More Ways to Enjoy Chicago for Less:

Chicago Art Gallery Walks and Receptions, Artists Open Studio Tours, Annual Art Events

Free and Low Cost Music in Chicago

See Chicago Museums for Free

See Chicago Theatre for Free

See and Experience Dance for Free in Chicago

Chicago Festivals and How To Get Free Admission to Some

Chicago Film Festivals and How to Get Free Admission to Some.

Chicago Internships

Best Chicago Happy Hours

Chicago Area Free Wine Tasting

Chicago Open Mic Nights and Poetry Slams

Chicago Coffee Houses, Juice Bars and Other "Chillin'" Venues

Chicago Free Wi-Fi Hotspots

Meeting People, Making Friends in Chicago

Volunteering as a Way to Meet Like-minded People in Chicago

Budget Chicago Accommodations

Budget and "Value" Dining in Chicago

Where to Get the Best Shopping Deals in Chicago

How to Get Free Swag as a Member of a Chicago Street Team

Chicago Farmers Markets and Natural Food Stores

Chicago Sights and Tours

Chicago Coffee Houses and Juice Bars. Chicago Coffee Houses with Live Music, Poetry, Comedy Improv, Open Mic Nights, etc.

Chicago Coffee Houses

Bourgeois Pig   738 W. Fullerton Pky., Lincoln Park near DePaul  (773) 883-5282. Breakfast, lunch, dinner til 11 weekdays, midnight Fri and Sat.   "Located in an old brownstone, it's true to 60s-coffeehouse form, with creaky hardwood floors, hundreds of newspapers and books lining the shelves, and a menu of homemade soups, salads, sandwiches, and baked goods posted on four huge blackboards."

Chicago Coffee Houses with Live Music, Poetry, Comedy Improv, Open Mic Nights, etc.

Ashbary Coffee House 8695 S. Archer, Willow Springs  Tel: (708) 839-6963 "Music meets poetry meets java at this West Suburbs coffeehouse. Wednesdays host an acoustic and spoken word open mic; Thursdays feature improv comedy open mic and Friday through Sundays present live shows with improv comedy by an in-house troupe. All shows begin at 9 p.m. No cover, but a one (coffee) drink minimum."

Dulcinea: Sanctuary for a Blissful Evolution "...a smoothie and coffee bar, DJ's and live music, and some of the most amazing art in Chicagoland. Come in and chill out, enjoy art in a relaxed, fun atmosphere..." 1431 N. Milwaukee Avenue, Wicker Park Dulcinea's Blog

Ennui Cafe   Coffee, Art, Live Music 6981 N. Sheridan Rd.  773.973.2231"  a haven for neighborhood regulars for years. An outdoor patio open in warmer months affords patrons a view of the lake, and interesting people-watching along Sheridan. ... an ideal hangout for Loyola and Northwestern students who get tanked on coffee and study. Its proximity to a chess club next door also makes it an ideal location for chess fiends looking for a good match. The live bands featured on Wednesday, Friday and Sunday nights are always free, but small donations are actively and strongly encouraged...."

Ennui Cafe sponsors the annual Rogers Park Jazz Series

Pick a Cup Coffee 1813 Dempster, Evanston, IL. Thursdays 7:00 Pm - 10:00 Pm Open Mic every Thursday Musicians and Poets are especially welcome.

Uncommon Ground 3800 N. Clark Street, Chicago "...Live acoustic music has been offered from the very beginning. First, with popular players from the Old Town School of Folk Music and slowly adding National touring artists. Uncommon Ground has, and always will be, a hotbed for up & coming musicians as well as established Nationally touring major label acts. Uncommon Ground has always featured homemade from scratch healthy cuisine...." Has busy live music and open mic calendar with a $15 minimum and reservations suggested as many events sell out.

Chicago Cafes and Coffee Houses with Free Wi-Fi

Argo Tea 5 Chicago Locations. See "Wireless on the Cheap" article.

Art Gallery Kafe "... "...this Bucktown cafe somehow manages to be arty without alienating non-artist types. Diverse crowds hang here for the laid-back atmosphere, menu of munchies, extensive list of IntelligentsiA coffee drinks and 33 kinds of tea. An added bonus: Anyone equipped with a laptop and wi-fi card are welcome to plug-in and enjoy free Internet access with any purchase..." Nice menu of modestly priced sandwiches is a plus.

Cafe Ambrosia Lincoln Park

Cafe Ballou "..."This is a charming and relaxing coffee shop to go to when you're sick of everyone up the street at Letzia's. Don't get me wrong I love Letzia's, but sometimes I need to be more anonymous. They also have free wireless. Good coffee, sandwiches & pastries. The locals and owners are so friendly as well."

Cafe Mozart "...Cafe Mozart is an intimate espresso bar with cozy bistro tables and comfortable couches. The menu covers all the standard specialty coffee drinks at reasonable prices (Large Latte $3.30), as well as excellent deli and Panini sandwiches and soups and a good selection of pastries and desserts. The cafe has a  Wavespotz free wireless Internet (WiFi 802.11b/g) system that covers all interior and exterior seating...." 600 Davis Street, Evanston

Kristoffer's Cafe and Bakery 1733 S Halstead "...invites you to try the best tres leches (three milk cake) & chocoflan (chocolate cake topped with flan) among our many baked goods!
Kristoffer's Cafe hosts weekly music events and monthly art openings. We provide free WI-FI internet access and our outdoor patio is now open...."

Metropolis Coffee "... A coffee house should be a neighborhood center. It should be equally a place to relax as a place to plan a revolution. The Boston Tea Party, the storming of the Bastille, and the Russian revolution were all planned at coffee houses. A coffee house should be a showcase for artists, a forum for ideas, and a catalyst for conversation. It should be a place to meet and to reflect, to pause before, in the midst, or at the end of the day...." Music, art, films, and free wi-fi.

More Ways to Live Large for Less:

Free VOIP  Talk for FREE over your broadband Internet connection using your regular phone.

Free Payday Loans  Get paid tomorrow instead of Friday. Your 1st loan is FREE.

Free Credit Report  Buying a new car or a home? Then you MUST check your credit report.

Free Laptop Computer  No kidding... there IS a way that folks are getting a laptop for FREE!

Free Satellite TV Installation  Get TV in 4 rooms for less than you're paying for cable.

Free Car  Learn how some folks are driving a car for free. Fascinating!