Java and free WiFi Cafes
What are some of your favorite cafes in Manhattan with free wifi and decent coffee or tea?
The really important thing is a steady wifi connection in this case. I know at many coffee shops, you can piggyback off of unsecured networks. But... where do you go when you want to linger and type up something?
And when you go, do you feel compelled to tip extra because you're using the free WiFi? Or buy an extra scone or something?
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4 Comments:
I thought housingworks would have great wifi, but they don't. Good brownies though.
Aynsl156 at 5:46AM on 03/05/09
I don't live in New York - however I do caution the use of 'free wi fi' for computer security issues. I stick with the statement - 'what you don't know will really scare the daylights out of you'.
If you really need ubiquitous connectivity, I suggest a broadband subscription with an air card for you laptop - through any of the cellular carriers. Also, if you've got a company VPN connection to their network - use it and piggy back off their internet connection (only if doing so fits within their acceptable use policy). I don't suggest risking your job.
Ribster at 11:02AM on 03/05/09
I've found that very few Manhattan coffee shops offer free wireless Internet access, simply because it isn't profitable enough for them to encourage you to linger. They benefit a lot more from foot traffic, especially if you aren't trying to use their electricity to boot.
A lot of the ones that HAVE offered free wireless (Cafe Ari, alt.coffee, 17 Bleecker, Lotus) end up closing after a while anyway. The notable exceptions are Think (although it's quite spotty), Aroma (bring headphones as they play terrible music), Soy Luck Club (minimum purchase required), Mercury Dime (but it's always empty, so possibly not long for this world), Roasting Plant (LES location only, I think, but they have like 3 seats and it's pretty uncomfortable).
kathrynyu at 12:37PM on 03/05/09
@Ribster,
Thanks for the heads up. I looked into the whole packet stealing business, and I'm not too afraid of it. I mainly just need a connection to find info, not to do anything serious.
@katherynyu,
hahaha, "bring headphones as they play terrible music." awesome. Thanks for all the suggestions!
foodinmouth at 4:00PM on 03/05/09