Free Wi-Fi Wireless Internet Zones are available at all 79 Chicago Public Library locations and in other public places around Chicago including the Cultural Center (78 E. Washington), Daley Plaza (50 W. Washington), and Millennium Park (55 N. Michigan). Chicago Wireless Internet Zones (WIZ) are locations throughout Chicago where free public wireless (wi-fi) networks are available. These networks are provided by the City of Chicago in order to promote and develop wireless technology and offer a flexible means of communication.

COOL FREE WI-FI SITES IN CHICAGO

NoMI Lounge at the Park Hyatt Chicago

Your hot Friday night drink spot is a sleepy (and quite empty) environment during the daytime hours. Perhaps one of the best hidden secrets — until now — the NoMI Lounge offers comfy chairs, amazing views of the cityscape, and natural sunlight. It just may be the chicest work spot you’ve ever had. It is in the luxurious Park Hyatt hotel, after all. Treat yourself to a plate of its incredible sushi and come 5 p.m., a nice (well-deserved) glass of vino from the impressive list.

NoMI Lounge, at The Park Hyatt Hotel, 800 North Michigan Avenue (at Chicago Avenue); 312-239-4030.

Daley Plaza

We’re still having an incredible Indian Summer, so why not take things outdoors? While farmers’ market season is over (sniff, sniff), there are plenty of places in the Loop to grab a quick to-go bite. Feel like taking a break? This iconic hot spot is perfect for people watching — if not gazing up at the Picasso.

Daley Plaza, 50 West Washington Street (between Wabash Avenue and Dearborn Street).

The 900 Shops

We realize this one could be a dangerous choice — but it really can be a great work environment, too! We suggest skipping the busier downstairs area and heading up to one of the higher floors. Snag a table and chair — or settle into a couch. We have a feeling you’ll work just a little bit harder considering you’re surrounded by a retail haven. Hungry? Everything from Thai to pizza is at your fingertips. Be sure to save room for that incredible froyo at Forty Carrots — yum!

The 900 Shops, 900 North Michigan Avenue (between Walton and Delaware); 312-915-3916.

Map Room

Okay, so maybe this is a place you go to research your wedding — not put your nose to the grindstone on the most important project of your life. Map Room is open early and closes late, so grab that Bloody Mary and get down to business. You can get coffee — but that would defeat the purpose of visiting this cozy gem versus your local barista. If you’re in need of a little sustenance, there’s a variety of sammies offered from nearby Goddess and the Grocer.

Map Room, 1949 North Hoyne Avenue (between Homer Street and Armitage Avenue); 773-252-7636.

Library Bar at PUBLIC

Like the NoMI Lounge, this bar is practically desolate during the daytime hours. Oversized couches, soft music, subdued lighting — can we move in? The only kicker with this option is you may become a little too relaxed. Still beats the watercooler drama, right? Coffee by day, cocktails by night. You can also indulge in a “Quicksand” milkshake if you’re really having a rough day on the job. As for eats, there’s a variety of sandwiches, salads, freshly baked desserts, and other goodies by chef Jean-Georges Vongerichten.

Library Bar at PUBLIC,1301 North State Parkway (at Goethe); 888-506-3471.

Millennium Park

Last month, Mayor Rahm Emanuel announced his incredible plan to make Chicago a hub for super speedy Internet service and provide free Wi-Fi in public places — high five! To get things started, you can now find free Wi-Fi in Chicago’s most famous park in the tree-lined area of Wrigley Square. Again, take advantage of this spot before it’s time for carolers, ice skating, and hot chocolate.

Millennium Park, 201 East Randolph Street (at Michigan Avenue); 312-742-1168.

CAFÉ EXPRESS

Evanston

Café Express offers free Wi-Fi in three sprawling rooms, with additional seating outside in warm months. The place offers a large menu, including salads, soups, sandwiches, pies, and desserts, and, of course, a full espresso bar. In the back, a bookshelf holds books and games for the rare times when you’re not working. 615 Dempster St.

METROPOLIS COFFEE COMPANY

Edgewater

This neighborhood favorite offers three rooms, with lots of light, clean, comfortable tables and chairs, and plentiful outlets. Multiple hot spots enhance the free Wi-Fi. Lots of people settle in here in the middle of the day on their laptops, many of them students from nearby Loyola University. Metropolis serves its own excellent roasted coffee, which it sells nationwide, and an assortment of cold sandwiches, pastries, and desserts. 1039 W. Granville Ave.; MetropolisCoffee.com

CHICAGO CULTURAL CENTER

Loop

Big pluses: Good central Loop location, free Wi-Fi, lots of seating—and nobody cares how long you stay (they’re city workers!). The ground-floor café offers the standard lattes, cappuccinos, drip coffee, and pastries. A negative is finding one of the electrical outlets—they’re few and far between. 78 E. Washington St.

BLUE MAX COFFEE

Forest Park

Two-year-old Blue Max Coffee, located within a lovely house, is homey and welcoming. Free Wi-Fi requires no passwords, and a fireplace, a leather sofa, and granite-topped tables in a front room are inviting—if you can find a seat. In back there’s a large and sunlit (but drafty) enclosed seating area, along with a deck for warmer months. The house-roasted, fair-trade coffee and wide range of food options, including all-day breakfast, make it a cozy place to work, eat, and surf. 26 Lathrop Ave.;BlueMaxCoffee.com

BRIDGEPORT COFFEE COMPANY

Bridgeport

Opened three years ago in an old storefront, this South Side spot feels wonderfully old-Chicago, with a tin roof, a metal stoop, and an old organ near the entrance. Bridgeport serves strong house-roasted coffee (also available wholesale), tea, pastries, toasted sandwiches, and shakes. 3101 S. Morgan St.; BridgeportCoffeeCompany.com

SIP COFFEE HOUSE & GARDEN

West Town

A giant interior space with skylights and two-story-high ceilings makes this place special. Spread throughout are designer tables and chairs, sofas, and reading lamps. Stairs lead to a loft with more seating. Free Wi-Fi and plentiful outlets supplement a communal rack of newspapers and magazines. They serve tasty Intelligentsia coffee, but their food is limited to sandwiches and snacks. 1223 W. Grand Ave.

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Connect Chicago is a service to help Chicago residents and visitors find places that offer free or affordable technology resources and services, like computers with Internet access and technology training. Many organizations, including City departments and sister agencies, provide free technology resources and services to Chicagoans. For example, the Chicago Public Library’s Internet-connected computers and free Wi-Fi at its more than 70 library branches are available to all Chicago residents; the Department of Innovation and Technology provides free Wireless Internet Zones. Senior Centers have computer labs and technology training classes for residents aged 50+; and, Community Service Centers and Veterans Centers also have free computer access. Connect Chicago brings all these resources to one virtual place, allowing residents and visitors—including those with limited digital skills—to easily find convenient and publicly-accessible technology resources and services.