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 Louisville was at the top of our to-do list, so can we just say? Check.
Coffee and tea shops
Caffeine reigns supreme if you have a latte work to finish. Put on your favorite playlist and get to it.
Full Stop Station, 1132 E. St. Catherine St.
Daily, 7 a.m.-7 p.m.
WiFi: Yes
Covered: Partially
Full Stop in Germantown is just that — your one-stop shop for food + coffee, including a robust selection of vegan eats. Grab your fuel for the day and park it at one of the blue picnic tables outside.
Heine Brothers Coffee, Various locations
Hours vary
WiFi: Yes
Covered: Partially
In addition to an array of organic, fair-trade brews, this Louisville staple also offers a variety of teas, frozen drinks, and cold bevvys. We like the Frankfort Avenue location for an al fresco work day.
Old Louisville Coffee Co-op, 316 W. Ormsby Ave.
Monday, 8 a.m.-5 p.m.; Tuesday + Wednesday, 8 a.m.-11 p.m.; Thursday, 8 a.m.-Sunday, 11 p.m.
WiFi: Yes
Covered: Partially
Created as a space for community, art, and connection, this coffee shop boasts lots of outdoor seating along the front and side of the shop. As one of few coffee shops around LOU that’s open late, it’s perfect for night owls who like to burn the midnight oil.
TEN20 Craft Brewery - Douglass Loop, 2200 Bardstown Rd.
Daily, 6:30 a.m.-10 p.m.
WiFi: Yes
Covered: Partially
This particular TEN20 location is part brewery, part coffee shop.
Quills Coffee, Various locations
Hours vary
WiFi: Yes
Covered: Partially
Check out the Main Street Cafe location, which is set inside a repurposed firehouse. With its ample outdoor seating, you’re sure to find a spot that’ll get your creative juices flowing.
Restaurants and bars
At these fine establishments, the patio is the way to go — especially when Louisville weather is at its best. Order some food and drinks to fuel your focus.
Against the Grain Public House, 401 E. Main St.
Sunday-Thursday, 11 a.m.-10 p.m.; Friday + Saturday, 11 a.m.-11 p.m.
WiFi: Yes
Covered: Partially
Grab a pint or two at this award-winning brewery, then open your laptop and get down to business under an umbrella at one of the community-style tables.
The Cafe, 731 Brent St.
Daily, 8 a.m.-9 p.m.
WiFi: No
Covered: Partially
This Paristown spot offers ample outdoor seating. Plus, they’re open for dinner daily in case you need to pull a late one.
Haymarket
Daily, 6 a.m.-6:30 p.m.
WiFi: Yes
Covered: Yes
This River Road marketplace offers coffee, sandwiches, a plethora of pastries + more. And all the seating is outdoors, perfect for your next work-from-outside day.
Morning Fork, 1722 Frankfort Ave.
Wednesday-Thursday, 7 a.m.-3 p.m.; Monday + Tuesday closed
WiFi: Yes
Covered: No
Sometimes coffee just isn’t enough. Order a full breakfast — or jumbo, house-made cinnamon roll — and grab a seat under an umbrella.
Parlour, various locations
Hours vary
WiFi: Yes
Covered: Yes
Grab a slice, get some work done, and maybe play a little cornhole between tasks. The outside space at each Parlour location varies, but we particularly like the covered patio seating on Frankfort Avenue.
Rosettes
Daily, 8 a.m.-10 p.m.
WiFi: Yes
Covered: Yes
Part of the food and drink program at Hotel Genevieve, Rosettes offers the feel of an al fresco Parisian café in NuLu. Try the pain perdu while you answer your emails.
Parks and public spaces
It’s hard to beat fresh air when you want to think clearly. Set up a picnic blanket or head to your favorite picnic table — just don’t forget to charge your devices and bring your own hotspot.
Central Park, 1140 S. 4th St.
Days/hours of operation: Daily, 6 a.m.-11 p.m.
Restrooms: Yes
Covered: Yes
Home to the annual Shakespeare in the Park performances, Central Park covers 16.67 acres in Old Louisville. In addition to an amphitheater, arbor, and memorial, it features pergolas + picnic tables perfect for popping out your laptop.
Cherokee Park, 745 Cochran Hill Rd.
Days/hours of operation: Daily, 6 a.m.-11 p.m.
Restrooms: Yes
Covered: Yes
Set up your workspace under the pergola and check off your to-dos while watching pups frolick on Dog Hill.
Iroquois Park, 5216 New Cut Rd.
Days/hours of operation: Daily, 6 a.m.-11 p.m.
Restrooms: Yes
Covered: Yes
This park is known for its large ampitheater, but there are also lots of covered spaces to work within its 725+ acres.
Morton Street Free Dog Park, 1418 Morton Ave.
Days/hours of operation: 7 a.m.-9 p.m.
Restrooms: No
Covered: Partially
The only free, off-leash dog park in Louisville features shaded benches ideal for getting some work done while Fido plays with his friends.
Waterfront Park, 129 River Rd.
Days/hours of operation: Daily, 6 a.m.-11 p.m.
Restrooms: Yes
Covered: No
With 85 acres of greenery — including benches and picnic tables — there are lots of spots to set up shop for the day.
