Whether you’re a remote worker, student, creative soul, or just someone who loves a good cup of coffee while ticking off tasks, Chennai’s buzzing cafe culture has something just for you. Dive into our handpicked list of the city’s most work-friendly cafes, where productivity meets good vibes, free Wi-Fi, and delicious food.
If you love cafe hopping and trying out new food spots, Chennai’s cafe scene is a haven. From Anna Nagar to ECR, cafe options in the city are overwhelmingly diverse. Be it just for the food, the aesthetics or even a cup of coffee, the endless options may confuse you. If you are a working professional, a student, an artist or anyone looking for your next work desk, Chennai’s cafe scene is your best pick!
With increasing flexibility in work opportunities, from hybrid to work from home, hunting for new workspaces is a task. Trying out working in different environments can help boost productivity and also improve focus by breaking the monotonous routine of work life. If you are in Chennai and looking for the perfect cafes to sip on your cup of coffee while you create your next big project, look no further than TourismBharat’s list of best work-friendly coworking cafes in Chennai. Here are our top picks for your next work session:
1. Writer’s Cafe
Location: Egmore, Gopalapuram & Anna Nagar West
Pricing: ₹450-600 (approx.)
With multiple outlets all over Chennai, Writer’s Cafe is known for its flavourful menu and a welcoming space to work. A bibliophile’s dream, the cafe is not just an ambient workspace but also boasts diverse book collections, open to the curiosity of its customers. Even the tissues at the cafe are designed to look like empty pages waiting for your ink of thoughts. Writer’s Cafe is also an ideal spot for vegetarians, with an interestingly curated menu. It is time for you to step into this cafe and try their wide range of Italian food options and dessert varieties as you work on your next big project!
2. Backyard – Adyar
Location: Adyar
Pricing: ₹ 500 per day pass
Backyard boasts itself as an ‘anti-cafe’, a space for creativity, ideation and collaboration with like-minded people. If you had to spot all of Chennai’s buzz in one place, Backyard is the one! Backyard is famous among artists, working professionals, readers and more. While the space is not a full-fledged cafe, it is a very popular co-working spot that cannot be missed! An uninterrupted Wi-Fi with a focus-friendly environment, Backyard lives up to its promise of being an ideal work venue. Weekends at the venue can be packed with events, music and workshops, open for participation.
3. Bask, by Coffee?
Location: Teynampet & ECR
Pricing: ₹800 for two people (approx.)
Away from the buzzing streets of Chennai, Bask is a gem for those who seek the quiet. The journey of the cafe can be marked since 1999, with the idea of bringing together people with a common love for coffee and cafes! With an evolving and everlasting love for coffee and common spaces, Bask is an ideal spot for everyone, be it your first date, a family dinner or a team meeting. Open all days of the week, Bask is a very suitable space for working professionals, allowing them to munch on the cafe’s signature dishes while working on their projects. If you have a sweet tooth or even crave a sugar rush to induce your brain activity, look no further than their crème brûlée and sticky coffee pudding!
4. Kup Cafe
Location: Nungambakkam & Alwarpet
Pricing: ₹1,000 for two people (approx.)
With a spacious outdoor setup and a cozy interior, Kup Cafe’s ambience is right out of a movie! The Nungambakkam outlet is conveniently tucked away in a quiet street, away from the traffic and city chaos – ideal for the artists, workaholics and the ones who wish to drive away from distractions. Kup cafe is open till 2 am, making it ideal for the night owls and workaholics with never-ending deadlines. Make this cafe your signature spot! A curated menu with a wide range of drinks to choose from, Kup is the best spot for the coffee lovers of Chennai. If you love creamy and biscuity-flavoured drinks, try their Biscoff Shake without fail!
5. Southwest Coffee Roasters
Location: Nungambakkam
Pricing: ₹1,300 for two people (approx.)
A special mention to this cafe providing working professionals with cosy pods to work from while enjoying their variety of coffee, meals and snack range! The cafe contains two small working pods and a large meeting room, hence a perfect space for working as a team too! The cafe also offers vegan options, along with its diverse snacking and beverage options.
6. Ciclo Cafe
Location: Kotturpuram, Anna Nagar & Kanathur
Pricing: ₹1,500 for two people (approx.)
Aesthetics right out of Coldplay’s ‘Yellow’, Ciclo is known for its yellow hues and a fancy glow! With three different locations, Ciclo offers a great space for working professionals, featuring a seamless network and even rooftop tables in select outlets. While focus is prime, it is not your fault that the aesthetics of Ciclo’s rooftop is more intriguing than your 30-page assignment!
7. Rotticious
Location: Royapettah & Sholinganallur
Pricing: ₹850 for two people (approx.)
You walk right out of Sathyam theatre, looking for a space to settle in to get your pending assignments done. Look no further than Rotticious, a coffeehouse right out of a motion graphic artwork. A refreshing interior with a blend of modern and vintage elements, Rotticious stands out, providing refuge to its customers from the commotion of the city. Taking a break from your work, you will catch yourself looking at a vintage film poster, ending up sizing the walls of the place, admiring one piece at a time.
More Mentions!
An endless quest for work-friendly cafes in Chennai will leave you with a treasure trove of choices. Soroco House, with its outlets at Thousand Lights, Anna Nagar & OMR, is a wonderful space to work from! With its white interiors and soothing calmness, the cafe offers speciality coffee varieties for the connoisseur in you. More such work-friendly cafes include The Brew Room, 11 O’ Café, Ashvita Bistro, Beachville Coffee Roasters and more!
Working from a cafe? Consider these points!
Generally, choosing a place to work could be a task considering the overwhelming amount of options available. From freshly brewed coffee to gentle background sounds, the right co-working spaces can bring out your utmost productivity. It is important to regard the environment while also being considerate of the staff.
Ambience & Space: Does it Help You Focus?
Day in and day out, quiet and peaceful spaces are great to help you ‘lock in’. From seating arrangements to mild lo-fi beats, the atmosphere of a space should encourage you to stay focused. An ambient lighting with less noise can help you stay focused. A space to work comfortably also involves being able to get up and move easily.
Staying Connected: Network Access & Charging Facility
For an uninterrupted workflow, you must ensure there are power outlets at the cafe. Wi-Fi is mandatory for continuous work; hence, do not hesitate to walk up to the counter and ask for the Wi-Fi password while you order your slice of cheesecake. It is also necessary to know your setup and pack items such as a charger, laptop stand, mouse, etc., as per your convenience.
Being a Cultured Customer
Café etiquette is non-negotiable, and as a cultured customer, it is important to be polite to the staff and fellow customers. Do not forget to time your stay at the cafe, and also be mindful of fellow customers sharing space with you. Being mindful of fellow customers requires respecting their space, too. So, avoid playing loud music or sounds that may distract other people at the cafe.
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