Picking the Write Coffee shop

Tony Ollivier
3 min readAug 13, 2024

Hybrid work can suck. Here are some ways to pick the right place for your daily cup of joe.

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One of my most-read posts is “Why Writing in Coffee Shops Makes Me More Productive.

But before you head to your local McDonald's and crack open a new notebook or Word document, consider other places to write your great American (or Canadian) novel.

Not all are created equal.

Each cafe has pros and cons. Let’s look at the top reasons that make your bean dealer stand out when your creativity is bubbling, or you just want out of your home office.

Ambiance.

Any idea why some cafes are lined up while others are like funeral homes with muffins? I’ve always put it down to the loaded term “ambiance.” Hard to define, but you know it when you see it. For me, it starts with the coffee. Strong and dark brings me back. Light and acidic keeps me away. Music is essential, along with the right volume. One place near me has a stack of vinyl records; however, I’ve yet to witness the Gen Z barista do more than just stare at the turntable like it’s a museum piece.

Lately, my favorite spot has been the last working rotary phone in the city. And it’s not just decoration. I’ve seen it work.

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Tony Ollivier
Tony Ollivier

Written by Tony Ollivier

Technologist and dad. Find my high-tech thrillers that feature a ballet dancer on Amazon. https://www.amazon.com/stores/Tony-Ollivier/author/B083D6XDVR

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