Ask HN: what is a good spot to work in New York?

#1

Post by fab2722 » Sun, Sep 30, 2012, 3:52 PM UTC

I'll soon be in New York for a few weeks. Can you recommend me a few cafés (or similar) in both Manhattan and Brooklyn?

Re: Ask HN: what is a good spot to work in New York?

#2

Post by pcushing » Sun, Sep 30, 2012, 5:47 PM UTC

I use loosecubes.com every time I come to the city to find a random coworking spot to work out of. It's a lot better than the cafe hustle.

Re: Ask HN: what is a good spot to work in New York?

#3

Post by pixelmonkey » Sun, Sep 30, 2012, 5:54 PM UTC

If the weather is nice, you can work in Bryant Park during the day. Especially before lunch hour rush. There are tables, shade, and (some) wifi -- though 4G cell hotspot is probably better.

Also, the New York Public Library is right nearby, so if you get annoyed by crowds or weather, you can relocate to one of the most beautiful quiet workplaces in the entire city.

Re: Ask HN: what is a good spot to work in New York?

#4

Post by jashkenas » Sun, Sep 30, 2012, 5:55 PM UTC

Not a cafe, but the Rose Reading Room at the 42nd St. library is the prettiest, most productive place to get work done. Also easy to move outside to Bryant Park when it's nice out.

(edit): Looks like it's nearly unanimous. Here's a picture for folks who haven't been there: http://nycpano.files.wordpress.com/2011/03/rose-reading-room...

Re: Ask HN: what is a good spot to work in New York?

#5

Post by pmb » Sun, Sep 30, 2012, 5:56 PM UTC

The main branch of the New York Public Library in Bryant Park.

Re: Ask HN: what is a good spot to work in New York?

#6

Post by rwhitman » Sun, Sep 30, 2012, 6:00 PM UTC

As someone else suggested check out Loosecubes.com .

In Manhattan it can be a little challenging to find a coffee shop to set up in for very long. Seats and outlets are at a premium and many are policing wifi moochers these days. There are a few large starbuckses with a good amount of room though. I've also worked at the library before (not many outlets, and you can't take phone calls inside).

In Williamsburg there are a ton of work-friendly coffee shops. If you take the L train to the bedford, lorimer or graham stops, pop open Yelp and you'll spot at least 3-4 coffee shops in a 5 block radius of each, with wifi and (usually) seats...

Re: Ask HN: what is a good spot to work in New York?

#7

Post by blakeeb » Sun, Sep 30, 2012, 6:01 PM UTC

I'm a fan of Think Coffee, and Ace Hotel's lobby

Re: Ask HN: what is a good spot to work in New York?

#8

Post by [deleted] » Sun, Sep 30, 2012, 6:05 PM UTC

jashkenas wrote: post #4

Not a cafe, but the Rose Reading Room at the 42nd St. library is the prettiest, most productive place to get work done. Also easy to move outside to Bryant Park when it's nice out. (edit): Looks like it's nearly unanimous. Here's a picture for folks who haven't been there: http://nycpano.files.wordpress.com/2011/03/rose-reading-room...

[deleted]

Re: Ask HN: what is a good spot to work in New York?

#9

Post by [deleted] » Sun, Sep 30, 2012, 6:05 PM UTC

[deleted]

Re: Ask HN: what is a good spot to work in New York?

#10

Post by advertising » Sun, Sep 30, 2012, 6:05 PM UTC

The Ace Hotel has a great lobby to work in. I work there for a couple hours almost every trip I make to NY.

Convenient outlets at most seats, free wifi, and a Stumptown adjoined!

Lot's of creative types working there, illustrators, writers and such. Can get pretty busy after 5pm.

http://www.fastcompany.com/1768472/ace-hotels-communal-works...

20 West 29th Street New York, NY 10001