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.