Okay, you’re stuck downtown and just want to hang back, get some reasonably priced eats, and have a few drinks. Quietly located amidst the frenetic Granville Street scene is Taf’s Café and Gallery, the perfect spot to accomplish such a goal.

The badass downtempo beats were simmering from the sound system, the abstract artwork added a European sensibility to the atmosphere, and the laid-back crowd was getting lost in private conversation as I contentedly smoked a few cigarettes, downed some brewskies, and snacked on a veggie burger out at one of the three outdoor tables.

I overheard some guy walk by and say to his companion, "This is the place where you can sit and people-watch." No kidding--on Granville Street, all kinds of people populate the landscape. An outdoor table is most definitely the prime spot to sit here at Taf’s, but be prepared for a bombardment of requests to bum a cigarette. Between me and the table of three girls nearby, we probably fielded about seven or eight requests in under an hour.

The menu at this café consists of a fine selection of salads, sandwiches, burgers, and assorted entrees. I went for the Mushroom Veggie Burger, served on an open-faced kaiser roll with a fresh garden salad. Included was a lovely amount of pickles, so props to Taf’s for that. The food was pretty solid, so don’t be hesitant to order anything. The kitchen is open relatively late, and even though I was one of the last people ordering, my waiter was very cool about it and even let me chill outdoors as he tried to wrap up his duties and get the hell out of there.

If you can’t grab a table outside, you’ll be surrounded by some great art for sale inside. I think there's probably a rotating slate of artists who display their work, and I was really digging what was up during my visit. It was all reasonably priced, and if I'd had some extra loot, I would have jumped at the opportunity to pick up one of the pieces myself. There’s also a spacious seating area upstairs.

Drink prices here are the topper--enjoy a pitcher of Granville Island Lager or Pale Ale on tap for C$11 (or a pint for C$4). If you don’t feel like drinking beer, a pitcher of sangria is going to run you only C$15. Of course, you can always opt for the mixed drink, but I can’t tell you the prices. I’m sure they won’t break your bank.

Taf’s was one of my favorite nightlife places I checked out in Vancouver. No pretend scene here, just a bunch of mellow cats having a few drinks and enjoying their time together. That’s what good times are all about, right?