I have the privilege of flexibility when it comes to work and, since working from home isn’t usually practical for me (don’t have the space for an office and I’m not very productive at home as a result of that and noisy kids being at home), I often find places around town to support while working. For various reasons, these are some of my favorite places to get things done:
Chasing Cali Collective* Reading
Why it’s great: their childcare makes it great to know the littles are getting attention and having fun while you get work done, and there is a coffee shop onsite
Travel info: lot parking
Note: drop-in rates and memberships available
Cincinnati & Hamilton County Public Library (CHPL)* multiple
Why it’s great: FREE and so many great resources, including printing services. You can also reserve meeting and study rooms at most branches.
Travel info: many area libraries have dedicated lots. The Main Branch downtown is located on the Connector route (station – Public Library) and is served by several nearby Metro routes.
Recommended branches with workspaces that oversee the children’s area: Forest Park, Cheviot, Mt Healthy, and Walnut Hills
Cincinnati Art Museum* Mt Adams
Why it’s great: FREE admission and parking, plus kids can play in the REC while you sit at a table and work (excellent for days when the kids are off school but you still have to work)
Travel info: lot parking and on the #1 bus line
Coffee Emporium OTR
Why it’s great: large drink and food menus
Travel info: metered street parking and nearby pay lots
Cream + Sugar Coffeehouse Evanston
Why it’s great: Black-owned business with full coffee menu and excellent light bites (check out the brunch toast)
Travel info: free street parking, on the #4 bus line
Fable Cafe Westwood
Why it’s great: great drink options and even better pastries
Travel info: free street parking, and some lot parking (paid and otherwise) nearby; on the #21, 38, 40, and 41 bus lines
Fort Thomas Coffee* Fort Thomas
Why it’s great: plenty of free street parking and breakfast, lunch and dinner menus
Travel info: free street parking
Luminary by La Terza College Hill
Why it’s great: coffee shop with dedicated kids’ space
Travel info: free lot parking and on the #17 and 41 bus lines
Mercantile Library Central Business District
Why it’s great: large, beautiful, and quiet place to work
Travel info: located by several bus stops and near the Fountain Square Connector Stop (station 18); pay lots and street parking nearby
The library is open to the public to visit, but to use the space to work, check out books, and wifi, is reserved for members. Click here for more information.
Mom ‘n ’em Coffee & Wine Camp Washington and Madisonville
Why it’s great: the Camp Washington location is comfy and homey while Madisonville is chic and newer—both offering great workspaces.
Food options: pastries and light bites
Travel info: free street parking at both locations
Newport on the Levee* Newport
Why it’s great: tables to work (and also eat, if you would like) that overlook the indoor Children’s Play Area with several food options nearby
Travel info: paid garage parking
Urbana Cafe Atlas Building Central Business District
Why it’s great: large, great meeting space with drinks and a small food menu with a couple of sandwiches and pastries
Travel info: located by several bus stops and near the Fountain Square Connector Stop (station 18); pay lots and street parking nearby
West Side Brewing Westwood
Why it’s great: have a beer or food (restaurants nearby do carryout) while you work, plus TVs play sporting events throughout the day
When to go: on sunny, mild days when they open the windows to the street
Travel info: nearby pay lots, free street parking, and on the #21 and 40 bus lines
Note: parking downtown can be expensive, so it would be cheaper to take public transit to where you are going. Need help navigating the Metro and Cincinnati Connector for your next trip downtown? Just ask!
Tip: If you need to make calls or need to have an actual meeting space, I would recommend a dedicated workspace more than simply a local business with wifi and a good atmosphere. Some ideas for dedicated co-working spaces include COhatch, Fueled Collective, and Union Hall.
*Place with dedicated kids’ space
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