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 Portland 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.
Cathedral Coffee, 7530 N. Willamette Blvd.
Daily, 7 a.m.-5 p.m.
WiFi: Yes
Covered: Partially
This North Portland hangout’s raised deck offers picnic tables under the eaves and benches in the sun. Grab a pastry or other breakfast item and enjoy your cuppa outside.
Tea Chai Té, 7983 SE 13th Ave.
Daily, 9 a.m.-8 p.m.
WiFi: Yes
Covered: Partially, umbrellas
Holing up inside an actual train caboose is pretty unique, but this Sellwood spot also has a secluded patio where you can find your zen.
Coffee Time, 712 NW 21st Ave.
Daily, 7 a.m.-8 p.m.
WiFi: Yes
Covered: Yes
Fill the pauses in your thought process with people watching under the streetside pop-ups, or plan your next move at the built-in tables that double as chess boards.
JoLa Cafe, 5915 S. Corbett Ave.
Daily, 6 a.m.-4 p.m.
WiFi: Yes
Covered: Partially, umbrellas
Even though the interior is spacious, it can fill up during weekdays with students and like-minded remote workers; thankfully, the historic building has several tables out on the sidewalk. Stay all day by ordering a burger, sandwich, or salad from the lunch menu.
Keeper Coffee Co., 4515 SE 41st Ave.
Daily, 7 a.m.-5 p.m.
WiFi: Yes
Covered: No
The vibes are 10/10 here, plus they serve Coava Coffee, Aesthete Tea, and housemade pastries that the regulars rave about.
Just Bob, 2403 NE Alberta St.
Monday-Tuesday, 7 a.m.-3 p.m.; Wednesday-Sunday, 7 a.m.-4 p.m.
WiFi: Yes
Covered: Yes
This whimsical “unicorn cafe” has a covered patio and an all-day breakfast menu. Pro tip: Park yourself here until you’re done working, then treat yourself to a beer or cocktail.
Restaurants and bars
At these fine establishments, the patio is the way to go — especially when the Portland weather is at its best. Order some food and drinks to fuel your focus.
Tope, 15 NW Fourth Ave.
Daily, 4-10:30 p.m.
WiFi: Yes
Covered: Partially, umbrellas
Whether you want to go straight from answering emails to happy hour, or set up a coworking session with views, the rooftop bar atop The Hoxton hotel does the trick. Tacos make you concentrate better — prove us wrong.
10 Barrel Brewing, 1411 NW Flanders St.
Sunday-Thursday, 11 a.m.-11 p.m.; Friday-Saturday, 11 a.m.-12 a.m.
WiFi: Yes
Covered: Partially
The rooftop patio overlooking the streets of the Pearl District is a great spot to get a bite — and a brew, we won’t tell your boss — while working on that quarterly report that’s due.
Steeplejack Brewing Company, 2400 NE Broadway
Monday-Saturday, 9 a.m.-10 p.m.; Sunday, until 9 p.m.
WiFi: Yes
Covered: No
You’ll be hard-pressed to find a better Zoom background than the stained-glass window and steeple of this church-turned-brewery. Take your pick from street level tables or the one on the staircase landing.
Lair Hill Bistro, 2823 SW First Ave.
Wednesday-Sunday, 9 a.m.-4 p.m.
WiFi: Yes
Covered: Yes, umbrellas
Take your dreams of working from a sidewalk cafe in Europe to South Portland — under the flowering baskets hanging from the awning, you won’t know the difference. There’s nothing like an omelet and a glass of orange juice to start your day on the right foot.
Level Beer: Level 2, 7840 SW Capitol Hwy.
Daily, 3 p.m.-9 p.m.; weekend hours vary slightly
WiFi: No
Covered: Yes
Don’t let the pinball machines distract you on the way in. Your mission is to order a low-ABV pint and head to the back patio, which is perched above Southwest Multnomah Boulevard.
The Barley Pod, 6035 NE Halsey St.
Daily, 11 a.m./12 p.m.-10 p.m.
WiFi: Yes
Covered: Yes
At this food cart pod, you’re literally surrounded by dining options to suit any craving, from Korean to Venezuelan, and ramen to arepas. Plus, the whole space is anchored by Baerlic Brewing, so you won’t get thirsty.
Roof Deck at Revolution Hall, 1300 SE Stark St.
Open April through October
Monday-Friday, 3 p.m.-late; Saturday-Sunday, 12 p.m.-late
WiFi: Yes
Covered: Partially, umbrellas
Give your coworkers major FOMO with sweeping views of downtown Portland and the West Hills in the background of your video calls.
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.
Mt. Tabor Park, Southeast 60th Avenue + Salmon Street
Days/hours of operation: Daily, 5 a.m.-12 a.m.
Restrooms: Yes
Covered: No
Set up shop on the gentle grassy slope above the reservoir or head to the summit’s benches for vistas of downtown Portland.
Sellwood Park, Southeast Seventh Avenue + Miller Street
Days/hours of operation: Daily, 5 a.m.-10 p.m.
Restrooms: Yes
Covered: No
There’s plenty of lawn to lay out a blanket and your laptop, but if you don’t want to get absolutely fried by the summertime sun, towering evergreen trees provide some shade at nearby tables.
Washington Park Amphitheater, 410 SW Kingston Ave.
Days/hours of operation: Daily, 5 a.m.-10 p.m.
Restrooms: Yes
Covered: No
Like a lecture hall out in nature, the terraces of this outdoor area combine with the wafting aroma of rose bushes to stimulate your brain power.
Peninsula Park, 700 N. Rosa Parks Way
Days/hours of operation: Daily, 5 a.m.-12 a.m.
Restrooms: Yes
Covered: Partially
What better place to combat a stressful workday than at Portland’s oldest public rose garden? Lay out a blanket or snag a bench, and soak in the peace as you work to the sounds of the splashing fountain.
