Yanaka Coffee Shimokitazawa

Very good quality coffee for absolutely affordable price.
Forget stupid Starbucks, forget Pete’s, they are just all McDonald’s of coffee industry.
Yes Yanaka is a chain too, but they certainly have better mind of maintaining high quality coffee for their customers. Their service is great too.

New coffee shop discovery in Shimokitazawa! They feature freshly roasted beans for consumption on site and take home.
Today’s special was of Indonesian origin. I was still buzzed from the previous shot at the other place, so I wasn’t fully paying attention, but I believe the shop owner said Sumatra.
As it was a cloudy but cool day, I chose a seat outside at one of five tables along the side and front of the shop. Each table has chairs for two — great if you have a date, friend or partner in crime with you. All inside tables are tiny and best suited for pairs at most.
The interior is cozy, artsy and good for studying/​sleeping. There was a mix of retired people from the neighborhood, students and a couple nomads like me. Funny observation was everybody, young and old alike, had their noses in their iPhones! OK, one Experia spotted, LOL.
As mentioned in my Tips, check the board for the day’s specials. Got lucky today with a nice bean, flavorfully roasted and hand drawn through a cloth filter. The master certainly knows what he’s doing!
Lattes and other mixed coffee drinks are also available, plus the second floor serves light meals (order on the first floor, separate outside stairway and entrance for the second floor). Just had straight coffee today so cannot comment on the food.
Overall, a very good chill spot, great prices, cozy atmosphere. A very strong four stars today, with potential for five if the food is a great value, tasty and served with a smile. We’ll find out next visit.
P. S. They have a Facebook page. Look for them at: