wifi & work spots in san francisco

i recently shared that i went out on my own to launch my own company, lucky collective. it’s been about six weeks or so working by myself, and it’s already learned a lot about myself, both personally and professionally. one of the most challenging things has been being alone all day, as i’m extroverted and feed off the energy of other people. instead of working from my apartment all day, i try to switch it up and work from a coffee shop or cafe in either the morning or afternoon. i’m always on the lookout for good spots with wifi so thought i would share my go-to places to work.

SOMA:
elite audio cafe (folsom x 5th) // smallish, but great spot known for their crazy latte art!
soma streat food (11th x bryant) // most people don’t think of this as a working spot, but i love working here! it’s a great lunch work spot on a nice day, since there’s tons of food trucks there and lots of outdoor seating.
red door cafe/111 minna (minna x 2nd) // one of those coffee-during-the-day, wine-for-happy-hour working spots, plus they have toast and other good small bites.

LOWER HAIGHT/NOPA:
duboce park cafe (duboce x sanchez) // coffee drinks, smoothies/juice, salads and sandwiches, plus beer/wine if you’re working late. this is my go-to neighborhood spot, right next to the park.
beanbag cafe (hayes x divis) // cheap and dive-y spot with hazelnut coffee (my fave) and breakfast, lunch and dinner options. $2 craft beers on draft is always a good thing to power through the late afternoon!

MISSION:
stable cafe (folsom x 17th) // i think this may be my all time favorite spot. yummy breakfast and lunch options, plus the dreamiest backyard (pictured below)
melage market (17th x capp) // right around the corner from stable, this is a cute spot with lunch and coffee options and big, bright windows.
coffee bar (bryant x mariposa) // this place is usually pretty packed, but if you get there early enough, it’s a great work spot with fresh juices, salads and pastries.
haus coffee (24th x mission) // this is a new-to-me spot with no food for sale, but strong coffee, super quiet vibes (good if you have a lot of work to do!) and a backyard patio.

HAYES VALLEY:
arlequin (hayes x gough) // one side cafe, other side wine bar, with a beautiful, jungle-y back patio. great spot for all day working with yummy food options.
artis (octavia x hayes) // small, but great option for a work sess. not a ton of tables, but if you can snag one, it’s good vibes in here!
mercury cafe (octavia x page) // i don’t love working inside here, as i find it kind of dark, but i love grabbing an iced coffee and sitting at one of their outdoor tables and working.

DOWNTOWN/UNION SQUARE:
mazarine (market x 3rd) // a busy and bustling spot downtown, but good spot for in-person meetings. i still need to try their epic toast!
equador (market x 6th) // the mid-market area can be a little rough, but equador is a mini oasis among the chaos with strong coffee and breakfast and lunch options. they also have fresh-pressed cashew milk available (!!)
nordstrom bistro (market x 5th) // typically you wouldn’t think of nordstrom as a working spot, but shopping AND wifi AND food AND views of union square? yes please! i’ve worked at the nordstrom bistro (top floor of the nordstrom in the mall) while snacking on tasty burrata.

NOB HILL/RUSSIAN HILL:
saint frank (polk x union) // this cafe is sooo dreamy and pretty! get there early to snag a table and work here!
contraband (larkin x california) // i haven’t been here in awhile, but it’s a good, centrally located spot to get serious work done.

PACIFIC HEIGHTS/PRESIDIO HEIGHTS:
jane (fillmore x california) // work in the upstairs loft area and snag an iced coffee, green smoothie or any of their tasty and healthy breakfast or lunch options. right now, i’m loving their passionfruit bowl!
as quoted (sacramento x spruce) // this is a new farm-to-table, seasonal cafe that is gorgeous on the inside with delicious food and wifi. i LOVE the kale caesar salad here, so it’s a regular lunch work spot for me.

i know this isn’t an extensive list, and i didn’t cover a lot of neighborhoods, like the marina, north beach, castro, inner/outer richmond, dogpatch, potrero hill, inner/outer sunset…but these are my tried and true spots for a good work session! for more recommendations, check out this 7×7 article by friend shikha sharing her favorite spots with wifi – including other neighborhoods than the ones i shared. i’d LOVE to hear your go-to work spots in san francisco if you have any to add to my list!