If you are in town on business or just need a quiet space to get some work done away from your normal routine, Riverside has plenty of office alternatives. Whether you need a few minutes of free internet and a quiet corner, or you need to hunker down with a steady caffeine stream for a long haul, this guide will help you find the right spot.
Libraries
Libraries are a great spot for getting work done. Riverside has over ten libraries between the city and county systems in the town. The space and the wifi are free to use, and most of the facilities have meeting rooms by reservation. The Main Library is only a few blocks from the Convention Center and City Hall and offers incredible views of downtown and Mount Rubidoux. These very words you’re reading right now were typed out from that library. You can even check out a laptop in case of an emergency. Check the links for locations, hours, and reservation procedures for both County and City systems.
Coworking Spots 
Tailored Space has a location downtown, right off the 91 Freeway and a block from the Riverside MetroLink, that offers drop in options in either their private or public spaces.
Believe it or not, Harvest Christian Fellowship, on Arlington Ave near the Riverside Airport, has a massive cafe style area filled with countless tables, comfy chairs, and sofas called “The Space” that is open to the public and incredibly quiet during typical midweek working hours.
Coffee Shops
Riverside has many great coffee shops where you can tuck into a corner and get a few hours of work done. Arcade Roasters Downtown and Chicago Avenue locations both have a ton of seating and WiFi for customers. Many small businesses use our local coffee shops in lieu of permanent office space for quick meetings. If you’re outside of downtown, Condron Coffee in Magnolia Center is another local spot to tuck away and get to work.
The Main Street Mall
You may need to have your own hot spot, but a shady spot on The Main Street Pedestrian Mall is a great place for a Zoom call or to fire off a few emails. Most restaurants have outdoor seating and provide an excellent spot for a “lost in a crowd” lunch by yourself or with colleagues. The outdoor seating at Simple Simon’s is a power move. If those tables could talk…
Bars (really)
In the evenings and on the weekends, Downtown Riverside’s bars are anything but quiet. On the weekdays, it’s a different story. It’s common to see someone working alone or having a quick meeting over appetizers and an iced tea. The pro move is the handmade potato chips at Art’s. The Sire in Magnolia Center has been a local spot for the power lunch for generations. If you’re out on the west side of town, Law’s will give you plenty of space to do your work in peace. Wherever you might go, you won’t be the only one with your laptop open.
