You’ve got a big presentation due… and a big pile of laundry taunting you. We get it — working from home can be a mixed blessing. There are days when a change of scenery is a must if you’re going to get anything done.
The good news? Research shows that tackling your tasks al fresco actually helps boost productivity .
Finding places to work outside in Austin was at the top of our to-do list, so can we just say... check.
Brentwood Social House is a female-owned, community cafe often used for meetings and small gatherings.
Photo by @brentwoodsocialhouse
Coffee and tea shops
Brentwood Social House
| 1601 W. Koenig Lane, Austin
8 a.m.-3 p.m. Monday-Tuesday, 8 a.m.- 6 p.m. Wednesday–Sunday
WiFi: Yes
Covered: Yes
Take your afternoon tea with a fresh croissant in hand from Brentwood’s vast patio.
Cherrywood Coffeehouse
| 1400 E. 38th 1/2 St., Austin
Daily, 7 a.m.-10:30 p.m.
WiFi: Yes
Covered: Partially
This indoor-outdoor coffeehouse offers beer on tap for a seamless transition from work to play.
The Flightpath Coffeehouse
| 5011 Duval St., Austin
Daily, 7 a.m.-7 p.m.
WiFi: Yes
Covered: Yes
This long-standing coffee shop has been known for its art decorations + tranquil vibes since 1992.
Mozart’s Coffee Roasters
| 3825 Lake Austin Blvd., Austin
Daily, 7 a.m.-12 a.m
WiFi: Yes
Covered: Partially
This popular coffee spot has been in Austin since 1993, offering breathtaking views of Lake Austin. You might find yourself dreaming of being on the lake while you’re out there working.
Once Over Coffee Bar
| 2009 S. 1st St., Austin
7 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday-Saturday, 7 a.m.- 3 p.m. Sunday
WiFi: Yes
Covered: Partially
This intimate little coffee shop’s petite green patio is a south Austin oasis.
Meanwhile was crowned ATXtoday readers’ favorite brewery this year.
Photo by ATXtoday
Restaurants and bars
Better Half Coffee + Cocktails
| 406 Walsh St., Austin
Daily, hours vary
WiFi: Yes
Covered: Partially
This all-day spot offers elevated takes on American cafe classics, and sits right next door to its brewery, Hold Out Brewing
.
Cenote
| 1010 E. Cesar Chavez St., Austin
Daily, hours vary
WiFi: Yes
Covered: Partially
This East Austin restaurant has a heated patio, making it the go-to place to work outside in winter.
The Little Darlin’
| 6507 Circle S. Rd., Austin
Daily, 11 a.m.-2 a.m.
WiFi: Yes
Covered: No
This neighborhood “watering hole” has an enormous back patio and also serves brunch on the weekends.
Meanwhile Brewing
| 3901 Promontory Point Dr., Austin
Daily, hours vary
WiFi: Yes
Covered: Partially
This brewery has an expansive backyard to work or enjoy a fresh brew in.
Wright Bros. Brew and Brew
| 500 San Marcos St., Austin
Daily, hours vary
WiFi: Yes
Covered: Yes
Get some work done, then treat yourself to some wine + a Destroyer Sandwich.
Take the laptop + your pup to Yard Bar for some fun in the sun. | Photo by @luannetheausshole
Photo courtesy of MUTTS Canine Cantina® Austin
Dog-friendly
Cosmic Coffee + Beer Garden
| 121 Pickle Rd., Austin
8 a.m.-11 p.m. Sunday-Wednesday, 8 a.m.-Midnight Thursday-Saturday
WiFi: Yes
Covered: Partially
This beloved local outdoor haven is a garden, food truck park, coffee shop, and bar all rolled into one.
Mutts Canine Cantina
| 9825 N. Lake Creek Pkwy., Austin
TBA, opening Thursday, Aug. 10
WiFi: Yes
Covered: Partially
This new doggy park has a full food and drink menu — for both dogs and humans — plus a 1.6-acre dog park.
Yard Bar
| 6700 Burnet Rd., Austin
Daily, 11 a.m.-10 p.m.
WiFi: Yes
Covered: Partially
This place is a one-stop shop. Sit at a picnic table and enjoy the bar, restaurant, and dog park. Work hard, play hard, right?
Work & Woof
| 4930 S. Congress Ave., Austin
Monday-Saturday, hours vary
WiFi: Yes
Covered: Yes
No more separation anxiety, friends. This coworking space offers Dog Daycare, open desks, and private offices. What’s better than taking a break from working inside and playing with your dog outside?
Who can pass up working atop Austin’s most famous mountain? | Photo by @atxweatherman
Parks and public spaces
Mount Bonnell
| 3800 Mount Bonnell Rd., Austin
Daily, 5 a.m.-10 p.m.
WiFi: No
Covered: No
Who says you can’t work from a mountain? Snag one of the picnic tables at this popular landmark
+ enjoy the amazing views of Lake Austin. Don’t forget to wear comfortable sneakers for the hike.
Waterloo Park
| 500 E. 12th St.
Daily, 5 a.m.-10 p.m.
WiFi: No
Covered: No
Prepare to enjoy working on 11 acres of revitalized green space in the heart of Austin.
Zilker Park
| 2100 Barton Springs Rd.
Daily, 5 a.m.-10 p.m.
WiFi: No
Covered: Partially
You can’t go wrong with the classics. Bring a picnic blanket, a snack, a four-legged friend, and your laptop for a relaxing outdoor office.
What did we miss? If you know an outdoor spot that’s not on the list, let us know using this survey .