Need to Charge Up? Places to Plug in Around College Park

, College Park has become practically barren when it comes to options for places to pop open a laptop and get some work done. 

But with a population full of students, and at least one young professional who works from home (hi!), wouldn't it be nice to know exactly where in the city you can power-up your laptop, get your caffeine buzz, and connect to Wi-fi all at the same time? We thought so.

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Coffee? Yes. And, of course, bagels, with accompanying fresh-bagel smell. Nom. 

Wi-fi? Bagel Place recently added free Wi-fi --  you just have to ask for a username and password at the counter. 

Outlets? I am hesitant to give this secret away, but Bagel Place does have one well-concealed outlet, in the booth located next to the door on the left (facing inside). To get to it, you will actually have to get on your hands and knees and crawl under the bench, and only the top plug works. Humiliating? Yep. Worth it? Totally.

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Coffee? Nope. 

Wi-fi? Starbucks was one of the last hold-outs that required a paid subscription for Wi-fi, but on July 1, they finally caved in. Now anyone can enjoy obligation-free internet, though with the number of people cramming the server at any given time, things can get a bit slow.  

Outlets? Starbucks does have outlets, but securing one can be a competitive sport. The available outlets are located on the left side near the front (facing the back) and along the right wall toward the bathrooms. I recommend a tactic that I call "predatory waiting," which basically means hovering ominously near anyone who even faintly suggests they may be leaving. Apply a dab of Jack Nicholson face, and voila. Outlet, yours.

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Coffee? Yes. . 

Wi-fi? Yes.

Outlets? Jerk Pit has a number of sensibly located outlets. There's not a lot of seating in its dining area, but it's also not terribly crowded during the day. 

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Coffee? Yes. And bagels, sandwiches and pastries.

Wi-fi? Yes. 

Outlets? Sort of. Einstein Bros. Bagel's has outlets, but they are tucked away in the most impractical of locations. Example: one outlet is nestled behind a trashcan, at least six feet away from any seating. What? Why?! Why not just go ahead and put it on the roof, or in Botswana, or in the side of a cow?

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Coffee? No coffee per se, but enough different kinds of tea to compensate. 

Wi-fi? Yes. 

Outlets? Yes. Ten Ren's has outlets scattered all over the back of the restaurant, including one next to the coveted leather couches by the window. They wisely employ surge protectors, making the most of their resources. Smart. 

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Coffee? Yes. 

Wi-fi? Yes. 

Outlets? Yes, though you might not know it from a cursory glance. A few outlets are scattered around the main dining area (there is just one located next to a booth), but your best bet for work or studying is in the back room. A nifty little work bar lines the back wall, and chairs with desks attached are off to the side. 

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Coffee? Yes, and various sandwiches and snackies.

Wi-fi? Yes. 

Outlets? Yes. In my experience, doesn't get excessively crowded, so you shouldn't have trouble plugging into the outlet by the window. There are two other outlets in the dining area, but, like Einstein Bros. Bagels, are only accessible if your cord is at least 12-feet long or you want to sit on the floor.