For those that work at home, it's hard to always peck away in solitude. But where to go?
Of course the quality of the caramel macchiato is important. But so is free WiFi, availability of outlets and willingness of the staff to let you stay for hours.
This occasional column will give you the scoop. And we hope you'll give us yours in the comments.
Today we found a surprisingly welcoming work environment at Fish & Sip, the fish-and-chips/coffee bar located on Flatbush Avenue between Bergen and Dean streets.
The cafe has free WiFi and three-pronged outlets in both the front and back. Today they played mostly '70's folk music and it wasn't too loud.
The menu is extensive and reasonably priced, offering a lattes starting at $2.49, a large selection of breakfast items ($2.99-$7.99) served until 11:30 a.m., and a both fish and non-fish offerings such as soup, sandwiches, pasta and salads.
But best of all was the welcoming staff. They let me linger for hours over a single Snapple before I ordered the (excellent) Ahi tuna for lunch ($12.99 including two sides). They pointed out the outlets, they let me use an extra table to spread out. And, when I left without my camera, they chased me across Flatbush to give it back.
But except for one person, the other patrons were there for lunch, so if you want to be surrounded by other laptoppers, a traditional coffee shop might still be a better choice.
The Particulars: Fish & Sip Cafe, 216 Flatbush Ave., 718-636-2256. Open M-Sa. 7 a.m. to 10 p.m., Sun. 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Where to Work is an occasional column that explores the best places to hang out with your laptop in the Prospect Heights area.
