Top Coffee Shops For Work Or Studying In Philadelphia

Working from home can seem like a dream job, but sometimes, being cooped up in your house all day is enough to drive you crazy. And being reminded of things like laundry and other household tasks can make for a less-than-productive work environment. Give yourself a break from the monotony of home by visiting one of these work-friendly coffee shops in Philly. Free wifi, flexible hours, delicious food and coffee are just some of the things that make these spots suitable for work or studying.

Cake and the Beanstalk
1112 Locust St.
Philadelphia, PA 19107
(215) 592-6505
www.cakeandthebeanstalk.com

Located in the heart of Washington Square, Cake and the Beanstalk opened in 2011 as a whimsical coffee shop and bakery owned by Dan and Jennifer Klein. While the welcoming spot does offer savory options like soup and paninis, the name is a play off of the two main menu choices: baked treats (cake) and coffee (beans). Co-owner Dan Klein is a talented pastry chef who has worked in some of the city's best kitchens, including Morimoto, Circa and Le Bec Fin. And the chocolate chip blondies at Cake and the Beanstalk recently earned a spot on Zagat's list of "Philly's 12 Top Pastries." Cake and the Beanstalk is open from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. each day and offers free wifi, beautiful light, a cheerful atmosphere and seating overlooking Sartain Community Garden. As an extra bonus, students and hospital employees receive a 10-percent discount on their orders.

Higher Grounds Café
631 N. 3rd St.
Philadelphia, PA 19123
(215) 922-3745
www.highergroundscafe.com

With later hours (closing ranges from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. depending on the day), comfortable seating and performances by local DJs and musicians, Higher Grounds is a popular spot for college students as well as those seeking a calm spot to work and get a drink. Choose from 16 loose teas and flavorful coffees like the Bolivian blend. Large spaces are available to reserve for meetings or parties.

Joe Coffee
1845 Walnut St.
Philadelphia, PA 19103
(215) 278-2454
www.joecoffeephl.com

Joe Coffee is open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Friday and 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, offering more hours than many other coffee shops in the city. The later hours combined with a view of Rittenhouse Square and the free wifi makes this a great spot to do some studying or work. The baristas here are serious about coffee, so feel free to ask questions if you're wondering what the differences are between the drinks and how they're made. And if you really want to know more about home brewing, Joe Coffee offers classes for coffee lovers.

Miel Patisserie
204 S. 17th St.
Philadelphia, PA 19103
(215) 731-9191
www.mielpatisserie.com

You probably wouldn't think of doing your work in a Parisian-style bakery, but Miel is surprisingly laptop friendly, with free wifi and seats at a counter looking out to the street. While Miel is best known for its specialty cakes and desserts, the menu here also offers soups, hot and cold sandwiches, coffee and tea. Order a few macarons or a croissant, and you can almost convince yourself that you're vacationing in Paris…rather than doing work in Philadelphia. Sigh.

Related: Top Spots For Locally Roasted Coffee In Philadelphia

Nook Bakery and Coffee Bar
15 S. 20th St.
Philadelphia, PA 19103
(215) 496-9033
www.nookbakeryandcoffee.com

Although the tables are a bit small if you're looking to spread out, Nook is typically quiet and not too crowded. The warm and welcoming atmosphere along, with free wifi, makes it a great breakfast or lunch spot while doing a little work. Scones, muffins and all the shop's other baked goods are made with fresh, seasonal ingredients in-house. And like the espresso and coffee, the baked treats are made in small batches for guaranteed freshness. Additional menu options include quiche, mac and cheese and sandwiches. Please note that Nook is closed Sundays, though, so if you're looking to get some last-minute work in before the week begins, you'll have to do it elsewhere.

Related: Top Coffee Shops That Go Beyond Coffee In Philadelphia

OCF Coffee House
2100 Fairmount Ave.
Philadelphia, PA 19130
(267) 773-8081
www.ocfcoffeehouse.com

The Fairmount Park location is the third OCF in the city and the only location with a full kitchen. Brunch and lunch are served all day, every day, and OCF is one of the few coffee houses with later hours (it's open until 9 p.m.), which can really come in handy when you're working and realize you haven't stopped to eat in awhile! Locally sourced ingredients are used as often as possible, so much so that even the milk in the espresso is local. The coffee, on the other hand, is from Wisconsin. OCF is the only spot in Philly to feature Anodyne Coffee Roaster drinks. While most internet cafes are on the small side, OCF offers plenty of space for your work needs. In fact, it's often praised as being the ideal spot to hold casual meetings. And if you just can't part with your furry friend during the day, this coffee house is also pet-friendly.

One Shot Coffee & Cafe
217 W. George St.
Philadelphia, PA 19123
(215) 627-1620
www.1shotcoffee.com

This neighborhood favorite in Northern Liberties offers two floors to relax, socialize and work. The friendly atmosphere, custom-made Stumptown Coffee (along with a few local roasters) and a fresh, seasonal menu keep guests coming back. Fuel your day with the A.B.E. breakfast sandwich made with avocado, bacon and scrambled egg whites served on a brioche bun with herbed goat cheese, tomatoes and greens. If you get there early enough, you'll want to grab a spot upstairs in the lounge/library. The couches are so comfortable that you'll have no problem settling in with your laptop and coffee.

Rival Bros Coffee Bar
2400 Lombard St.
Philadelphia, PA 19146
www.rivalbros.com

Co-owners of Rival Bros Coffee Jonathan Adams and Damien Pileggi opened their flagship coffee bar in May 2014. The Fitler Square neighborhood spot serves handcrafted coffees along with fresh breads and baked goods delivered daily from High Street on Market and a select menu of seasonal sandwiches. The coffee bar offers free wifi and a bright, inviting setting including large windows overlooking Lombard Street as well as outdoor seating.

Michelle Hein is the social media editor for a women's fashion company in Bucks County by day and a self-proclaimed food and drink fanatic by night and weekend. She enjoys attending wine classes, trying new recipes in the kitchen and going to old favorites and new restaurants alike in the Bucks County and Philadelphia area. If the writing gig doesn't pan out, she constantly dreams of owning her own bakery…perhaps connected to the restaurant/bar that her lawyer fiance would love to open.
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