There are times when you just need to get out of the house and away from the office to get anything accomplished.
If you live in the St. Charles suburbs of O’Fallon or St. Peters, or you travel through O’Fallon or St. Peters periodically, then this list is for you.
Free WiFi is Just a Start:
I have a list of requirements for my WiFi spots before I’ll grab my laptop and head out for a work session. My favorite places have all 5 of the features below.
- Free Wi-Fi (free)
- Good coffee with free unlimited refills (coffee)
- Good access to outlets (plugs)
- Real food…not just muffins & dessert (food)
- Easy parking (cars)
To help you decide where you want to take your computer, I am noting these features on my list below for the places that I’ve visited. I haven’t visited all of the locations personally, so they won’t all have the features rated.
If you see any free WiFi spots I’ve missed, or can give us any information about the WiFi experience on any of the places I’ve listed below, leave a comment at the end of the post. And definitely let me know if the information is wrong…a place is closed or doesn’t actually offer free WiFi.
I’ve also put together a map with the locations throughout the entire St. Louis area other than the libraries, Starbucks and the fast food chains. You can even pull up the map on your iPhone or Android phone. Simply add the map to your Google account using the ‘Add to My Maps’ link. Then pull up the map on your phone using the layers option in the Google maps app.
See complete St. Louis region free WiFi list…
Free WiFi Locations in O’Fallon and St. Peters, MO:
Barnes & Noble Bookstores
free, food, cars
In 2009, Barnes & Noble dropped the fees for wifi, making the bookstore a great option for laptop users. They offer a limited menu and Starbucks coffee (no free refills). At the Ladue location (Ladue & 170 in the Schnucks center), I only saw a couple of outlets. I’m guessing that it might be hard to get an outlet and a table during busy times, but there are also a few chairs scattered throughout the store.
Borders Bookstores
free, food, cars
Similar to Barnes & Noble, Borders offers a cafe area where you can sit and surf the internet. Not sure why, but I’ve found it harder to find an open table at Borders. I tend to go to the Creve Coeur and Brentwood locations, and both are bright spaces where you won’t feel you are imposing if you work for a few hours. As in B&N, outlets are limited and coffee will get expensive if you want a refill.
Cappuccino’s Coffee Cafe
First Watch
free, coffee, plugs, food, cars
I’ve never taken my laptop into a First Watch, and I’m not sure that they would appreciate someone camping out for a few hours. First Watch is more of a diner style breakfast and lunch spot, with staff buzzing around turning over the tables as fast as they can during the busy times of day. Please note that though First Watch has unlimited free refills on coffee, I think they have some of the worst coffee in town. I think that First Watch could work if you wanted to check your email or conduct a business meeting using your Powerpoint presentation over lunch, but if you are looking for a 2nd office, I would pick another spot on the list. UPDATE: After I wrote the review above, a VP contacted me and actually looked into the coffee situation. He got back to me and said that they fixed a problem and the coffee should be better, and he send me a free coupon for 2 to try it out again. (BTW, perfect response for a company that gets a bad review!) I finally got around to it and agree the coffee IS better than it was, though I still think it is pretty boring if you are used to coffee shop java. This time I did take my computer. I met someone for a weekend business breakfast, and after we ate I set up the computer. My companion left and I stuck around for a little while to work. Though the waitress never made me feel uncomfortable, I definitely felt that it was time to pack up when the lunch rush started and people were waiting for tables. Keep in mind that the break between the breakfast and lunch rush is very short. If you are going to camp out, I suggest going for lunch or in the afternoon.
Lion’s Choice
free, food, cars
My friend Robyn told me the St. Peters location has free WiFi, and I stopped in and found free WiFi signs at both Des Peres and Creve Coeur. It seems that all of the company owned locations do have free wifi, but I’m not sure if the franchise locations all have it too or if they decide for themselves. Like other fast food places, I’m not sure that they really have the internet surfing atmosphere that I’m looking for if I’m going to camp out for hours. Still, Lion’s Choice is a good option if you need to hop onto WiFi over lunch or need a place to hold an informal meeting.
Ruby Tuesday
free, food, cars
Robyn said that this location of Ruby Tuesday has free WiFi too. I have no idea if all of the locations have wifi or if each franchise location decides for themselves. If anyone has more information, please let me know.
St. Louis Bread Company (aka Panera Bread)
free, coffee, plugs, food, cars
With multiple locations all over town, Bread Co is the easiest choice for free WiFi. Every cafe has quite a few outlets plus enough seating that you can usually get a table near them. The only drawback – there is a 30 minute time limit on free WiFi from 11:30-2:00 pm. Given how busy they get at lunchtime, I can understand why they made this choice. Still, it has encouraged me to branch out and discover options where I can work for as long as I want. My favorite locations are UCity Loop, Creve Coeur and Brentwood.
