As remote work becomes more common, the need for a centralized home base is crucial for your productivity.

Sometimes despite our best efforts, life gets in the way. Maybe you’re traveling to the Windy City and need a place to set up a makeshift workstation. Or you’re going stir-crazy in your home office and just looking for a change of scenery. Whatever the case, you need remote work recommendations.

Best places to work remotely in Chicago

What makes for a good work remote work location? For many of us, it’s free Wi-Fi, an abundance of seating options (with outlets), and somewhere we can grab a quick cup of coffee or snack. With all of that in mind, we set out to find the best remote work locations in the city. Here’s our list of the top 15 remote work locations for 2019.

1. The Museum of Contemporary Art

Photo credit: The Culture Trip

Overlooking the gorgeous views of Lake Michigan, the Museum of Contemporary Art is a perfect place to find inspiration for whatever project you’re working on. MCA provides several seated areas amongst the art, including bar and restaurant Marisol on the lower floor where you can dine–in while you work.

2. City Grounds Coffee Bar

Photo credit: City Grounds Coffee Instagram

Just a 20 minute walk from the views of the North Avenue Beach and the Lincoln Park Zoo, this dual-level coffee shop has everything you could need for a day working remotely. The bottom floor houses a variety of coffee and snack options with seating, while the top level boasts a spacious study area illuminated by natural light.

3. Sleeping Village

Photo credit: Sleeping Village

A few blocks from popular karaoke lounge Alice’s, Sleeping Village is the perfect remote work getaway for the professional who likes a little rock-and-roll. This live music venue by night serves coffee during the day and offers ample seating for anyone looking to indulge in its industrial style design. Come for the coffee, stay for a live music show!

4. Marshall’s Landing

Photo credit: EVENTup

Nestled in the heart of Downtown Chicago, Marshall’s Landing offers gorgeous city views with lush seating and world-class coffee selection. Easily accessible inside Chicago’s famous Merchandise Mart, this restaurant and bar offers everything you’ll need. From light snacks to fuel your day to a full menu and happy hour options for when you’re ready to call it a night, there’s something for everyone.

5. Revival Food Hall

Photo credit: Eater Chicago

Opened in 2016, this dining hall has some of the best restaurants the city has to offer. The rotating restaurant menus mean that you’ll never get bored of your food options and with 24,000 square feet of property, you won’t have any trouble finding a place to set up shop. There’s a little bit of everything in this spacious location!

6. Dropshot Coffee & Snack Bar

Photo credit: Chicago Food Magazine

Just a few minutes from the Chicago Brown Line stop, Dropshot Coffee & Snack Bar offers patrons a variety of drink options offset by fun, sports themed decor. The menu offers both breakfast and lunch options and the upper level offers plenty of seating where you can spread out and get your work done. The centralized location of this shop is perfect for meeting up with friends to work remotely or explore the city once you’re finished for the day.

7. Philz Coffee

Photo credit: Eater Chicago

Though we’re talking specifically about the Wicker Park location, Philz Coffee actually has three downtown locations, as well as a location in Evanston. This small coffee chain is popular among locals for their quick and friendly service, as well as their open space seating. This shop is perfect for the early riser who enjoys being able to get work done before the rest of the world is awake.

8. Navy Pier

Photo credit: Navy Pier

Known as a popular tourist attraction, Navy Pier is home to dozens of quiet areas where remote workers can steal away from some workspace. With more than 30 restaurants and over 36,00 square feet of real estate, you won’t have any trouble finding somewhere to work while enjoying gorgeous lakefront views.

9. Floriole Cafe & Bakery

Photo credit: Kelly in the City

French-inspired and teeming with natural light, Floriole in Lincoln Park is a bright spot sure to fuel your creative inspiration. Located between the Armitage and Fullerton brown line stops, this coffee shop is centrally located and easily accessible by public transit. The menu also offers coffee, tea, and wine depending on what you prefer!

10. Three Arts Club Cafe

Photo credit: Out+Outfit

Combining the best of both indoor and outdoor elements, Three Arts Club Cafe is a swanky coffeehouse and wine bar perfect for getting work done. Located in the heart of Gold Coast, the chill atmosphere and friendly staff provide the perfect remote work experience for someone who enjoys a little metropolitan flair.

11. Passion House Coffee

Photo credit: Yelp

What this location lacks in accessibility, it makes up for in location. Nestled within Goose Island, Passion House Coffee is one of the best kept secrets on the 160-acre artificial island located in Chicago. The open seating allows for ease of work and you can even take your favorite Passion House blends home with you once you’re done!

12. Department of Coffee and Social Affairs

Photo credit: Department of Coffee and Social Affairs

This UK-based coffee chain made a big splash when they brought their international flair to Chicago’s Lakeview East neighborhood. What makes this spot unique is that a portion of the money you spend on coffee while working remotely gets funneled into DCSA’s corporate social responsibility initiatives. That means while you’re enjoying a day away from the office, you’re also helping those who need it most.

13. Colectivo Coffee

Photo credit: Logan Squarist

Brightly colored and bursting with energy, the Logan Square location of Colectivo coffee has everything. This location has both indoor and outdoor seating which makes it the perfect remote work location year-round. It also boasts a full menu with espresso, coffee, and tea; as well as Colectivo Keg Co. beers and Nitro Cold Brew on tap.

14. 3 Greens Market

Photo credit: 3 Greens Market

If you’re looking to take a trip to the past while working remotely, 3 Greens Market has just what you’re looking for. The eclectic decor is matched only by the variety of food and beverage options available. Sit among the greenery or take a trip back to the 1970s in one of the many vintage themed lounging areas. There’s no limit to the creative freedom you’ll feel working at 3 Greens!

15. Politan Row

Photo credit: Chicago Reader

When it comes to working remotely in the West Loop, it’s hard to beat Politan Row. Fine dining on a frugal budget, this space offers spacious seating both indoors and outdoors, along with food, coffee, pastries, and a wine bar all in one centralized location. Located off the Morgan Green/Pink lines, this funky food hall gives you the feeling that you’re downtown without having to actually leave your neighborhood.

All work and no play? No way!

The future of remote work is changing, and so should your remote working strategy! The spots listed on this round-up are proof that working remotely doesn’t have to be a drag. You can find the perfect remote work location in Chicago to fit your style, budget, and needs.