader's card (free).

πŸ†“ Free 🎭 Academic & Quiet 🚫 No outdoor seating πŸ•’ Weekday afternoons

πŸ“ 60 W Walton St, Chicago, IL 60610

Star Lounge Coffee Bar

β˜• Alternative

Known as the soul of Dark Matter Coffee, this spot has a dedicated upstairs area where workers are welcome. Outlets are plentiful and the vibe is highly collaborative.

πŸ’² $$ 🎭 Eclectic & High-Energy 🌿 Outdoor seating πŸ•’ 9:00 AM – 11:30 AM

πŸ“ 2521 W Chicago Ave, Chicago, IL 60622

Bourgeois Pig Cafe

β˜• Alternative

Set in a historic row house with multiple rooms and levels. It’s a classic student/freelancer haunt with many outlets and various nooks for varying privacy needs.

πŸ’² $$ 🎭 Historic & Cozy 🌿 Outdoor seating πŸ•’ Before 11:00 AM

πŸ“ 738 W Fullerton Ave, Chicago, IL 60614

Cupitol Coffee & Eatery - Streeterville

β˜• Alternative

A large, modern cafeteria-style space. The back area is filled with freelancers thanks to its long tables, power availability, and strong Wi-Fi signal.

πŸ’² $$$ 🎭 Modern & Efficient 🌿 Outdoor seating πŸ•’ 8:00 AM – 11:00 AM

πŸ“ 455 E Illinois St, Chicago, IL 60611

Sip & Savor - Bronzeville

β˜• Alternative

A community staple with a very welcoming attitude toward long-stayers. Wi-Fi is good and the atmosphere is warm, though outlets can be competitive during peak hours.

πŸ’² $ 🎭 Warm & Welcoming 🚫 No outdoor seating πŸ•’ 10:00 AM

πŸ“ 528 E 43rd St, Chicago, IL 60653

Freehand Chicago - Cafe Lobby

β˜• Alternative

Offers a moodier, more intimate work environment during the day. The Wi-Fi is strong, and the lobby tables are widely used by digital nomads staying at the hostel.

πŸ’² $$ 🎭 Moody & Independent 🚫 No outdoor seating πŸ•’ 11:00 AM – 4:00 PM

πŸ“ 19 E Ohio St, Chicago, IL 60611

Werewolf Coffee Bar

β˜• Alternative

A high-concept space inside a repurposed garage. It has massive communal tables and a clear policy of allowing laptops, making it a reliable tech-friendly spot.

πŸ’² $$ 🎭 Industrial & Creative 🌿 Outdoor seating πŸ•’ Mid-morning

πŸ“ 1765 N Elston Ave, Chicago, IL 60642

Sip of Hope Coffee

β˜• Alternative

A beautiful cafe where 100% of proceeds go to mental health education. It's quiet, professional, and offers great Wi-Fi with many seating options.

πŸ’² $$ 🎭 Quiet & Compassionate 🚫 No outdoor seating πŸ•’ Weekday mornings

πŸ“ 3039 W Fullerton Ave, Chicago, IL 60647

Ground Up Coffee & Bites

β˜• Alternative

A neighborhood favorite in River North that is exceptionally quiet for its location. Outlets are available near the back, and the internet is reliable for calls.

πŸ’² $$ 🎭 Cozy Neighborhood Spot 🚫 No outdoor seating πŸ•’ 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM

πŸ“ 363 W Erie St, Chicago, IL 60654

Overflow Coffee

β˜• Alternative

A spacious South Loop cafe with a focus on community. Wi-Fi is steady, and there is a dedicated meeting room and several large tables perfect for group work.

πŸ’² $$ 🎭 Community & Spacious 🌿 Outdoor seating πŸ•’ 9:00 AM

πŸ“ 1449 S Michigan Ave, Chicago, IL 60605

Botanical Cafe

β˜• Alternative

Work inside what is essentially a plant shop. Very calming environment with strong Wi-Fi and a moderate amount of power outlets near the window benches.

πŸ’² $$ 🎭 Greenery & Zen 🌿 Outdoor seating πŸ•’ Tuesday or Wednesday

πŸ“ 3740 N Lincoln Ave, Chicago, IL 60613

First Sip Cafe

β˜• Alternative

Plant-filled and very cozy. Reviewers frequently mention the stable internet and the fact that staff don't mind long-stayers during non-lunch hours.

πŸ’² $ 🎭 Cozy & Plant-Filled 🚫 No outdoor seating πŸ•’ Before 12:00 PM

πŸ“ 1057 W Argyle St, Chicago, IL 60640

The Robey - Second Floor Cafe

β˜• Alternative

Offers elevated views of the six-corners intersection. The Wi-Fi is enterprise-grade (hotel network), and the seating is very ergonomic for a cafe.

πŸ’² $$$ 🎭 Elevated & Trendy 🚫 No outdoor seating πŸ•’ 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM

πŸ“ 2018 W North Ave, Chicago, IL 60647

Intelligentsia Coffee - Monadnock Bar

β˜• Alternative

Located in a historic skyscraper, this location is much quieter than the Millennium Park counterpart. Wi-Fi is reliable and the vibe is distinctly 'professional Loop'.

πŸ’² $$ 🎭 Classic & Focused 🚫 No outdoor seating πŸ•’ 9:30 AM – 11:30 AM

πŸ“ 53 W Jackson Blvd, Chicago, IL 60604

Heritage Outpost - Lawrence

β˜• Alternative

Bright, high-ceilinged lobby cafe that feels very private. Excellent for working without distractions; Wi-Fi is strong and several outlets are available near the pillar seating.

πŸ’² $$ 🎭 Minimalist & Open 🚫 No outdoor seating πŸ•’ All day

πŸ“ 1028 W Lawrence Ave, Chicago, IL 60640

Gaslight Coffee Roasters

β˜• Alternative

Known for a serious coffee crowd and many remote workers. There is a large table in the back and bar seating that is well-equipped with power points.

πŸ’² $$ 🎭 Hipster & Productive 🌿 Outdoor seating πŸ•’ 8:30 AM

πŸ“ 2385 N Milwaukee Ave, Chicago, IL 60647

Sulzer Regional Library

β˜• Alternative

A spacious regional library with dedicated quiet zones and private study rooms available. Sockets are plentiful in the second-floor reference area.

πŸ†“ Free 🎭 Serious & Studious 🚫 No outdoor seating πŸ•’ Opening at 9:00 AM

πŸ“ 4455 N Lincoln Ave, Chicago, IL 60625

Dayglow Coffee

β˜• Alternative

Sleek, neon-lit environment that is surprisingly quiet during weekdays. Very strong Wi-Fi and a modern aesthetic that suits digital creative work.

πŸ’² $$$ 🎭 Vaporwave & Focused 🚫 No outdoor seating πŸ•’ Tuesday – Thursday

πŸ“ 1601 W North Ave, Chicago, IL 60622

Rivers and Roads Cafe

β˜• Alternative

A 'hiking-themed' cafe that is very friendly to those staying for a few hours. The Wi-Fi is reliable and the atmosphere is very laid-back.

πŸ’² $ 🎭 Rustic & Relaxed 🌿 Outdoor seating πŸ•’ Morning

πŸ“ 1259 W Devon Ave, Chicago, IL 60660

The Emily Hotel - Lobby

β˜• Alternative

A large, lounge-heavy lobby that acts as an unofficial coworking space for the Fulton Market tech scene. Wi-Fi is easy to access and very fast.

πŸ’² $$$ 🎭 Upscale & Buzzing 🌿 Outdoor seating πŸ•’ 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM

πŸ“ 311 N Morgan St, Chicago, IL 60607

Build Coffee

β˜• Alternative

Located in the Experimental Station, this cafe is a hub for South Side journalists and non-profits. Excellent Wi-Fi and an intellectually stimulating vibe.

πŸ’² $ 🎭 Intellectual & Community 🌿 Outdoor seating πŸ•’ Afternoons

πŸ“ 6100 S Blackstone Ave, Chicago, IL 60637

Spoke & Bird - South Loop

β˜• Alternative

Features a large indoor space and one of the best work patios in the city. Sockets are available at most indoor perimeter seats and the Wi-Fi reaches the patio.

πŸ’² $$ 🎭 Bright & Balanced 🌿 Outdoor seating πŸ•’ Early morning before the lunch rush

πŸ“ 205 E 18th St, Chicago, IL 60616

Backlot Coffee - Old Town

β˜• Alternative

A friendly neighborhood spot with a dedicated back area for workers. They provide strong Wi-Fi and a welcoming atmosphere for those spending several hours.

πŸ’² $$ 🎭 Friendly & Neighborhood 🌿 Outdoor seating πŸ•’ 10:00 AM

πŸ“ 1548 N Wells St, Chicago, IL 60610

Printer's Row Coffee Co.

β˜• Alternative

Small but highly focused. It’s a great spot for a 'power hour' of work; the internet is exceptionally fast and the coffee is high-quality.

πŸ’² $$ 🎭 Sleek & Serious 🚫 No outdoor seating πŸ•’ Morning

πŸ“ 2482 N Lincoln Ave, Chicago, IL 60614

Two Hearted Queen

β˜• Alternative

Cozy, warm, and exceptionally inclusive. The back room is a designated 'quiet space' often filled with laptops and notebooks.

πŸ’² $$ 🎭 Inclusive & Cozy 🌿 Outdoor seating πŸ•’ All day

πŸ“ 1201 W Roscoe St, Chicago, IL 60657

Heritage Outpost - Uptown

β˜• Alternative

Large, modern, and filled with natural light. This spot is inside a renovated apartment building lobby and is very popular with remote workers in Uptown.

πŸ’² $$ 🎭 Bright & Modern 🚫 No outdoor seating πŸ•’ 9:00 AM – 2:00 PM

πŸ“ 1325 W Wilson Ave, Chicago, IL 60640

Goddess and the Baker - Wacker

β˜• Alternative

This location has more expansive seating than the Millennium Park branch and serves a business-heavy crowd, making the Wi-Fi very stable.

πŸ’² $$$ 🎭 Bustling & Efficient 🌿 Outdoor seating πŸ•’ 9:30 AM – 11:30 AM

πŸ“ 225 N LaSalle St, Chicago, IL 60601

Bridgeport Coffeehouse

β˜• Alternative

A classic neighborhood coffeehouse with multiple rooms. It’s a very common sight to see people working here for hours on end; Wi-Fi is reliable.

πŸ’² $ 🎭 Classic & Steady 🌿 Outdoor seating πŸ•’ Morning

πŸ“ 3101 S Morgan St, Chicago, IL 60608

Avondale Coffee Club

β˜• Alternative

A large warehouse-style cafe that never feels cramped. Plenty of power outlets along the long wall and the Wi-Fi signal is strong throughout.

πŸ’² $$ 🎭 Spacious & Independent 🌿 Outdoor seating πŸ•’ 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM

πŸ“ 3185 N Elston Ave, Chicago, IL 60618