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We’ve all been there: battling terrible Wi-Fi and awkward crowds in a place we swore would be a great place to work. (I’m looking at you, most of South Austin.) Even in 2024, cell reception isn’t infallible—and that’s especially untenable if your job involves uploading photos or keeping lots of tabs open.
It’s possible to make each workday more optimistic in the places we know and love, but when it’s time to switch things up, here are our tried-and-tested recommendations for the most disruption-free work-from-home trip possible.
Most importantly, we wanted each location to have reliable, if not blazingly fast, WiFi. We can wait a few seconds longer here and there for some great snacks. We also wanted a way to avoid spending tons of money, not get pushed out, and generally blend in with the crowd—and, weirdly, not bring computers to popular date spots.
However, none of this was included in the official score. Each of these points is just a place where we How Visit.
Without further ado, these are CultureMap’s tried-and-true favorite spots for remote work in Austin.
Everywhere in Austin
Libraries
We’re huge fans of supporting your local library, and the Austin Public Library’s central branch is the most pleasant place to work if you want a nice view of downtown Austin. There are 20 other library branches throughout Austin, so there’s no shortage of quiet places to work. We also like the Wells Branch Community Library, which isn’t part of the APL. It’s a real hidden gem for remote workers, thanks to its ample indoor and outdoor seating and very few distractions.
In South Austin
Radio Coffee & Beer
4204 Menchaca Street
If you’re the type to stay all day, Radio is the perfect playground. Surrounded by plants, shade structures, and misters, you might work up a little sweat, but you’ll feel comfortable doing it. Food trucks offer variety, but guests can keep the cost of daily visits down by settling for a cup of coffee or an iced tea. The long hours make it possible to hang out practically anytime—whether a bluegrass band motivates or distracts you is up to you.
Uncle Nicky’s
2121 South Lamar Blvd #100
Both locations — on South Lamar Boulevard or Duval Street — are great hangouts, but the South Lamar location still has its new shine and isn’t too crowded. Both serve an Italian aperitivo, which in this case is basically a free happy hour snack bar to browse while enjoying a cocktail. Non-alcoholic options are available in case a splash impairs your spreadsheet-making skills.
Grandpa
2050 S Lamar Blvd
Another quiet hangout that’s open during the day and evening is Opa, a Greek restaurant and coffee and wine bar, also on South Lamar Boulevard. Beneath a beautiful oak tree, the front yard feels like a vacation spot. Inside, there are plenty of cozy nooks to sit, often occupied by other people with laptops or personal colleagues. Since Opa attracts an artsy and hip crowd, the Wednesday open mic nights are always unique.
Captain Quacks Coffeehouse
5326 Menchaca Street
A bakery isn’t usually the ideal place to hang out for hours, but Captain Quack’s is much more than a bakery. While we love the Eat Your Feelings cake leftover boxes, remote workers with slightly more dietary preferences might enjoy coffee, tea, a cocktail, or a few pre-made sandwiches. Captain Quack’s also hosts plenty of events in the adjacent “soundspace,” like comedy nights, movie screenings, and karaoke with a live band. There’s also some outdoor seating for those who aren’t finished working when events start.
In East Austin
Uptown Sports Club
1200 E. 6th Street.
We’ve said it before: Aaron Franklin’s Uptown Sports Club is one of our favorite places to sit with your laptop. It’s just busy enough that it feels lively without being intrusive. The unique menu brings variety to the usual tacos or sandwich routine with a nice snack menu, including tubs of thick gumbo and nostalgic ice cream shakes. Most importantly, it’s an island of productivity in the middle of a chaotic street—a good stop on the way to and from other plans.
Cabana Club
5012 E. 7th Street.
The recently opened Cabana Club is perhaps the hottest remote work spot in town. Start the day with coffee and breakfast or lunch at the club’s convenient window or bar. If that’s not enough choice, there are also food trucks on-site, including Mr. Pimento Catering & Dining, where we tried a jackfruit plate with tasty jerk sauce. Perhaps more than anything else on the list, this feels a bit like a hotel lobby and a lot like a true coworking space, but is still warm and inviting. Watch Bob Ross on TV or end the day by the pool (over-21s only) with an espresso martini on tap.
Cherrywood Coffeehouse
1400 E. 38. 1/2 pcs.
This was a favorite hangout for the late Austin legend John Aeilli, and we trust his judgment without question. Cherrywood Coffeehouse offers great food and drinks to satisfy remote workers any time of day. Plus, there’s plenty of room to spread out, whether inside or out on the patio. For Austinites who prefer to work indoors, a good tip is to have earplugs or headphones nearby in case it gets loud.
In the center of Austin
Epoch Coffee
221 WN Loop Blvd
If you’re a night owl who suddenly gets a burst of energy to work after dark, Epoch Coffee on the North Loop is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Space inside can be limited, so working outside is pretty common at this cafe. You can’t go wrong with any of Epoch’s coffee offerings, and it’s rare to hear any complaints about the shop’s Wi-Fi.
Homemade pizza slices
501 E 53rd Street
This choice could be controversial, as unlike Epoch, the Wi-Fi is often overloaded with crowds. Still, it works during quieter times of the day, and the inviting pizzeria atmosphere is worth trying out a personal hotspot every now and then. It’s also a cheaper lunch option that still offers great interior decor—something rare among Austin’s many food truck parks.
In North Austin
NG Café
13000 N. Interstate Hwy 35, Building 12, Suite 200
Ng Café’s delicious baked goods and food made our list of our favorite dishes in 2023, but what makes this neighborhood restaurant one of our absolute favorites is its down-to-earth atmosphere and spacious seating. Of note, Ng doesn’t have WiFi for guests, but that didn’t stop us from coming back and spending the afternoon working while munching on shortbread cookies and sipping Thai tea.
Lazarus Brewing Co.
4803 Airport Boulevard
It’s hard to think of an activity an Austin brewery wouldn’t lend itself to, but Lazarus is often used as a workspace, so you don’t have to be the lame laptop jockey while everyone else is having fun. Both locations—on Airport Boulevard and East 6th Street—have cool, inviting designs and Mexican kitchens, so you can easily spend the day there whether or not you’re relaxing with a beer afterward.
Coco’s Cafe
8557 Research Blvd, Suite #118
This casual Taiwanese restaurant has two locations in Austin, but the north location on Research Boulevard is our go-to spot when we’re looking for a quick meal or smoothie after work. Coco’s is also open seating, so no one has to leave after a certain time. Try the Thai tea for a caffeine kick with a difference.
