For those juggling freelance work, the temptation to roll out of bed at noon and work from your couch in your pajamas is daunting. But we all know that this doesn’t really lead to a productive day. So when your couch or your home office isn’t inspiring creative thought, there’s no better place to set up shop than at a local coffee shop.
We’ve selected our top five favourite Toronto coffee shops to find free wifi, ample working space, and the perfect ambient coffee shop buzz.
Apart from the free wifi and a healthy caffeine fix, studies show that moderate ambient noise–like that found in a coffee shop–can boost your creativity. In fact, the background noise actually encourages people to think more imaginatively, according to a recent survey published by the Journal of Consumer Research.
Here at FreshGigs.ca, we understand how important it is to nail down the perfect place to spark your next big idea so we’ve selected our top five favourite Toronto coffee shops to find free wifi, ample working space, and the perfect ambient coffee shop buzz.
1. Early Bird Espresso & Brew Bar
We’ve all been there. You pack up your laptop, power cord, and every other necessary element you need to set up your mobile office only to discover upon your arrival, that there’s no room for you to actually sit. This shouldn’t be an issue at Early Bird Espresso & Brew Bar. The large café offers plenty of seating including lots of two-seater tables and enough communal tables to keep things interesting. The free wifi, large windows, and friendly baristas, make this café a hard one to beat.
If you didn’t know it was there, you might just miss Boxcar Social, a quaint spot located in the Summerhill area of Younge. The renovated two-story café has enough hustle-and-bustle on the main floor to keep you motivated and energized. But the real draw to this unique space is the second floor. A juxtaposition to the main floor, the second floor has enough nooks and crannies to get lost in. The large, open room has great lighting and might be one of the most peaceful shops in the city where you can get some serious work done. The café is also run by a few of the most pleasant and outgoing baristas in town so be sure to give them a warm welcome when you arrive.
It’s easy to get your creative juices flowing in this bright and open space. With large paintings and inspirational quotes hanging on the wall, R Squared Café seems to have been designed with the creative workforce in mind. Although the coffee is nothing to joke about, the baked goods are really the superstars of the café, another important element that will keep you energized for optimal, uninterrupted workflow.
4. Crafted
A Pilot roasters café, this small space carries a low profile and is the perfect place to avoid noisy, distracting crowds. Although seating is limited, the large communal table at Crafted makes for a great spot to settle in for creative work. The outdoor patio is also a great draw for when you’re ready to unchain yourself from your laptop to get some fresh air.
5. The Common
With two locations to choose from, the Common is a coffee shop that doesn’t demand a lot of attention. Don’t be deterred by the lack of a menu or traditional café food items. Rest assured, the coffee is good and is priced right (also, cash only). Although seating is limited, the effort to get one is surely worth your while as this might be the most desirable coffee shop ambiance you could want. If you’re open to sharing a table, it’s definitely worth the effort.
Stay tuned for the next installment on our cross-Canada coffee shop series.