Ask Downtown: What Are Your Favorite WIFI Spots?
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.
BoltBarbers
213DowntownLA
FIDM
TheGRAMMYMuseum
monkeyface on October 24, 2008, at 08:59AM – #1
please include places offer free wifi
loftdweller on October 24, 2008, at 09:11AM – #2
Starbucks at Elleven...great ambiance to work at. Free WiFi, Restrooms, nice atmosphere.
Eric Richardson (@blogdowntown) on October 24, 2008, at 09:46AM – #3
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.
meekorouse on October 24, 2008, at 10:53AM – #4
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.
Rich Alossi on October 24, 2008, at 12:11PM – #5
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...
Seth on October 24, 2008, at 12:16PM – #6
2nd/Central Starbucks
Karin Liljegren on October 25, 2008, at 08:13AM – #7
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)
Kevin Haah on October 25, 2008, at 12:01PM – #8
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.
Jason Li on October 25, 2008, at 07:21PM – #9
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 - Santee Court - Fiore Little Tokyo (free with purchase, which lasts at least a week) - Little Tokyo plaza outdoor area - but coverage is very weak - 7+ Fig upper outside area - Ralphs - Omni Hotel (outside courtyard)
Laura on November 04, 2008, at 06:30PM – #10
Being new to downtown, just wanted to let people know that we have free wifi. siptea is at 852 S Broadway.
scott on May 07, 2009, at 11:44PM – #11
If i told you, you'd all probably use up what few precious ac outlets that I know of that are availabe downtown, not to mention bandwidth.
LA Wife Joke on May 08, 2009, at 12:18AM – #12
Anyone have any success with that ExperienceLAwifi ? Even when I seem to be near Broadway or wherever has the strongest signal, it never works.
When does The City of LA provide proper free Wi-Fi coverage? Maybe that will attract more people to downtown, unless the $3 parking meters don't keep them away.