Wake up and smell the coffee at nearby bistros

Start the day with a strong cup of joe, like this coffee specialty at Artopolis. Photo: Timothy Nguyen

The Italians drink it, the Turkish have their own version and college students use it as their staple to start the day — or prolong the evening — of studying. It’s that good old cup of Joe known as coffee. Here are some off-campus coffee shops, all of which have free WiFi. Some even have discounts for UIC students.

The Coffee Alley

A double latte caramel macchiato is the drink to order here in this relaxed café.
1152 W. Taylor St., 312-526-3873
Hours: Mon–Fri, 7 a.m.–9 p.m.
Sat & Sun, 8 a.m.–9 p.m.

Demitasse Coffee

The coffee is roasted in-house, so a cup of coffee is just as satisfying as anything else.
1066 W. Taylor St., 312-226-7666
Hours: Tues–Fri, 6:30 a.m.–3 p.m.
Sat & Sun, 7:30 a.m.–2:30 p.m.

Starbucks 

Known as the face of coffee, this worldwide chain has a menu of beverages for all.
1430 W. Taylor St., 312-492-7370
Hours: Sun–Thurs, 5 a.m.–9 p.m.
Sat & Sun, 5 a.m.–10 p.m.

M2 Café

How does a warm honey vanilla latte with 10% off sound? The discount is available for students with a valid i-card on all purchases.
850 W. Jackson Blvd., 312-265-1824
Hours: Mon–Fri, 7 a.m.–5 p.m.

Efebina’s Café

Enjoy an iced latte here at this bright and comfy café.
1640 S. Blue Island Ave., 312-243-9790
Hours: Mon–Fri, 9 a.m.–9 p.m.
Sat, 9 a.m.–5 p.m.
Sun, closed

Nitecap Coffee Bar

Tired of the same old coffee flavors? Try a latte with basil or lavender syrup. And there’s a 20% discount for students with a valid i-card. Now try that for flavor!
1738 W. 18th St., 312-846-1149
Hours: Mon–Fri, 8 a.m.–9 p.m.
Sat & Sun, 10 a.m.–7 p.m.

Manny’s Coffee and Deli 

A simple cup of coffee goes a long way here. The deli serves Kona coffee, a product of the Big Island, Hawaii.
1141 S. Jefferson St., 312-939-2855
Hours: Mon–Sat, 6 a.m.–8 p.m.

Artopolis 

Coffee must be paired with a dessert in this Greektown café and bakery. Artopolis specializes in European drinks, like the original frappé from Greece. And don’t forget to come with your i-card — you never know when there might be a promotion.
306 S. Halsted St., 312-559-9000
Hours: Mon–Thurs, 9 a.m.–12 a.m.
Fri & Sat, 9 a.m.–1 a.m.
Sun, 10 a.m.–11 p.m.