Media Credit: Michael Radziewicz

John Coltrain plays a game of chess at Abooji café, a hot-spot that offers more than just wireless internet and a variety of drinks.

Internet cafe new student hot-spot

By: Durrell Dawson

Posted: 9/9/03

Amanda Parker-Baker enjoys pleasant evenings by drinking sizzling coffee while surfing the Internet and keeping an eye on a bundle of good workers.

Parker-Baker, student at UIC majoring in art studio and longtime customer of the Abooji Café, visits the café almost every day.

"They have good coffee, and I like to harass the employees," she said.  "They make the best coffee.  And I'm a coffee snob."

Everyday of the week, from 12 p.m. until 11 p.m., students can be found studying, sipping coffee or checking their email at the Abooji Cafe.

Located between the east and west campuses of the University of Illinois at Chicago on Taylor Street, the cafe offers students an inexpensive refuge from the stresses of college life.

For a few dollars, patrons can choose between hot beverages such as coffee, cappuccino, tea and hot chocolate.  Snacks such as cheesecake, carrot cake and potato chips can be purchased to satisfy a craving.

In addition to serving everything fundamental to coffeehouses, Abooji Café also has a wireless Internet hub that allows it to offer free Internet access to customers that bring laptops and a wireless card.

Internet access is also available to those without laptops. Three computers line the wall of the cafe and more are expected to be added in coming months.

Access to the computers makes it more convenient for students to check their email and look up information for classes, all while enjoying a steaming cup of coffee.

Aside from technology and coffee, Abooji Cafe is decorated with plants, a couch and paintings from the UIC community.

Parker-Baker donated one of the paintings that is hung on the wall of the cafe.

Gary Teune, junior at UIC majoring in English, has been working at Abooji Cafe for three months and said the café has established itself as a popular hangout since school began.

Teune said the cafe has been successful among students because it is more inviting than the established coffee chains, which can seem snobby to some.

"I think [Abooji Cafe has] a comfortable atmosphere.  Starbucks is very clean, it's very cookie cutter.  We're an alternative," he said.

Hardwood floors, brick walls, and exposed maroon pipes give Abooji Cafe the feel of a downtown loft.

The more down to earth setting of Abooji Cafe encourages groups of students to meet for studying or general conversation.

The soft music that plays in the background provides a cushion for those chatting without disturbing the concentration of those quietly studying.

Because of the relaxing environment, people that come to Abooji tend to stay longer than planned, Teune said.

The readily available caffeine and Internet affords the hardcore students a break from their studies before they eventually have to resume cramming for classes.

Whether meeting with friends over coffee or playing around on the Internet, the atmosphere provided by Abooji Cafe is one that is appreciated by many customers.

Teune is so enthusiastic about working at the cafe, he dedicated a poem to it.

"The staff is all friendly and groovy/I've finally made up my mind/I'm spending my days at Abooji/ And leaving my old chains behind."

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