The wifi is free, you don’t need to pay for a pastry or a coffee to use the space— they’re quiet, they often have workdesks and comfortable chairs, and using them supports their own funding requirements.
I went with a bunch of friends, got two corsages (one from my Mom & one from my friend since I didn’t have a formal date, which I ended up giving to another girl bcz she didn’t attend with anyone at all). We danced all nite at a hotel ballroom and then went out for diner food after. $50 for the dress from NYC lol