Open Mic Night at MegaBites Café in New Haven is a great outlet for local talent.

Artists have the opportunity to share their gift through music, spoken word, comedy and poetry. The event is recurring every Wednesday night and usually begins around 10 p.m. Creative minds from all the local New Haven colleges are welcome and encouraged to participate.

Initially opened as an internet café, MegaBites Café is now a platform for many local events, including Open Mic Night. Now that the summer is almost over and school is back in session, management anticipates a larger crowd and will be advertising other happenings at the venue.

Tucked away in a small plaza on Blake Street, along with a thrift store and pizza place, the café is a hidden gem for college students and locals to meet or just a place to relax and escape from the typical college party scene. It is opened to students every night of the week until midnight or later.

The space’s walls are fully decorated with artwork from a variety of local artists. The paintings are used not only for the café’s décor but are also for sale to the public. The atmosphere is warm and inviting with dim lighting, comfortable seating and a large flat screen television.

The café, which will be opened a year in October, was initially a daytime spot but has now turned into an evening retreat. Although there are a limited amount of public computers for use, students are welcome to bring their laptops to take advantage of the free Wi-Fi service.

A variety of coffee shop drinks are offered as well as beer and wine. Guests also have a variety of baked pastries to choose from. Students can save 15 percent off of their purchase with a valid college ID.