Patch Picks: Top Five Free WI-FI Coffee Shops

Finding that perfect coffee shop to fit your study and work needs is not an easy feat. Production can easily be hindered by a watery cup of coffee, limited business hours (city libraries are notorious for being closed when most needed) a complete lack of electrical outlets (yes, Lulu Carpenters, this means you) or a gaggle of chain smokers at the next table.

A few free WI-FI and caffeine-brewing gems do exist, though, offering a work-friendly environment almost every time. Here is a list of the top five:

1. Windmill Cafe

Probably the best kept secret on the East Side of Santa Cruz, this little two-room cafe is nestled alongside Star Bene on East Cliff Drive. A very inexpensive breakfast and lunch menu features egg scrambles with veggies from the garden, a variety of smoothies and coffee drinks and even a curry veggie wrap with mock duck. Hot, strong coffee, sweet and personable owners, and a living room-esque ambiance complete with a couch and bookshelf make this spot well worth your time.

It's almost always quiet, so you won't have to wait in line here, and it's conveniently located right next to the Amsterdam Bike Repair shop. Local artists are featured on its colorful walls.

Open hours are 7 a.m. to 4 p.m., seven days a week. 

This is 41st Avenue's latest pride and joy when it comes to coffee. This spot is popular among young professionals and students, so claim your table early. Coffee connoisseurs will appreciate a variety of beans hand-roasted next door, making you the judge in the Verve's never-ending quest for the perfect bean.

Lattes and special drinks will also wow you, from the fancy foam leaf designs down to the last rich drop. If you are in the mood for something sweet to get you through, try the cookies. They are so decadent, they will slay you. The atmosphere is airy and bright, with pop art covering the walls and large windows looking out on to the street, making Verve a prime location for people watching.

Open hours are 6 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 6 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. Friday, 7 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. Saturday and 7 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. Sunday.

3.

This funky coffee shop in the heart of Soquel is cozy and unique enough to win over even the snobbiest of coffee shop junkies. Choose the mug that suits you for your in-house drinks, and hunker down on the couch for some serious reading time. A fish tank, several flavors of delicious gelato and a laid-back ambiance are what The Ugly Mug has in store for you.

Try the Gritty Kitty for a sweet buzz of gelato and espresso grinds. A limited food menu offers one or two specials a day, like tamale pie and quiche.

Open mic nights, movie nights and acoustic nights take place weekly. Open hours are 5:45 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Friday and 6:45 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday and Sunday.

4. Java Junction

Located on the junction of Seabright Avenue and East Cliff/Murray, Java Junction is now offering brew bar coffees, which cancels out the chance of pouring yourself a weak cup of coffee from the air pots. The spot is cherished by locals, especially for its outdoor patio, which heats up like a cookie sheet in the sun. (You will find many tanned regulars here).

There is also ample seating inside, with local artists cycling through the business. Java Junction also serves killer smoothies. Try the Chunky Monkey or the Last Mango in Paris. Breakfast bagels and burritos are also a big hit. Open hours are daily from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m.  

5.

Modestly perched above Margaritaville in the heart of Capitola Village, Mr. Toots Coffeehouse is your dependable evening and night spot for WI-FI. Open from 7 a.m. until 10 p.m. every day, Mr. Toots boasts a small deck overlooking the ocean and the pier—a sweet spot to sip your java while taking in the morning sun (or fog).

You may want to visit Mr. Toots when your work load is light or mindless, though, since a piano and constant stream of tourists and locals sometimes makes for a rowdy atmosphere. A small selection of baked goods, specialty drinks and gelato, and its scenic location just steps away from the excitement of Capitola Village, makes Toots a great choice.