As I learned from working at home post-Hurricane Sandy, sitting around in your pajamas at 4 p.m. isn't as fun or glamorous as most of us office bees tend to think. So last week, I decided to set up shop at a few local spots.
Milk & Honey Cafe
By far the prettiest of the bunch, this lovely cafe is all Brooklyn: exposed brick, a "live" wall of garden greens and plenty of toddler-toting moms (not to mention this obligatory freelance writer). The coffee is serious — they do Counter Culture espressos, pour-overs, etc. — and the sandwiches were also a popular order. To get a better idea of how gorgeous the space is, check out this video with owner Max Habib. 1119 Newkirk Ave. at Westminster Rd., Ditmas Park, Brooklyn. (718-513-0441)
Press Tea
This isn't technically a coffice since they don't serve coffee, but I love tea as much as I do java, so it was also a great place to hole up at for an afternoon (or two). I heard their drinks were good and the rose black teappucino — fragrant and slightly bitter, like a good strong tea should be — lived up to expectations. I was also happily surprised by the top-notch apricot scone. Extra perk: Taim is right around the corner. 167 Seventh Ave. South at Waverly Pl. (212-888-6666)
Kopi Kopi
I should have realized that this Greenwich Village shop would be swarming with NYU students. It's the biggest of the four I visited last week — there's a spacious back room popular with the 20-something laptop crowd — and also the busiest. As a nod to the owners' Indonesian heritage, they offer single-origin brews and food from the island nation, including an avocado coffee shake called es alkupat. Their regular cup of joe was strong, but the co-ed vibe isn't quite for me anymore. 68 W. Third St. between LaGuardia Pl. and Thompson St. (212-777-7285)
Hungry Ghost
If you're a true java fiend, then this is the place for you. The growing chainlet — they also have locations on Fulton St and in DUMBO — serves a mean cup of Stumptown coffee and delicious housemade paninis. The space is comfortable and not too noisy — definitely try to snag one of the standalone wood tables in the front if you're planning to linger. 253 Flatbush Ave. at Sixth Ave., Prospect Heights, Brooklyn. (718-483-8666)