Work Smarter: Comparing Cafés and Coworking Spaces
As we look to the future, we might see a rise in hybrid models — cafés offering more dedicated workspace options.
Highlights
Learn about the differences: Coffee shops and coworking spaces offer different environments and amenities.
Learn about the cost: Coffee shops are often cheaper than coworking spaces.
Learn about the future Trends: Expect more hybrid workspaces combining café comfort and coworking flexibility.
If there's one good thing about the pandemic, it's the widespread adoption of working from home. While I'm a big fan of this setup, let's be honest – staring at the same four walls day after day can get daunting and even overwhelming. When such moments come, I usually like to change the environment — I grab my laptop and work elsewhere.
More often than not, I find myself in local coffee shops that take their specialty brews seriously. And, of course, they have to have fast Wi-Fi, which is a magnet for students and remote workers alike. Lately, however, coworking spaces have caught my eye with a unique value proposition: networking events catering to remote worker needs in a more professional setting.
So, here's the question: when should you opt for a coworking space, and when is a café the better choice?
The Miners: The Coffee Spot that Has it All
Since my relocation to Prague, The Miners has become my preferred spot for a variety of activities, from casual coffee breaks with friends to intense study sessions, power lunches featuring salmon bagels, and even weekend brunches featuring my favorite childhood dish — syrniki (cottage cheese pancakes). Over the past five years, the coffee spot has grown from a single location at JZP to eight venues across Prague, expanding to Barcelona and only then to Brno. Quite an impressive growth, right?
What sets this place apart is its dedication to coffee culture — it roasts beans, occasionally hosts cupping masterclasses and wine evenings, and has a selection of all-season drinks that never fail to spark motivation. It's no wonder I found myself writing both my Bachelor's and Master's theses here.
Now, let's talk prices. I have to say this is not your average coffee shop serving just black coffee with cream. Their commitment to high-end coffee is reflected in the pricing, but the quality justifies every crown. An espresso will set you back 70 Kč ($3.10), a cappuccino 85 Kč ($3.75), and if you're in the mood for something different, their matcha latte goes for 115 Kč ($5.10).
As you might have guessed, The Miners is an epicenter for remote workers. The Wi-Fi is free, unlimited, and super fast. I've even spotted people confidently taking Zoom calls here—that should give you an idea of the connection quality.
What's more, the staff at The Miners is refreshingly understanding. Unlike some places, you won't get any judgmental looks for camping out with your laptop long after your coffee cup is empty. This welcoming atmosphere allows you to work at your own pace and style, making it a comfortable and productive environment for any remote worker.
To recap, here’s a quick overview of The Miners:
One thing is clear — The Miners has truly nailed the formula for a welcoming environment that caters to remote workers who appreciate great coffee and reliable Wi-Fi. They've clearly understood the needs of today's digital nomads and freelancers. It's no surprise that more and more people are choosing to work from here. As one Czech newspaper boldly predicted, The Miners might just beat Starbucks one day.
WeWork: Died-out Legacy
WeWork, once a unicorn in the global coworking industry with a valuation of $47 billion in 2019, has recently faced significant challenges. On November 6, 2023, the company filed for bankruptcy in the United States, primarily due to overwhelming debt and a sharp decline in demand for office spaces post-pandemic. Despite these setbacks, WeWork continues operating offices worldwide, including in Prague.
Accessing a WeWork space isn't as simple as walking into a café, duh. It requires special access, and the amenities available depend on how much you're willing to pay. For a single day in their coworking space, you're looking at 620 Kč ($27.5), and this is without taxes included:
To put that into perspective, that's about the cost of a nice dinner in Prague. And this is not an exaggeration.
So, what do you get for this price? The basics include high-speed Wi-Fi, unlimited coffee, access to common areas, and phone booths. However, if you're hoping to book a meeting room, you're out of luck unless you commit to a monthly membership.
Speaking of monthly memberships, WeWork offers tiered options based on how often you need to book meeting rooms:
Interestingly, I discovered that only PLUS access is available in Prague. At 6,764 Kč ($300) per month, it's a steep price for what essentially amounts to an open workspace with free coffee (funny enough, the espresso bar comes from The Miners).
To recap, here’s a quick overview of WeWork:
I had the chance to visit WeWork for a class project, and I must admit, it stood out from typical Czech offices. The space offers networking opportunities, meditation and meeting rooms, and the aforementioned free coffee from The Miners. However, when I considered the price tag, I couldn't justify it for my needs.
That said, never say never. While it's not for me right now, who knows? Circumstances change, and I might reconsider WeWork in the future. For now, though, I'll stick to my favorite cafés.
The Bottom Line
The choice between working from home, a coffee shop, or a coworking space depends on your personal and professional needs, preferences, and budget. Here’s a breakdown:
In my experience, the appeal of coworking spaces like WeWork doesn't justify their hefty price tag. I find that The Miners offers a similar productive environment with the added bonus of exceptional coffee, all at a fraction of the cost compared to WeWork. When I crunched the numbers, I realized I could enjoy multiple work sessions at The Miners, accompanied by their premium brews, for less than the price of a single day at WeWork.
As we look to the future, we might see a rise in hybrid models — cafés offering more dedicated workspace options or minor, more flexible coworking spaces emerging to fill the gap left by struggling giants like WeWork. For now, my vote goes to the vibrant café scene – it satisfies my need to change scenery, and I can discover new spots around the city every week.
In the end, it's about finding the right balance between atmosphere, amenities, and affordability. Don’t you agree?
