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:
CHPL multiple
Why it’s great: FREE and so many great resources, including printing services
Travel info: many area libraries have dedicated lots. The Main Branch downtown is located on the Connector route (station – Public Library) and serves several nearby Metro routes.
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
Hi-Wire Brewing Norwood
When to go: Fridays they open at noon, so it’s a great place to work for the afternoon
Travel info: free parking garage adjacent to the brewery
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
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
Roebling Books & Coffee Dayton, KY
Why it’s great: excellent ambiance and food menu onsite courtesy of Lil’s Kitchen.
Travel info: free street parking and on the #12 TANK route
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.