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 Columbus was at the top of our to-do list, so can we just say? Check.
The German Village location is right next door to the Book Loft if you need a break from work. | Photo via @staufs_coffee
Coffee and tea shops
Crimson Cup, Multiple locations
- Hours of operation: Times vary
- Restrooms: Yes
- Covered: No
- Stop by locations such as the Clintonville shop to find metal picnic tables in a partially fenced area.
Kafé Kerouac, 2250 N. High St.
- Hours of operation: Times vary
- Restrooms: Yes
- Covered: No
- This campus spot offers a few tables on its patios and is open late on the weekends for those overtime hours.
Parable Coffee, 149 S. High St.
- Hours of operation: 7 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday-Thursday | 7 a.m.-11 p.m. Friday-Sunday
- Restrooms: Yes
- Covered: Partially
- Spend your workday in a lush coffee shop + one of the most photogenic downtown patio.
Roosevelt Coffeehouse, 300 E. Long St.
- Hours of operation: 7 a.m.-6 p.m. weekdays | 8 a.m.-6 p.m. weekends
- Restrooms: Yes
- Covered: No
- You’ll have to move quickly to secure a picnic table or high top at Roosevelt’s downtown shop, but that’s where the caffeine boost from the ethically sourced coffee can help.
Stauf’s Coffee Roasters, Multiple locations
- Hours of operation: Times vary
- Restrooms: Yes
- Covered: Partially
- Stop by the Grandview location, the Neil Avenue spot, or the German Village location to find a pup-friendly patio space.
Understory’s patio is right by the Olentangy Trail with scenic nature views. | Photo via @understory_cbus
Restaurants and bars
Getaway Brewing, 108 N. High St.
- Hours of operation: 9 a.m.-4 p.m.
- Restrooms: Yes
- Covered: Yes
- While not fully outside, the Getaway Brewing sunroom offers scenic views of the Scioto River in Dublin. This space is available every Tuesday thanks to Work From Here, a local coworking pop-up.
North Market Downtown, 59 Spruce St.
- Hours of operation: 9 a.m.-7 p.m. Tuesday-Saturday | 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Sunday-Monday
- Restrooms: Yes
- Covered: Partially
- Sit outside at one of the many picnic tables available on Park Street + recharge your devices inside with the outlets upstairs. Grab a jelly filled donut from Buckeye Donuts while you’re inside, too.
Northstar Café, Multiple locations
- Hours of operation: Times vary
- Restrooms: Yes
- Covered: Partially
- This popular brunch spot has a patio at many of its locations, including in the Short North, Westerville, and Easton. City Editor Mitch highly recommends the everyday egg sandwich with avocado.
Seventh Son Brewing Co., 1104 N. 4th St.
- Hours of operation: 9 a.m.-4 p.m.
- Restrooms: Yes
- Covered: Retractable roof
- Cozy up at this craft brewery with an upstairs patio that features a retractable roof. This location offers Work From Here every Thursday.
Understory, 2571 Neil Ave.
- Hours of operation: 9 a.m.-4 p.m.
- Restrooms: Yes
- Covered: Yes
- Stop by on Wednesdays for the lounge that overlooks the Olentangy Trail + be the first in line for a cocktail when the bar opens.
The recently renovated Kaufman Plaza behind the Columbus Library. | Photo via Columbus Metropolitan Library
Parks and public spaces
Columbus Metropolitan Library — Main Branch, 96 S. Grant Ave.
- Hours of operation: 9 a.m.-6 p.m.
- Restrooms: Yes
- Covered: Partially
- The library recently renovated its East Plaza, offering an outdoor space with ample seating and a connection to Topiary Park.
Columbus Commons, 160 S. High St.
- Hours of operation: 7 a.m.-11 p.m.
- Restrooms: Yes
- Covered: In some areas
- Spend your day working here, and say thanks to the Columbus Metropolitan Library for providing the wifi. Pro tip: Try a breakfast food truck on Wednesday mornings, or grab lunch on Thursdays in the summer.
CoHatch Easton, 4182 Worth Ave., Ste. I-115
- Hours of operation:
- Restrooms: Yes
- Covered: No
- This popular coworking space offers a large outdoor patio + amenities such as a beer vending machine, a wine fridge, and a podcast recording room with equipment included.
