  arked on the corner between Main Street and Kingsway, the wedge-shaped Gene Café has a lot of natural assets. Among them are a great location, massive windows, and enormous people-watching potential. More discerning passers-by may have been wondering why the half-finished interior was, well, half finished; with painter’s tape is still stuck to the wall and a bit of dust here and there, the quixotic spot is basically open for public consumption.
Instead of rushing the finished product and stocking the joint with Ikea ready-made, Gene is coming into its own in Main Street fashion (read, day by day), which is a relief because this little café is situated very close to my front door.
The stark white interior may be a turn-off for those seeking a cozy place to hunker down, but the quality is in the details, such as a massive scalene triangle table made from an amalgamation of old doors, and cool chrome finishing. “It needs some finessing, obviously, but it’s good - it’s coming along,” said Graham, a customer and former barista who gave Gene two thumbs up. “I really like the location, and I like the windows, but they need to add some colour, I think it’s going to be a great, tight little coffee shop when it’s done,” added Steve, who stopped in for a morning java.
My Casa del Café Americano was great – snappy and nutty with a fine body. It was made with just the right amount of water, but my experience at the cream and sugar station was less than savoury. The milk and cream receptacles are bound to be an issue, as their flimsy flip tops do little to pour in a steady manner. After I tipped about half the milk jug into my Americano, the handkerchief-clad barista, who had yet to smile or say hello, pointed out a tiny, hand-written posting stuck to the spoon bin and hidden behind the cream - “Cream and milk jugs pour out fast.”
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2404 Main Street, Vancouver, BC 
3 Reader Reviews
Apologies for using the review area as a message board--there doesn't seem to be a way to ask questions on the martiniboys site.....
Just wondered if anyone knows anything at all about 2 places on Kingsway that I used to walk past--the first is an art gallery located next to the piano showroom on Kingsway (the gallery is on the right hand side if you are walking towards the Skytrain station). There never seemed to be anyone in the gallery as I often wanted to go in and have a look? Who runs it? Anybody ahve any clue?
The 2nd is a weird green building, with steps leading up to its main door. Seems to be closed down now but looks like it was some kind of club or bar at another time? This is again situated on the same side as the agllery above, next to a car workshop. Oh by the way...I think this building has a gorilla or monkey stuck on the front where the name should be.
Jag's Rating: 4 Stars |
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Hi everyone at Gene!
As I have said elsewhere when reviewing another place in Vancouver, I was only there on business for a week, and what with rushing back and forth to downtown, I just did not get the chance to sample your food or atmosphere! The only place I did try on Main St was the Indian place at the junction of Main St/Kingsway (I dont remember the name).
One thing I will say about the Gene is that it does look quite relaxed and conducive to lots of chatting or surfing or just plain chilling out with your best friend or even a good book! One suggestion for seating--looks like seating consisting of 2 chairs around a table would do well, as from what I remember, there is a long bench affair there, which in my books does not offer any privacy really. Anyway, I am writing this in England, having flown back a couple of days ago and hope to be back again for good, when I will most definitely pop in regularly! Rgds
Jag's Rating: 4 Stars |
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Someone told me about this place last week, and for whatever reason, I never made it there, til about... yesterday. It is now one of my favourite area restaurants! Delicious! Put it on your restaurant list.
Trey R.'s Rating: 4 Stars |
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Gene Cafe |
2404 Main Street, Vancouver, BC
604-568-5501
Main Street
Cafe Fare
Cafe, Restaurant
Daily from 6:30 a.m. to 11 p.m.
$$ (Affordable)
Master Card
Visa
American Express |
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MBO Vancouver :: Vancouver Restaurants & Dining Guide
