Why Pay for Broadband?

Spots with free Wi-Fi and more ambience than your living room.

FOR BEING SEEN…
Bowery Hotel
The network is technically reserved for hotel guests, but until 4 p.m., when the lobby is commandeered by the bar crowd, you can type regally among oriental rugs and velvet settees (335 Bowery, nr. Great Jones St.; 212-505-9100).

FOR QUIET CONTEMPLATION…
Humanities and Social Sciences Library
A speedy broadband connection in the DeWitt Wallace Periodicals Room, absolute silence, and hoards of reference materials. No outlets though (473 Fifth Ave., nr. 42nd St.; 212-930-0830).

FOR MIXING BUSINESS AND PLEASURE…
Cocoa Bar
The combination of chocolate to heighten the senses and glasses of wine to dull them creates an ideal environment for procrastination (228 Seventh Ave., nr. 4th St., Park Slope; 718-499-4080).

FOR A SENSE OF COMMUNITY…
Greenpoint Coffeehouse
A polished but unassuming café with communal tables for mingling and cavernous booths to disappear into (195 Franklin St., at Greene St., Greenpoint; 718-349-6635).

Related:

• Archive: “Cover Story”
• Table of Contents: Feb 11, 2008 issue of New York | Subscribe!