Best Coffee Shops to Work Remotely from in San Francisco

I’m coming up on nine years of working remotely in San Francisco. And while, yes, some of this time was spent frolicking to other countries or on my couch at home, many, many hours have been spent in search of strong coffee and even stronger wifi. (Enter: this well-researched list of best SF coffee shops brought to you by caffeine.)

As a freelancer, I like a healthy balance between being in my own world and being surrounded by others. Routine is both my best friend and my worst enemy — I find it encourages productivity but stifles creativity. When I’m short on inspiration, sometimes it’s as simple as a walk through a new neighborhood followed by a couple of hours in a coffee shop with good vibes. I find that even changing up my seating in a familiar place can help me see things in a new light.

Finding a public space to work in offers the best of both worlds. And because there’s nothing like caffeine to fuel both productivity and creativity, for me, I find myself in the city’s best coffee shops more often than not.

When I’m on deadline, I have to prioritize the Internet connection and minimize distractions. When I’m out more to journal or generate ideas, I choose coffee quality above all else. Most days you can find me at my neighborhood go-to’s, which offer a bit of both.

Whether you’re a local (hello!) or a visitor to San Francisco (welcome!,) take it from me…this is my hard-earned list of the best SF coffee shops and where to work remotely in San Francisco:

Just Plain Good Coffee

• Sightglass
• Four Barrel
• Ritual
• Blue Bottle
• Philz

Cute Interiors

(Beware: No wifi!!! GASP!)

• Wrecking Ball Coffee Roasters
• The Mill
• B Patisserie
• Le Marais

Excellent Work Space

• Workshop Cafe
• Yakini Q Cafe
• The Social Study
• The Interval at Long Now
• Capital One 360 Cafe

Best of Both Worlds

Also known as…where you’ll find me most days:

• Saint Frank
• Jane on Fillmore
• Coffee Bar

Best SF Coffee Shops To Work In, By ‘Hood

Mission: Haus Coffee
Hayes Valley: Arlequin Cafe
Castro, North Beach: Reveille Coffee
Pac Heights: Jane on Fillmore
The Haight: Flywheel Coffee
Marina/Cow Hollow: Illy Coffee on Union
Presidio: Starbucks (honestly, the prettiest little Sbux you ever did see)
Russian Hill: Saint Frank
Nob Hill: Contraband Coffee Bar, Nook
SOMA: Sextant Coffee Roasters, St Clare, Coffee Cultures
Financial District: Mazarine Coffee, Chai Bar
Inner Sunset: Hollow
Outer Sunset: Andytown
Inner Richmond: fifty/fifty

SF Coworking Opportunities

• WeWork SF: 25 Taylor Street (+13 more locations)
• Nomad-A-What: 639 Clay Street
• Parisoma: 169 11th Street
• Canopy: 2193 Fillmore Street and 595 Pacific Street
• The Laundry: 3359 26th St
• Bespoke Coworking: 845 Market STreet
• Spacious
• Covo: 981 Mission Street
• AvantSpace: 2181 Greenwich Street
• Makespace Coworking: Rotating

Coworking for Women in San Francisco

• The Assembly: 449 14th Street
• The Wing: 115 Sansome Street, Suite #200

Most of these co-working spaces are available by the month, but I haven’t quite wrapped my head around the idea of paying someone so I can go into an office. If I’m going to go into an office that much, you’ll pay me, thanks! (However, the women’s coworking spaces do tempt me!)

Last but not least, sometimes I actually do work best from home. Most if not all of the coffee shops listed here offer delicious beans for home brewing. I’ve been using this Italian-made espresso machine for years, and it’s the only thing that comes close to making delicious espresso at home (budget-friendly for what it is, too!)

Other resources, for finding workspaces and keeping your sanity:

• WHA App (Work Hard Anywhere) or Workfrom (app)
• Freelancers Union
• The Freelancer, by Contently
• Map of Best Coffee Houses by Wifi

Anything missing, San Franciscans?

If you liked this post, check out the rest of my San Francisco pieces. Also, my Instagram is full of my favorite SF spots! I love this city like no other, and it brings me great joy to see others fall in love as well <3

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