Big Tables

If you have to write in public, you know there are certain qualifications for that public writing space.

Mine are:

1. Big tables so you can share space with other people and have a conversation from time to time.

2. Strong coffee. I like that cold brew coffee is available, personally.

3. Decent food, in case you end up being there all day.

4. Available alcohol. Sometimes what you're writing is overwhelming and drink can be nice.

5. Tolerance of writers. We can be there for long periods of time and are sometimes moody.

6. Friendly staff. Some places are tolerant and others actually have people who work in them that make the place better.

Here are some good public writing spaces in Tucson & Phoenix:

Cafe Passe--5/6--big tables/coffee/food/alcohol/tolerance
(Food options range from healthy to full of carbs and fat.)
(They also have weird summer hours.)

Cartel Coffee--4/6--big tables/coffee/alcohol/tolerance
(There are only pastries here.)

Copper Star Coffee--4/6--big tables/coffee/food/tolerance
(I don't live in downtown Phoenix anymore, so I only get to stop by every now and again. I'm not sure how friendly it is anymore. All the people who used to work there are gone...) 

eXo Roast--3/6--coffee/tolerance/friendly
(Normally, no big tables is a deal breaker, but the coffee is so good and the people are welcoming.)
(There are only vegan pastries here, but there is usually a food truck of some sort outside, and Tap & Bottle is two doors down, if you need a break.)

5 Points Market--coffee/food
(I'm still deciding on this one as a writing spot. It's difficult to get a larger table; they seem tolerant to a degree; the food is great!)

Lola Coffee--3/6--big tables/coffee/tolerant

Scottsdale Public Library, Civic Center--4/6--big tables /coffee /tolerance /friendly
(They only have pastries here, but their coffee is definitely better than certain gigantic chains.)
(So many different and well-lighted writing spots with a grassy view out the picture windows--and they let you take your coffee with you into the library. It's an oasis!)

Sip Coffee and Beer House--6/6--big tables /coffee /food /alcohol /tolerance /friendly
(Several big tables are available here. Food here is mostly healthy, but sometimes an unusual palette. This is, by far, the friendliest location of them all. It's like an extension of home.)