Café by Day
During the day, the airy, light-filled café is the perfect place to read the newspaper, catch up with friends, or sip an enormous cup of coffee. It’s a brisk downhill walk from the retail hub of 4th Ave., in the middle of a residential area, and attracts weary shoppers, Kits residents, and graduate student types from the nearby University of British Columbia. Get comfy with a book on the couch by the fireplace, or click away at your laptop at a table near the window, taking advantage of the free wi-fi access. Monk’s offers a wide variety of organic and free trade coffee, as well as a loose leaf tea menu from around the world, including exotic Jasmine Dragon Tears, Egyptian chamomile, Brazilian Yerba Mate, and the special “holy” house blend.

Hotspot by Night
When the sun sets, the Wired Monk becomes a night spot with a live music scene. Curtains usually go up at 8:30 p.m.. Local musicians impress the crowd, trying to make their mark, while amateur singer-songwriters take to the stage bravely on open mic nights, a throwback to the Kits venues of decades past. You can linger over an after-dinner espresso but because the Wired Monk is fully licensed, you can also sit back and enjoy a glass of wine or a pint of beer.

Neighborhood Joint
The Wired Monk’s easy-going vibe is the real attraction: the affable staff and laid-back crowd make it a natural place for a neighborhood haunt. Sign up for the café’s e-mail list and they’ll keep you posted on various events and concerts. It’s also a great place for a bite to eat. The towering paninis and heaping salads are freshly made onsite. The nacho appetizer, piled high with red onions, shredded cheese, salsa, is especially popular. Make it more substantial by adding a side of roasted chicken or prosciutto.