BARTable co-working spaces

Last Updated On Mar. 23, 2024

The friendly, Scandinavian vibe at IKEA's new co-working space, Hej! Workshop. Photo courtesy of SF Chronicle.

The concept of co-working spaces continues to be fluid—but what has become clear, today’s pay-to-work private spaces have to create an environment that is not only functional for productivity but also for socialization. It’s the reason why these places popped up in the first place. We rounded up a variety of co-working spaces that are convenient to BART and offer a desk, a cold or hot drink and the chance to connect with others.

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San Francisco

Plenty of areas to collaborate at Trellis. Photo courtesy of Trellis.

Trellis | Powell St

When you just need an hour of uninterrupted quiet, Trellis has your back. For $5 an hour, you can book a desk and get to work on that deadline. But Trellis offers so much more than a place to park yourself for an hour (or a day). A monthly membership to this vibrant industrial-style Mission District space includes access to holiday networking events and a weekly sip-and-paint happy hour. Travel 0.3 miles from Powell St to 981 Mission St.

Comfy seating and plenty of private desks are a hallmark of Anchor. Photo courtesy of Anchor Coworking.

Anchor Coworking | Civic Center/UN Plaza

Anchor is a young startup’s dream—an affordable, no-fuss space located in the heart of San Francisco. You can rent a desk for as little as $25 a day, and the pass provides you with up to 10 hours. You can also book a floating or dedicated desk by the month. For podcasters and those in the world of media, Anchor offers a media production room. Travel 0.3 miles from Civic Center/UN Plaza to 1540 Market St.

IKEA's Hej! Workshop is a welcoming work space in the heart of the downtown. Photo courtesy of Ingka Centres.

Hej! Workshop | Powell St

Part of IKEA’s San Francisco flagship location on Market St, Hej! Workshop is banking that its co-working space will entice users to shop and dine under one roof. The 46,000-square-foot sixth-floor space is a collaboration between Industrious and Ingka Centres shopping complex that includes an IKEA store and the just opened Saluhall. The co-working space offers, yep, IKEA furniture so the look is clean and streamlined. Huge windows offer fantastic views. There are different packages (day and monthly rates) and standard amenities include 24/7 access, bike storage, phone booths and a kitchen with daily coffee and breakfast. Travel 0.1 miles from Powell St to 945 Market St.

Bohemian-luxe is the best way to describe Mindspace's Market St location. Photo courtesy of Mindspace.

Mindspace | Montgomery St

If you’re looking for the benefits of boutique design and services with the expertise and reliability of a global provider, then Mindspace, with locations around the world, is the choice for you. The large, tastefully decorated space is steps from the Montgomery St station, making it the most convenient of the bunch. With three floors and 36,000 square feet, there’s plenty of room to spread out. Rent for a day or a month at a time. Access to a kitchen and free coffee, printing and bike storage are included. Head up to street level from Montgomery St to 575 Market St.

East Bay

One of Oakstop's many conference rooms. Photo courtesy of Oakstop.

Oakstop | 19th St/Oakland

Oakstop is not only a co-working space but an Oakland community enterprise and asset. From plant markets to Black-owned business pop-ups to partnering with nonprofits that support Oakland youth through educational programming, the spaces are always bustling (and bursting) with innovators and ideas. The three Oakland locations (1721 Broadway, 2323 Broadway and 1740 Telegraph) offer various co-working options including day passes, open co-working spots and dedicated offices. All are convenient to coffee and food options. Travel 0.3 or less from 19th St/Oakland to any of the three Oakstop locations.

The childcare space at Pillar Cowork. Photo courtesy of Pillar Cowork.

Pillar Cowork | Lafayette

The brilliance of combining a co-working venue with childcare will resonate with anyone searching for a place to work and wanting to be close to their little ones. Created by two working moms, Pillar was conceptualized to fill a need. They offer a variety of memberships with or without childcare. Those who opt for childcare receive a free co-working membership. At 5,000 square feet, Pillar is cozy compared to other co-working options, but offers similar amenities for its members. Travel 0.5 miles from Lafayette to 3515 Mt. Diablo Blvd.

Members enjoy some sun and conversation on Port's outdoor patio. Photo courtesy of Port Workspaces.

Port Workspaces | 19th St/Oakland and 12th St/ Oakland City Center

Port has two workspaces in Oakland: Uptown and Jack London Square. Uptown’s location is considerably larger with a great outdoor roof deck that often accommodates a weekly happy hour and themed gatherings. Both locations have access to great food and entertainment. Travel 0.2 miles from 19th St/Oakland to 344 20th St and 0.6 miles from 12th St/Oakland City Center to 101 Broadway.

Socializing and being part of a community is a tenet of Cobiz. Photo courtesy of Cobiz Richmond.

Cobiz Richmond | Richmond

This non-profit co-working space is very close to the Richmond station and offers affordable day and monthly rates. For those riding Amtrak’s Capitol Corridor line, the space is convenient for meetups and off-sites. Many non-profits use the space as a temporary office, so you’re bound to find connections. Because of the space’s strong community partnerships, there is often a workshop or pop-up happening to brighten the workday. Travel 0.2 miles from Richmond to 1503 Macdonald Ave Ste A.

What's your favorite co-working space?

Let us know where to go! Tell us on social media at SFBARTable and #SFBARTable! Keep up with us on Facebook and Instagram to see all of the best BARTable events, places to eat and where to have fun around the Bay.

by Sophia Markoulakis

Sophia Markoulakis is a Bay Area-based freelance journalist covering lifestyle and human interest topics. Her first memory riding BART was while attending UC Berkeley. It was the fastest way to escape her seven roommates and head to San Francisco. She still rides BART to access the best the bay has to offer.