Cafe: “You” Cafe

I came across a cute and minimalist hole-in-the-wall cafe this morning while walking around the neighborhood near Wanfang Hospital MRT in Wenshan District, Taipei. There is a sign above with the Chinese character “you,” meaning friend. 

The cafe is a single room open to the street. There is one bar, and the only seats are along it. The bar also opens to the outside to make for easy takeaway orders. Everything is in full view, making it easy to see the skilled work of the barista. The menu includes most of the standard coffee and tea orders, and most items are a third cheaper than you would find at a chain like Starbucks, and half as cheap as most independent boutique cafes. 

I came to the cafe early in the morning, around 7:30 AM, and it was the only business open on the block. I ordered an iced cafe latte, which came in a large plastic cup topped with plenty of foamed milk. Isn’t the contrast of the fresh milk and dark espresso stunning? This large cup was only 60 Taiwan dollars, about 2 USD. It tasted good, and the espresso was really strong. The barista, the only staff member working at the time, was quick, efficient and friendly. I’m not sure of their hours – the first time I passed by it was around 8 or 9PM and it was also open. 

The background decor is colorful and vibrant, giving the place a fun vibe despite the small space and old furnishings. 

The location is a bit out of the way. It’s in one of the side streets off of the main Xinglong Rd, about a 10 minute walk from the Wanfang Hospital MRT Station. If you are ever in the area, be sure to drop by. 

Here’s the address of the street: Lane 154, Section 2, Xinglong Rd, Wenshan District. If you are walking down the street, in the direction away from the MRT, it is located on the left side of the street.