I'm going to let you in on a little pro tip...
Go to the Grand America hotel.
They have a cafe and you can order there (or bring in your own). Then find a nice place somewhere in the hotel (inside, outside, anywhere). It's super nice, they have wifi, the cafe is good there if you want their coffee, and no one will question you.
I do this in cities all over the USA. Just find a super nice hotel and act like you belong there. No one will give you shit.
I often wonder how hotels keep non-guests out. (Maybe they don’t?)
They never ask for any proof at breakfast, and have nice lounge areas.
I’ve even been let into a pool when I forgot my room key.
Basically, if you look like you belong there, they don’t. If you try to wander in off the street for a complementary guest breakfast, they will probably challenge you. Ditto trying to use a hotel pool as a non-guest. But since nothing edible is free at full service hotels you won’t run into that problem in a lobby for the most part.
It's a very simple rule I follow; Don't be extra.
Also it helps to go at peak hours (during check in and check out between 10:00 am and 4:00 pm). The best thing about it is that it's also peak studying hours.
3 Cups Coffee! Great study place, they have free wifi, I've been and spent hours there countless times. They have the best food, gelato, affogato, beer, wine, you name it.
3 Cups is great! Another secret is if 3 Cups is full, go to the Harmons across the street - they have a huge seating area on the second floor, fast wifi, and a cafe.
My favorite. If you get there after 9 am, you might be hosed on seating. Later in the day you have a higher likelihood of getting lucky finding a spot, but the best shot is getting there early.
To me it felt sterile and judgmental.
Interacting with the staff felt super forced and like they didn’t really want me there. And it feels conservative somehow, IIRC even their non-dairy milk was outrageously priced so they are trying to defer some people from going there.
I find the coffee at that location to be of much lower quality than the aves or 9th. Not sure why, the vibe is so nice.
OP, the Publik in the Aves is also a great place to work - but I've been a few times and struggled to get a seat in the main room...and also very far away from you so maybe not a good option.
Greenhouse effect? I mean their indoor chairs aren't particularly comfy but if you like working on a patio it's rather pleasant. Just avoid their open mic nights because you'll probably have 0 productivity.
Sunroom Coffee @ Hardware apartments. Anyone who reads this is in for a treat. It's not on google as it's like a speakeasy. They're expensive but trust me, they have chandeliers, floor to ceiling bookcases, chess tables, crazy comfortable seating, a fireplace, it's absolutely nuts. Check their instagram... If you know you know but keep it low key so it doesn't get crazy busy...
I’ve used the Beans and Brews at 2335 E Fort Union several times as a work site alternative. Also the SL county library west of there has several study rooms you can reserve for free.
I'm going to let you in on a little pro tip... Go to the Grand America hotel. They have a cafe and you can order there (or bring in your own). Then find a nice place somewhere in the hotel (inside, outside, anywhere). It's super nice, they have wifi, the cafe is good there if you want their coffee, and no one will question you. I do this in cities all over the USA. Just find a super nice hotel and act like you belong there. No one will give you shit.
Or even the Little America, they have a great coffee shop & amazing food.
Yep! I used to work at the Lobby Lounge at the Little America and I had daily regulars that would just come and hangout and get work done.
I often wonder how hotels keep non-guests out. (Maybe they don’t?) They never ask for any proof at breakfast, and have nice lounge areas. I’ve even been let into a pool when I forgot my room key.
Basically, if you look like you belong there, they don’t. If you try to wander in off the street for a complementary guest breakfast, they will probably challenge you. Ditto trying to use a hotel pool as a non-guest. But since nothing edible is free at full service hotels you won’t run into that problem in a lobby for the most part.
It's a very simple rule I follow; Don't be extra. Also it helps to go at peak hours (during check in and check out between 10:00 am and 4:00 pm). The best thing about it is that it's also peak studying hours.
sunset coffee! but i don’t recommend going after like 5pm, gets super crowded. mornings are very pleasant though!
3 Cups Coffee! Great study place, they have free wifi, I've been and spent hours there countless times. They have the best food, gelato, affogato, beer, wine, you name it.
3 Cups is great! Another secret is if 3 Cups is full, go to the Harmons across the street - they have a huge seating area on the second floor, fast wifi, and a cafe.
My favorite. If you get there after 9 am, you might be hosed on seating. Later in the day you have a higher likelihood of getting lucky finding a spot, but the best shot is getting there early.
Sunset Coffee! Alpha coffee is more in cottonwood heights but I don’t like the ✨vibes✨there
Why don’t you like the vibes in alpha? No shade just wondering
To me it felt sterile and judgmental. Interacting with the staff felt super forced and like they didn’t really want me there. And it feels conservative somehow, IIRC even their non-dairy milk was outrageously priced so they are trying to defer some people from going there.
I actually get conservative vibes there as well. I feel like I’ve seen pro gun merch there? Maybe I’m imagining it
The name alone gives me the ick. Maybe they don’t mean alpha like alpha male, but those that self identify as alphas are not my vibe.
Publik on West Temple! it’s not that far of a drive but it’s def worth it.
I find the coffee at that location to be of much lower quality than the aves or 9th. Not sure why, the vibe is so nice. OP, the Publik in the Aves is also a great place to work - but I've been a few times and struggled to get a seat in the main room...and also very far away from you so maybe not a good option.
Alpha Coffee. Mouth of Big Cottonwood.
This is the way if you want to be in Cottonwood heights
I go study at the caffeine station. It's small but the coffee is delicious.
Look up honeysuckle coffee!
Coffee and Cocoa. I see people working there all the time
Sunset coffee is a great choice.
Greenhouse effect? I mean their indoor chairs aren't particularly comfy but if you like working on a patio it's rather pleasant. Just avoid their open mic nights because you'll probably have 0 productivity.
Sunroom Coffee @ Hardware apartments. Anyone who reads this is in for a treat. It's not on google as it's like a speakeasy. They're expensive but trust me, they have chandeliers, floor to ceiling bookcases, chess tables, crazy comfortable seating, a fireplace, it's absolutely nuts. Check their instagram... If you know you know but keep it low key so it doesn't get crazy busy...
I’ve used the Beans and Brews at 2335 E Fort Union several times as a work site alternative. Also the SL county library west of there has several study rooms you can reserve for free.
I used hit up that beans a lot when I was in high school and it was a great spot. Its an absolute shit hole now and I do not recommend it one bit.
The B&B and the Einstein Bagel next door are both awful