Words: Shamim de Brún
Images: Instagra,
If the mere mention of words like “pyjamas,” “blank email,” or “TikTok” sparks a sense of familiarity, congrats! You’re familiar with the home office hustle.
Coffee shops, as sanctuaries from these distractions, serve a noble purpose. But not all cafés are created equal for productivity. Beyond serving good brews, they need to offer comfort, reliable Wi-Fi, and ample power outlets.
Here are the cream of the crop in Dublin:
For those familiar with the dreaded 15:00 coffee shop exodus, Mind The Step is a haven. Tucked away on Strand Street Great, this hidden gem provides not just sustenance but also a dance studio upstairs for when work stress needs shaking off. With late opening hours until 23:00 and essential amenities like plugs and Wi-Fi, it’s an ideal spot for a productive grind.
The Art Of Coffee has expanded across Dublin, but two locations stand out for work: the GPO Arcade for central convenience and Grand Canal Dock for scenic views. Offering both plugs and Wi-Fi, they even sling a decent decaf. Perfect for those avoiding caffeine after noon but still need to get their ducks in a row.
There are a few things to know about Brother Hubbard, besides the fact that it’s a spacious, light-filled coffee shop on Capel Street. Firstly, it has an excellent range of cold drinks and coffees, from a special espresso roast to a frappé which is 100% worth your while (even when it’s freezing). The second, is it’s open until 16:00 on weekdays; that’s a rarity in a city where most cafés shutter up early. Though lacking plugs, it compensates with Wi-Fi and a menu featuring Middle Eastern-inspired dishes to fuel your productivity.
Blas Café in Dublin 1 boasts ample space, Wi-Fi, and plugs, with a wallet-friendly menu tempting you to linger for breakfast and lunch. The fear-inducing phrase “closed Mondays” won’t haunt freelancers here, as it’s open every day bar Sunday.
Network is one of those cafes where you can simultaneously convince yourself that you’re cool enough to write a memoir and also not care that you’ve got the drips of one of Dublin’s best coffees down your top. Network Café exudes a sleek, modern vibe that makes even mundane tasks feel chic. With Dublin’s finest brews and a vibe conducive to productivity, it’s where you can imagine yourself as a hip architect brainstorming the next landmark. Equipped with MagSafe chargers, it’s tech-savvy too. Plus it becomes a wine bar at just the right moment.
Elsewhere on Char: The Dublin 100