The three letters that can make or break the week, depending on your company’s policy: WFH (aka working from home). If you don’t know what the acronym means, you probably are in the office each day and not WFH-ing. But if you’re self-employed, have a remote job, or are allowed the flexibility to work from home one or two days a week – especially now with summer Fridays – you’re in luck. Working from home is quite the amazing company perk – it’s exciting to save time, money, and stress commuting, not having to put on makeup and doing laundry + the dishes, all while taking a conference call – dressed from the top-up for those Skype calls, of course. But sometimes, the distractions of TMZ or Wendy Williams, sleeping until noon, lack of motivation to wear anything more than yoga pants, and talking only to the dog all day, can drive anyone insane and make them feel like a hermit. And that’s when going to a coffee shop or local space to spend some of the day working comes in.
If you’re not lucky enough to live in a building that has a resident lounge or pool, don’t worry. We have put together a list of tips and places around Hoboken + Jersey City to get off of the couch and be around other humans again to enjoy the perks of a work-from-home life. Keep reading for tips on how to WFH + the best places in Hoboken and Jersey City work from home.
Cafés + Restaurants
9 Bar Café | 200 Greene Street, Jersey City
Born in downtown Jersey City, the 9 Bar Café is located inside the Urby building at Harborside with open airy space, greenery, plenty of outlets, and lots of tables. It serves fresh local baked goods, bread, coffee, and fresh breakfast and lunch options.
Hours: Monday to Sunday, 7:00AM-9:00PM.
Alfalfa | 1110 Washington Street, Hoboken
Enjoy a fresh salad while working in the relaxed airy space, with free Wi-Fi, tables and chairs, window stools, or outdoor seating, and a cute little reading nook space in the back.
Hours: Monday to Friday 8:00AM-8:00PM, Saturday 8:00AM-6:00PM, and Sunday 8:00AM-5:00PM.
Black Rail Coffee | 800 Jackson Street, Hoboken
A coffee shop near the 9th Street Light Rail station with simple, contemporary decor offering espresso drinks, pastries, sandwiches, and healthy food options. Free Wi-Fi, multiple electrical outlets, and plenty of seating indoors and outdoors.
Hours: Monday 7:00AM-4:00PM, Tuesday-Friday 7:00AM-5:00PM, Saturday 8:00AM-5:00PM, and Sunday 8:00AM-3:00PM.
Bluestone Lane | 409 Washington Street, Hoboken
Melbourne-inspired coffee shop offering Australian-style espresso drinks, and cafe fare (gluten-free and vegan options available) all day. Plenty of indoor and outdoor seating. It closes at 5:00PM during the week, so make sure to set an early coffee meeting.
Hours: Monday to Friday 7:00AM-5:00PM, Saturday + Sunday 8:00AM-6:00PM.
bwè kafe | 1002 Washington Street, 1401 Adams Street, Hoboken, + 140 River Drive South, Jersey City
A relaxed, ethical-trade coffee shop that donates a portion of its proceeds to Haiti relief efforts. There’s free Wi-Fi but must be a customer to use the restroom. Get in early to grab a sort-after seat inside. Check out the events and workshops too.
Hoboken Hours: Monday to Friday 7:00AM-7:00PM, Saturday + Sunday 8:00AM-7:00PM.
Jersey City Hours: Monday to Friday 6:30AM-7:00PM, Saturday + Sunday 8:00AM-7:00PM.
Read More: Networking Groups in Hudson County to Join Now
Café Madelaine | 34 Coles Street, Jersey City
A warm, relaxed French café just off the beaten path, start the day with an espresso, a croissant, and a touch of Paris. Enjoy breakfast, lunch, or a light bite while working at cozy tables, cushioned window seats inside or out front.
Hours: 7:00AM-6:30PM.
Choc o Pain | 1500 Hudson Street, 157 First Street, Hoboken, 530 Jersey Avenue, + 330-332 Palisade Avenue, Jersey City
This French bakery and café has multiple locations around town perfect to sit and work while sipping on a café au lait, enjoying a croissant, and listening to La Vie en Rose playing in the background. Stay late for the events, baking classes, and exhibits. It also has bathrooms, outdoor seating, and Wi-Fi.
Hours: Monday to Friday 7:00AM-7:00PM, Saturday + Sunday 8:00AM-7:00PM.
Dames Coffee Espresso Bar | 581 Jersey Avenue, Jersey City
With honey yuzu tea, affogato, and homemade lemonade, this specialty coffee shop is more than just coffee. Sit in the backyard garden at this hidden gem for some extra greenery while working. There’s free Wi-Fi, too, and the espresso bar welcomes four-legged furry friends.
Hours: 7:00AM-7:00PM.
Dolce & Salato | 1110 Grand Street, Hoboken
A neighborhood Italian cafe and pasticceria, enjoy a coffee and pastry while typing away. Tables, windows, counters, and outdoor seating are available. Despite funny no Wi-Fi signs encouraging people to pretend like it’s the 1980s and talk to each other, there is, in fact, free Wi-Fi available.
Hours: Monday to Friday 7:00AM-7:00PM, Saturday 8:00AM-7:00PM, and Sunday 8:00AM-6:00PM.
Froth on Franklin | 85 Franklin Street, Jersey City
Sit among other work-from-homers at a long farm table or at the window seat, admiring photos of old Jersey City at this Heights coffee house and espresso bar with local roots – the beans roasted in Jersey City. Once work is done, stay for the open mic nights.
Hours: 7:00AM-5:00PM daily.
GFG Bakery Café | 221 River Street, Hoboken
Seeking Greek delights, try working at this modern Mediterranean bakery around the corner from the W Hotel. GFG offers large indoor and outdoor seating areas, restrooms, and free Wi-Fi.
Hours: Monday to Friday 7:00AM-8:00PM, Saturday + Sunday 7:30AM-8:00PM.
Gregory’s Coffee | 111 River Street, Hoboken, 525 Washington Boulevard + 10 Exchange Place, Jersey City
Take a coffee break or spend the day at this coffee shop with baked goodies and treats. Outlets are located all around the coffee shop to charge laptops and other electronic devices so they will never run out of battery power. Both locations are conveniently located near PATH stations, but also near tons of office buildings, so bear in mind that it does get busy at rush hour.
Hours: Monday to Thursday 6:00AM-8:00PM, Friday 6:00AM-7:00PM, and Saturday + Sunday 7:00AM-7:00PM.
Hidden Grounds | 700 Garden Street, 79 Hudson Street, Hoboken + 148 First Street, Ground Floor, Jersey City
The Jersey City location offers a wide selection of coffee produced through different methods of brewing. It’s located close to Hudson Hall and O’Hara’s Bar. The Hoboken location is a bit smaller but still has a few seats inside and out on a side street to work away from the hustle and bustle of Washington Street.
Hoboken Hours: Monday to Thursday 7:00AM-6:00PM, Friday 7:00AM-6:00PM, Saturday + Sunday 8:00AM-6:00PM.
Jersey City Hours: Monday to Friday 7:00AM-6:00PM, Saturday + Sunday 8:00AM-6:00PM.
Jefferson’s Coffee | 1001 Madison Street + 534 Washington Street, Hoboken
Coffee is always a good idea with $1 refills for regular coffee, alongside vegan, and gluten-free bread, free Wi-Fi, and restrooms in this Hoboken locale.
Madison Street Hours: Monday to Wednesday 6:30AM-5:00PM, Thursday + Friday 6:30AM-6:30PM, Saturday + Sunday 7:00AM-6:00PM.
Washington Street Hours: Monday to Wednesday 7:00AM-7:00PM, Thursday + Friday 7:00AM-8:00PM, Saturday 8:00AM-8:00PM, and Sunday 8:00AM-7:00PM.
See More: A Guide to the Coffee Shops of Hoboken
Lackawanna Coffee | 295 Grove Street, Jersey City + 140 Bay Street, Jersey City
Trendy little coffee shop to spend all day in sipping specialty coffees like the organic pink latte. There are also tons of non-dairy milk options, for those who prefer them. Seating inside is limited, but there is a nice outdoor patio in the back at the Grove Street location for working al fresco. Plus, there is free Wi-Fi.
Hours: 7:00AM-7:00PM every day.
La Bouche Cafe | 207 Washington Street, Hoboken
Stop by the new location on Washington Street, inspired by European style craft, design, and music, for a quaint spot to work. There is free Wi-Fi + outdoor seating, and restrooms are for customers only. La Bouche serves breakfast, lunch, and brunch, with dinner coming soon.
Hours: 8:00AM-8:00PM daily.
Little Grocery | 1212 Washington Street, Hoboken
A neighborhood bistro, Little Grocery is open seven days a week serving egg sandwiches, omelets, salads, pastries, muffins, and a full menu of coffee + espresso drinks.
Hours: Monday to Friday 7:00AM-5:00PM and Saturday + Sunday 8:00AM-5:00PM.
Mojo Coffee Company | 230 Willow Avenue, Hoboken
While most coffee shop menus vary but have a similar overall vibe, two of the main coffee brews that stand out in the coffee world are the Mojo House Blend and the Rio Azul. The shop has a chic design and calm environment – great for working.
Hours: Monday to Sunday 7:00AM – 5:00PM.
Panera | 310 Washington Street, Hoboken
Enjoy free Wi-Fi and tons of tables, some with outlets and restrooms for customers {find the code on receipt}.
Hours: Monday to Friday 6:00AM-10:00PM, Saturday 7:00AM-10:00PM, and Sunday 7:00AM-9:30PM.
Hours: Sunday to Saturday 7:00AM-9:00PM.
Shaka Bowl | 720 Monroe Street + 110 Washington Street, Hoboken
A modern counter-serve cafe serving Hawaiian favorites like acai + poke bowls in rustic surrounds. Shaka Bowl offers indoor and outdoor seating + free Wi-Fi. Plus, their nitro coffee will keep you going to finish that pressing research or report.
Hours: Sunday to Saturday 8:00AM-9:00PM
Starbucks | Multiple locations in Hoboken + Jersey City
With ample seating at many locations, some with outdoor seating, free Wi-Fi, outlets, and restrooms, Starbucks is the OG of the work-from-home locations. Come for breakfast and stay for the Happy Hour specials.
Hours: Vary by location with two locations in Hoboken open until 9:00PM and the one uptown open until 11:00PM. Jersey City sees some locations open until midnight.
The Roost Outpost | 55 First Street, Hoboken
With a choice of one of two couches and window seating, this white-tiled coffee and espresso bar with a cool vibe also features clothing items and home goods to browse through while taking a break.
Hours: Monday to Friday 7:00AM-7:00PM, Saturday + Sunday 8:00AM-7:00PM.
Tosti Café & Kitchen | 1024 Washington Street, Hoboken
With a rustic ambiance, buttery biscuits, and homemade jam paired with a chocolate chai latte, work-from-homers can enjoy this Southern vibe all day while working. There are window counter seats and outdoor tables available.
Hours: Sunday to Saturday 8:00AM-9:00PM.
Unique Work Spaces
The Hoboken Public Library | 500 Park Avenue, Hoboken + The Jersey City Free Public Library 472 Jersey Avenue, Jersey City
Both have free Wi-Fi in both locations (check with a librarian for the password – it could be a famous author’s name), some outlets available, restrooms, and tables to set up the laptop for a quiet work environment. The Hoboken library has a nice reading garden on the lower level with tables and chairs in the back to escape the crowds, weather permitting. Remember talking on a cell phone inside the library is prohibited. Put the phone on vibrate and take calls outside…shhhh.
W Hotel Hoboken | 225 River Street, Hoboken
The Living Room is a relaxed lounge area with armchairs, loveseats, and couches with low music during the day. Note the bar opens at 5:00PM, so it might get a bit loud and be time to leave around then. The hotel lounge has free Wi-Fi, nice large restrooms, and a few outlets scattered around to keep electronic devices charged. Grab a green apple at the front desk on the way in.
Co-Working Spaces
If you’re in need more of a professional office environment or a space for client meetings. Try out these co-working spaces below:
Andco | 201 Montgomery Street, Jersey City
There are three different packages catering to all business needs — from the freelancer to those requiring a dedicated desk or private office. All memberships give access to the basic amenities needed to run a business, including mail service and the conference rooms, as well as a lounge, café, library, terrace, wellness rooms, and events. Single-day passes are available for $25 and 10-day passes for $175. There are also photography workshops in the studio for updated headshots.
Indiegrove | 121 Newark Avenue, Jersey City
Memberships are month-to-month and flexible, so members can grow and change with business’ needs and include access to workspace {shared/private} and all of the space resources, including a mailbox, meeting rooms, high-speed internet, copy, fax, scanner, printer, business networking, and educational events. There are also kitchen facilities with gourmet coffee and tea. Indiegrove is a 24/7 facility with reception Monday through Friday 8:00AM-8:00PM and Saturdays 10:00AM-3:00PM.
Mission 50 Workspaces | 50 Harrison St Suite PH 401, Hoboken at the Hoboken Business Center
Mission 50 is a co-working space offering flexible desks, private offices, and conference rooms. Expect fast Wi-Fi, unlimited printing, free coffee, and on-site parking available. Become a member with various pricing options with a paid $20 annual membership, rent a meeting room, a virtual mailbox for Hoboken business address use, member network, events, and local discounts.
WorkSocial | 111 Town Square Place, Jersey City
Each of their coworking and executive spaces fosters its own unique community, with sunlit private offices, thoughtful events, and a global network. Tailored packages are available, too. Features include free and healthy drinks, meals and snacks, on-site notary public, free print, shipping and receiving services, a receptionist, and free high-speed Wi-Fi.
See More: Coffee Spots Open Late in Hoboken + Jersey City
Tips For Working From Home
Now before you set off on your WFH adventure, check out these 10 tips for doing so — so you can stay sane (because while there are many perks, it can also get monotonous, switching it up is great).
10 Tips to Working from Home like a Pro:
- – Set an alarm and get up as if going to work at 9:00AM. Leave the house. Save money on the electric bill by not keeping the lights and AC on all day.
- – Take a shower, put on makeup, and get dressed. A potential client or even a new friend from the other work-from-homers around town could be sitting across the table.
- – Grab a water bottle and a healthy snack that’s easy to throw in a bag like a banana, apple, clementine, or a bag of nuts to munch on during the day so as not to be tempted to spend a lot of money or grab a doughnut while out. If devoting the entire day at one coffee shop or restaurant frequently, make a purchase as a nice gesture. Even join their rewards club and after nine coffees, the 10th is sometimes free.
- – Switch it up. If you live in Hoboken, go to Jersey City or vice versa. Go to a different place; try something new, it might offer work inspiration.
- – Remember to eat. Take a lunch break or meet up with a friend who is also working from home. It’s a way to get some sun, air, and talk about something other than work for an hour.
- – Get a manicure. Save money – $25 mani/pedis – by being able to go on weekdays from Monday to Wednesday up until 3:00PM at most nail salons around town.
- – Just as if at an office or desk, put the cellphone away and only check personal emails or social media at breaks throughout the day. If your job involves posting on social media, well that’s a different story, but then only do client work and not post the lavender latte, poke bowl, or those adorable new shoes on Instagram until later.
- – Go to the gym or take a nice, peaceful walk along the waterfront. Take advantage of that noon yoga class you could never go to working nine-to-five. It will break up the day and give a boost of energy.
- – Look for places that offer free Wi-Fi {or use the phone hotspot}, printers, light music, comfy couches, electrical outlets, clean bathrooms, outdoor spaces in nicer weather, and of course, coffee, lots and lots of coffee.
- – Lastly, shut it down. When working from home it’s easy to fall into the trap of going later than at an office or even working into the night. Remember to have a life, take advantage of all the free things to do in Hoboken + Jersey City this summer and year-round.
