While the percentage of residences that have direct hi-speed internet connections steadily rises, many people still find it necessary and/or desirable to head to an internet café or coffeehouse in order to "get wired." These on-ramps to the information superhighway provide a comfortable atmosphere that allow hours of high-tech interactions with computers and low-tech interactions with other human beings.

Caribou Coffee 3500 N Halsted St | 773.248.0799 | Boystown
Caribou Coffee 3300 N Broadway | 773.477.3695 | Lakeview
Caribou Coffee 2453 N Clark St | 773.327.9923 | Lincoln Park

There are several Caribou outlets in the city but these four, each of which offers free WiFi and have distinct characteristics, are arguably the most popular. All of them are open late into the night with the Lakeview East location often referred to as "Sidetrack East." The Halsted location is not quite as boisterously social but still offers overt potential pick-up opportunities while the Lincoln Park Caribou provides for more discreet assignations.

Intelligentsia Coffe
3123 N. Broadway | 773.348.8058 | Lakeview
Considered by many to have the best coffee drinks in the city, Intelligentsia may also serve up some of the best coffeehouse food as well. Food items include muffins, scones, salads, Trotter's To Go sandwiches, and sweets such as chocolate covered coffee beans and blueberries. Their WiFi connection is through Hotpoint.

The Fixx Coffee Bar
3053 N Sheffield Ave | 773.248.0841 | Lakeview
This Lakeview gathering spot is popular with folks with lots of time on their hands and a need for socializing. It's also popular with the college set who have to study but then want distractions when they need a break. Free WiFi helps with the studying aspects while Ms. Pac Man, Galaga, and board games take care of the distractions.

The Coffee Studio 5628 N Clark St | 773.271.7881 | Andersonville
This Andersonville spot is the newest coffee bar in the city and is exciting folks up on the north side of the city with its smartly designed interior and comfortable atmosphere. Calling itself a premium coffee bar, they use locally roasted Intelligentsia coffee beans as well as organic milk and organic cane sugar syrup in their drinks. Free access to their WiFi comes with a purchase of a drink or food item.

Screenz Digital Universe 2717 N Clark St | 773.348.9300 | Lincoln Park
Screenz Digital Universe 5212 N Clark St | 773.334.8600 | Andersonville
The Lincoln Park Screenz was one of the first true internet café's in Chicago and now has dozens of computer workstations with access to 100s of software titles as well as hi-speed access to the internet. Screenz has become a popular spot for gamers who need superfast and reliable connections to compete. Computer access is charged by the minute and the hour with printing (colr and B&W) by the page.

Starbucks 3845 N Broadway | 773.755.4176 | Boystown
Starbucks 5300 N Clark St | 773.728.2777 | Andersonville
Starbucks 3184 N Clark St | 773.935.9270 | Lakeview