Monks has long been a staple of life for ACU students, with its well made cup of coffee and added bonus of a great atmosphere. The laid back vibe, delicious coffee and cheap concerts make it a natural gathering point for students.
Tanner Endowe has been a barista there for over six months and said it is one of the best jobs he has ever had. Endowe pointed out that Monk’s is more than a place to grab a quick coffee, but is a space designed to build community.
“People who go to Starbucks go in and out,” Endowe said. “This place is more relaxed, it’s somewhere you stay for a while.”
Camping out at the same table for several hours is not frowned upon at Monks, in fact, its encouraged. Its a place for lengthy study sessions, theological debates, and mellow concerts.
Monks is especially crowded on Thursday nights because of open mic night. People from all ages and backgrounds (many of them ACU students) take the stage and transform Monks from a chill coffee shop to an intimate concert venue.
Besides open mic night, Monks has also hosted a number of well known groups including The Civil Wars and Aaron Gillespie. Folk artist David Ramirez will perform on Sept. 6.
“Monks is a really cool place to study,” said Lexi French, junior English major from Palestine. “It’s a place I bring people who are visiting to show them the culture of Abilene.”
Monk’s has become so popular that a second location is opening across from Hardin Simmons University.
Whether you just want some coffee (Endowe is a big fan of the Tuxedo, French prefers the Chai Latte), music or a great atmosphere for studying, Monks is a unique establishment that perfectly embodies the best of Abilene culture.
