How to pick a café for laptop work

A café with Wi-Fi and outlets is the most flexible way to work outside home: no membership, walk out whenever you want. But not every coffee shop delivers — loud music, tall stools, four outlets for forty seats. Use this checklist.

1. Wi-Fi that survives a call, not just email

Fast Wi-Fi isn't the one that exists — it's the one that holds a video call at rush hour. Ask for the password, run a speed test: 20+ Mbps down and 5+ up is the working minimum. SpotDesk tags speed based on community measurements.

2. Outlets at the tables, not at the counter

Check before you order. An outlet on the far wall means a cable across the aisle and unhappy servers. Look for tables with a built-in socket or a proper power strip.

3. A chair you can sit on for two hours

Bar stools and low poufs are fine for coffee, not for a call. Aim for a regular chair with a back and a table at desk height.

4. Noise level and music

• Quiet — you can take calls without noise-cancelling headphones
• Moderate — laptop work in headphones, calls with caveats
• Loud — background work only, no calls

5. House rules

Some work-friendly cafés formally ask for one order every 1–1.5 hours. Others don't care. Some kick you out at rush hour. Ask upfront — save yourself the surprise.

6. Light and screen glare

Direct sunlight behind you means glare and a headache. Look for even daylight from the side or warm artificial light.

7. Hours and timing

Aim for before the morning rush or after lunch. Sitting down for a two-hour call thirty minutes before closing is a bad idea.

One reliable café near home saves months of searching. Find two or three and rotate — your eyes will thank you.