After a year of living in our sweats and working from home (or more specifically, propped up on pillows in our bed), perhaps it’s time to switch up our routines, get dressed in the morning, and work from a new location that’ll help get creative juices flowing again. Between coffee shops, community hubs, and co-working spaces with in-house restaurants, there are plenty of options for getting work done while fueling up on caffeine and food-and let’s be honest, our home brew stations could use a break. Now that indoor dining has been given the clear in LA County, you can once again work inside many of your favorite cafes, where the familiar sounds of Hollywood execs talking too loud on business calls and the whir of fancy espresso machines frothing milk and pulling shots can replace the suspicious noises coming through the shared walls in your home. Here are the best spots to work in every LA neighborhood:

Second Home
This co-working space in Hollywood has an abundance of outdoor seating and they currently offer $25 day passes for non-members, with the option to receive childcare for children ages three months to six-years-old through Second Home’s partnership with Big+Tiny. There’s over an acre of outdoor workspaces to choose from, including a courtyard, rooftop, garden, and terraces with over 6,500 plants and trees, so it’s easy to spread out. The in-house restaurant and bar is currently closed due to the pandemic, but there is a barista on site to make coffee drinks which are included in the price of a day pass. The space is also currently hosting Phenakite, a fine dining pop-up from chef Minh Phan of Porridge & Puffs.
How to book: Purchase day pass packages online.

The Outdoors Coffee
La Boheme brought their bohemian Parisian look outdoors and turned it into a daytime coffee shop with The Outdoors Coffee. With colourful rugs and comfortable sofas shaded under a canvas sail, the outdoor space has quite the vibe. It doesn’t hurt that there are flaky croissants, full coffee, tea, and juice menus, plus WiFi. Outlets are limited so try to arrive with a full charge or get there early and nab the few at the front. The only downside is the cafe closes at 2:30 pm, so they can prep for La Boheme’s dinner service. They’re also closed on weekends.
How to order: Order in-person at the counter.

Cafecito Organico
The Silver Lake location of Cafecito Organico has a charming outdoor patio that they’ve dubbed “Hoover Wilderness.” There are plenty of seats available, including some tables near electrical plugs along the wall and of course, free WiFi. There is a 90-minute time limit for seatings due to COVID-19 restrictions. Cafecito Organico roasts their coffee in-house with beans sourced directly from the farmers.
How to order: Order in-person at the takeout window.

Alcove
The large patio that sits outside of Alcove’s cute bungalow is a great destination for any day. There’s plenty of space to spread out, and the laid back ambience invites you to plop down with some coffee or baked goods, or a full food menu that’s available from breakfast to dinner. There are no outlets, but you can take advantage of the free WiFi to get work done until your battery runs out. Plan well and stay until 5 pm to enjoy a happy hour cocktail from the in-house bar, Big Bar.
How to order: Order in-person at the counter.

Muddy Paw Coffee Co
For those who want to work outside the house but have a fur baby to worry about, the Eagle Rock location of Muddy Paw Coffee Co is the place to go. Not only do they have patio seating, they have even built a dog park in the back so you can bring your dogs to play while you work. There is WiFi and outlet access in parts of the outdoor area. Not only do they roast their own coffee, but part of the proceeds go to Karma Rescue which works to end euthanasia and over-crowding at pet shelters.
How to order: Order in-person at the counter.

Kiff Kafe
Hidden on Pico Blvd is Kiff Kafe’s lush and peaceful back patio. On top of locally roasted coffee and Gjusta‘s baked goods, Kiff Kafe also serves a breakfast and lunch menu, including avocado tartine and burrata salad. The pup-friendly patio is a bit of a tropical paradise with plenty of socially distanced tables and even outlet access on the bench along the side wall. There is WiFi and a small lot for free parking.
How to order: Order in-person or online.

Platform
Okay, we know Platform isn’t necessarily a coffee shop or a coworking space, but hear us out. Platform is actually an outdoor multi-use space in Culver City that is home to a number of food and drink purveyors and retail stores. In addition to the outdoor dining areas of individual restaurants like Roberta’s and Bondi Harvest, there’s plenty of outdoor seating available throughout, so you can settle down to work after grabbing Blue Bottle Coffee or a refreshing boba drink from Boba Guys. There’s also a back patio behind Loqui. A number of these spots have their own WiFi, and Platform itself also offers public WiFi, so you can always stay connected.
How to order: Order at the individual businesses.

Goodboy Bob Coffee
Goodboy Bob Coffee’s Santa Monica location actually gained space when they moved their seating to the parking lot outdoors. There are no plugs outside, but there is free WiFi and the parking lot is removed from street noise. On top of house-roasted coffee, Goodboy Bob also has a tight food menu, from chapati rolls (that we recommend you get) to tartines and salads-not to mention pastries from Sugarbloom. Depending on the kind of work day you’re having, you may want to be aware that Goodboy Bob also serves beer and wine.
How to order: Order in-person at the counter.

Coffee Commissary
The LA-based Coffee Commissary has expanded to six locations (and a food truck) now, but the Burbank location has two private patio sections, including one area that is shaded under a tent and surrounded by greenery-perfect for working. There are no plugs on the outdoor patio, but the WiFi signal is strong. You can also fuel up during lunch with their menu of toasts and burritos. Plus, it doesn’t hurt that this location has a free parking lot.
How to order: Order in-person at the counter or order online.

Alana’s Coffee Roasters
Alana’s charming back patio adorned with greeneries, string lights, and an old trailer gives you a true California vibe, complete with a relaxing playlist. The tables are shaded under a canvas canopy and the WiFi signal is strong. There are also plugs along the wall and at the back near the decorative trailer. Alana roasts their coffee in-house daily and sources most of their coffee beans directly from the farmers. All this makes Alana’s a destination for those who want to work or study outside of the home-but that also means their patio is often busy, so come early.
How to order: Order in-person at the counter.

Hotel June
Hotel June’s mid-century modern design and lush Baja-inspired pool deck encompass your best coworking option in Playa Del Rey, and as a bonus, is only a quick drive from LAX, making it an ideal stop for a business call before or after your flight. While the Caravan Swim Club, their poolside gathering place and restaurant with shareable snacks and a seafood-forward menu, is closed on Mondays and Tuesdays, you can grab breakfast from their in-house Scenic Route cafe, and enjoy it from the upstairs open-air restaurant space while making use of the hotel’s WiFi. If you’re feeling extra, you can work by the pool with a resort day pass, starting at $35 per day, and take a dip in between meetings.
How to order: Order in-person at Scenic Route or Caravan Swim Club restaurant (Wednesday–Sunday).

Verve Coffee Roasters
Santa Cruz-based Verve Coffee Roasters has a few locations in LA, but a prime patio space like the one they have at their Arts District location is hard to come by downtown, plus the soft wood interior also proves inviting. While many of their specialty drinks aren’t currently available, there are still plenty of options, from the nitro flash brew to a Gibraltar, along with a menu of toasts and breakfast sandwiches. Most of the tables have plug outlets for charging your laptop and the WiFi is dependable and fast.
How to order: Order in-person or online.

Steep LA
There’s no coffee at Steep, which specializes in Chinese teas and snacks, but this spot should still be on your rotation. During the pandemic, they added seating outside in the courtyard of Mandarin Plaza. Although there’s no outlet access, the quiet and shaded area is perfect for hopping on their WiFi while sipping on freshly brewed teas. A small menu of rice and noodle bowls are also available for lunch.
How to order: Order in-person at the counter or order online.

Coffee MCO
This two-story cafe has plenty of outdoor seating to choose from. There are tables behind the shop and a tented outdoor seating area built on a portion of the parking lot, but for a quieter space to work, head to the upstairs deck. Coffee MCO buys beans from small, specialty roasters, including the local Be Bright Coffee. There are no outlets available, but the WiFi signal is strong and there is a parking lot with free two-hour parking. Plus, they are soon opening MCO at Night, in case you want to switch to drinks after work.
How to order: Order in-person at the counter.

Alibi Coffee Co.
Alibi Coffee was quite the hangout spot in the before times, with a pool table, comedy nights, and more. Thanks to a large lot at this location, Alibi has the space for a relaxed outdoor seating area as well as free parking. There are no outlets available outdoors, but the WiFi signal is strong. Find a shaded spot to sip on their single-origin coffees while you work, or get the instagrammable Blue Matcha Latte (made with butterfly pea flower) and Calic Bread’s garlic bagels.
How to order: Order in-person at the counter.

South LA Cafe
This Black-owned corner coffee shop serves Red Bay Coffee (a Black-owned, Oakland-based coffee brand with a new location coming to Jefferson Park soon), pastries, and the most affordable avocado toasts at $3. There is plenty of seating on the sidewalk and a small parklet, located on the quieter Browning Blvd. There are no outlets available, but there is WiFi which is strongest at the tables closest to the shop. South LA Cafe has been doing grocery giveaways to community members in need every week, so you can also feel good knowing that you’re helping to support the community. The only downside is that they close on the early side (1 pm), though they are working on extending their hours.
How to order: Order in-person or online.

Tierra Mia Coffee
Latino-owned Tierra Mia Coffee has a mini coffee empire with 20 California locations, but one of their newer locations on Eastern Ave offers the best option for working or studying near Cal State LA, with plenty of outdoor seating, umbrellas for providing shade, and free WiFi. Tierra Mia roasts their own coffee and also bakes all their own pastries, with something for everyone, from horchata lattes to a pourover of Panama Geisha.
How to order: Order in-person or online.

Hot and Cool Cafe
This Black-owned coffee shop and community-centered hub has expanded from their original location in Leimert Park and opened a second location on the ground floor of an apartment building tucked on a quiet, dead-end street in Canoga Park. The shop is filled with plants and furniture that make it look like your ideal apartment. There are only a few seats available by the entrance and a couple of plugs around the store, but wooden benches are aplenty in the apartment building’s expansive courtyard out front and the WiFi signal is strong enough to carry.
How to order: Order in-person at the counter or order online.

Yonder Coffee
Yonder Coffee started a few years ago as a coffee cart specializing in catering events and recently opened their first brick-and-mortar cafe in Northridge. Their large covered patio has a rustic greenhouse vibe that is perfect for getting work done while using their free WiFi (though outlets are only available inside). Yonder brews their own blend of coffee roasted by Bespoken Coffee Roasters and offers a rotating selection of seasonal drinks and housemade coffee cakes.
How to order: Order in-person or online.

Art + Science Cafe
This small Korean-owned cafe in Pasadena is currently using the charming courtyard of the shopping complex it’s located in for outdoor seating, complete with WiFi and even outlet access for some of the tables. Known for their signature green tea and espresso lattes, the cafe also offers sushi hand rolls, avocado toast, and smoothies.
How to order: Order in-person or order ahead online.

Dash Coffee Bar
This newly opened coffee shop in Pasadena is already popular thanks to coffee drinks with unique Asian flavours like their pandan latte and yuzu espresso tonic, plus the fact that they carry Sugarbloom Bakery pastries. There are partially shaded tables set up in the parking lot, as well as free WiFi, though the tables are shared with their neighbouring Thai restaurant, Chim!
How to order: Order in-person or online.