Here are my regular haunts (plus a few spots that I've visited when traveling). Expect great atmosphere, good coffee, food options, a strong wi-fi signal, plentiful plugs, & low-key music.
Aubre Andrus LLC: The wi-fi is locked to students and faculty, but if you're a Lifetime Wisconsin Union Member, you can ask the front desk for this week's wi-fi password.
Aubre Andrus LLC: Free wi-fi in the lobby of this hotel. You can get in your room for an additional cost, but the lobby is a fun place to hang out with plenty of seating, a bar, and a full kitchen.
Aubre Andrus LLC: If you ask the owners for wi-fi (or "wee-fee" as she says), they'll print you a receipt with a 12 hour or 24 hour password. It's good for only one device but it worked from my room.
Aubre Andrus LLC: Across from Pension Hargita at Mariahilfer Straße 85-87 is a McDonald's with plugs, free wi-fi, and plenty of tables. There's even a quick counter for coffee and croissants.
Aubre Andrus LLC: This McDonald's is on a pedestrian street with lots of shopping nearby. Wi-fi is free once you log-in (no password required, just hit "accept"). You can even stand outside and pick up a signal.
Aubre Andrus LLC: Alright, so the wi-fi in this hotel was not free BUT it was only like 2 euro per day and they'll add it directly to your hotel bill. Remember, you can only use the password for one device.
Aubre Andrus LLC: Free wi-fi here. Grab a seat upstairs after picking up some pho, bbq, or Clever Crow Pizza for lunch. The North Market is not open late.
Aubre Andrus LLC: Free wi-fi here. Upstairs seating is the best. Plenty of food and coffee to go that you can bring upstairs with you. Music and people can be loud, but it is open 24 hours.
Aubre Andrus LLC: Again, wi-fi is restricted to students and faculty only, but if you're a Lifetime Wisconsin Union Member, you can ask for this week's free wi-fi password.
Aubre Andrus LLC: If you're aching to work outside... Wi-fi is restricted to students and faculty, but if you're a Lifetime Wisconsin Union Member, ask the front desk for this week's free wi-fi password.
Aubre Andrus LLC: In Sorrento, Italy. This hotel advertises free wi-fi but it only works near the pool and in parts of the lobby. Pool is gorgeous and there is plenty of seating and plugs inside.
Aubre Andrus LLC: There is free wi-fi on the 8th floor only in the lounge. It only worked for me near the kitchen, away from the TV. I hear it doesn't work by the pool.
Aubre Andrus LLC: The Columbus library system has been ranked number one in the country. There are 3 floors where you can access the free wi-fi with a decent amount of tables and chairs to work from.
Aubre Andrus LLC: Free wi-fi. Cozy seating inside and outdoor seating in the summer. Coffee plus small lunch menu. They used to sell my favorite Alterra Coffee but now they're brewing their own brand of coffee.
Aubre Andrus LLC: Plugs at the very top level outdoor patio (by the outdoor fireplace) overlooking Dayton Street. Terrace chairs up there and patio couches. The Sett is also a good place to work. Cheap food throughout.
Aubre Andrus LLC: This. Place. Is. Awesome. Not much for food BUT here's what they do have: original Nintendo, my favorite 80s movie posters, Star Wars merch, a DeLorean, and obviously free wi-fi.
Aubre Andrus LLC: Order a delicious coffee and croissant from this old bakery, then walk next door to their separate lounge area. Outdoor seating but the wifi doesn't work well from there. Usually not crowded.
Aubre Andrus LLC: Work from the outdoor patios (there's two) or from the cozy inside (there's a small landing area on the second level). The hibiscus iced tea was delicous, but the $5 tuna salad wrap was overpriced.
Aubre Andrus LLC: Here's your rare combination of awesome retro ambiance, good coffee, good music, and a huge food menu. The one problem: the wifi is limited to 2 hours! Ask for a code and you can get another two.
Aubre Andrus LLC: Free wi-fi, plenty of tables upstairs (and a few outside), and lots of food options. Technically, you wouldn't have to even buy anything to work from here. No one would notice.
Aubre Andrus LLC: Random beautiful house in Genosee Depot near Ten Chimneys. Free wi-fi. Coffee, no food. Two small rooms to work in plus patio. Front room has more plugs.
Aubre Andrus LLC: It's TINY in here but the coffe is AMAZING and you can order savory crepes too. Music is good. Very bright with high ceilings and gigantic windows.
Aubre Andrus LLC: I like that they have food here in addition to drinks. Overall the place is kind of old and dirty and very hippie, but the wi-fi works from the outdoor sidewalk patio as well.
Aubre Andrus LLC: One of my favorite places to work in Madison. Small two-tops so it's cozy, but bright. They have yummy coffee and DELICIOUS sandwiches and waffles. Plus there's an outdoor patio.
Aubre Andrus LLC: Great food and drinks. Plenty of seating, but I don't think they like you to hang out and work during their busy lunch hours. Only open till 4 or 5 PM.
Aubre Andrus LLC: Great ambiance! Salads and sandwiches and coffee. Nice and bright with plenty of tables. It really is hard to find a place to work with food, so this place is worth noting.
Aubre Andrus LLC: Wouldn't recommend spending all day here, but you won't regret it if you stop by for lunch (GET THE WISCONSIN CLUB). Only open until 3 PM. Not open weekends. It does get crowded over lunch.
Aubre Andrus LLC: Everything you need: salad, soups, sandwiches, coffee, good music, great atmosphere, and baked goods. Only downside is that it's a pricey because everything's organic.
Aubre Andrus LLC: This place is AWESOME. It's big, lots of seating, cheap coffee, PLUS affordable lunch soups, salads, and sandwiches. I had carrot ginger soup + 1/2 turkey sandwich for under $8! And they have gelato.
Aubre Andrus LLC: The 5th Ward Foundry is a sweet building with lots of hanging plants inside and awesome music. Wi-fi works best in back, but the music is loud back there. Free parking. Great coffee as usual.