Between the TV and that sink full of dishes from last night's fete (tasteful, we're sure), your apartment is full of reasons to head elsewhere to get work done. But it's hard to find inspiration amidst the tepid ambience of the nearest Starbucks and jockeying for a table at your favorite little gem up the street makes the Kentucky Derby look downright genteel. And let's face it: Unleashing the artist within requires something a little more indulgent than a latte, be it smoking, drinking or just wolfing down a monster meal. After all, where would Kurt Vonnegut be without his Pall Malls or Hemingway without his brandy? Here are our picks:
Light one up and write it up at Marshall McGearty Tobacco Lounge
Eliminate the need to take yet another smoke break from your work by lighting up one of these super-premium, freshly rolled cigarettes while you remain firmly planted in front of the task at hand. The visual oddities that dot the landscape here (from ear-shaped ashtrays to a bevy of board games) will help spark your creativity, and the full bar (coffee and liquor), snacks from Sweet Thang and an advanced air filtration system that cycles the air every six minutes means you can easily camp out here and hammer out a chapter or two.
Gobble some sweets then write sweet stuff at Austrian Bakery
If you nibble your pen cap while searching for the perfect metaphor, it's time to get to Austrian Bakery and trade that plastic for pastry. From mousse to eclairs to Austrian delicacies, this bakery will have your sweet tooth covered, while the bustling strip of Clark just beyond the window will give you plenty of fodder for your writing. And though the bakery does brisk business around lunchtime, many patrons are of the grab-and-go variety, meaning you and your laptop can cozy up uninterrupted.
Eavesdrop for the sake of your art at eatZi's
Sure, a subterranean food court may not be the first thing that springs to mind when you want to write, but the smorgasbord of tasty a la carte items (from full coffee bar to salad station to delicate desserts), more than 100 tables and complete lack of wait staff mean that you could easily set up shop here for hours and get real work done without getting hassled. And aside from the L, this is hands-down the best place to eavesdrop and score some killer dialogue (all in the name of art, we're sure).
Sip a brew and hone your point of view at Nick's on Wilson
Let's face it: Fitzgerald would have gotten nowhere if the strongest thing he was sipping was a frappuccino. If your creative side requires lubrication in a slightly stronger style, duck into Nick's on Wilson. Though the lights may be dim for some writer's tastes, the vibe is decidedly right, with wildly painted walls and a bar that's so serious about drinks that it refrains from offering anything but (no mozzerella sticks here). The sign in the window promoting free wi-fi will calm any weirdness you feel about flashing your ID before settling down with your laptop, though odds are you'll have the internet all to yourself.
Stuff yourself and then spill your guts at Jerry's Sandwiches
If the thought of putting pen to paper has you reaching for the cheetos already, ditch the junky snacks and get gluttonous at Jerry's Sandwiches instead. You can cobble together a sandwich from the long list of fresh breads, meats, cheeses, veggies and in-house condiments, which will set you back only $7 no matter how sky-high you ask them to pile things. And if you set your sights on the post-lunch hours you can stuff your face and then spill your guts for the better part of an afternoon, free and clear of dirty looks from patrons seeking an empty seat.
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