Is WeWork Coffee Worth It? Comparing Coffee Experiences at Coworking Spaces
Imagine you're hustling in a coworking space and craving a good cup of coffee. The day feels long, and a quick caffeine fix could be your savior. But the question lingers: is the coffee at coworking spaces like WeWork worth your time? Whether you're a freelancer, startup founder, or part of a larger firm, understanding what your workspace offers can be crucial to your daily grind. In this blog post, we’re comparing the coffee experience at WeWork to other coworking spaces, helping you decide where the best brews are found.
Overview of Option A: WeWork
WeWork is a big name in the flexible workspace arena, recognized for its modern design and diverse amenities. One of its standout features is the quality of coffee it offers. With coffee machines that whip up everything from espressos to cappuccinos, your caffeine needs are well catered. You'll find a variety of milk options like cow, oat, and soy available in public fridges, and some locations even have a milk foamer. Plus, if you're a fan of flavored coffee, some WeWorks offer syrups like caramel and hazelnut to satisfy your sweet tooth.
Interestingly, a few WeWork spaces also have an onsite barista serving free coffee throughout the day. These high-end espresso machines make it feel like you're getting a coffee shop experience without leaving the office. However, be aware that on weekends, the machines might limit your options to just black coffee and milk from the fridge. In 2023, WeWork reported that 60% of their coffee offerings were sourced sustainably, aligning with their commitment to eco-friendly practices.
Overview of Option B: Other Coworking Spaces
Coworking spaces are booming, with the U.S. flexible workspace market seeing a modest expansion of 0.4% by Q2 2025, reaching approximately 141.29 million square feet. Spaces like Regus and HQ are becoming more prominent, solidifying their presence in the coworking industry. With a focus on amenity-rich hubs, these spaces are upping their game in terms of what they offer members.
Coffee quality in these spaces can vary widely. You might find similar offerings to WeWork, with a range of coffee machines and milk options, or encounter simpler setups with basic coffee options. Some coworking spaces have partnered with local coffee shops to provide a premium coffee experience, but this isn't guaranteed everywhere. For example, a popular coworking space in Portland partners with a local coffee roaster, offering members exclusive blends not found elsewhere.
Key Differences
The most notable difference between WeWork and other coworking spaces lies in consistency and variety. WeWork tends to offer a standardized experience across its locations, so if you enjoy a particular setup, you're likely to find it in multiple locations. They also invest in barista services in select locations, setting them apart from other coworking options.
On the other hand, many other coworking spaces offer partnerships with local cafes, bringing a unique, local flavor to your coffee. This can be a draw if you're keen on supporting local businesses or if you're in a neighborhood known for its coffee culture. For instance, a coworking space in Manhattan, despite a 4% shrink in total footprint, still boasts partnerships with renowned local coffee shops, enhancing the coffee experience for its members.
Pros & Cons
WeWork
Pros:
- Consistent coffee experience across locations
- Variety of beverage options, including flavored syrups
- Onsite baristas in some locations
- Various milk alternatives readily available
- 60% of coffee offerings are sustainably sourced
Cons:
- Weekend limitations on coffee machine options
- Some variability in coffee quality depending on location
Other Coworking Spaces
Pros:
- Potential for unique local coffee offerings
- May support local businesses through partnerships with local cafes
- Growing focus on amenity-rich environments
Cons:
- Coffee quality and options can be inconsistent
- Less standardized experience across different spaces
Which One Should You Choose?
Your choice depends largely on your priorities. If you value consistency and a wide range of coffee options, WeWork might be your best bet. It's especially convenient if you work in multiple cities, as you can expect a similar coffee experience wherever you go.
However, if you appreciate a touch of local charm and are open to the occasional coffee adventure, exploring other coworking spaces could be rewarding. Particularly if you're based in a vibrant coffee city, these spaces might provide a more personalized caffeine fix.
For example, if you work in a city like Seattle, known for its coffee culture, opting for a local coworking space might offer you a chance to enjoy exclusive blends from beloved neighborhood roasters.
Conclusion
In the world of coworking spaces, the coffee experience is just one piece of the puzzle. With 86% of business leaders viewing the office as crucial to their culture and profitability, choosing a space that keeps you caffeinated is important. WeWork offers a reliable and varied coffee experience, often including the perks of a dedicated barista. On the other hand, other coworking spaces might surprise you with unique local coffee partnerships, although the experience can be hit-or-miss.
Next Steps
To make an informed decision, consider visiting a few coworking spaces in your area to sample their coffee firsthand. If you're leaning towards WeWork, check their website or app to find locations with a barista service. For those interested in local flavor, ask about partnerships with local cafes when touring other spaces. Remember, the best workspace is one that fuels both your work and your passion for coffee. Try to schedule visits during different times, like weekends, to get a full sense of the coffee options available.