One of the MAIN questions I get from my fellow San Diegan’s doing living that entrepreneur or freelance life is WHERE CAN WE GO TO WORK out of our house? I personally enjoy working from home for the most part… but I fully get the struggle, you could quickly go stir crazy… especially if you’re accustomed to office life.
Personally, my biggest struggle with working from home is the distractions of all the shit around the house I have to do. Take out the trash, clean up the dog poop (only cause this is on today’s to do list, ew), vacuum, wash the bedding, pretty much any distraction will get me away from working a little longer. When I start with the distractions, I quickly become about as a productive as a spray tan on a rainy day.
Which is why I highly suggest working remotely a few days out of the week IF YOU CAN so you can be around other productive people. I don’t get to escape often cause Ruby is crated & I hate the idea of her being in there for longer than an hour, but when I do- I get some serious shit done. Also, whenever I am meeting someone to work together, we always hit up one of these spots. I don’t think it’s professional for other people to work from the couch with me, so I’ve got an arsenal of good places to meet & hustle.
I am rounding up a few of my personal favorites below, along with some other fan favorites of San Diego entrepreneurs who are doing things. If you’re from SD & think I am missing any great work spots, comment below where the WIFI’s at.
Best Workspaces For Freelancers in San Diego
Best San Diego coffee shops & cafes for freelancers
1. Communal Coffee
I used to live a block from Communal Coffee, & I miss being so close! It was a weekly go-to for me. Super Instagram-worthy, a great work space, free WIFI, the best avocado toast EVER & lavender lemonade, & they have a chic flower bar/gift shop area.
2. Parakeet Cafe
If you live in the La Jolla area, Parakeet Cafe is the cutest! It’s all organic, of course there is wifi, & the food is insane. They also have a beet latte I am dying to try (along w/ beer & wine!)>
3. Better Buzz
If you live in San Diego, you probably know Better Buzz. This was my spot when I lived in North County. So I am thrilled cause they just opened one near me. I haven’t been to the new one. But the Encinitas one had a great work ambiance. So I can only assume the same for the Hillcrest location! Also, I am not a coffee drinker, but the BEST DRINK EVER is actually the best drink ever.
4. James Coffee Co.
James Coffee Co. is Zack’s favorite coffee shop, so I have to include it cause he loves the idea that he can work from anywhere & is always trying out new spots.. I love it here as well, but definitely think the men would prefer this spot because they’ve got motorcycles. They also have tons of little shops within the place, which is always fun to check out between work breaks.
Restaurants & Bars You Can Work At
1. Cafe Gratitude
Cafe Gratitude is my favorite restaurant to work at. The food is good, the marble table tops make for a great Instagram, the natural light is on point, the wifi is strong, & they are totally okay with you whipping your laptops out while you eat.
2. Tabu Sushi Solana Beach
When I lived in North County, my girl Lauryn was all about doing our meetings at Tabu Sushi Solana Beach . Again, they are so CHILL with you having your laptop out while you eat. Which at a sushi restaurant, it isn’t something you see everyday! They also offer you wifi, which again, not the norm for a sushi spot. Sake + sushi + working = living my best self.
3. Buono Forchetta
Buono Forchetta does not offer wifi, but it still had to make the list because I love a lunch meeting here. It’s the best Italian in San Diego & the atmosphere during lunch is just conducive to getting shit done. It’s the perfect mix of casual while still remaining business appropriate.
4. The bar at The Lot
I actually have never worked here, or been here, but I do know people who like to get work done at the bar at The Lot movie theater. A little weird to work at a bar in a movie theater, but from the photos, I get it- it looks super comfy & honestly, I LOVE SEEING MOVIES ALONE… so I could easily work for a few, grab a drink, & then treat myself to a movie. Sounds like a great workday.
Cute Co-Work Spots
1. WeWork San Diego
I just went here for the FIRST TIME & I kind am obsessed w/ the idea of a co-work situation. The WeWork San Diego office is so cool. It is located in downtown Sa Diego & all of the offices have a different theme, which is of course great for the gram (lighting is great too!), & just being surrounded by all these people doing shit is inspiring. Plus, the kitchen situation is ideal.
2. Union Cowork
Union Cowork has 4 super rad offices in San Diego: two in North Park, 1 in Encinitas, & 1 in the East Village. They are open 24/7 for members, have a great drink bar (with craft beer everyday!), are dog friendly, & have a bike you can borrow to go get a bite down the street.
3. CO-MMUNITY
CO-MMUNITY seems to be the most affordable of the group (as low as $25 a month, or a free day once a month!). They have a location in Hillcrest & now La Jolla and they offer everything you could need w/ memberships- including printing & copying. OH, AND THEY HAVE A PODCAST STUDIO!!!
4. Moniker Commons
Moniker Commons is so well designed & for me, that’s really all I need (+ wifi!). This place has got the aesthetics down, but they also have tons of perks- table games galore, community bikes, showers, a concierge service, complimentary beverages, & it’s located in Liberty Station so you can head over to Liberty Public Market whenever you need a snack/meal or take break to spin at my favorite cycle studio- SPARKCYCLE!
See also: The Best Dog Friendly Restaurants in San Diego.
[ WEWORK PHOTO SOURCE ]