Working from Home…with a Twist: 11 Unique Coworking Spots in the DMV

Over the last two years, the ability to work from home has been a game changer for the average employee. Odds are if you have gone back to the office at all, you’re at least on a hybrid work schedule. The Covid-19 pandemic proved working from home isn’t a pressing issue, and studies show it actually leads to better productivity. Why work in stuffy offices requiring you to commute, pack a lunch and save laundry for the weekends? 

That said, working from home can have its own drawbacks. You can only walk between your desk and bed so many times before you lose your mind. But working from home doesn’t mean you must only work from home. D.C. offers great coffee shops (and other spots) where you can enjoy a change of scenery and get things done.

As You Are

This recent addition to the Barracks Row strip mixes my two favorite things: coffee shops and being a queerdo. As You Are is a safe space for all that provides delicious coffee and lunch bites. There are plenty of couches and chairs for you to bask in while tackling your tasks. After you’re done with work, maybe return later that night. When the sun goes down, this coffee shop turns into a lounge and dance floor. 500 8th St. SE, DC; asyouaredc.com // @asyouaredc

Baker’s Daughter

If you work downtown but need to escape your office for a bit, this is your spot. Located in the Eaton hotel, the K Street location gives Baker’s Daughter central access to the federal business hub of the city. They also have incredible on-the-go meals in case you have to rush back to the office for an emergency only you can solve. 1201 K St. NW, DC; bakersdaughterdc.com // @bakersdaughterdc

Bump ‘n Grind

What’s better than a coffee shop? A coffee shop with a record store. Silver Spring’s Bump ‘n Grind was inspired by coffee, music and community. BnG provides coffee from around the world for patrons to sample while they browse through records. We promise the coffee will be music to your taste buds. 900 Wayne Ave. Silver Spring, MD; bumpngrind.co // @bumpngrind_coffee_records

Colada Shop

If I could use only one word for this spot, it would be “vibes.” Colada off 14th Street has a unique layout that gives you several cozy enclaves to disappear into and work. This Cuban cafe also offers regionally-inspired delicacies to give your day a little spice. 1405 T St. NW, DC; coladashop.com // @coladashop

D.C. Libraries

Finding space isn’t hard when you’ve got a library card. We have to give it up for the O.G. focus space. If you’re looking to leave the house but not spend money, pop over to one of D.C.’s 26 libraries to get some work done in peace and quiet. dclibrary.org // @dcpubliclibrary

Friends

No matter where you choose to work remotely, one major perk of coworking is the friends you make along the way. Organize a work hang with some of your good Judys to help the day go by faster. Meet at any of these shops or even at each other’s houses to get some bonding time in on the clock.

Malcolm X Park

Any place you can fire up a hotspot will do, but Malcolm X Park is by far the best. The 12-acre park gives you options: You can sit in the sun or in the shade, near people or away from them, and you can bring a blanket to sit on the grass or sit on one of many benches. 16th Street NW & W Street NW, DC; nps.gov/places/meridian-hill-park.htm

National Portrait Gallery Courtyard

The Smithsonian museums aren’t all reserved for entertaining visiting relatives. Well, 95% of them are. For the remaining 5%, check out the National Portrait Gallery for an office with a view. Its unique courtyard provides great light and relaxing water features to get your creative juices flowing. Its local cafe serves coffee and small snacks for munchin’ while you punch in. 8th and G Streets NW; npg.si.edu // @smithsoniannpg 

Northside Social Coffee and Wine

This Arlington gem truly has it all. It’s got a coffee shop, a scratch bakery, delicious food and a wine bar. It’s the level of multitasking you wish you could hit at work. Hang out in their foyer and stick around for their happy hour on weekdays, conveniently starting at three p.m. 3211 Wilson Blvd. Arlington, VA; northsidesocialva.com // @northsidesocial 

Sidamo Coffee and Tea

Looking for a place to chill outside? Sidamo on H Street has you covered. Its patio has zen written all over it, but this Ethiopian coffee and tea house also has a cozy indoor area. Either way, you can nibble on breakfast sandwiches and drink house-roasted coffee while getting your to-do list done. 417 H St. NE, DC; sidamocoffeeandtea.com // @sidamodc 

Tryst

Tryst bills itself as the city’s “community living room,” a well-deserved moniker. This Adams Morgan staple provides tables, loungers and loveseats so guests can find their perfect, maximum comfort working spot. Tryst is great for a longterm hang session, given its diverse options in coffee, bakery items and brunch all day — all served with two animal crackers. You can even sneak in one of their signature cocktails once five o’clock hits. 2459 18th St. NW, DC; trystdc.com // @trystdc 

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Bailey Vogt