The Bay Area has always been at the forefront of the "Internet Revolution," but ironically there are very few cyber cafés in San Francisco – probably because practically everyone who lives here has a PC at home. There are a few places to check your e-mail though.
Internet Alfredo is CLOSED. I mention this because they are still listed, and their website gives no mention of their closure. Club-i is also closed, though their website says they hope to re-open.
The best café with Internet access I have found is the terrific Chat Café, located in the Castro District at 18th and Sanchez. This is a real café, where real people have actual face-to-face conversations, and the fact that there are a few colorful iMacs around for folks to use is just a bonus. Best of all, owners Tom and Michael provide the Internet access for free to anyone making a purchase (no minimum amount, either!).
Chat Café is open 7 days a week, Monday-Friday 7 a.m.-6:30 p.m., and Saturday and Sunday 8 a.m.-6:30 p.m., They may be reducing their hours during the winter, so give them a call at (415) 626-4700.
You might also try Rockin’ Java, at 1821 Haight Street, where they sometimes have live music to entertain you while you wait for a terminal. Access there will cost $2 for 15 minutes, or $5 for an hour. One thing, though: when I tried to call (twice) for information, they were VERY mean, and actually hung up on me.
Another option for free access is the San Francisco Public Library. From their homepage, click on "About the Library" for branch location, hours and Internet use policy information.
