Many of us are able to work, at least some of the time, from places other than the central office. But, not everyone has Internet service at home or wants to spend that much time alone. If you’re looking for a change of pace, here are a few options in Hartford that are doable.
Are they all technically open to the public? Possibly not. Our experience has been that nobody usually hassles you if you manage to keep quiet and pick up after yourself.
INDOORS
Lobby of CityPlace
CityPlace Lobby
Enter through Pearl or Asylum Street to find funky seating, free and open WiFi, and several charging stations. If the Lobby WiFi isn’t available, you can still tap into that of Starbucks or Au Bon Pain.
Starbucks
Following the ridiculous arrests made at a Starbucks in Pennsylvania, the company reexamined its policies and has since declared that anyone entering the establishment is considered a customer, regardless of if a purchase has been made. All of Hartford’s Starbucks locations are in downtown: CityPlace, UConn Barnes & Noble, and in the Marriott. The WiFi is reliable and the outlets are many.
State House Square Food Court
The seating is not that comfortable, but there’s a lot of it, and the WiFi is free and open. Plus, many food options literally surround you.
UConn Downtown Hartford Atrium
Typing inside the former Hartford Times building is fun, even if it was only the façade that was saved. There is free, open guest WiFi and places to plug in.
The Kitchen at Hartford Public Library
There are more places to plug in inside the actual library, but there’s more light and access to food inside the cafe, and just as much WiFi. There is some patio seating.
Spectra Wired Cafe
As the name suggests, there are many outlets and good WiFi here. It’s good form to purchase something. Some folks have found the music too loud and abrasive at times, so bring headphones if that’s the sort of thing that might ruffle your feathers.
UConn Downtown Hartford
Story and Soil
Open, free WiFi. There is indoor and outdoor seating, in season, but not a lot of space inside. If you have a setup that requires two laptops or something, this is not the place to settle in.
Metro Cafe
WiFi (requires password), outlets, and pastries. Plus, it tends to be on the quieter side here since everyone insists on having their power lunches at the other coffee place in the West End. The sporadic Gilmore Girls decor is an added bonus.
Blue State Coffee
The WiFi is fine, but outlets are few and far between. Great chai, though.
Sarah’s Coffee House
There are outlets, but the WiFi (requires password) has long been inconsistent. Seats near the outlets have padding.
OUTDOORS
Constitution Plaza
With the addition of the solar-powered charging bench and open UConn WiFi, it’s possible to get fresh air and work done at once.
Where else can someone sit to get work done for free (or the cost of a coffee)?
Meet Your City: The Remote Office
Many of us are able to work, at least some of the time, from places other than the central office. But, not everyone has Internet service at home or wants to spend that much time alone. If you’re looking for a change of pace, here are a few options in Hartford that are doable.
Are they all technically open to the public? Possibly not. Our experience has been that nobody usually hassles you if you manage to keep quiet and pick up after yourself.
INDOORS
CityPlace Lobby
Enter through Pearl or Asylum Street to find funky seating, free and open WiFi, and several charging stations. If the Lobby WiFi isn’t available, you can still tap into that of Starbucks or Au Bon Pain.
Starbucks
Following the ridiculous arrests made at a Starbucks in Pennsylvania, the company reexamined its policies and has since declared that anyone entering the establishment is considered a customer, regardless of if a purchase has been made. All of Hartford’s Starbucks locations are in downtown: CityPlace, UConn Barnes & Noble, and in the Marriott. The WiFi is reliable and the outlets are many.
State House Square Food Court
The seating is not that comfortable, but there’s a lot of it, and the WiFi is free and open. Plus, many food options literally surround you.
UConn Downtown Hartford Atrium
Typing inside the former Hartford Times building is fun, even if it was only the façade that was saved. There is free, open guest WiFi and places to plug in.
The Kitchen at Hartford Public Library
There are more places to plug in inside the actual library, but there’s more light and access to food inside the cafe, and just as much WiFi. There is some patio seating.
Spectra Wired Cafe
As the name suggests, there are many outlets and good WiFi here. It’s good form to purchase something. Some folks have found the music too loud and abrasive at times, so bring headphones if that’s the sort of thing that might ruffle your feathers.
Story and Soil
Open, free WiFi. There is indoor and outdoor seating, in season, but not a lot of space inside. If you have a setup that requires two laptops or something, this is not the place to settle in.
Metro Cafe
WiFi (requires password), outlets, and pastries. Plus, it tends to be on the quieter side here since everyone insists on having their power lunches at the other coffee place in the West End. The sporadic Gilmore Girls decor is an added bonus.
Blue State Coffee
The WiFi is fine, but outlets are few and far between. Great chai, though.
Sarah’s Coffee House
There are outlets, but the WiFi (requires password) has long been inconsistent. Seats near the outlets have padding.
OUTDOORS
Constitution Plaza
With the addition of the solar-powered charging bench and open UConn WiFi, it’s possible to get fresh air and work done at once.
Where else can someone sit to get work done for free (or the cost of a coffee)?
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