Whether you are a student, work from home, or have a side hustle, coffee shops are the ultimate place to hunker down for a few hours. In college, my parents would constantly joke that the cafes on campus would put up a picture of me with an X through my face, since I frequented them so often–and stayed for half the day after just buying a croissant, textbooks scattered across two tables. Needless to say, I was a coffee shop’s worst nightmare (sorry not sorry). It might seem impossible to find a large, open, and not crowded-to-the-brim cafe in NYC, but I’ve managed to locate a few–and have shared them below.

  1. Brooks Brothers Red Fleece Cafe. I know what you’re thinking–isn’t Brooks Brothers a clothing store? Of course it is. But their Flatiron location has a cafe underneath that serves Stumptown Coffee, along with an assortment of fresh pastries. As if that wasn’t appealing enough, the entire space is outfitted like a cozy winter oasis, with large leather couches and plenty of room to get your work done. Are you on your way yet?
  2. McNally Jackson. Perfect for novel-lovers, this unique SoHo cafe also doubles as a bookstore, making it about a hundred times more interesting than Starbucks. Its many tables and abundant lighting create the ideal destination to get work done, and, if you get hungry, not to worry–they go beyond typical coffee shop fare by offering sandwiches, soups, and salads.
  3. Alice’s Tea Cup. This Upper East Side cafe makes all of your childhood dreams come true. Inspired by Alice in Wonderland, the shop boasts whimsical food and drink–including cake. They also serve traditional afternoon tea, which will immediately elevate your work session. Dozens of tables ensure that you always have a spot.
  4. Java Girl. If you’re the type of person who doesn’t like to be bothered while you’re working, this place is for you. With a large self-serve coffee bar, you’ll be able to get your java and go right back to your computer–minimal distraction required.
  5. David’s Tea. For those of you looking for an alternative caffeine fix, the David’s Tea on 3rd Avenue offers spacious seating that’s perfect for a group study session. Bring your work, share a pot of tea, and enjoy.

Have you tried any of these shops before? Let us know what you think in the comments.