I will be training an out of town employee next week and we'll need to work on computer stuff for probably about 4 hours. I don't want to do it at my own house (I have a home office since my corporate office is in the midwest) so I'm looking to find out where we could sit for at least 4 hours and get wifi access AND its realatively quiet. I don't drink coffee so I don't know if this is what people do at Starbuck's and it's ok to sit there that long, but if anyone can recommend a place to do this it would be great. Naturally, we'll order coffee/tea/beverages while we're there but probably not eat.

On South St. near the corner of 8th is E-tea (I think that's what it's called) - internet cafe with tea, pastries, etc. You book a computer and cubicle by 15 min. increments I think. I'd think you could bring your own computers, but check. (Hospitality Girl will know more about this place I'm sure).

It's always quiet.

Thanks! We would definitely have to bring our own computers so we can use certain software and our db. I do know about that place - good bubble tea!

I would recommend trying this

http://www.indyhall.org/


It'll cost you $50 but perhaps you can get your work to cover the cost. It's really a neat idea, and if you will be doing the training often might be worth your work paying for a basic membership for you.

If you call ahead of time they might even only charge you $25 if they consider you the Independent worker and your co-worker your 'client'.


IndyHall has open office hours on Monday through Friday from 8:30am to 6pm.


Evenings are often scheduled for events, but that doesn’t mean workspace isn’t available if you call or write ahead for an appointment. Weekends are also available, by appointment only. We need to sleep and clean our houses sometime!
What We Offer

Independents Hall is a community of freelancers, independents, work-from-home people, who have an interest in getting out of their dull work day and participating in a community that’s designed to support and encourage people who make a living doing what they love.


We provide communication tools, events (social and educational), as well as a physical space to work and collaborate (now open!).
This space will provide:

• workspaces (desks, tables, chairs, and couches)
• broadband internet (wired and wireless)
• a conference room with professional conference amenities (boardroom table/chairs, digital projector, whiteboard)
• secure equipment storage
• a relaxing and stimulating environment to work
• a support group of interesting, smart, and talented people
• infinite organic networking opportunities
• and much, much more!

Where We Came From/Where Are We Going

Independents Hall is more than a coworking space, it’s a community of passionate, driven talent. What is coworking?

Coworking is cafe-like community/collaboration space for developers, writers and independents.
Or, it’s like this: start with a shared office and add cafe culture. Which is the opposite of most modern cafes.

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http://www.pagrandlodge.org/2be1ask1.html

The cafe on South Street put in wifi a few months ago. I have not used it but they do have tables in the back where you could work and be semi-private. The last time I was there they had tea, coffee, soda and some misc food. I would call for hours and to make sure the wifi is working.

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Check out the free library phila.

Any hotel lobby
Any Starbucks
Any cosi

Bean Exchange on 6th and bainbridge(any coffee place sells more than coffee-water, smoothies, fruit drinks, milk, etc.)

Honestly, I think your best spot would be either cosi or starbucks on 4th and south. I've been in 2-3hr meetings at cosi and never once had a problem. The starbucks on 4th and south has a very nice 2nd floor where no one bothers you.
Philly Java Co. also has a back room that is secluded.

One other note: I have a higher end brand new laptop and 4hrs. is about the max I can get with wifi on half the time. Make sure you have extra batteries or pick a place where you can plug yourself in.

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Magellan2's prescription:
ATTENTION ALL READERS...
DISCLAIMER: Alesis is a South Street business owner
(keep that in mind when reading his or her responses)

The Bean Exchange is fine, but you only get about an hour with every drink purchased. Your best bet is the e-Tea location, since you can directly purchase time on their computers or make arrangements with them, and it is a little quieter than anywhere else.

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Would you care for some cheese with that whine? PBers possess a gene to whine about everything.

WE'RE PHILADELPHIA, DAMMIT! GET IT? GOOD!

Perfect - we just want something close by and hassle free. It's a one time thing and I just want to make sure we don't get all situated and then someone tells us we can only sit there for an hour or something.
Which Cosi were you referring to? I only know of the one at Chestnut.

Not any Starbucks. The Starbucks on Main St. in Manayunk requires you to join T-Mobile, at least for a day, for $9.99.

However, Bucks County Coffee, which is just up the street is free, as is La Colombe also on Main St.

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