Ask HN: Best environments to hack in SF

I worked on a startup for a month from the SF public library near the Civic Center. The trick is to go up to the 4th floor, where they have some really nice reading rooms with power and free wifi, and pretty nice views of the outside. Good light, too. Just make sure to empty your bladder before coming, because you sure as hell don't want to use the restrooms (I've seen homeless people bathing in the sinks).

If you're willing to go to Mountain View, as suggested by jwb119, Hacker Dojo (http://hackerdojo.com) is a much better choice IMO than Red Rock. Don't get me wrong, Red Rock is probably the best of the downtown MV coffee shops and I worked there many mornings before the Dojo opened, but the Dojo is much larger, has far less ambient noise and the people are much more amenable to conversation.

The POPOS.

http://www.spur.org/files/u7/POPOSGuide.pdf

Wow, thanks for the great responses!

I will definitely head up to the public library near the civic center and checkout the POPOS guide.. great information :)

As for the hackerdojo, I already plan on heading there but wont be down that way for a couple of weaks yet..

Seconded on the library - make sure to get a card and access their on-line catalog - besides the HUGE computer book section in the library itself there are many e-editions available for on-line patrons.

Not technically SF, but if you are down in the Valley you have to check out Red Rock Coffee in Mountain View at least once. Great spot.