11 Places to Work From Home in Austin
Campus may be quieter now that the semester is over, but we know that Longhorns never stop working to change the world—from all over the globe. For those based in Austin, summer is the perfect opportunity to explore, even with your laptop in tow.
There is no shortage of cute coffee shops in this city, and with the help of Texas Exes staff, the Alcalde rounded up recommendations for the best places to work from home. Important qualifications include accessibility of outlets, food options, and ambience.
Austin Central Library
710 W Cesar Chavez St, Austin, TX 78701
At six stories tall, including a rooftop garden with views over Auditorium Shores and the Colorado River, Austin Public Library’s Central location has something for everyone. The garage rates are steep, so opt instead for metered street parking or take the bus, which stops right outside. —Eliza Pillsbury
Capital One Cafe
106 E. 6th St., Suite 100, Austin, TX 78701
I know what you’re thinking. Yes, you can check your account balance while you’re here, but you can also get craft coffee and access quiet study rooms. Plus, they often give away freebies to customers just for being there! —Janelle Sosa
Carpenter Coffee Bar
400 Josephine St, Austin, TX 78704
I love working out of the Carpenter Hotel’s coffee shop! Great coffee, beautiful design, and just the right amount of activity. It’s calm enough to focus but active enough to keep my energy up. —Margaret Williams
Community Garden
1401 Cedar Ave., Unit 2, Austin, TX 78702
In a quiet East Austin neighborhood, you can find quality coffee and acai bowls by day … and DJ sets by night. There’s also a retail section featuring records, art, and zines by local artists. Perfect for creatives who want to feel inspired while working from home. —Eliza Pillsbury
Dear Diary Coffee
1212 Chicon St #103, Austin, TX 78702
Small yet cozy, Dear Diary fulfills all your vegan needs. The shop is 100% vegan and plant-based, so you won’t face any upcharges for dairy alternatives in your coffee. They also regularly put out fun seasonal drinks and sell gifts made by local illustrators. —Trinity Flaten
The Flightpath Coffeehouse
5011 Duval St, Austin, TX 78751
This was always my go-to place—and my daughter’s! Parking in the neighborhood can be a bit of a challenge, but the seating is cozy and plentiful, both inside and outside. —Patricia Shampton
Idlewild Coffee
824 W 12th St, Austin, TX 78701
Not only is this coffee shop inside the legendary skate shop No Comply, but it is right around the corner from Pease Park and House Park. I like to grab my coffee and then head over to watch/work at the House Park skatepark or go find a nice table at Pease Park for some outside working and inspiration … mostly inspiration. —Thomas Schiefer
Monkey’s Nest
5353 Burnet Rd, Austin, TX 78756
Though the tables are close, they have a great menu, including pretty healthy options. Enough(ish) outlets and a playlist that is not overly stimulating or loud. I have met folks there on several occasions and rarely had trouble finding a space to sit. —Debra Lambert
Mozart’s Coffee Roasters
3825 Lake Austin Blvd, Austin, TX 78703
A tried-and-true favorite, Mozart’s offers more pastries and treats than one could ever choose from. With patio seating on Lake Austin providing picturesque sunset views, they also stay open until midnight for night owls and those who stay up late studying. —Trinity Flaten
Pershing East
2501 E. 5th St., Austin, TX 78702
Formerly known as Greater Goods (R.I.P.), new ownership has added some delicious focaccia sandwich options. The diversity of seating options is a pro: The bar-style seating in the back half of the space can become a makeshift standing desk if you forego the stool. —Eliza Pillsbury
Whole Foods
525 N. Lamar Blvd., Austin, TX 78703
More than just a grocery store! The upstairs area has plenty of seating options and outlets. Downstairs, you can find many different lunch options including barbecue, sushi, pizza, sandwiches, and a salad bar. This is the perfect spot to work and people-watch. —Janelle Sosa
CREDITS: From top, Michael Barera/Wikimedia Commons; courtesy of Capital One; courtesy of Dear Diary Coffee; courtesy of The Flightpath Coffeehouse; courtesy of Pershing East
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