As a solo operator for the past five years (and nearly a dozen work projects later), I’ve become a bit of an accidental expert on New York City’s post-pandemic coworking scene. A friend visiting recently asked me for a list of my favorite spots, so I pulled together this list of 12 spaces, along with a little extra color on each.

Full disclosure: Even after all this exploration, none of these coworking spaces quite meet my current work needs.

I’m looking for an elusive hybrid: An affordable private office setup I can personalize, paired with collaborative space for 2–3 people a few times a week. I need whiteboards, good tech, and the freedom to drop in for calls without booking ahead.

That’s why my default mode these days is renting a small private office. It gives me full control over my environment and schedule. But I miss having a consistent spot for small-group collaboration.

So if you know of a modular workspace that blends solo focus with small-team energy (aka: a place that works for builders who live on calls but still crave in-person brainstorming), please send it my way. Or let’s build it together.

The coworking space that I think has nailed the vibe is a place called Friends Work Here. A small, 12-15 person desk spot with a communal kitchen. A beautiful whiteboard wall that’s nestled inside of a gallery studio space in Brooklyn. Curated by the Swiss Miss, she knows that the people she brings together are the reason worth joining.
The rub: It’s *tiny* and hyperlocal, which is great if you live locally, but not so great if you live far away or take a lot of calls

This quiet community hub is quickly gaining traction among the 0-1 builder network in all of New York City. Part community home, part dev shop, part co-working. You feel instantly like you’re in your best friend’s living room (in a good way)
The rub: It’s in deep Brooklyn and may not scale well beyond “founder mode”

The first thing you notice about this space is the plants. They’re literally hanging everywhere. Also doubles as a massive event space in the heart of Williamsburg, and all in all the hub for web3 in Brooklyn
The rub: For the uninitiated, the web3 buidler vibes can be off-putting

SoHo House and SoHo Works know that co-working isn’t just co-working, it’s networking. The Social Club aesthetic here is probably worth it if you can afford the price tag and a little bit of distraction during your workday
The rub: It’s $$

If you’re working on the next hardware or biotech breakthrough, you need to be doing this at New Lab, nestled in the heart of the Brooklyn Navy Yard. Chances are good that there’s a PhD waiting around the corner to hop in on the project right away with you
The rub: Long walk from subways, if you’re not in deep tech, you may feel like you’ll never be smart enough

If you’ve ever wondered what it might be like to work in a place where you can have access to Japanese markets, wholesale furniture, a brewery, and a regular influx of visitors, Industry City has brought all of that to one unique location which definitely feels on the up and up
The rub: It’s a trek for non-Brooklyn visitors (but it’s a great bike ride)

Built with a community-first mindset, Fabric is a flexible co-working space that brings together the burgeoning network of community builders in a cozy spot that also invites members to host community meetings and meetups (with certain membership tiers.)
The rub: It’s great for the days when you need someone to talk to, tougher for the days when you need to get work done

Since the pandemic, the company has quickly reclaimed Midtown for its corporate/startup hub and 7th floor event space. The lower level of their building features a coffee shop and small cafeteria and very cozy lobby seating with free wifi (if you can snag a spot).
The rub: Their primary coworking venue is currently under construction and the lower lobby can get overwhelmed with midtown corporate vibes

The lower level cafe at Company in midtown

A welcoming change from the corporate boxy nature of WeWorks and other stale spaces, the Malin emphasizes a posh look and community-first vibes. They are quickly growing in favor among the new wave of solo operators and startup leaders.
The rub: The monthly fee is quite a bit pricier than you want for a space that still charges for conference room bookings

Recognizing the importance of access to coworking and community, TechStars has recently launched Engineering Village for technical founders to meet and work together weekly. A great (free) way to build community while you’re building.
The rub: Seemingly for engineers, only available on Wednesdays

Since her post-pandemic opening, Michele Chan’s parent co-working/daycare on the Upper West Side has quickly become a community hub for the working parent. Bonus points when you can bring your kid to work with you quite literally and know you’re in good company when the chaos strikes
The rub: Conference rooms or private spaces can be hard to come by, sometimes the kid chaos can get in the way (just like at home)

The semi-open door policy of Betaworks Coworking has been a great vessel to user in new founders and startup network folks. Their cozy cafe vibes on the main level bring in lots of events and regular convenings and demos.
The rub: There’s always something going on; unless you’re an accepted member of their startup cohort, it’s trickier to “just drop in”