In a city where life is most often observed through shop windows,the view inside downtown’s Internet Cafe can be a revelation.

Instead of antique velvet sofas, folk art and open-mic nights ofthe conventional cafe, patrons of this San Diego cyber-house have theopportunity to work, play or chat while enjoying their dose ofcaffeine.

How’s that for getting wired?

“People want quality service as well as a fast connection,” saidInternet Cafe owner Joe Smith (whose name has been changed at hisrequest). “It’s a socially responsible business.”

The cafe is the first and only one of its kind in San Diego,located on the corner of 8th Street and Broadway. It is a briefstroll, yet the concept is worlds away from the shopping centers andnight clubs crowding the Gaslamp Quarter.

“Shops on Fifth Avenue got all the attention,” Smith said. “TheInternet Cafe brought more life to Broadway when it opened.”

Upon entrance, visitors are welcomed by a dozen high-speedcomputers diligently placed around the beverage bar. There are alsonetwork connections for laptops as well as copy and fax service.

The atmosphere inside is relatively quiet, except for the buzz ofcomputers and busy hands clicking on keyboards. The mid-afternoon sunlights up the cafe’s bare white walls. The idea, after all, is tofocus on service, not looks.

Of course the formula wouldn’t be complete without caffeine. TheInternet Cafe offers reasonably priced joe from the tame cafeAmericano to the sleep-deprivating caf