Since Washington, D.C. was ranked the number one most overworked city in the country last year, it shouldn’t be a shock that Washingtonians feel like they almost always need to be connected in case something comes up at work.
Fortunately, though, now that remote work is an option for some of us, we can at least have the option to work where we are most comfortable! If you’re looking to escape your home-office setup, this will be your go-to list!
If you tend to focus more on wanting coffee shop ambiance, also check out our list of top coffee shops in D.C., or if you’re more of a brewery atmosphere fan you can also check out these best breweries around D.C. where you can more than likely plug in and work remotely!
1. Kogod Courtyard, National Portrait Gallery – Penn Quarter
If you are looking for an inspirational place in D.C. to do some work with your computer on your lap, the Kogod Courtyard, which is shared between the Smithsonian American Art Museum and the National Portrait Gallery is as breathtaking as it is reliable. However, space may be limited so if you can’t snag one of the few tables in the courtyard, you’ll have to settle for a bench.
Location: Between the Smithsonian American Art Museum and the National Portrait Gallery Buildings
2. SIMONA Café – NoMa
With strong wifi and ambient music that isn’t too loud, SIMONA Café in NoMa will have your productivity soaring. Even better, their array of pastries, drinks, sandwiches, and beyond will keep you fueled all day. We particularly love the rotating selection of scones and loaded breakfast sandwiches on house-made focaccia!
Location: 35 N St NE
3. Private study spaces, Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Library – Penn Quarter
At the MLK Jr. Memorial Library, you can reserve a private study room for yourself or even for a group of people so that you can either work on your own or with others, without being concerned about WiFi connection or being distracted by others in the area. As a bonus, there’s a nice little cafe on the first floor where you can grab snacks or a fresh cup of coffee. On sunny days, you can even head to the library’s rooftop terrace.
Location: 901 G St. NW
4. Tryst – Adams Morgan
With its outdoor patio as well as some extra cozy seats inside, Tryst is a local favorite for remote workers for a reason! Not to mention the quality food, drinks, and service throughout the day and the fact that in the afternoon you can order alcoholic beverages to cap off your workday. This spot fills up fast, so be sure to go early if you want to secure a seat.
Location: 2459 18th Street NW
5. Main Reading Room, The Library of Congress – Capitol Hill
While this spot is only valid if you are not making calls or needing to talk as you work, it is a no-brainer for remote workers around D.C. looking for a unique, quiet spot to connect and get some work done. Keep in mind that there are a few strings attached to going into the Library of Congress to get your work done that you’ll need to deal with:
- You must be at least 16 years old,
- You have to submit a “Timed-Entry Ticket” reservation – This is completely free, but is just used to control how many people are entering the Thomas Jefferson Building at a given time. You’ll want to do this in advance if you can, as there are days and time slots that ‘sell-out’ faster than others.
- Access to the Reading Room itself for research purposes requires you to obtain a Reader Identification Card, which can easily be obtained by filling out a basic form at Madison Building – Room LM 133 (in the Newspaper & Current Periodical Reading Room) or the Jefferson Building – Room LJ 139 (in the Microform and Electronic Resources Center).
Once you have your Reader ID Card and reserve your entry ticket, you’ll be granted access to the biggest and best information centers in the entire world! The perfect for working remotely once you get everything sorted.
Location: 101 Independence Ave SE
6. Dolcezza – Dupont Circle
Dolcezza Gelato & Coffee’s Dupont Circle location happens to be Dolcezza’s third location around town, but it stands out as being particularly cozy and casual, feeling almost like you’re working at the dining room table. The drinks, particularly the espresso, are fantastic and the food is just as much of a star, but naturally, the gelato is the real hero when it comes to taking a quick break from getting your work done.
Location: 1704 Connecticut Ave NW
7. Pitango Gelato – Adams Morgan
Pitango Gelato (and cafe) may be an unexpected addition to this list, but the ambiance of the space, reliable connection, and its plentitude of plugs make it the perfect spot for any remote worker who isn’t interested in losing their connection or fighting for a chance to charge their devices. Not to mention every time you decide to treat yourself every so often with a nice scoop of their delicious fresh gelato.
Location: 1841 Columbia Road NW
8. Le Bon Café – Capitol Hill
While Le Bon Café is only open from 8 am to 3 pm and seating is limited, this little French-style bistro has some of the best French-style coffee and pastries in town that are perfect for getting you out of bed in the morning and for getting yourself on track for a productive day!
Location: 210 2nd St SE
9. Compass Coffee – Shaw
One of the most popular coffee shops in all of D.C. with locations all around the city now, this local chain started with its first location in Shaw and has now expanded to a dozen locations in the D.C. area! Aside from being a local favorite remote work spot, it’s also famous for having some of the best coffee in town, particularly its Nitro Cold Brew, which is a fan favorite.
Location: 1535 7th St NW
10. Big Bear Cafe – Bloomingdale
With free wifi available during the work week, Big Bear Cafe is a great local spot in a quaint area of D.C. that is perfect for your standard remote worker! With their great coffee and solid food options putting this spot over the edge, it’s great for at least a few hours of work, granted that you aren’t making too much noise or interrupting any other patrons.
Location: 1700 First St NW
11. The LINE DC – Adams Morgan
Located in the heart of Adams Morgan, this spacious hotel is one of our favorite places to work remotely. Complete with a coffee shop, restaurant, bar, and free wifi, The LINE DC is the perfect all-day hangout spot.
Location: 1770 Euclid St NW
12. Rue Cafe – Columbia Heights
Aside from a solid chicken salad sandwich and fresh coffee, Rue Cafe is a great place to get some work done with reliable wifi and a friendly staff! We’ve heard that it’s a great spot for a few hours of hard work with its quiet ambiance that lets you focus and cozy atmosphere that lets you get comfortable.
Location: 3906 14th St NW