When working remotely, the “at home” part is purely optional. That’s why so many places that double as office spaces have popped onto the scene—to cater to the modern, remote worker. Whether you take inspiration from a quiet, distraction-free setting or thrive amid a bustle of activity, there are plenty of locales that let you get out while (successfully) addressing the tasks at hand.
Bar Moxy {530 North LaSalle Drive}
Getting a view while working has never been easier, thanks to Bar Moxy at the new Moxy Chicago Downtown. The living room space features two large garage door-style windows that open onto Grand Avenue and LaSalle Drive. The lounge, complete with fast and free Wi-Fi, has tons of natural light and is outfitted with comfy sofas, ottomans, and outlets to keep you juiced up all day long. High-top, communal tables with bar stools sit nearby for those needing a more desk-like setting. Bookshelves filled with literature and doodads ignite inspiration for individuals hard at work in the lounge. Forgot your earbuds, phone charger, or a pen? No problem—Bar Moxy offers all these things (and more) in case you left yours at home. For important business calls or a free meditation session, take to the sound-reduced Moxy SoundOff Booth for some privacy. Fuel your hunger pangs and get your caffeine fix with the on-site Zombie Taco counter, market, and to-go window, which is open 24/7.
LIMITLESS {multiple locations}
With locations in the fast-paced Fulton Market District and the ever-buzzing River North (and an outpost coming soon to Millenium Park), LIMITLESS thrives on hustle and bustle. Drawing in the entrepreneurial movers and shakers of Chicago, this coffee haven serves brews and teas as limitless as their drinkers, utilizing only the purest, cleanest ingredients in the world. On par with their mission to provide inspiring beverages, LIMITLESS fosters equally motivating environs, with spacious tables, private nooks, speedy Wi-Fi, and no shortage of outlets. Got a group? Put your heads together over communal tables featuring large white boards and TVs. Stay fueled and focused with a super food menu offering smoothies, caffeinated sparkling waters, classic lattes and teas, and brain-boosting toasts. Need some vitamin D for inspiration? The cafes are drenched in natural light from large windows and overhead skylights, and the Wi-Fi extends its reach to the patio, too.
Beatrix {multiple locations}
Plug in your laptop at any Beatrix location—Streeterville, River North, or Fulton Market—if only for the signature lattes and house pastries. Doling out steaming mugs of Intelligentsia and Metric Coffee, Beatrix boasts two of Chicago’s most famed roasters. Fuel up with crowd-pleasers like the Honey Cinnamon Latte, the Maple Matche Latte, or the Iced Banana Joe. Looking for something with a little less punch? The fresh squeezed juices and wide array of teas will do the trick. Add on something sweet from the pastry case or an endurance bar if you’ve got a lot of work ahead of you. Surrounded by sofas and cozy chairs, tuck yourself away in a corner for some serious distraction-free studying or find your surge of inspiration plugged in at the coffee counter. No time for a lunch break? Order the Crispy Kale Salad or the Prime Burger right to your “desk.”
The Lounge at The Robey {2018 West North Avenue, 872.315.3050}
Productive mornings call for a visit to The Lounge at the Robey. Climb up to the second floor and jump-start the day with a Grain Bowl packed full of bulgur, avocado mousse, and roasted peppers while sipping on freshly squeezed juices, organic teas by Rishi, and freshly brewed coffee. Connect to the free Wi-Fi and post up at one of the many work space tables with individual power outlets, or stake a claim on one of the plush couches. Need space for a meeting? The Boardroom, equipped with a projector and a screen, can be rented out by the day or even by the hour. Once the work day is over, celebrate with a glass of wine and a cheese plate for only $14, offered from 5-8pm on weekdays.
The Goddess and Grocer {multiple locations}
With four locations around Chicagoland, The Goddess and Grocer is a convenient work space for the city’s busiest of bees. Early risers will revel in everything from Third Wave coffee, teas from around the world, and protein-packed sammies (try the Maple-Chili Bacon Sandwich) or super-food Power Balls to help you champion the midday crash. The evening crowd—aka the procrastinators—can burn the late-night oil with a fresh cup of Joe and a decadent dessert (because sweets somehow taste better late at night). The Bucktown location features a spacious second story outdoor patio and rotating artwork in The Goddess Gallery. After you’ve checked off your day’s to-dos, reward your valiant efforts by sipping on a glass of wine or craft brew, alfresco-style (when weather permits).
Cupitol Coffee + Eatery {multiple locations}
Bakery: check. Restaurant: check. Cafe: check. Bar: check. Operating as an all-day lounge, Cupitol is everything you need under one roof. With one location in the city and another in Evanston—walking distance from Northwestern University—Cupitol makes for a great office for both the business professional and student. Known to have a strong breakfast game, give your workflow the AM boost it needs with a fresh cup of coffee and a Spanish Omelette or a Sweet Potato Bowl. When PM strikes, turn to the All-Day menu for a variety of nibbles and sips. As soon as the sun sets, tuck into the dinner menu with items like Coffee Rubbed Wings, burgers, and salads. Get cozy on one of the indoor couches and enjoy a boozy beverage before calling it a day.
Le Pain Quotidien {multiple locations}
Centrally located to a number of Chicago’s busiest hubs, including the Gold Coast, Lincoln Park, and Old Town, Le Pain Quotidien is a viable remote work option no matter where you live. Set up shop at one of the many wooden communal or individual tables. With classical music playing softly in the background, a calming day at the office is sure to be had at LPQ. Conquer those morning emails with an array of coffees or opt for the pick-me-up Ginger Turmeric shot. A midday refuel calls for the Avocado Toast with smoked salmon sprinkled with coriander and super seeds or the Ancient Grain Salad with quinoa and sorghum, dressed in a bright ginger dressing. Finished the day? Snag a few mini desserts for a job well done.
Dollop Coffee {multiple locations}
Dollop Coffee has been soothing Chicago’s caffeine cravings since its 2005 Uptown debut. Thirteen years and a whopping 12 locations later, the numbers speak for themselves. With each location painstakingly tailored to the neighborhood it’s nestled in, there is a Dollop that suits every fancy. Curl up on big, cozy couches at the Uptown location for its classic cafe vibes, or get down to business at polished tables under 24-foot floor-to-ceiling windows in Streeterville. Serving mugs of house-roasted coffee, be sure to try the Dream Team espresso or the Honey Cinnamon Latte. Staying for lunch? All Dollop locations boast fresh, delicious sandwiches (think turkey with white cheddar, tomato, avocado, greens, garlic, and aïoli) and signature, house-baked pastries, like croissants, danishes, and cookies, as well as gluten-free and vegan muffins and tea cakes.
By Morgan Carter, Peyton Garcia, and Elizabeth Liberatore
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