Text Reads Solo Series: Remote Work

Traveling solo in Ann Arbor means the adventure is completely yours, and knowing where to start makes all the difference.

That's why we created our Solo Travel Series, inviting locals to share their favorite places and insider tips to help you experience Ann Arbor like a pro.
 

The Remote Worker

We teamed up with Aaron Cruz, local coffee aficionado known as @coffeeannarbor, to share his top spots for craft coffee and coworking in Ann Arbor. Enjoy the change of scenery and set up your laptop at these coworking spaces in A2.

Listen to the audio interview with Aaron or keep scrolling for the must-visit coworking spots.


In Aaron's words:

Solo in Ann Arbor? Here’s Where to Fuel Up and Stay Productive

Heading to Ann Arbor for a couple of days and need to balance travel with getting work done? You’re in luck. This city makes it easy to find cozy corners, or bustling spaces, to hunker down with your laptop.

Whether you thrive in coffee shops or prefer structured co-working spaces, Ann Arbor has plenty of options. As someone who works remotely a lot, here are five favorite spots I’d recommend checking out.


Cozy Corners in the Middle of the Action: Hyperion Coffee Co.

Right along West Liberty, Hyperion Coffee is a Downtown Ann Arbor coffee shop and “coffice” favorite. Single-origin batch brew coffee, espresso drinks, in-house made syrups and smooth nitro cold brew awaits, right in the heart of the action. I love settling in at the counter or snagging the front corner seat to people watch as the city goes by. Welcoming modern decor creates a warm, creative vibe. It’s a smaller shop with limited seating and outlets, so get here early.

A laptop sits in the center of a counter with a barista making a coffee drink in the back.


A Blend of Community and Coffee: Lowertown Bar & Cafe

Just outside downtown near U-M Hospital, Lowertown Bar & Cafe is perfect for work and people watching. By day, it’s a coffee shop with plenty of outlets inside and a sunny patio under a timber frame pergola. I love their lattes, especially the Camo Latte, which is a matcha-espresso hybrid, while powering through tasks inside and out. The Wi-Fi switches off at 5 pm as the space turns into a bar with cocktails, mocktails, and local beer. I love the great mix of focus and near-northside neighborhood energy here.

Laptop and coffee sit on a table as someone in the distance orders a beverage at the cafe bar.


Work, Sip, and Soak in the Creative Vibe: Dozer Coffee

Dozer Coffee is ideal for a “coffice” outside of the hustle-and-bustle of downtown. This warehouse style cafe and roaster is filled with tons of natural light and offers tables, booths, stools, and outlets. They roast beans on-site, serving pour overs, seasonal lattes, teas, matcha, and small bites. I love working from the stooled seating with a pour over in hand. Wi-Fi is top notch and the music is mellow. Dozer is a true creative hub.

Person holds coffee mug in front of themselves, with a laptop sitting on a table behind the cofee mug. People are chatting, sitting at tables in the background.

When You Want Structure and Office Energy: Cahoots Coworking

Need to get serious work done but prefer a co-working space? Be in Cahoots. Downtown Ann Arbor co-working done right as this hub offers 24,000 sq. ft. of historic charm and modern convenience. Ridiculously fast Wi-Fi, sit/stand desks, monitors, printers, and soundproof phone booths await. Day passes are $35. Grab a seasonal latte at the in-house Cahoots Cafe, where coffee comes at a discount. I always leave feeling accomplished, fueled by caffeine and the creative energy of everyone else working around me.

laptop and coffee sit on table hooked up to another monitor. Past the table is a long hallway leading to more rooms and computer tables.

The Best of All Worlds: Coworking at Venue by 4M

Venue by 4M is part cafe, part coworking hub, part restaurant and bar. Work from their free co-working space or the café. Grab breakfast, lunch, or dinner (the buttermilk fried chicken is incredible). Need privacy? Try the free trial day pass with a dedicated desk. The modern decor, palm trees, and art filled space make it inspiring to stay all day. I’ve spent hours working from here enjoying coffee, food, and cocktails.

Person holds coffee from first-person point of view. Behind the coffee, a laptop and book sit on a table in a coworking space.


Final Thoughts: Ann Arbor Makes Work Travel Easy

Ann Arbor may be known for its football Saturdays and university vibes, but it’s also a fantastic city to get work done while traveling. With great coffee, inspiring spaces, and a welcoming community, you’ll stay productive and enjoy the local scene as I always do.

Aaron Cruz Outdoors creating a pour-over coffee


 

About the Creator

Aaron Cruz is a long time Ann Arbor area coffee lover. He’s always drinking coffee, whether at the coffee shop or at home. A remote professional who spends much of his time working from local cafés, he brings firsthand insight into the thriving Ann Arbor coffee scene. He’s the founder of Coffee Ann Arbor, created to show off the area’s best spots. You can also find Aaron Cruz on ThreadsFacebook or through all his links at Linktree.