Studying can be as hard as any 9-to-5 job, but with less-inspiring rewards. For industrious students, Victorian’s Midnight Cafe’s eclectic offerings provide the study-conducive, reward-inspiring atmosphere the stressed might be eager to experience.

“It has everything – quiet atmosphere, food, entertainment,” said Rob Stern, a senior in finance and international business. “The beer at the end of the night is also a plus.”Located in Victorian Village at the corner of Neil and Fifth avenues, the smoke-free establishment caters to a broad clientele. During the day, the popular breakfast and quiet environment attract studious and hungry patrons, while at night the live music and stocked bar draws the attention of those ready to relax.

“You can have an attorney come in and sit next to a homeless guy,” said Greg Rowe, the owner of the cafe. “If you can’t meet anyone here then you are in a bad place because everyone is friendly.”

Rowe originally opened the cafe about 10 years ago as a coffee shop. Throughout the years, he has added a menu, acquired a liquor license, provided wireless Internet and offered diverse entertainment.

There is live entertainment Friday and Saturday nights, starting at 8 p.m. Open Mic night is available to anyone for 15-minute time frames on Wednesday and Thursday nights from 8 p.m. to midnight.

The cafe’s name stems from the fact Rowe “assumed” people would leave by midnight, but he said they’ll entertain until as late as 1 a.m.

“We don’t kick people out,” he said. “We’re in it for the casual part as well as the cash flow part.”

A considerable part of their cash intake stems from their homemade breakfasts. Stern said he originally came to Victorian’s Midnight Cafe because he saw the $2.50 breakfast advertised in the window. Despite his initial surprise at the small size, Stern was overwhelmed with the quality and number of choices on the menu.

“I thought, ‘Damn, this is good,’ but it’s the home fries that kept me here,” Stern said.

As a result of his breakfast romance, Stern became a regular at the cafe. Because of his impending Certified Financial Analyst test, he began studying at the cafe everyday. The last two quarters, however, he has cut it down to Mondays, when he arrives between 8 a.m. and doesn’t leave until around 9 p.m.

“All three meals and pretty much all of my work gets taken care of for the rest of the week,” Stern said.

In addition to study space, food and entertainment, the cafe also dabbles in politics.

“The staff is really nice and it’s got a liberal flair, which I like,” said Courtney Tamimie, a senior in French and international studies. Connie Harris, a local musician and part-time help at the cafe, describes herself as the “political organizer.” Harris said the cafe heavily supports the democratic movement and is a great place for “like-minded folks” to get together and discuss politics.

“(Victorian’s Midnight Cafe) is a great watering hole, and it’s proven to be a good community gathering place,” she said. “People have come to count on us.”

This year they are continuing last year’s tradition of hosting a People’s State of the Union, featured the same night as the State of the Union address, it allows people to express their opinion and/or “drown out the president,” Harris said.

“(Last year) people were enthralled,” she said. “It was crazy.”

With its assorted offerings and unique take on the typical coffee house, Victorian’s Midnight Cafe has created its own industry.