Are Internet Cafes a thing of the past?

I don't think there's even where I live, probably they wont disappear, although more people lately are doing more lan parties :P

Public wi-fi is bigger than ever, its the future. Having free open wi-fi is an advertising strategy, they'll all be compelled to do it.

Sadly, Internet Cafes are a dying business. With the increasing number of free wi-fi hotspots, mobile internet on Smartphones, iPads, MiFi type devices, etc. ... the demand for Internet Cafes will continue to decline. Public Libraries in my State have free wi-fi.

| Hotwire Online Coffeehouse in West Seattle

Maybe in the us it is. But when I took a trip to Mexico (Yucatan specifically). There weren't many internet connections. However, the internet cafes always provided internet.

There was one close to where I live a long time ago that was an internet cafe. But not many people used it. Since it was fairly expensive back then. Even for me. I realized only afterwards that even dialup at that time was a lot cheaper than going to the cafe back then. Even though I really like the place for the coffee and all that. and I could sit in front of a computer back then. and do what ever it is I wanted to do. Nowadays I am far better off doing that at home. With what I have right now. The only other time that I might go to a cafe like that is when I am in the neighborhood and at a place that I usually go to that I would need to go to it. But they are too far away for me.

Whoa, must be only in the US these internet cafe's are dying because in the Dominican Republic, these are necessary. Not everyone can afford an internet plan or a computer. The internet cafes are simple, there is no "cafe" its just a place you pay RD$20 (~.50 cents) and you go on the internet for an hour. These internet cafes never lose power, these cafes always have a backup generator just in case. These cafes are all over the country and these won't die soon.

yep, internet cafe's here in the philippines are still popular.. for these particular reasons:

1. the devices used to connect with wifi are not affordable to everyone (hence economy-dependent)
2. people (in our country) are not yet dependent on the internet for their daily living. (it's more of a leisure here)
3. internet - only cafe's are not really the popular ones, rather Computer shops with internet and Gaming-rig computers are more popular.
4. they use these computer shops as a "play-ground" for teens to play Multiplayer, MMORPG, Online and other games. (hence the popularity)
5. most business establishments who offer WiFi are usually selling goods that are Expensive(which makes them unpopular to most of the population)
6. and even if WiFi is free, Most establishments who offer this WiFi service DO NOT ALLOW CHARGING of laptops (and as I've mentioned, buying a new laptop / wifi gadget is unpopular). Most, maybe around 60%? then some 20% do give a fair charge for charging and the rest of the 20% offers free service.

Internet Cafe is a Dying Business IN THE U.S. only.

I believe they are a dying breed.  Unless you live in a state in which gambling is not legalized.  There the "Internet cafe" business may be thriving.  The establishment's signage indicates it's an Internet cafe, but its primary business and most of its revenue is generated from online gambling.  As it was explained to me, although gambling is illegal, if they are selling food, beverages and Internet connectivity they do meet some low level legal requirement to operate.  I have no moral objections to gambling, but the law is the law.  I've said it before, and I'll say it again...Under the same logic, I could sell books, magazines and crack and call myself a bookstore.  But to answer the question, yes, they are thriving in some states.  However, its need for existence and function has changed over the years.

In Memphis every McDonald's and Burger King has free wi-fi, not to mention better places like Panera Bread and Atlanta Bread Company. All of the public library branches, most doughnut shops, all coffee shops -- free Internet is everywhere. And yet, I seldom see people using laptops now because everybody's toting smartphones.