Best Free Wi-Fi Spots
Tuesday, July 06, 2010
Did everyone notice that last week, every Starbucks Coffee in the US began providing free, unlimited Wi-Fi? Thanks for joining the 21st century, Seattle. We want to celebrate the local watering holes, both for caffeine and cocktails (not to mention burgers), that are the best for free wireless. (Okay, we added the chains at the end. Just in case.) Happy surfing.
Caffeinated Wi-Fi: The Coffeehouse
It's the champ on the Wi-Fi circuit, and maybe mostly because caffeine and work (or Facebooking) go together. These java spots are the best bets for free Wi-Fi and productive ambience.
Blue State Coffee: (300 Thayer St, Providence, 383-8393). If you love great coffee and are still proudly rocking your Obama bumper sticker, Blue State is the place for you. The staff will let you "office" there all day long. So buy some food to go with your latte.
Java Madness: (134 Salt Pond Rd, Wakefield-Peacedale, 788-0088) This spacious café is located in the marina and perfect for sailors checking their email or people who usually Wi-Fi from home, but are looking for a change of scene.
Dave's Coffee: (5193 Old Post Rd, Charlestown, 322-0006) A trendy café that serves coffee and baked goods. They have unlimited free Wi-Fi and even two computers that are free to use as well. You’ll have to get there early though to get because it fills quickly! And you can Tweet your order ahead of time.
Coffee Exchange: (207 Wickenden Street, Providence, 273-1198) Small batch coffee roaster with a huge selection of blends. Great spot to camp out and work all day. (You're not the first to figure this out.)
Need more? We got more. Some other great spots to enjoy fresh coffee and toil in RI include: The Edge (199 Wayland Ave, Providence, 490-2227), White Electric Coffee (711 Westminster St, Providence, 453-3007), Tazza (250 Westminster St, Providence, 421-3300), Cafe La France (220 Weybosset St, Providence, 383-5556), Brewed Awakenings (1395 Atwood Ave, Johnston, 275-0769), Panini Bella Grill (186 Thames St, Newport, 847-7784), Empire Café (22 Broadway, Newport, 619-1388), Bagelz Bagel Bakery (Locations in Kingston, Wickford and Wakefield), Gillian's Ale House (7835 Post Rd, Kingstown, 667-0900), Slice of Heaven (32 Narragansett Ave, Jamestown, 423-9866), Watch Hill Coffee Co. (5 Bay St, Watch Hill, 315-2739).
Well-Fed Wi-Fi: The Restaurant/Bar
This is a bit more unexpected, but hey, you work through your lunch, right? Try these spots if you need to eat and work at the same time.
Chelos Hometown Bar & Grille: (9 RI locations, check here for addresses/phones). Sit down at one of their nine RI locations and chomp down on an award-winning burger. A great place to bring your laptop and do a little “work” after work.
Cuban Revolution Restaurant: (50 Aborn St, Providence, 331-8829). 20¢ wings everyday from 5pm-10pm and $2 domestic beers all day every day makes it perfect for loosening up after work and maybe firing off a few last emails.
Trinity Brewhouse: (186 Fountain St, Providence, 453-2337). Great spot to relax, enjoy a freshly brewed pint and perhaps manage some light work. Perhaps.
W. B. Cody's Restaurant: (265 Old Post Rd, Westerly, 322-4070) Saddle up at W.B. Cody’s and chow down on the best ribs in RI! You’re also welcome to post up and roam the net.
They're There When You Need Them: The Chains
The good things about chains is... well... they're everywhere. You need to snipe some free Wi-Fi? Cool off? Chances are one of these nationals is down the street.
Starbucks Coffee: (Multiple locations throughout RI) Starbucks is no hidden gem, but can still brew a great cup of joe. And now you can surf the net while sipping on your Tall White Mocha Frappuccino.
Au Bon Pain: (four Providence locations). Grab a panini and chocolate-filled croissant and polish off some work. Don’t worry if their internet goes out... there's probably a Starbucks across the street.
Panera Bread: (Locations in Cranston, Smithfield, Warwick, East Greenwich, Newport and Wakefield). A bread bowl of broccoli cheddar soup and a pleasant working environment – can’t get much better.
Borders Books & Music: (Locations in Cranston, Warwick, Providence and Wakefield). Explore their vast selection of books, magazines, CDs and DVDs - and if you get lost, crack open your laptop and check the reviews online to help you make a decision.
Barnes & Noble Booksellers: (Locations in Middletown, Warwick and Smithfield). Like Borders, Barnes & Noble offers a wide selection of books, magazines, CDs and DVDs with free wifi throughout the store.
Did we miss your favorite? Write us at [email protected].
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