Ottawa’s coffee shop scene is one of the city’s most underrated strengths. The variety we have here doesn’t get nearly enough credit. That is all about to change with this article! If you’re anything like me (literally, as I type these words), then you love to not be at home when you “work from home.” I’ve become somewhat of an expert in the field. Which coffee shops have the best-tasting coffee? What about the best vibes? I think I have the answers to all your coffee shop-related questions. This article (brought to you from a lovely Ottawa coffee shop) focuses on the best places to “work from home” in central Ottawa.
Look, I get it. Maybe you’re in the office multiple times a week and you need the hustle and bustle to focus on your WFH Fridays. Maybe your office is at home and you just need to get a change of scenery once in a while. Whatever the reason, rest assured that this piece is going to set you on the right path.
Art House
Art House is perhaps one of the most interesting places on the list, and I want to preface this by saying it’s not for the “I need a quiet space” type of worker. If you’re anything like me, the stimulation around you is actually a benefit to your focus, and if that’s the case you will love Art House.
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Not only are the cozy vibes and great playlists an absolute game-changer for atmosphere, but this is a creative person’s dream coffee shop.
As the name suggests, art lovers will thrive at Art House. From the work of local artists on the walls to the creative and expressive staff, Art House scratches that creative itch in your brain as you work your day away.
Drip House
With four locations, including the Glebe and Chinatown, Drip House is probably my most frequented coffee shop on the list when I want to “work from home.” The mix of artistic expression, awesome food and creative beverage options is truly a catch-all opportunity for everyone and anyone who enjoys a good coffee shop work session. Aside from having arguably the best food on this list (try the La Bomba or Good Falafellas sandwiches and thank me later), what continues to set Drip House apart is that each location is unique.
The Somerset location is large, bright and has a ton of comfortable seating equipped with outlets to keep your laptop charged. The Glebe location, which is the newest location, is a blend of modernity and coziness and makes for a great co-working space.
Be warned, though, there are a few seating areas reserved as “laptop-free zones” so get in early if you want the best spot.
Wise Town Cafe
We’re making our way over to Elgin Street now for what is hard to top as the most esthetic shop of the bunch. Wise Town Cafe has a charm to it that is tough to put your finger on. It feels like a coffee shop that was decorated by a group of fairies and elves (in an endearing and mystical way). The seating is truly some of the coziest in the city, the staff is friendly and the beverage menu is vast. There are a ton of positives to “working from home” at Wise Town Cafe, including the warm welcome to our four-legged furry friends, but there is one drawback: it is certainly the most expensive spot on the list.
If you’re willing to treat yourself and spend a few extra bucks, this is definitely a place you could sit all day happily working away.
Arlington 5
Ah yes, Arlington 5. A shoo-in for a fan favourite coffee shop in central Ottawa, I know people would have my head if this staple wasn’t on here. Luckily for you (and me), Arlington 5 has more than earned a spot on this list.
The staff at Arlington 5 are known for going above and beyond. This goes for service, execution and overall desire to make the space something special for everyone who comes through the door. When you walk into the little house-shaped coffee shop, there is an aura about it that makes it feel like home. I’ve never seen a sad face in the building and that starts with the staff. They are so warm, welcoming and ready to serve you that it’s refreshing.
I’d go as far as to say that if you are lacking motivation to get the work done today, Arlington 5 might bring your spark back.
Little Victories
This is another mention on the list that boasts multiple locations, all three in central Ottawa. The Queen Street, Bank Street and Elgin Street locations each provide their own unique charm for coffee-lovers everywhere — but I absolutely have a favourite if I want to get work done.
This may not be the most popular opinion you read today, but the exposed concrete and oxymoronic cozy-industrial vibes of the Elgin Street location have always spoken to me. I could sit in this large-windowed, high-ceilinged building for hours on end, pumping out some of the most creative work I can produce because I feel so at home. Its location, just on the corner of Elgin and Sparks streets, also provides easy walkability from many offices if you’re looking to switch up your vibe for the second half of your work day.
Get yourself a cortado and sit in that space for a while — you’ll understand what I mean.
Ten Toes Somerset
Those of you who know me know darn well that Ten Toes Somerset was going to be on this list and every other list about coffee that I write. I adore this place and all of its rustic charm. The laundromat in the back, the miniature thrift store and bottle shop, the jukebox, the variety of seating. There isn’t a coffee shop in the city that you have a better chance of catching me at. I’ve written here, edited videos here, designed the cover of my novel here – heck, I’ve come here just because I need to leave the house and know it exists!
Unlike the other spots on this list, I can’t quite put my finger on why I love Ten Toes so much when it comes to getting work done, but I do know that this is where I am most productive.
Perhaps it’s because they say a comfortable and interesting space helps productivity thrive, and Ten Toes is nothing if not comfy and interesting. It feels like going to your best friend’s house, but that best friend has a unique style and a love of the arts.
Regardless of the reason, I know I’m not alone. Ten Toes is always full of other like-minded individuals taking work calls, working away on their laptops, and prepping for what’s next in their busy lives. If you haven’t been yet, now is the time. You can thank me later.
No matter your taste, needs, wants or expectations, central Ottawa has a coffee shop that makes “working from home” more enjoyable than you could imagine. This underrated space in the hospitality scene of the 613 continues to grow and thrive and I believe it will only continue to do so.
It’s time to “work from home” the right way.
Jordan Pizzuti has been a local Ottawa food writer, content creator, and hospitality professional for over 10 years. Through his “best of” series, Jordan has cemented himself as an expert in Ottawa hospitality and nightlife. He continues to promote the Ottawa hospitality scene through his “Are We Having Fun Yet?” brand and his work with the Ottawa Business Journal.
