Café Etiquette: How to Work From a Coffee Shop

You've seen that guy. One flat white, five hours, stuff over three tables, Zoom call on speaker. Don't be that guy.

A café isn't a coworking space. It's someone's small business, and a table you sit at all day on one drink costs them money. You can still work there. Just do it fairly.

1. Pick a café that wants laptops

Look around before you unpack. Other laptops out? Plugs you can reach? Wifi password on the wall? Good. Everyone chatting over espresso, no laptops in sight? Keep walking.

That's actually why I built Workmode. People who've worked from a place tell you if it's quiet, has plugs and how fast the wifi is. Before you walk in.

2. Keep ordering

Your table is rent. Your order pays it.

My rule: buy something every two hours or so. On a budget? Two hours on one coffee, then move on. Not six.

3. Take the small table

Big tables are for groups. The sofa by the window is for dates. Solo with a laptop? Bar stool, small table or the seat by the wall.

When the lunch rush hits, order food or pack up.

4. Don't spread out

Laptop, drink, phone. That's it. Bag under your chair, so someone can still use the other seat.

5. Share the plugs

There are like three plugs and ten laptops. Show up charged, and plug in once you're low. Don't unplug the lamp (or the cake fridge). If someone's hunting for a plug while you're on 80%, let them have it.

Need power all day? Most city pages on Workmode have a "best for power outlets" list.

6. Keep calls short and quiet

Headphones, always. Talk softly, your mic is right there. Anything longer than a few minutes, take it outside.

A day full of video calls? Wrong place. Try a coworking space or one of the quiet places in your city.

7. Go easy on the wifi

Everyone in the room shares that connection. Save big downloads and backups for home. Want to know if a place is fast enough? Check it on Workmode, or run a speed test when you sit down.

8. Don't save a table with your stuff

Quick bathroom run? Ask your neighbour to watch your bag. Going for lunch somewhere else? Take your things.

9. Clean up and be nice

Bring your cup back if others do. Tip where people tip. Learn the staff's names. Cafés that feel appreciated stay laptop-friendly.

10. Leave before you're asked to

People waiting for a seat? Staff stacking chairs? Cup empty for an hour? Time to go.

Found a great one?

Check in on Workmode. It takes a minute: run a speed test from your table and answer a few quick questions. The next person in that city will know exactly where to go.

Photo by Ming on Unsplash.