Internet cafes have long been a frequent destination for study-grouping students and outside-the-office meetings. In Coronado, they are particularly popular due to the steady stream of island visitors and the regular influx of new residents that this area enjoys. eCoronado.com has assembled this roundup of local wifi offerings; here you’ll find our guide to seating, surfing speed, and insider’s tips on what to enjoy while you’re there!
Fastest in our tests
Coronado Public Library
Thanks to a recent update of the library’s wireless and computer networks, the Coronado Public Library (640 Orange Ave) offers great wifi speeds for library guests. The wifi bandwidth is top-tier, and is fast enough to stream HD video. Plenty of workspaces are available, including traditional tables as well as comfy armchairs. A great choice for anyone looking to do serious work online, but note that no food or drink are permitted in the library. Wifi score: ⋆⋆⋆
Great options if you want to snack or sip while you surf
Cafe 1134
A popular cafe choice for Coronado locals, Cafe 1134 (1134 Orange Ave) offers wifi for customers who make a purchase. The cafe offers indoor and outdoor seating for guests, including the quieter indoor balcony area, and the secluded back garden. There are ample outlets for laptop power in the upstairs seating area, and the downstairs seating area has power strips available for customer use. Breakfast choices include omelets, breakfast sandwiches, baked goods; a wide variety of coffees, espresso drinks, teas, and smoothies are also popular choices. Lunch items are also available. Don’t miss: the creamy, mild vanilla chai latte or the acai smoothie. Wifi score: ⋆⋆
Nado Gelato
Prized as a local dessert spot, Nado Gelato (1017 C Ave) is a bit of a hidden gem in Coronado’s wifi cafe scene. Wifi is available for customers who make a purchase — ask for the password at the register. Seating includes a corner booth, a long bar with a window view, and patio tables. In addition to the many daily flavors of gelato (made on site), Nado Gelato offers coffee, espresso drinks, smoothies, and gelato milkshakes. Don’t miss: the seasonal lattes (like the pumpkin latte made with real pumpkin puree, pictured above) and the three-flavor milkshakes (try it with coffee, banana, and chocolate gelato — yum!). Wifi score: ⋆⋆
Night and Day Cafe
Looking for a hearty meal while you work? The Night and Day Cafe (847 Orange Ave) offers a full breakfast, lunch and dinner menu, and is open early and late. In fact, once the cafe opens on Friday mornings, it remains constantly open until late Sunday night. Wifi is available to customers who are dining inside (at high-top tables or the long bar) or on the patio, and you’ll find login info at your table. Don’t miss: the fluffy pancakes (served all day) for breakfast, or the shredded chicken tacos, available at dinner. Wifi score: ⋆⋆
Villa Nueva
Featuring an impressive selection of freshly baked muffins and pastries, Villa Nueva (956 Orange Ave) also offers American and Mexican breakfast specialties for breakfast and lunch. Wifi is available for customers — ask for the password at the register — and can be accessed from the inside tables or the covered patio seating. Don’t miss: the muffins are delicious, and there are varieties to suit every taste (ten different flavors were available when we visited). The chilaquiles are also rich and filling. Wifi score: ⋆
Starbucks
Perennial crowd favorite Starbucks (960 Orange Ave) is centrally located in downtown Coronado, and remains a popular destination for local wifi seekers. Like most locations, this Starbucks offers a full coffee, espresso, and tea menu, plus iced drinks, as well as baked goods, salads, and snacks. Seating options are varied: indoors, there are tables, high-top tables, armchairs, and a large conference table; outdoors, there are a number of tables on the covered patio. Most seats have outlet access. Don’t miss: Seasonal winter beverages are back (Gingerbread Latte — yum!), as are seasonal baked goods like Cranberry Bliss bars and cutout sugar cookies. Wifi score: ⋆
Panera
A great place to grab a sandwich or some soup and surf the web, Panera (980 Orange Ave) is also located in the heart of downtown Coronado. Ample seating in several sections (including a private back patio) and an extensive selection of hot and cold sandwiches, soups, and salad, as well as bagels, breads, and drinks, makes this a great choice for big groups. Don’t miss: our staff is partial to the vegan soup options on the daily menu. Wifi score: ⋆
Additional Options
The Coronado Community Center (1845 Strand Way) offers wifi, a nice perk for those working out or waiting for children participating in the many youth programs available. Also, Island Barbers (857 Orange Ave) offers wifi to customers waiting for (or getting) a haircut.
What are your favorite wifi hotspots around town? Let us know and we’ll add them to our story!
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Brooke Prouty
Community Manager
eCoronado.com
Contact us with your Coronado story ideas!
