The Best Cafes for Studying and Working in Melbourne

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Named after the State Library’s first Chief Librarian, Mr Tulk is a contemporary dining hall located at the State Library of Victoria. There’s a large communal table at the cafe’s centre, which is perfect for studying or working on your laptop, as well as a domed reading room. It also has an outside area, with wooden benches and umbrellas. Mr Tulk has a breakfast, lunch, and sweets menu, as well as a popular happy hour from 4–6pm every Friday afternoon.

Located in North Melbourne, Auction Rooms is part of the St Ali family, a pioneer in Melbourne’s speciality coffee industry. They serve St Ali coffee, and their all-day menu includes brunch dishes with Asian, Mexican, and Middle Eastern flavours. Auction Rooms is also known for its industrial interior – from concrete floors to distressed brick walls. There’s plenty of seating, power outlets, and Wi-Fi for workers and students.

Located on Lygon Street – on the cusp of Carlton North and Princes Hill – Naughty Boy Cafe is famous for its freakshakes (and free Wi-Fi). If a freakshake sugar high doesn’t take your fancy, Naughty Boy Cafe also serves Allpress coffee, smoothies, and has an extensive all-day food menu. Krispy chicken bao bun, or pulled lamb grain salad anyone?

Seven Seeds is a popular spot for Melbourne coffee lovers, but it is also a great cafe for freelancers. Inside the wood-panelled converted warehouse, there’s plenty of seating, including a large communal table. Their Carlton location is also close to Melbourne University, so it is often buzzing with students studying, or killing time between classes. Their menu includes standout dishes such as pork neck roti, espresso-infused French toast, and a chicken Cubano.

A Minor Place is where location-independent Brunswick locals and students hang out, thanks to its plethora of powerpoints and Wi-Fi. But this isn’t the only reason people are drawn to the converted cottage. A Minor Place’s all-day menu includes bagels, bubble ‘n’ squeak, and a Brazilian breakfast. Relax at a communal table with your laptop, and let the relaxing playlist of jazz and indie tunes inspire you for an afternoon.

TimeOut calls Penny Farthing Espresso a freelancer favourite, because there are ‘two power outlets on communal tables, free Wi-Fi, and an eclectic mix of creative customers’. Located in Northcote, the coffee at Penny Farthing Espresso is supplied by renowned local roasters, Industry Beans. Some of the delectable dishes waiting for you at Penny Farthing Espresso include sweet potato rosti, a halloumi burger, and kasundi, bacon and fennel baked eggs.

Located in Carlton near several Melbourne University buildings, Stovetop is another excellent choice. There’s plenty of seating in the modern space, which has white and pale timber accents, but the most important ingredient is the free Wi-Fi. Named after the stovetop burners the cafe use, Stovetop also serves alcohol and has a signature cocktails list. Food-wise, the large menu has offerings such as New Zealand king salmon, chocolate and espresso waffles, and kimchi pancake.