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, varying hours
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.
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.
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
Finish off the day at this brewery under the Hays Street Bridge.
Box St. All Day, 623 Hemisfair Blvd. Ste. 108
Daily, Monday-Saturday, 9 a.m.- 9 p.m.; Sunday, 9 a.m.-2:30 p.m.
Wifi: Yes
Covered: Yes
Come down to this downtown eatery in Hemisfair and enjoy a working lunch under the brand new awning. If you stay long enough, you can also try the new 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.
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.
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.
