Whether you work remotely as your profession or you just enjoy the occasional opportunity to work from home, actually working from your home can make you stir-crazy -- and a little unmotivated.

That’s why society created coffee shops with Wi-Fi.

But not all Wi-Fi hotspots were created equal, right? There are plenty to choose from, but some are too loud, too small, too weird -- you get my drift. 

As someone who is always working remotely and is always looking for the next great work spot, I can say that I’ve been to them all. I’ve figured out the ones that are good, discovered the ones that are meant for specific days, and made note of the ones that you think have Wi-Fi, but actually don’t (those are the worst ones, and I want to help you avoid them!). 

I’ve rounded up five of my favorite places to work in Washington, D.C.

Tryst

2459 18th Street NW, Washington, D.C., 20009

I feel like Tryst is the most classic place to get work done in Washington, D.C. It’s a hybrid of everything, serving coffee, food, even alcohol, with a mixture of comfortable couches and chairs, actual dining tables, and a long bar that stretches the entire length of the place. You can basically perch up there all day and satisfy all your basic needs. 

The one thing I will say is because Tryst is so comfortable, it does get crowded, so if you’re planning to go, go early. If you arrive too late in the morning, there may not be a couch, chair, or bar stool left. 

Courtesy of blog.lafitness.com

Compass Coffee

1535 7th Street NW, Washington, D.C. 20001
1921 8th Street NW, Washington, D.C. 20001 
650 F Street NW, Washington, D.C. 20001 

Compass Coffee is a local D.C. chainlet (if that’s what I can call it). There are three locations in the city, and they’re your standard coffee shop (think the more urban alternative to a Starbucks), but with high-quality products and a nice clean environment that kind of reminds you of a kitchen Joanna Gaines may design on Fixer Upper. 

They’ve got reliable Wi-Fi, are conveniently located (if you live in D.C.), and are usually frequented by other busy people trying to work on their laptops. 

Courtesy of bonappetit.com

Commissary

1443 P St. NW, Washington, D.C. 20005

If you like to work in a restaurant or diner-type environment, you might like Commissary in Logan Circle. I like coming here when I want to work over lunch -- or over a cocktail (if the going really gets rough!). You can sit at the bar, in one of the booths, or in one of the comfy chairs at the front of the restaurant that actually have attached tables for your laptop. They think of everything for you! 

I will mention that the restaurant is a bit dark inside, so if you’re one of those people that really needs natural light to stay productive, be warned. However, if working in a bar gives you life, you've found your spot. 

Courtesy of 10best.com

Emissary

2032 P St. NW, Washington, D.C. 20036

I only recently discovered Emissary, right off of Dupont Circle. It’s fairly new (only a couple years old), having been renovated from a Japanese restaurant. You’ll love the exposed brick interior and the way it stretches all the way back, so if you find a spot over there, you'll feel like you’re in your own hidden corner. Plus, they make a mean iced matcha latte (ask to have it with almond milk, trust me!). 

If work is keeping you until the evening hours, Emissary also does have a small bar, so you can catch a happy hour to reward yourself for all the tasks you crushed that day. 

Courtesy of streamlineconstructionllc.com

The Coffee Bar

1201 S St. NW, Washington, D.C. 20009
1200 17th Street NW, Washington D.C. 20036

You know those coffee shops they feature in movies and TV -- the ones that the same characters frequent over and over? That’s kind of how I feel about The Coffee Bar. It’s just got that cozy, charming vibe with both couch and bar seating (hence the name I think), but it’s a fairly small space so everything feels intimate. They don’t serve food, and they do have a $5 credit card minimum, but if none of that matters to you, you’ll find yourself becoming a regular (as if you too were in a TV show). 

There are two locations; if you want more of a neighborhood feel, go to the more secluded S Street one, and if you’re wanting to be downtown, go to the other one. 

Courtesy of hiveminer.com

These are just five of my favorite places to work around Washington, D.C. I’m constantly on the hunt for more and love to try new spots. I’ll basically continue to do all the work for you and keep adding to the list! 

And if you’re not working, but are just in the mood for a good cup of coffee, check out my picks for the premium places to get premium coffee around D.C. here. 

What is your favorite place with Wi-Fi to work in the city?