You’ve got a big presentation due… and a big pile of laundry taunting you. We get it — working from home can be a mixed blessing. There are days when a change of scenery is a must if you’re going to get anything done. The good news? Research shows that tackling your tasks al fresco actually helps boost productivity.
Finding places to work outside in the Alamo City was at the top of our to-do list, so can we just say? Check.
Coffee and tea shops
Caffeine reigns supreme if you have a latte work to finish. Put on your favorite playlist and get to it.
Coffee and Culture Bakery, 13489 Blanco Rd.
Sunday - Thursday, 7 a.m.-6 p.m.; Friday - Saturday, 7 a.m.-9 p.m.
Wifi: Yes
Covered: Partially
Fuel up on coffee + pastries while sitting outside under the awning or an umbrella. If you stay long enough, you can grab a mimosa to celebrate completing that big project.
CommonWealth Coffee, Multiple locations
Daily, hours vary on location
Wifi: Yes
Covered: Partially
Depending on your mood, you can choose one of three locations to work from. We recommend its Hemisfair location that has plenty of outdoor seating for you to crank out that report and enjoy the views of the park.
Early Bird Coffee, 11745 I-10 #527
Daily, Monday-Friday, 7 a.m.-2 p.m.; Saturday + Sunday, 8 a.m.-2 p.m.
Wifi: Yes
Covered: Partially
Order ahead during the week to skip the line, then sit outside and enjoy the weather. Don’t forget to take a selfie with their neon sign before heading outside. Pro tip: Show up early because seating is limited.
Local Coffee Founders, 302 Pearl Pkwy.
Daily, Monday-Friday, 6:30 a.m.-8 p.m.; Saturday + Sunday 7 a.m.-8 p.m.
Wifi: Yes
Covered: No
Take in the sites and sounds of the Historic Pearl on the patio while enjoying a fresh cup of coffee, a quick bite, and tasty pastries.
Press Coffee, Multiple locations
Daily, hours vary on location
Wifi: Yes
Covered: Partially
The recently opened second location on West Ave., features yellow umbrellas to sit under outside, while the original location tucked away on Broadway offers quiet spots around the cafe to work.
Thirty Grind, 17803 La Cantera Terrace Suite 8123
Tuesday-Friday, 7 a.m.-2 p.m. + Saturday + Sunday 8 a.m.-3 p.m.
Wifi: Yes
Covered: Partially
What’s better than drinking an iced latte out of a wine glass at 9 a.m.? Not working...Just kidding. This small patio near the Eilan Hotel and Spa is a great secluded spot to respond to emails or write your next novel.
Restaurants and bars
At these fine establishments, the patio is the way to go — especially when the Alamo City weather is at its best. Order some food and drinks to fuel your focus.
Alamo Beer Co., 202 Lamar St.
Wednesday-Thursday, 3-10 p.m.; Friday-Saturday, 12-10 p.m.; Sunday, 12-8 p.m.
Wifi: Yes
Covered: No
Grab a pint of the latest brew to finish off the workday at this brewery under the Hays Street Bridge.
Bakery Lorraine, multiple locations
Daily, hours vary
Wifi: Yes
Covered: Partial
With four locations around town (including one inside the DoSeum), order an iced coffee and a pastry before you claim a spot outside to work. If you stay for lunch, try the Cuban Sandwich with roasted pork loin, jambon, fontina cheese, arugula, pickles, and dijonnaise mustard.
Box St. All Day, multiple locations
Daily, hours vary
Wifi: Yes
Covered: Yes
Venture to this downtown eatery in Hemisfair and enjoy a working lunch under its brand new fan-cooled awning. Can’t make it downtown? Check out its newest location in La Cantera Heights. If you stay long enough, you can also try the dinner menu.
Candlelight CoffeeHouse/PourHouse, 107 Kings Ct.
Friday, 10 a.m.-2 p.m.; Saturday + Sunday, 8 a.m.-2 p.m.
Wifi: Yes
Covered: Partially
Don’t let the mimosas deal distract you from the work day. Power up with a latte after your lunch and crush that expense report.
Freetail Brewing Company, 4035 N. Loop 1604 W.
Daily, 11 a.m.-10 p.m.
Wifi: Yes
Covered: Yes
Work remotely at this locally owned brewery and grab a pint to celebrate the end of the work day.
Halcyon, 414 S. Alamo St.
Daily, Sunday-Thursday, 8 a.m.-12 a.m.; Friday + Saturday 8 a.m.-2 a.m
Wifi: Yes
Covered: Yes
Even though the interior is spacious, it can fill up quickly during weekdays with students and like-minded remote workers. Thankfully there are plenty of tables outside facing the River Walk.
Idle Beer Hall & Brewery, 414 Brooklyn Ave.
Daily, Sunday-Thursday, noon to midnight; Friday + Saturday noon-2 a.m.
Wifi: Yes
Covered: Partially
Find a spot on the outdoor patio to catch some rays while jumping on a Zoom call with your boss. Located next to Make Ready Market, this brewery is also dog-friendly and hosts occasional food pop-ups.
Parks and public spaces
It’s hard to beat fresh air when you want to think clearly. Set up a picnic blanket or head to your favorite picnic table — just don’t forget to charge your devices and bring your own hotspot. Pro tip: Check out the list of San Antonio Parks with free wifi.
Civic Park, 210 S. Alamo St.
Daily, 5 a.m. – midnight
Wifi: No
Covered: Partially
Bring your blanket and spread out on the Great Lawn to soak up the sun while getting some work done. If grass isn’t your vibe, snag an umbrella-covered table near the Promenade and let the sounds of the flowing Springs help you focus on that report.
Harlandale Park, 7227 Briar Place
Daily, 5 a.m. – 11 p.m.
Wifi: Yes
Covered: Yes
Pop a squat underneath one of the pavilions at the park or head to a picnic table to be one with nature and get your work done.
Historic Pearl, 303 Pearl Pkwy.
Daily, 24 hours
Wifi: No
Covered: Partially
This spots gives the the luxury of working outside in a gorgeous green space, and the ability to people watch between meetings. Grab a beverage and food from the Food Hall for lunch while you’re there.
Phil Hardberger Park East, 13203 Blanco Rd.
Daily, sunrise to sunset
Wifi: Yes
Covered: Partially
Enjoy the fresh air and shade from the trees while hopping on a weekly Zoom call with your team. Wi-Fi is available in the Salado Creek Outdoor Classroom. Bring your dog and take them to the dog park after work but don’t stay too long because the gates close at sundown.
Southside Lions Park, 3100 Hiawatha
Daily, 5 a.m. – 11 p.m.
Wifi: Yes
Covered: Partially
Bring your drinks, snacks, and blanket to this spot with views of the lake off Pecan Valley Drive. You can also work from Pavilion 1 (this one has WiFi). Need to take a break? Check out the tennis court or the trails near by.
Woodlawn Lake Park, 1103 Cincinnati Ave.
Daily, 5 a.m. – 11 p.m.
Wifi: Yes
Covered: Partially
Don’t forget to turn off your hot-spot as you take a stretch break by walking around the lake. Too hot outside? The meeting room has free Wi-Fi so that citizens can utilize their laptops and other electronic devices.
