Where Do Boston Freelancers Go to Get Work Done?
We spoke to some Boston freelancers who shared their favorite spots to relax, grab a cup of coffee, and most importantly -- get work done.
You’ve probably heard time and time again that Boston is a series of diverse neighborhoods, each with its own personality. But if you’re new to your area, you might be looking for a place to retreat. This series, called “My Hidden Spot,’’ will feature a few Bostonians’ favorite spots in (and around) the city they call home.
This week, we’re looking at freelancers.
Being a freelancer has its pros and cons. Boston resident Jenni Whalen is the managing editor for MedTech Boston, a blog that covers medical innovation and technology in the city, on a remote, freelance basis. Whalen said that while the freedom of making your own schedule can be convenient, too much time spent at home causes cabin fever.
“I like that I can wake up in morning and go to the gym, and don’t have to worry about being glued to the desk all day,’’ Whalen said. “But the cons are being by myself all the time. I need that inspiration from other people.’’
That’s why she’s found some places around Boston to sit down, grab a cup of coffee (or two), and get some serious work done:
Sofra Bakery
1 Belmont Street, Cambridge
This small Middle Eastern bakery is located just off the Cambridge-Watertown line. Whalen said it’s perfect to go to if you don’t want to be distracted by Facebook or Twitter, as it doesn’t have free Wi-Fi. It does, however, have quaint seated cushions, she said.
Whalen recommends the “Turkish-style breakfast.’’ It’s a sweet and savory combination of soft-boiled egg, cucumber, tomato, feta, olives, yogurt, and fruit. “It’s beyond good,’’ she said. She also recommends the pita bread and hummus.
It’s nice to get out of the hustle and bustle of Downtown, and Whalen said Sofra – “a total hole in the wall’’ – still has a fun, busy environment.
Plus, where else can you get a pistachio pop tart or Egyptian-style bread pudding?
Pavement Coffeehouse
736 Commonwealth Avenue, Boston
Occasionally overrun with students, this coffee shop can be a bit of a zoo come finals week since it’s located at the heart of Boston University’s campus. But Whalen said being around people who are also working – studying, freelancing or holding a meeting – motivates her.
“I don’t mind camping out at Pavement because there’s a good hustle and bustle,’’ Whalen said. “I’m often writing about people and the world, so it helps to actually be around people and out in the world.’’
In addition to a strong cup of coffee, Pavement serves up lattes and a variety of bagels, pastries and sandwiches, like their popular turkey and avocado, served on rustic bread with bacon, honey mustard, and Swiss cheese.
Oh, and they have free Wi-Fi.
174 Harvard Avenue, Allston
Whalen described @Union as “very Allston-y,’’ with its “bare bones’’ décor and hipster clientele.
But Whalen said it couldn’t be beat for a cheap, hearty breakfast before settling in for a long day of writing.
“It’s where you can go to have your standard American breakfast,’’ Whalen said. “They have everything—eggs, waffles, pancakes, hash browns, bagels, coffee.’’
But they also serve more eclectic fare, like “Coconut French Toast’’ and “Lobster Benedict.’’
@Union serves breakfast and brunch all day, so you don’t have to rush out your door to beat a morning line, especially if you’re a freelancer. “That’s one of the perks of not having a 9 to 5 job,’’ Whalen said, laughing.
Chad Davidson is a part-time Boston-based freelance photographer who lives in Brighton. He often shoots portraits, landscapes and events in the Back Bay and Seaport District.
Though Davidson said he’d often start the editing process at home, when “it’s time to get out of the house,’’ he chooses spots that have good food and people watching.
Ned Devine’s
1 Faneuil Hall Marketplace, Boston
Located smack-dab in the heart of Boston, this casual Irish pub is a convenient place for Davidson to work because he can easily reach public transportation.
Faneuil Hall can seem hectic, and with its sleek black high tops and spacious bar, Ned Devine’s isn’t the first place that comes to mind when you think ‘work.’ But Davidson said unless he visits on a weekend night, it’s fairly secluded.
“It’s pretty quaint—a quiet but fun atmosphere,’’ he said. Besides, Davidson said it’s a nice excuse to visit a Boston landmark that locals tend to leave to the tourists.
If you go, Davidson said to get the chicken tenders, which will only set you back $11. And grab a cheap beer – but that goes without saying.
The Last Drop
596 Washington Street, Brighton
Davidson described The Last Drop as a “kind of townie bar,’’ with dartboards, a couple jukeboxes and a pool table. Though the bright red restaurant is hard to miss, it’s appreciated most by Brighton locals.
Though he doesn’t usually bring his laptop, Davidson said it’s a great place to have a beer and do some emailing from his cellphone. The servers and bartenders are friendly, and he said the laidback atmosphere invites conversation: “You can go in and talk to anyone.’’
It’s open till 2 a.m., so feel free to put off those last-minute edits. After all, if you’re a freelancer, you’re the master of your own schedule!
The Boston Public Library
700 Boylston Street, Boston
Though this hardly seems “hidden,’’ Davidson said it’s nice because you can always find a place to sit.
The BPL is a good place to freelance if you’re the type of person who works better in a quiet setting. “You don’t have to think about anything else except what you’re working on,’’ he said.
Like Ned Devine’s, the BPL offers Davidson convenience because of its proximity to Copley Square and the Green Line.
If you’re in need of inspiration, you can stretch your legs browsing the titles of some of the best literature in history. The only downside is that the BPL closes at 5 p.m. on weekends, so if you have a Saturday project, budget your time wisely.
Overall, it seems freelancing can be a sweet gig, as long as you remember to step outside your front door.
“I’m not tied down to a schedule,’’ Davidson said. “If I want to work all summer, I work all summer. You’re not chained to anything, and you get to do what you like to do.’’
To comment, please create a screen name in your profile
To comment, please verify your email address
Conversation
This discussion has ended. Please join elsewhere on Boston.com