Updated September 2007
Whether you're trying to give new meaning to "a working lunch" or just a fan of coffee with your instant messaging, there are loads of eateries around the county with wireless Internet. Here's a list of places that are an Internet junkie's dream – free Wi-Fi, plus strong coffee, good food, and a comfy place to hang out.
SOUTH COUNTY
The Koffee Klatch
1440 S. Coast Hwy., Laguna Beach, 949-376-6867
A jazzy coffeehouse along Laguna's main thoroughfare, Koffee Klatch has fast wireless and tasty omelettes served all day. PCs built into tables are available for a fee.
Metro Java Café
32211 Camino Capistrano #101-E, San Juan Capistrano, 949-240-4672.
This European-style café has the crepes, paninis and Perrier to prove it. Décor includes imagery of Spanish bullfights and Venetian canals. And the potato salad is excellent.
The Neighborhood Cup
1 Journey, Aliso Viejo, 949-716-5100
Coffeehouse by day, who knows what's going to happen at night. This hangout hosts salsa night on Fridays, live acoustic music on Saturdays, and classic car shows and a Scrabble club on Sundays.
The Waffle Lady
107 Via Pico Plaza, San Clemente, 949-361-9132
How many other places offer the Net and fresh waffles? Choose from Belgian and blueberry to peanut butter and cornbread waffles.
NORTH COUNTY
The Ugly Mug
261 N. Glassell St., Orange, 714-997-5610
This Chapman University student favorite hosts open-mic poetry and readings at 8 p.m. Wednesday nights. The decor is marvelously funky, with mismatched sofas, neon signs, and unusual artifacts hanging on the walls. Free Wi-Fi comes with the purchase of a drink.
Kaffa!
424 S. Main St., suite K, Orange, 714-978-1992
Great coffee and paninis.
Keno's Restaurant
5750 E. La Palma Ave., Anaheim, 714-777-9511.
Keno's has an extensive menu: from sirloin to seafood, and breakfast any time of day. The restaurant boasts a bar, candle-lit leather booths, bright diner-style seating, late-night hours and reasonable prices.
Bogart's Coffee
905 Ocean Ave., Seal Beach, 562-431-2226
The smells of the sea mingle with the aroma of organic coffee at this oceanfront cafe. Wi-Fi is free with a purchase; just ask the barista for the password.
Downtown Fullerton
The city of Fullerton and downtown businesses offer free Wi-Fi in the downtown area. (See map here.) Friendly cafes within the area include Plush Cafe (207 N. Harbor Blvd., 714-738-5100); and vegetarian restaurant Sidney's Cafe (108 W. Wilshire Ave., 714-525-5111). Nearby Monkey Business Cafe(301 E. Amerige, Fullerton, 714-526-2933) isn't part of the downtown network, but it provides its own free Wi-Fi.
WEST COUNTY
Café Enchante
328 11th St., #E, Huntington Beach; 714-369-8377
The beach is just down the street. Musicians play jazz and blues on Saturday nights.
Javatinis
148 Main St., Seal Beach, 562-626-8202
Beans are roasted fresh, daily. The signature drink, the "Javatini," will keep you wired: two shots of espresso, three cubes of ice, shaken not stirred, in a martini glass and topped with a chocolate coffee bean.
Limelight Java
18581 Beach Blvd., Huntington Beach, 714-848-6867
A cozy little place where employees know most customers by name. The wireless is blazing; the fastest we tested. Outlets are scarce, so come charged.
Monkey House Cafe
18862 Beach Blvd., #101, Huntington Beach, 714-965-1135
Try a Funky Monkey - a blended drink made of expresso, chocolate and banana - in this cute monkey- and jungle-themed cafe.
CENTRAL COUNTY
Whole Foods
2847 Park Ave., Tustin. (At The District, formerly the Tustin airbase at Barranca Parkway and Jamboree Road. Use the Warner Avenue entrance off Jamboree.)
OK, so this is a behemoth of an organic supermarket, not a cozy cafe, but there are tons of food options here.
Mochilato
14310 Culver Drive, suite E, Irvine, 949-559-1116
Spacious dark wood tables where you can enjoy gelato and gelato-filled Japanese glutinous rice snacks.
Coffee Plantation
18122 Brookhurst St., Fountain Valley, 714-962-2232.
Lots of neighborhoood regulars.
ACROSS THE COUNTY
Apple Store
Locations in Brea, Newport Beach, Irvine, Mission Viejo and Costa Mesa.
We dare you to bring in a PC.
Baja Fresh Mexican Grill
Multiple locations.
This Ventura County-spawned chain offers authentic Mexican food without the cans and microwaves.
Boba Loca
Multiple locations.
Slurp down gooey boba tapioca balls. Some locations also offer soft serve ice cream and yogurt.
It's a Grind Coffee House
Multiple locations.
Fresh coffee, plus good piped in tunes.
Panera Bread
Locations in Irvine, Orange, Newport Beach and Fullerton.
The fresh-baked goods – panini, focaccia and pastries – are crave-worthy. And there's Wi-Fi support staff!
Corner Bakery
Multiple locations.
Good pastries and paninis.
