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 the City of Oaks was at the top of our to-do list, so can we just say? Check.
For that caffeine fix
Caffeine reigns supreme if you have a latte work to finish. Put on your favorite playlist and get to it.
Black & White, 327 W. Davie St.
Monday-Sunday, hours vary
Wifi: Yes
Covered: Partially
Grab a coffee and chocolate pick-me-up before heading outside to the cafe’s patio located under a canopy of trees.
The Morning Times, 10 E. Hargett St., Raleigh
Monday-Sunday, 7 a.m.-6 p.m.
Wifi: Yes
Covered: No
People watch in downtown with a cold brew in hand and enjoy a cheeseburger and pickle chips from The Raleigh Times Bar on your lunch break.
The Optimist, 1000 Brookside Dr., Ste. 109 + 4509 Creedmoor Rd., Ste. 104, Raleigh
Times vary
Wifi: Yes
Covered: No
Walk past the baristas to find a large, outdoor patio behind the cafe at the Brookside Drive location. The Creedmoor Road location (formerly Fiction Coffee) also features a large, wrap-around patio.
Bonus: Raleigh has countless patios and coffee shops — bookmark our guides for more options.
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.
Dix Park, 1030 Richardson Dr.
Monday-Sunday, dawn to dusk
Restrooms: Indoor restrooms are located at the Chapel Event Center during visitor hours.
Covered: No, covered shelters available
From picnic tables and hammocks to sprawling fields, this park has plenty of space to set up shop.
Fred Fletcher Park, 820 Clay St.
Monday-Sunday, dawn to dusk
Restrooms: No
Covered: No, covered shelters available
Find a serene spot to work among this park’s 21 acres. Pro tip: Look for outlets in the walls around the amphitheater.
Midtown Park, 4011 Cardinal North Hills St.
Open 24 hours
Restrooms: No
Covered: No
Bring a blanket to lounge on this centrally located green space near eateries like Jubala and Happy + Hale.
NCMA, 2110 Blue Ridge Rd., Raleigh
Monday-Sunday
Restrooms: Yes, available at The Welcome Center
Covered: No
Work at tables in the museum’s courtyard, set up by the East Cafe, or wander over to the vast Museum Park to work near your favorite sculpture.
Union Station Plaza, 510 W. Martin St.
Open 24 hours
Restrooms: No
Covered: No
In the fall, the Downtown Raleigh Alliance usually turns this space into a outdoor office with tables, chairs, wifi, plugs, and more.
Bonus: Looking for more parks to work in? Check out 30+ of our favorites.
Restaurants and bars
At these fine establishments, the patio is the way to go — especially when the Raleigh weather is at its best. Order some food and drinks to fuel your focus.
Bowstring Pizza and Brewyard, 1930 Wake Forest Rd.
Monday-Sunday, hours vary
Wifi: Yes
Covered: Yes
Grab a piece of pizza (or two) and grab a seat under the bowstring-truss or head to the Yard for even more space; the Yard has separate guest wifi access.
Bull City Ciderworks, 210 E. Chatham St., Cary
Tuesday-Sunday, hours vary
Wifi: Yes
Covered: No
Sip ciders (we love the cider slushies on a hot day) and snack on bites from local food trucks, and stay for trivia, watch parties, or improv.
East Bower Cider Company, 2020 Progress Ct. Ste. 160
Tuesday-Sunday, hours vary
Wifi: Yes
Covered: No
Work on Raleigh’s first cidery’s spacious outdoor space with a crisp bev.
Morgan Street Food Hall, 411 W. Morgan St., Raleigh
Sunday-Thursday, 9 a.m.-10 p.m.; Friday +Saturday: 9 a.m.-12 p.m.
Wifi: Yes
Covered: Yes
Take your pick of 19 food vendors and enjoy the spacious dog-friendly covered patio.
Raleigh Beer Garden, 614 Glenwood Ave.
Monday-Sunday, 11 a.m.-2 a.m.
Wifi: Yes
Covered: Partially
You’re almost guaranteed to see plenty of pups on one of the many porches, plus you can sip on a brew while you work.
STIR Raleigh, 4242 Six Forks Rd.
Monday-Sunday, 11 a.m.-2 a.m.
Wifi: Yes
Covered: Yes
Kick off happy hour early with a cocktail — and your laptop — on this North Hills patio.
Vita Vite, 200 Park at North Hills St., Ste. 130
Tuesday-Sunday, hours vary
Wifi: Yes
Covered: Partially
Unwind at the wine bar and get inspired by local art.
Wye Hill Kitchen & Brewing, 201 S. Boylan Ave.
Tuesday-Sunday, hours vary
Wifi: Yes
Covered: Yes
Delicious small plates and an optimal view of the city? Check.
Practical amenities
The Loading Dock: Dock 1053, 1053 E. Whitaker Mill Rd., Raleigh
Monday-Friday, hours vary
Wifi: Yes
Covered: Yes
This dog-friendly coworking space has lots of outdoor seating around its patio. Plus, it usually has cold brew, beer, or kombucha on tap. This spot is membership-based.
The Loading Dock: Prince Hall, 216 E. Lenoir St.
Monday-Friday, hours vary
Wifi: Yes
Covered: No
Work on this rooftop deck with a view or in the spacious backyard garden and utilize resources like high-speed wifi, a kitchen, and a printer and copier. This spot is membership-based.
Psst... check out our list of coworking spaces.
When your workday is a little stressful
Dose Yoga, 415 N. Harrington St.
Monday-Sunday, hours vary
Wifi: No
Covered:No
Send your last few emails on the smoothie bar’s patio before heading inside to decompress with a hot vinyasa flow.
Purr Cup Cafe, 210 Prospect Ave.
Wednesday-Sunday, hours vary
Wifi: No
Covered: No
This cat cafe’s patio has tables, umbrellas, and plants. Make a reservation to visit the kitties on your break.
