Wireless in the City
By Chelsea Sime, San Francisco
Free (or at least cheap) wireless access has spread beyond coffee shops to include parks, laundromats, pizza spots and now even bars-- allowing you to search Craigslist for a job, even as you enjoy the hard liquor that's left you without one. Giving you the hook-up on places that have the hook-up, our list of WiFi hotspots.
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Java Beach Cafe
1396 La Playa St, San Francisco, CA
Neighborhood locals show up early at this Outer Sunset spot to plug in at one of the small tables before the surfers and tourists show up for their morning java fix. -
Coffee Bar
1890 Bryant St, San Francisco, CA
Drinks of both the caffeinated and alcoholic variety can be found at this lofty lounge space on the Mission/Potrero Hill border. -
The Grind Cafe
783 Haight St, San Francisco, CA
This large, airy Lower Haight cafe serves hearty breakfast all day, making it a popular choice for nearby telecommuters, especially on a day warm enough to enjoy the outside seating. -
Revolution Cafe
3248 22nd St, San Francisco, CA
This half-indoor, half-outdoor bohemian cafe in the Mission offers lots of sun, be-dreaded counter-culture types (many with laptop in hand) and live music. -
Ritual Coffee Roasters
1026 Valencia St, San Francisco, CA
Known for having the best beans and baristas in the city, Ritual is also a Mecca for fixie-bike-riding, laptop-toting hipsters. -
Coffee to the People
1206 Masonic Ave, San Francisco, CA
This Upper Haight hangout with a communal vibe caters to caffeine fiends and offers free Wi-Fi all day plus great people-watching opportunities. -
Nook
1500 Hyde St., San Francisco, CA
Free wireless is limited to Monday-Friday 7am-6pm, making this bright cornerstone of the Hyde Street cafe scene a popular destination for folks looking for a home office away from home. -
Cafe Abir
1300 Fulton St, San Francisco, CA
This Divisadero cafe lures faithful legions with its locally roasted coffee, a versatile menu, long hours and free Wi-Fi. -
Philz Coffee
201 Berry St, San Francisco, CA
One of SF's most recognized names in coffee culture makes a welcome addition to the blossoming Mission Bay neighborhood, especially among local techies who enjoy a mint iced coffee with their Wi-Fi. -
Blue Danube Coffee House
306 Clement St, San Francisco, CA
This Inner Richmond Bohemian java joint has an extensive list of smoothies and breakfast or lunch bites, plus cheap wireless Internet and some sunny outdoor seating.
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Kennedy's Irish Pub and Curry House
1040 Columbus Ave, San Francisco, CA
Get your Guinness, curry and Wi-Fi in one location at this retro, cavernous North Beach venue. -
111 Minna Street Gallery
111 Minna St, San Francisco, CA
This edgy SoMa art gallery by day turns into an uber-hip club by night, while offering free wireless to the multitude of FiDi workers that flock here after hours. -
Union Square
Geary Street at Stockton Street, San Francisco, CA
Unplug and head outdoors on a rare sunny day to anywhere in Union Square--the mayor's office has supplied Wi-Fi to the public park. -
540 Club
540 Clement St, San Francisco, CA
Inner Richmond hangout entices a collegiate crowd with dirt-cheap drink specials and the ability to research papers outside of their dorm rooms. -
Brain Wash Cafe and Laundromat
1122 Folsom St., San Francisco, CA
SoMa locals suds their duds, sip beer, surf the 'net and eat burgers at this multi-tasker mecca. -
San Francisco Public Library -- Main Branch
100 Larkin Street, San Francisco, CA
This centrally located branch of the public library is a multi-storied oasis for readers, writers and anyone who wants a little peace and quiet. -
Cybelle's Front Room
1385 Ninth Ave, San Francisco, CA
"Working from home" isn't really working when you're munching pizza and swigging pints at this Inner Sunset sports-style bar and restaurant. -
Maggie Mudd
903 Cortland Ave, San Francisco, CA
Vegans go crazy for the inventive dairy-free flavors at this family-style Bernal Heights ice cream parlor that also offers wireless access. -
Temple Bar
600 Polk St, San Francisco, CA
Culinary students and Civic Center professionals head here (often with laptops) for nachos and cheap happy-hour pints.
