Ask Downtown: What Are Your Favorite WIFI Spots?

By Eric Richardson
Published: Friday, October 24, 2008, at 08:11AM

Eric Richardson [Flickr]

One of the WIFI radios at Pershing Square gets switched out back in May, when the ExperienceLAWiFi network expanded.

DOWNTOWN LOS ANGELES — Given the number of Downtowners whose professions don't provide a traditional office, it's no surprise that places offering WIFI are in high demand. Next week I plan to profile some of my favorite spots to work, but first I want to open the question up to you: What are your favorite Downtown WIFI spots?

I spend large parts of my days wandering from one WIFI spot to another. In doing so, I know I've developed a pretty extensive mental map of where I can find essentials like power, restrooms, etc, without having to stop back by the apartment.

Where do you go when you want to take your laptop out and get some work done? What are spots you've tried that just don't work for you? Each place has its positives and negatives, so try to give some info on things like free vs. pay connections, reliability, power outlets, food or drink, etc.

Touring Downtown WIFI: Starbucks
November 24, 2008

This story belongs to the following topics:

Topic:
Ask Downtown

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Comments

monkeyface writes:

please include places offer free wifi

# on Oct.24.2008 AT 08:59 AM

loftdweller writes:

Starbucks at Elleven…great ambiance to work at. Free WiFi, Restrooms, nice atmosphere.

# on Oct.24.2008 AT 09:11 AM

Eric Richardson writes:

loftdweller: “Free” in the case of Starbucks being 2 hours per day with a Starbucks card, correct?

I’ve started hanging out at that Starbucks some in the last two weeks, and it really does have a great community atmosphere.

# on Oct.24.2008 AT 09:46 AM

meekorouse writes:

when I can’t use my own wifi, (I can still get my own signal at Banquette) I like going to Weeneez not only is the food great, but the wifi signal is decent.

My Second favorite are ties at: PitFire Pizza, Lost Souls (when it’s working) and Ground Works (arts district location has sandwiches and stuff so you can actually get a meal vs. 2nd St. location)

If you don’t want food the Central Library has tolerable wifi & facilities.

# on Oct.24.2008 AT 10:53 AM

Rich Alossi writes:

Lost Souls is my favorite place to work, and I can be found there most days (well, depending on the previous week’s paycheck of course).

They really improved their wifi. Whereas before it was off and on at best, they replaced the router and it’s strong.

Of course I say that now but the other day their wifi was down again…

# on Oct.24.2008 AT 12:11 PM

Seth writes:

2nd/Central Starbucks

# on Oct.24.2008 AT 12:16 PM

Karin Liljegren writes:

LA Athletic Club. In between meetings etc., I squeeze in a workout and sit in the historic and usually empty 3rd floor bar/lounge for free great wifi (but you do need to be a LAAC member)

# on Oct.25.2008 AT 08:13 AM

Kevin Haah writes:

Blue Dahlia Cafe in the Art District (3rd and Traction) has great ambience and free wifi all the time. They also have a great patio. This is one of my favorite wifi spots in downtown.

# on Oct.25.2008 AT 12:01 PM

Jason Li writes:

I usually spend about 2-4 days a week using public wifi spots as an office. Below are the places I’ve been to.

Wifi and power

Lost Souls: sometimes not working, bad mobile phone coverage (at&t and t-mobile), bad a/c on a hot day
Lot44 (they finally removed their banner adds)
Central and Little Tokyo Library (but difficult to talk on the mobile phone without disturbing others)

Places with free wifi, but no power