Astor Hall: A Peaceful Work Spot in the Big City

Tried working at Astor Hall for the first time and was instantly obsessed. So much space! So stylish! So… productive!?

Astor Hall: A Peaceful Work Spot in the Big City
Can you believe this hidden gem is inside a fancy department store?!

I was working from Astor Hall the other day inside Bloomingdale’s in downtown Chicago.

It’s technically a food court, but it doesn’t feel like one at all! The space is super open, the interior is stylish, and there are tons of tables. The music is ambient and relaxing, and the whole vibe made it feel perfect for working.

There were booth seats and regular tables, all nicely spaced out—so unlike a cramped little café, I didn’t have to worry about sitting elbow-to-elbow with a stranger. It felt peaceful, elegant, and productive all at once. What more could I ask for?

Practiced some floppy, loose-limbed characters today. I stayed way longer than planned—couldn’t stop drawing!