Best Coffee Shops To Get Work Done In Minnesota
The notion of the office has been redefined, and with more and more people working from home it's clear that we're never going back. No more sterile beige walls, windowless cubes or needless trips to the water cooler just to get away from it all, if only for a moment. Many are lucky to work on their own terms. If you are one of these people, settle into the comfortable seating, with a cup of warm coffee, tea or whatever else you desire, let the sun shine and get some work done from one of these local coffee houses.
Claddagh Coffee
459 7th St. W.
St. Paul, MN 55102
(651) 600-3400
www.claddaghcoffeecafe.com
Roomy, comfortable and with a touch of historic charm that makes it seem like it's the living room you've always wanted, Claddagh Coffee has everything you're looking for. A highlight of the place, besides the coffee and cappuccinos, is the downstairs room that seems dedicated to those looking to get some work done. While the room is available to rent, it's typically wide open for use and is one of the best places to get some work done in the city.
Groundswell
1340 Thomas Ave.
St. Paul, MN 55104
(651) 645-6466
www.groundswellmn.com
A neighborhood success story (the once-small coffee shop almost closed a few years back, but was saved by the neighborhood), Groundswell has now expanded and serves not only amazing coffee, but also delicious eats for your lunch break. You can sit in the main area and watch the mix of college students, neighborhood residents, retirees and yuppies moving by, or settle in to one of the back sections where the quiet atmosphere will let you work in peace.
Bull Run Coffee Bar
3346 Lyndale Ave. S.
Minneapolis, MN 55408
(612) 545-5972
www.bullruncoffee.com
Finding a place on almost every "best of" list in the cities (and deservedly so), Bull Run recently added more space, perfect for you to claim as your own work area. It's a popular place, and can get busy, which may not seem congruent to a work day. But noise is typically kept to a minimum and people are respectful of each other's space. With some of the best coffee around, which we all know can often be the key to getting through a workday (or any day), the always-friendly staff waiting to refill your cup and plenty of room to find a table, you're sure to be productive all day long.
Related: Best Of MN: Best Coffee Shop
J&S Bean Factory
1518 Randolph Ave.
St. Paul, MN 55105
(651) 699-7788
www.jsbeanfactory.com
If you want a quieter place to get your work done, Randolph Avenue's charming little coffee shop and bean factory (what amazing, slow roasted smells) is a pleasant, comfortable place to bring the laptop and get your work done. Things aren't so quiet later in the evening, when live music and an amicable neighborhood crowd fills the space, so once you get everything done for the day, reward yourself with a free show. And don't forget to take home some of the beans when you leave.
Fireroast Cafe
3800 37th Ave. S.
Minneapolis, MN 55406
(612) 724-9895
www.fireroastcafe.com
Great coffee, plenty of room, friendly baristas and outlets to plug your laptop into make Fireroast a winner for anyone looking to work. Colorful and inviting, this coffee shop knows that community building is a key to success, and makes the environment welcome to anyone no matter how busy or stressful their day is. You'll truly be glad that you're not stuck in a cubicle as the large windows, warm coffee and comfortable seating take away your worries.
Related: Best Coffee Shops That Go Beyond Coffee In Minnesota
Adrian Schramm is a resident Saint Paul writer with a passion for all things local. Through his work with Saint Paul Almanac and Minneapolis Examiner at Examiner.com, as well as in the kitchens of bars and restaurants around town, he has discovered what truly makes the Twin Cities tick.