I come here often seeking dark roasted coffee. They have Wi-Fi and it's a calm place, so I like it here. The dark roast of the day was Brazilian Santos, a French blend. I decided to try the cake this time, and they had rare cheesecake. They change up the cake selection each day, but on this day, it was just the rare cheesecake. It was light but packed with flavor, with a nice lemony tang. The coffee had a unique French aroma and richness, yet it was easy to drink. The combination with the cheesecake was just right, making for a nice afternoon break. Although things are calming down with COVID, they still have a 60-minute limit here. I hope we can soon enjoy this tranquility at a more leisurely pace. I bought some Guatemala Full City beans on my way out, which have a surprisingly light flavor profile. I'll need to study up on brewing methods to bring out their richness.

I went to a cafe in Asahikawa that I was interested in, called Coffee Specialty Laben! Although it said it opened at 11:00, it was already open before 11:00, and I was able to go in. The interior of the cafe had a nice and relaxing atmosphere. I ordered: - Melon cream soda (650 yen) - Traditional Showa era pudding (600 yen) - Lemon sorbet soda (400 yen) About 15 minutes later, the items I ordered were brought to me. They looked delicious! The lemon sorbet soda had lemon sherbet at the bottom of the carbonated water, and you drink it while breaking it up with a straw. It was very delicious with lemon peel in it! A perfect drink for summer! The Showa era pudding was firmer than I expected, and eating it with whipped cream made it even more delicious! The caramel sauce had just the right amount of bitterness that matched well with the sweetness of the cream. This was a delicious treat that I could eat many of! There is a 60-minute time limit, but it seems like a good place to stop by for a little dessert. I really liked it! Thank you for the meal!

Today is rainy again. It's a cold rainy day. On days like this, I want to quietly enjoy the best coffee while listening to jazz in a retro coffee shop. So, I was looking for a shop like that, and it seems like I found one. The storefront is just amazing. It has the atmosphere of a famous shop. ( ^ω^ ) cafe de Leben, which means "coffee of life" in German. As soon as I stepped inside, I was surrounded by the scent of rich roasted beans in the old wood and dark interior. The owner came from the adjacent roasting room to greet me. "Welcome~" I imagined a senior owner with a white beard, but it turned out to be a middle-aged master with a refreshing and clean look, probably younger than me. Without even looking at the menu, I asked if they have Guatemala coffee. "Yes, we have it. Please sit wherever you like." I was the only customer. I took a seat at the farthest table where I could see the whole interior. The atmosphere was just what I was looking for, ideal in every way. It reminded me of my favorite place in Tokyo, Rambler. The coffee arrived. Guatemala, medium-dark roast, in a unique cup from the shop. Both the top and last aromas were soft and fruity. After about an hour of enjoying the coffee and retro ambiance, I left the shop. They accept credit cards for payment, which was a bit surprising and impressive. The master thanked me with a smile and polite words, "Thank you for coming in the rain." It was so heartwarming. The shop was even more wonderful than I had imagined. I hope that such shops will continue to thrive for a long time. Thank you for the meal.

A long-established coffee shop in Toyooka, Asahikawa City. The exterior looks aged and a bit intimidating, but you can enjoy outstandingly delicious coffee here. The shop closed temporarily last March but reopened in August with a new owner. The friendly owner came to take our order. I was planning to order a straight coffee, but it was a hot day, so why not try the iced coffee? When I asked the owner, he said, "Today's iced coffee is a dark roast from Brazil." Sounds good to me. I ordered the "Iced Coffee" (550 yen) and "Rare Cheesecake" (350 yen). The iced coffee was served in a large cup, not a glass. After taking a sip, I thought, "This coffee is really different." It has a deep roasted bitterness, a pleasant acidity, and a rich flavor. The coffee comes with Lotus biscuits. The rare cheesecake had a nice tanginess from the cheese. It was topped with blueberry sauce, a perfect companion to the coffee! They offer a wide variety of self-roasted coffee beans, and many customers also purchase beans for home use. The interior of the shop is quite cozy, unlike the exterior. It's a great place to take a break with delicious coffee!

After having lunch, I felt like having a delicious coffee, so I decided to visit this place for the first time. The atmosphere here is like stepping back in time to the good old Showa era. As I entered, I saw many coffee beans on the left. I sat at the counter, where there were also plenty of coffee beans. Looking at the menu, I noticed many names I had never heard of before, but there were kind and easy-to-understand explanations provided. I ordered Tanzania Kilimanjaro AA, while my companion ordered an iced coffee. They brewed the coffee beans right in front of us. The aroma alone made me feel full. Sipping the black coffee slowly from a stylish cup, it felt like a different level of sophistication. It's a different feeling to leisurely savor this kind of coffee in a place like this. I feel like such an adult (laughs). By the way, I couldn't find the parking lot and ended up circling the area twice (laughs).

Recently... the shutter has been down all the time? I visited this cafe for the first time a little while ago...♪*ﾟI was curious about it. Where is the parking lot?? It seems like the neighboring parking lot is different, and there also seem to be strict rules... This time, I expressed my wishes and enjoyed delicious coffee♪゛【Colombian Golden】♬︎♬︎ Rich, bitter... I tasted real delicious coffee after a long time...♪*ﾟOne cup of coffee... but what a cup(*˘︶˘*).｡.:*♡(Huh? Too many photos? lol)

Melon milkshake served in a chilled glass ✨ Parking available for peace of mind. Also recommend the regular milkshake.

I had a coffee today, I think it was called Mocha something. I usually can't drink coffee without milk, but this one was easy to drink even straight. I could taste the depth and it was delicious. The atmosphere inside the shop was clean and calming. While sunny spots are nice, I personally prefer dimmer areas with orange-colored lights even during the day. The coffee was really good.

Today was the first to experience the renewal opening! The owner has changed. I was surprised by the large cup of iced coffee (^ ^) Please be aware that there is no parking lot.

I am hesitant about the appearance, but surprisingly the interior is clean and you can enjoy authentic coffee.

I visited Asahikawa in April 2018 to visit my wife's friend who was in the hospital. The visit went well, although I didn't actually visit the friend myself. While waiting at the hospital café, I decided to go for another coffee at a place called "Coffee Senka Leben" that I had bookmarked. The café had a unique and charming exterior, and the interior had a retro Showa-era coffee shop vibe. The owner, initially a bit reserved, turned out to be very friendly. The Yemen Mocha Mattari coffee was light yet had a deep flavor, and the Leben Brand Bitter coffee beans I bought to enjoy at home had a sharp bitterness that I loved. Overall, it was a great experience and I highly recommend this cafe to anyone looking for a unique coffee experience.

After having beef rice, we moved to another place for coffee. The place we came to is very cool, almost too cool. I asked for a straight black coffee this time. It seemed to be a slightly bitter roast. Before it arrived, I went to the restroom and found a retro atmosphere that old fans would love. The coffee has arrived. It's delicious and comforting. It feels like it was carefully brewed. It's a bit strong and slightly bitter, but easy to drink. The clientele is quite diverse, with even some young people present. It seems to be widely appreciated, which makes me happy.

2016.12.09 16:30 While waiting for my friend to arrive, I decided to enjoy a delicious cup of coffee at the "Reben" cafe, a local roastery in Toyooka, Asahikawa. I have passed by this place many times before, but finally had the chance to visit. The atmosphere of the cafe was very cozy and retro, which I really enjoyed. I ordered the Emerald Mountain coffee and watched as the master carefully prepared it for me. The coffee had a wonderful aroma and a refreshing taste with a hint of bitterness. I ended up having two cups of coffee and even bought some beans to take home. Overall, it was a delightful experience.

◆September 2016◆ A coffee specialty shop in Toyooka, Asahikawa. After having curry, I wanted to drink delicious coffee so I visited this place. There is a spacious area on the left side of the shop, but this is not a parking lot, the parking lot is located at the back on the right side of the shop. The exterior and interior of the shop have a retro Showa era coffee specialty shop vibe that is just perfect. Some people may hesitate based on the appearance, but it is actually a nice café with a good atmosphere, so feel free to enter. I sat at a two-person table at the back and ordered today's coffee. The brand was Golden Mandheling (500 yen). Most other coffees are priced at 450 yen, which is quite reasonable. They also sell beans in the shop, and I was surprised to see that they even sell beans that have not been roasted for 20 years. I wonder if the people who buy them have a roasting machine at home. I took a sip and was amazed. It has a strong bitterness and richness, with a slightly spicy taste and a lingering sweetness in the aftertaste. Wow, this coffee is delicious. It might be the first time I've had such a tasty coffee. There were also many types of Dutch coffee and other coffees I haven't tried before, so I plan to enjoy coffee with cheesecake next time.

This is a lonely mini-tour to Asahikawa! Is it cooler to say "Alone Mini Tour" or "Alone Mini Tour"?? Either way is fine, right?? It's cold... It's like a battle between the Suzuki siblings and B'z... It's coffee time. I had "Kissa Leben" on my list for a while. When I arrived, the exterior was amazing. To be honest, I hesitated a lot before entering. I couldn't find the parking lot even though it was indicated on the navigation system. I didn't break any rules... I parked my car and took a picture of the exterior, but mustered up the courage to go inside. The interior wasn't that amazing, but it's definitely not modern. There's an L-shaped counter and table seating. When I ordered "Mandelin," they asked, "Which one would you like?" The "Golden Mandelin" is made from beans aged for 16 years. 16 years! That's longer than you've been alive, right? "Shige-san," was it? They promoted the Dutch press, saying, "It's completely different." So I tried it. The master really knows how to sell it. But when I tried it, I thought, "I see." Even though it's the same beans, it tastes completely different. Just the brewing method makes a huge difference in the coffee. There are about 10 seats at the counter. The bearded gentleman and his wife, perhaps? The owner has a strong commitment to coffee. Just listening to him talk is enjoyable. Some people might find it too noisy. The coffee was so flavorful. It even had a hint of brandy taste (in my opinion). The aging process is incredible. I enjoyed the coffee with such dedication. I definitely want to go back, try more, and listen to more stories. That's the kind of place it was... Please don't be put off by the exterior.

The master wanted to drink delicious iced coffee, so I came to Leven, which I had been curious about for a while. The exterior has a retro coffee shop vibe, which may make some people hesitant to enter as you can't see inside, but once you step in, you'll find a cozy space with a Showa-era atmosphere. The soft lighting also helps create a calming ambiance. It may not have a trendy feel, but it's nostalgic and makes you want to stay a while. I quite like this kind of place. There were some dusty spots here and there, but the atmosphere made it forgivable (laughs). The master ordered Dutch coffee, while I went for iced cocoa. It was the master's first time trying Dutch coffee, and it didn't suit his taste much. It has a unique flavor. As for the iced cocoa, it came with a syrup-like addition, so I thought I could adjust the sweetness to my liking. When I took a sip without adding the syrup, it was just the cocoa taste without any sweetness. It was my first time trying it this way, but I was happy to be able to adjust the sweetness with the syrup. The cocoa with added syrup had that classic coffee shop cocoa taste. I was a bit concerned that the owner kept coughing throughout. I wonder if they were feeling unwell.

I visited Leven in March 2013. I meant to write a review on Tabelog, but only uploaded photos. I remember now and will write about it. A friend who loves coffee recommended Leven to me, so I decided to check it out. The entrance had detailed descriptions typical of coffee specialty shops, so I stopped to read them before entering. The parking lot is across the street next to the convenience store. The interior of the shop was elegant and had a coffee shop vibe. On the left were shelves of roasted beans, and on the right was the counter with tables in the back. I was curious about how the master poured coffee, so I sat at the counter. I tried the Leven Blend first, which was described as a deep and bitter coffee. It was indeed bitter but delicious. The master recommended trying the Dutch Coffee, so I ordered a black one. It had a unique taste with a rich aroma, thickness, depth, and richness. Leven offers various delicious coffees, but the Dutch Coffee was exceptional. The building seemed old, and it might not last for many more years, but I hope to visit again soon for more Dutch Coffee. If you visit Leven, I highly recommend trying the Dutch Coffee first.