Monsarrat

Blocks away from bustling Waikiki, Monsarrat offers a variety of shops and eateries—at a much slower pace.

Bogart’s Café & Espresso Bar

Photography by David Croxford

For years, the breakfast bagel—with jack and cheddar cheeses, a slice of tomato, spinach and a fluffy egg—at Bogart’s was never on the menu.

Quickly, though, its popularity spread by satisfied mouths until it became the café’s bestseller. “We used to order a dozen eggs a week, maybe two,” says owner Maria Barnette. “We order more than 1,400 eggs a week now.” The décor may have changed (the walls have been painted mint and cherry and the bulletin board of business cards is gone), but the menu is the same, still focused on locally roasted coffee and dishes packed with flavor. 3045 Monsarrat Ave., 739-0999.

Photo by David Croxford You’ll need a nap after this mixed plate, served up by South Shore Grill co-owner Jennifer Bryant.

South Shore Grill
There’s hardly a time during the day—especially at lunch—when South Shore Grill isn’t packed with bikini-clad, slipper-wearing patrons. Which is amazing, considering its serious lack of parking. But they all come for one reason: the food, which is quick, affordable and decidedly gourmet. The menu boasts half-pound burgers topped with chipotle aioli, hearty sandwiches on toasted ciabatta bread and fish tacos to rave about. Save room for the freshly baked desserts. 3114 Monsarrat Ave., 734-0229.

Namaste Books and Gift Store
You might expect books by the Dalai Lama at the Unity Church of Hawaii bookstore, but maybe not You: Staying Young: The Owner’s Manual for Extending Your Warranty by Oprah pal Dr. Mehmet Oz. “We’ve got a cross-section here,” says manager Dennis Black. “This is a metaphysical church. That means we celebrate any and all religions.” Open on Tuesday and Thursday afternoons and Sunday mornings, the bookstore sells everything from angel figurines to DVDs of the church’s Sunday service. 3608 Diamond Head Circle, 735-4436 ext. 310, www.unityhawaii.org.

Did you know? Tucked away on Monsarrat Avenue is a city-maintained garden of hibiscus, roses and native plants, the Queen Kapiolani Garden. Open for more than 30 years, the park attracts walkers, bicyclists and picnickers. On Monsarrat, between Leahi Avenue and Paki Street.

Water Blue Bikinis
Smack between a florist and a barbershop, this 300-square-foot boutique is packed with hard-to-find bikini lines from Brazil, Italy and Argentina. Just don’t expect brand-name surf lines here. “We sell trendy suits that appeal to girls into bikini fashion,” says co-owner Margo Powell. More than half her clients are locals seeking out pieces by Vitamin A, Bella Bikinis, Joia and Lisa Lozano, which range from $50 to $150 each. And if you’re shopping for baby, don’t forget to check out the shop’s adorable bikinis for newborns. 3118 Monsarrat Ave., 739-9112.

Diamond Head Cove Health Bar
Owner Marcus Marcos, a self-described smoothie schlep, keeps it simple: a handful of lunch items, two açai bowl options and seven smoothie flavors, including the popular awa smoothie with coconut milk, bananas and maple syrup. Almost everything is locally and organically grown, made or caught, including the fish. Marcos even supports local musicians, featuring live music by artists such as John and Guy Cruz and Kupaaina on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday nights. 3045 Monsarrat Ave., 732-8744, www.diamondheadcove.com.