The WiFi Crawl

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One of the hardest parts about being a writer, at least for me, is the pitch. It’s not always easy come up with an interesting, timely, entertaining and food-related story. But other times, I simply think up what I would want to know, and research that. Thus, one of my journeys became know as the WiFi Crawl.

I do love writing, but that can mean hours and hours typing on my laptop, laying on my couch, isolated from other humans (disregard 80P in this scenario). And as the days become warmer, and with no balcony to enjoy the sun, I created a mission to find outdoor, free wireless connection at a dining establishment.

Sure, there are coffeehouses, but I wanted to discover a place that served drinks other than those with caffeine and with food other than those that rhyme with moan.

After some initial research, my old housemate, Julie, and I sought out two places on a late Saturday afternoon. With my laptop over my shoulder, we first went to Nellie’s, a gay sports bar. Nellie’s sends out weekly emails (and of course I’m on their list, like every other restaurant in the freaking city) and they have been advertising their free wireless. I called to confirm that this service was also available outside on their roof deck. I mean, how amazing would it be to drink some beer, get a tan, all while accomplishing some work. Well, we getup stairs, the sun is blazing (mocking my anti-glare sheen) and the only chairs available are backless bar stools that were too low for the ledge. One would have to balance their laptop on their lap, and that just wouldn’t be comfortable after 10 minutes. I didn’t even bother asking for the password to try to check their connection.

Next up: Vinoteca Wine Bar and Bistro just two blocks away. Now this would be the money shot. Sitting in their front patio, sipping wine, snacking on cheese, typing away. Of course, the server didn’t know the wireless password (and yes, I emailed first to make sure there was wifi for patrons.) After a few different password tries, we finally found one that worked, but then the connection was messed up. I tried about 15 times before I gave up. The server really couldn’t be bothered with helping us set it up, so we finished our glass of wine and cheese board and left disappointed, but with a mission.

We walked down U Street (for those not familiar, it is lined with bars and restaurants) and at EVERY SINGLE restaurant or bar, we sheepishly asked “Do you have wireless?” It was horribly embarrassing. I mean, here we are, entering into a Saturday night and I’m lugging my laptop bag across the city asking over and over the geekiest question of all time. And you know what, no place effing has it! We were shocked. I mean, this would be a gold mine of business. There are so many people (re: bloggers!) in this city who would love an outdoor area to eat and type. Ugh!

I came home upset, but knew I had to keep searching, as my story was due on that Monday. I scanned the Internet and realized that my old ‘hood had plenty to offer. Eastern Market’s Tunnicliff’s came through. Check out my Express story to find out their food offerings.

And just in case my editor is reading this, you can follow my dedication for this story on the map above.

Get Out: Tunnicliff’s Tavern Typing [Express]