Planet Geek!: Boston and Boston Metro Coffeeshops

April 11, 2007

Boston and Boston Metro Coffeeshops

As part of my somewhat nomadic working style, I like getting out and about and spending time in local coffeeshops and restaurants. I can do 98% of my business from my laptop, therefore all I need is a comfortable environment, free wireless, and a good supply of coffee.The problem is, trying to actually FIND decent establishments to fill this need can be a real challenge. I'm not talking about Starbucks here - I'd rather support local businesses and encourage free wireless.

So in an effort to help out others with similar pursuits, here's a list of free wireless coffeeshops and / or businesses that I've found comfortable for telecommuting or just 'out of home' work.

Continental Cafe
Location / Website: Acton
Private coffee shop, very comfortable, includes a deli.
Diesel Cafe
Location / Website: Davis Square, Somerville (Warning: annoying flash website with sound :-/ )
The current mecca point for Somerville / Cambridge area bohemians. Note - Diesel's wireless is NOT actually free. But it's a good place nonetheless.
Crown Plaza
Location / Website: Natick, on Rt 9
In-lobby comfortable seating, and a bar / restaurant along one side. Comfortable for meetings, work, and quietly getting things done.
Panera Bread
Panera has many locations all over Boston, see this page to find one near you. Most have free wireless. I personally use the ones in Natick, Marlborough, and Burlington.
Bear Rock Cafe
Location / Website: Leominster
I found this place while over visiting my mom's in Leominster. Interestingly, it was all of 40' away from a Starbucks, but had free wireless and a full deli, and was doing good business.
Cafe Ziba
Location / Website: Rt 2a in Acton
I've never actually been here, but it was recommended.
The Java Room
Location / Website: Chelmsford
A nice shop out on 495, comfortable and good coffee.

If you know of others in the area, leave them in comments, and I'll continue updating the list...

Posted by dbs at April 11, 2007 12:02 PM

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Comments

I also like:

The Java Room in Chelmsford
Cambridge Brewing Company in Cambridge (natch)
Watch City Brewery in Waltham
Paul's Diner in Westford

There's a very thorough list at http://www.wififreespot.com/mass.html, though of course not all of these locations are going to work well for hanging out for hours on end :-)

Posted by: Tim at April 11, 2007 1:12 PM

Thanks Tim - I added the Java Room. I'm mostly looking for places I can drop in and sit for several hours without getting the hairy eyeball from the management. It's good that certain restaurants and bars are adding services, but the restaurants for the most part are less open to this sort of casual usage - at least that's been my experience.

Posted by: dbs at April 11, 2007 1:16 PM

Johnny D's and Au Bon Pain in Davis both have free wifi.

There are also a few (free and paid) wifi directories on the web --

Posted by: Ted Thibodeau Jr at April 11, 2007 1:18 PM