Where can I get sit and work in NY?

May 25, 2008 11:45 AM

Where can I get some work done tomorrow in Manhattan (around 65th and Broadway)?

I am visiting New York for non-business reasons, but now find that I will need to spend all day tomorrow (Memorial Day) working, but will lose my hotel room in the morning (no late checkout available).

My work needs are a place with Wi-Fi (preferably paid, as I am not entirely comfortable with security otherwise) where it is not too loud for me to talk on the phone, but not too quiet where talking on the phone will disturb others. It looks like it will be a nice day, so an outdoor location could work well.

Ideally, this would be within a few blocks of 65th and Broadway. I know others have asked similar questions, but they tend to be looking for free Wi-Fi, which I am not.

posted by lionelhutz5 to travel & transportation (5 comments total)

That area of Manhattan has a dearth of sit-around-and-work cafes, other than the ubiquitous Starbucks. If you want to venture up to the Columbia area, Saurin Parke cafe is a good place to spend a few hours. Take the 1/9 up to 110th Street.
posted by footnote at 12:24 PM on May 25, 2008

Perhaps your hotel will let you use their lobby, even though they need you to be out of your room? Or you can ask the front desk for suggestions.

Starbucks might not be a bad choice, they have TMobile available.
posted by sondrialiac at 12:27 PM on May 25, 2008

If the weather is cooperating and you can find a place where you can work without too much glare, try the plazas at Lincoln Center. They supposedly have free, sponsored wifi. YMMV.

There is a Barnes and Noble (with a Starbucks Cafe inside) nearby. Uncertain if they will be open tomorrow, but you could call and ask:

1972 Broadway
212-595-6859

Additionally, there is a Borders Books & Music inside the Time Warner Center at Columbus Circle (59th and Broadway), but I'm unsure of their holiday hours or wifi availability.

If you are willing to walk across the park, there is always the Apple Store on 59th Street and 5th Avenue.

Good luck! I hope you find a nice spot, with an outlet, somewhere.
posted by kathryn at 1:13 PM on May 25, 2008

Saurin Parke changed hands and is now Cafe Amrita. The new owner sealed up the electrical outlets to prevent long-term laptop use.

Damrosch Park is at the southwestern corner of Lincoln Center and is quite nice. Not sure if the wifi reaches there.

There won't be any power outlets, but a big section of lower Central Park has wifi.
posted by plastic_animals at 3:12 PM on May 25, 2008

The Barnes and Noble at 68th and Broadway has a Starbucks in it, and I'm pretty sure you can buy WiFi there. It is so suitable for your purposes that it seemed to me that it was always crowded with people doing just what you plan on doing.
posted by ikkyu2 at 4:51 PM on May 25, 2008