Top 5 Places in Rochester to Wifi and Chill

Do you ever just want to escape from it all and get out of the house for a few hours and be by yourself to read or surf the web without someone interrupting you?  Here are some places we suggest you check out the next time you need to just get away!

With the weather getting warmer outside (eventually, you know it's coming) us Minnesotans will usually take advantage and go out and explore a bit more instead of being cooped up inside our homes where we've been stuck all winter long!

If you're like me, then you'll seek out the nearest outdoor patio and sip on something cool while you daydream your free-time away.

Here are 5 great places to just zone out and relax with your favorite handheld device or laptop if you're ever wanting to get away from your busy lifestyle for a while... (OK, if you're doing the math in your head it's more like 15 places with a few of these choices having multiple locations in town - but regardless it's fun!)

1) Whistle Binkies on the Lake (247 Woodlake Drive) - First off, just check out that view from their patio (Seen below)!  You're telling me you wouldn't want to spend a few hours relaxing with your iPad and a cold beverage at this spot?  My wife and I are big fans of both locations, but if we had to choose it'd be their south lake location EVERY. TIME.  The food is always good and the service is excellent.

2) Tap House (10 Historic 3rd St SW) - With almost 50 beers on tap and several wine and specialty drinks within your reach, there's a good chance you'll find what you need as you're digging for dirt on your favorite Hollywood stars online.  They too have a beautiful patio to enjoy the sunshine and business that is downtown Rochester.  So even if you have to look up for a moment from your cell phone to order your next drink off their extensive menu, you can also just people watch and enjoy your time there.

3) Peace Plaza (100 1st Ave SW) - It took some digging, but from what I've been told you CAN pick up FREE Wifi in the Peace Plaza downtown!  So grab a seat near the fountain and relax.  And when you're downtown and under the stars, there aren't many more prettier views of Mother Mayo than from right here.

4) Panera Bread (2 Locations) - Don't tell me you've never walked into one before and been jealous of that guy/gal just hanging out and reading their tablet in peace in Panera's little lounging area, because I have!

Also, it's hard not to order something delicious when you walk into any Panera.  They're freshly baked breads, bagels and other sweets are always right there in the front of the store to punch you in the nose to greet ya!  Plus you can always order your lunch online and have it ready for you when you get there.  The only downside is there's a time limit on your free Wifi - as the hours in town run from 11am-2pm, and you're only allowed 30 minutes.  Boo.

5) Caribou Coffee (10 Locations) - Quick disclosure: I'm NOT a coffee drinker.  Occasionally I'll order a doctored up foo-foo drink that my wife would never call a real cup "coffee", but I'll NEVER EVER drink a cup of straight black coffee because I think it's disgusting.

Having said all that, I could sit n' chill in a Caribou Coffee shop all day!  It just feels so warm and inviting inside, and it's the perfect place to sit and read that brand new book you just downloaded on your tablet while sipping on a cold-press.

**Runners Up: Bruegger's Bagels and Dunn Brothers Coffee and Starbucks**

Now remember, these are just a few of the places I've found it easy to log on and get your surfing in or reading done on the fly.  Be sure and let me know what other hot spots in Rochester you've found that you wouldn't mind sharing!