09 June 2009 | Freelancing Tips, Fun | Tamara

One of the best things about working from home is the ability to not work from home at all! Having a portable office means you can work when you are supposed to be on vacation (another topic for another day) or when you are waiting to have lunch with a friend. Here, in alphabetical order, are 20 US (and beyond) hotspots for free WiFi on the go.  Just try not to spill on your laptop.

Get free WiFi at …

• Bailey’s Pub & Grille — They offer free WiFi at many locations, so check this list.
• Big Boy — This chain has free WiFi in several states. If you’ve got one, check it out.
• Bruegger’s — Many of these locations have free WiFi, but you’ll have to check each one to be sure.
• Chick-Fil-A — If you’ve got one near you, check for a free WiFi sign. Many now have it!
• Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf — Most have free WiFi. Check yours and enjoy the coffee!
• Corner Bakery — These are popping up everywhere, and most have your free WiFi waiting for you!
• Daily Grind Unwind — If you have one, it may have free WiFi and really good coffee.
• First Watch — If your state has a few–many do–take advantage of the free WiFi.
• Fox & Hound — Check out this list, to see if your local Fox & Hound has the free WiFi.
• Hooters — No joke, many have free WiFi. Now just try to get anything done there.
• It’s A Grind — These coffee shops have free WiFi, just find the one nearest you.
• Krystal — A lot of these burger joints have free WiFi, so check the one nearest you.
• McDonald’s – Chances are you have one, but not all have free WiFi yet.
• Panera Bread – More than 1,000 of these have free WiFi, just check the list.
• Peter Piper Pizza — Want pizza with work? Get it here. Check your location for WiFi (Mexico too!).
• Schlotzsky’s – These are popping up all over. Check your local one for free WiFi.
• Shari’s — More and more of these Northwest restaurants have free WiFi. Check yours.
• Starbucks — Get a Starbuck Rewards Card and free WiFi is included.
• Subway – Not all have free WiFi. However, the one nearest you might, so check it out.
• Whole Foods Market — Shop and work? Check out your local Whole Foods (Canada and UK also).

Recommended Websites:
WiFiFreeSpot — Here, you’ll find a directory that includes hotels and airports.
ILoveFreeWiFi — Get big city directories and user reviews as well at this helpful site.
GWiFi — Use Google Maps to find your free WiFi hotspot.
JWire Global WiFi — Just beware, as not all of these international listings are really free.

Much like a divorced marriage counselor, my ability to dish out advice is not an indicator of my ability to implement it. However, having worked from home for over a decade, I’ve learned what works and what just creates more work. – Tamara