Laptop, latte, lovely (Image: Matthew Hague)
For the entry price of a latte, many freelancers are finding sanctuary at coffee shops, where they can plug in, boot up and work uninterrupted. But as Leah McLaren tells us, not all cafés are equally accommodating. Sam James and Manic refuse to offer Wi-Fi, and Zoots tapes over outlets to stop customers from plugging in. For a freelancer, finding a welcoming café can be as important as finding that next contract. We’ve scoured the city for bright, spacious, laptop-friendly spots where great food, strong coffee and plentiful outlets make for a freelancer’s (temporary) paradise. Here, our eight picks.
A great list, but there is one missing: Ground Level Cafe.
Located at 1496 Queen St W, GLC has ample outlets, free wi-fi, and large worktables. The nearly floor-to-ceiling windows offer a lot of natural light, choice of comfortable wicker chairs or seats at tables, and the quiche and daily soups are to die for.
An additional benefit is that this is a social purpose enterprise. Ground Level Youth Ventures hires at-risk youth into the cafe to teach them transferrable job skills and offer a safe work environment with qualified resources to help them make healthier lifestyle choices so that they can graduate from our space and move on to even more fulfilling work.
March 10, 2010 at 11:12 am | by Ground Level CafeI’d add two more:
Jimmy’s Coffee (Portland @ King)
I love this space to work in!
http://www.coffeeatjimmys.com/
http://www.martiniboys.com/Toronto/Jimmy%27s-Coffee-review.html
Spot Coffee @ Concord Place (Spadina/Front)
March 11, 2010 at 9:52 am | by Emily L.TONS of room to work & lots of windows.
Golden Mint Coffee and Tea on Yonge and College is also an amazing place to study or freelance. It has free wi-fi, nice chairs, two big windows, and two plug-in outlets. Really yummy and cheap breakfast bagels, and lots of chocolate.
http://www.goldenmint.com/
March 12, 2010 at 9:35 am | by Golden Mint Coffee and TeaBest kept secret: True Brew Cafe. Lattes, homemade muffins and treats made in front of you. Sandwiches and awesome homemade soup. Three tables each with an outlet and two leather armchairs with an outlet. Wi-fi. Friendly people! Woodbine and Danforth. I know they’re on facebook…
March 16, 2010 at 10:23 am | by Mr. AndersonOne other gem missing from the list. The Only Cafe on 972 Danforth just west of Jones. Funky, comfy seats, free wifi(just ask waiters for password), great vibe, great service, excellent coffee, pastries and some bar food. Fabulous breakfast menu on weekends. I may regret letting you all know! (Save me a seat!)www.theonlycafe.com
March 16, 2010 at 5:57 pm | by LorrieI’m surprised White Squirrel isn’t on your list. Sitting here this morning having a coffee and I’m surrounded by half a dozen people working on laptops.
March 20, 2010 at 12:04 pm | by Patrick LawHey, why not grab your coffee To Go and try a co-working space that just opened up at Adelaide/Church? “Camaraderie” is awesome and freelancer-friendly!! Great place to work if you can’t find a seat at your local coffee shop. Drop in for a visit and check it out. I’ve met some really neat people there. http://www.camaraderie.ca
April 20, 2010 at 12:57 pm | by Sandi