9 of the Best Cafes to Work From in Joburg Even When There’s Power Cuts

These Joburg Cafes Are Made for Remote Work, Even When the Power’s Out

Forget corner offices, these Johannesburg cafes are where productivity meets power plugs and cappuccinos.

Remote work has reshaped how we do business in Joburg. Boardrooms have become booths, and deadlines are met over double espressos. But let’s face it – working from home isn’t always ideal, especially when Eskom decides to pull the plug. That’s why remote workers, freelancers and laptop nomads have turned to a different kind of coworking space: the local coffee shop.

We’ve rounded up Joburg’s best cafes to work from – spots with fast WiFi, a reliable plug point, and most importantly, backup power. Here’s where to plug in and power on, even during stage 6 chaos.

1. Bean There Coffee Company, Milpark’s Fairtrade Favourite

Source: Bean There Coffee 

Bean There Coffee in 44 Stanley is more than just a coffee shop – it’s South Africa’s first roaster of Certified Fairtrade coffee, sourcing beans from Rwanda to Ethiopia. It recently underwent a sleek renovation, and now the calm, minimalist space is perfect for deep focus. The whirr of espresso machines is as disruptive as it gets, and thanks to a generator, they keep pouring even when the lights go out.

Location:  44 Stanley Avenue, Milpark

Tip:Try the single origin Ethiopian pour-over

2. Breezeblock, A Creative Corner in Brixton

Source: Breezeblock 

Equal parts café, courtyard and community hub, Breezeblock is a Brixton gem. During lockdown, it morphed into a co-working refuge, and that vibe has stuck. Inside, plug points abound and sunlight pours in. Prefer fresh air? The lush outdoor courtyard is made for remote working with a side of sunshine.

Location: 29 Chiswick Street, Brixton
Pro tip: Get there early for a shady outdoor seat

3. Service Station, A Melville Classic With Meals to Match

For nearly two decades, this Melville mainstay has quietly supported remote workers with its reliable WiFi and a communal table that feels like home. Carmen van der Merwe’s café is nestled in the leafy Bamboo Centre, with fresh salads, deli items, and frozen meals to take home for dinner.

Location:Bamboo Centre, Melville

Pro Tip: Fuel up with their daily salad selection

4. The Richmond Studio Café – Where Coffee Meets Cameras

Started by renowned photojournalist Antoine de Ras, this Richmond hideout is part café, part creative space. Vintage cameras line the walls, and a steady stream of journalists and freelancers fuel up on toasties and coffee. Whether inside or outdoors, you’ll be covered – including when load shedding hits.

Location:14 Menton Road, Richmond
Best For: The visual thinkers and storytellers

5. The Whippet Linden’s Buzziest Workspace

The Whippet helped spark Linden’s revival and remains one of the busiest (and loudest) cafés in Joburg. If you thrive in a buzzy environment, this is the place. There are benches with built-in plug points and a large communal table for small team catchups. Just bring headphones – it gets rowdy.

Location: 34 7th Street, Linden
Pro Tip: Arrive early – tables fill fast during peak hours

6. The Grind Coffee Meets Quiet at Melrose Arch

Source: The Grind on Instagram

Tucked upstairs in Melrose Arch, The Grind is a sleek café and cycle shop combo that caters to digital nomads. It’s quieter than most mall cafés and offers a workspace zone with multiple plug points and, yes, a generator. Their “coffee in a cone” is both Instagram-worthy and surprisingly practical.

Location: Whiteley Road, Melrose Arch
Tip: Order the Coffee in a Cone for a sweet twist

7. Croft & Co Parkview’s Plant-Filled Hideout

There’s something very Joburg about Croft & Co: it’s equal parts leafy, laidback and bustling with regulars. From 6am, runners and cyclists descend on this Tyrone Avenue hotspot. If you manage to snag one of the booth-style back tables shielded by lush greenery, you’re set for a productive day – even during peak lunch hours.

Location: 66 Tyrone Avenue, Parkview
Tip: Go early and stay late , it’s that kind of place

8. Father Coffee – Kramerville’s Chicest Grind

Known for its industrial-chic aesthetic and barista precision, Father Coffee in Kramerville is the stylish choice. It’s calm, serious and caffeinated – ideal for people who mean business. Whether you’re into almond croissants or Lindt hot chocolate, this is a space where hustle meets high design.

Location:19 Dartfield Road, Kramerville
Tip:Grab a cinnamon bun before your Zoom call

9. Motherland Coffee – Made for MacBooks and Meetings

If there’s a home base for Joburg’s remote workforce, it’s probably Motherland. With several branches across the city and a remote work-friendly layout, Motherland has long been the unofficial HQ of digital nomads. Bonus: you can buy a coffee for a friend and leave a message at the counter.

Location:Branches in Dunkeld West, Rosebank, Benmore Gardens, Bedfordview & more
Tip:  Look for the plug points – they’re everywhere

Load Shedding? No Problem

Almost all of these cafes run on backup power and have been thoughtfully designed to support long working hours. If you’re new to Joburg or visiting from abroad, download the EskomSePush app to check the local load shedding schedule – it’ll help you plan your café crawl around the outages.

Whether you’re grinding out emails, writing your next big pitch or just need a space to think, these cafes serve up the perfect balance of caffeine, comfort and connection.

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