So I needed spot to work for a few hours — too much access to Christmas cookies and other distractions and did not do so well. Here’s where I went, and where I considered going. Curious what else folks have figured out.

I am not counting the coffee shops, since I wanted a good three-hour block. But I have gotten some work done at Laughing Man and Kaffe south.

New Amsterdam Library | The New York Public Library
9 Murray
Monday to Thursday, 10a to 7p
Friday and Saturday, 10a to 5p
The library was packed when I went so I left. Nearly every seat was taken and I wanted one of the hightops on the south side, so I could face the wall and not another patron.
UPSIDE: Quiet and conducive to work
DOWNSIDE: No eating or drinking

Battery Park City Library | The New York Public Library
175 North End Avenue at Murray
Monday and Wednesday, 10a to 6p
Tuesday and Thursday, 11a to 7p
Friday and Saturday, 10a to 5p
UPSIDE: Quiet and conducive to work
DOWNSIDE: No eating or drinking. A bit smelly

Poet’s House
10 River Terrace at Murray
Tuesday to Saturday, 10a to 7p
I have a friend who worked here regularly pre-pandemic. Will try it soon.

Whole Foods Cafe
Upstairs on the highway side
7a to 10p, seven days
UPSIDE: Snack access, some outlets for charging
DOWNSIDE: It was kind of a nightmare up here. Babies crying, people playing their phones out loud, talking on the phone. There were seats, but the only one that gave you some isolation were the few on the north windows

Hudson Eats
Upstairs at the Winter Garden in Brookfield Place
Monday to Saturday, 10a to 8p
UPSIDE: Food nearby and great views
DOWNSIDE: No outlets, noise

Brookfield Place
Upstairs from the Vesey side of the shopping mall
I think the mall closes at 8p??
UPSIDE: Quiet and comfortable with cushy chairs; no one is up there
DOWNSIDE: No outlets.