When you climb up the narrow staircase, you'll find yourself in a space where jazz music plays, resembling a classy bar atmosphere. Despite the name suggesting a coffee specialty shop, they also offer malt beverages like Irish coffee. The interior is filled with an overwhelming amount of malt boxes. The ambiance might make you feel awkward if you're not drinking alcohol, but it's a great place to stop by for a coffee break before a meal. The coffee is a blend, served in a simple cup rather than the stylish ones shown in the photos on Tabelog. The blend is rich and concentrated, with a taste that leans towards sweetness rather than bitterness. The taste of the blend coffee here is quite unique, catering to those who appreciate it, but may not be for everyone. It's similar to the coffee at a certain shop in Yao City. Thank you for reading until the end. Your likes, saves, and follows are encouraging. If you like, please give it a click. I also have an Instagram account @ginjirou.star. Feel free to check it out.

Kyoto Kawaramachi's "Jikabaisen Otada Coffee Specialty Store" is a shop that specializes in hand-roasted coffee and Nel Drip coffee. They also have a wide selection of Old Vintage Whiskies. It's great that you can try small amounts of Old Vintage Whiskies by the glass at a very reasonable price. On this day, I tried the "Amer's Pudding," a sophisticated pudding made with Kyoto-produced fresh eggs and high-quality vanilla beans. The pudding from "Niku no Takumi Miyoshi" has a bitter taste with a caramel sauce that is not too sweet. When paired with rum, it creates an amazing harmony. I enjoyed listening to the shop owner's stories while savoring the smooth taste of the Old Vintage Whiskey in half portions. Thank you for the Cardhu.

A popular self-roasting coffee shop in Kyoto known for serving a very strong blend with 35g of coffee extracted in 100ml. The Demitas blend, made with 4 types of beans, is even stronger with 85g of coffee extracted in 50ml using Nel drip. The coffee is served warm and the shop has a hidden, attic-like atmosphere. They are also famous for their impressive Scotch whisky collection, mainly focusing on official old bottles. The owner is very particular and knowledgeable about whisky, and the shop is known for its unique charm. It may not be the best choice for those who want special treatment, but it is a one-of-a-kind place that attracts many regulars who are drawn to the owner's personality. Of course, first-time visitors are welcome as long as they follow the rules and etiquette.

When I went to Kawaramachi, I had always wanted to visit "Oda Coffee" after reading articles and reviews praising it a few years ago. The entrance is a small doorway with a small glass door leading to the second floor. The chalk-written liquor and coffee menu, the cardboard sign with the word "OPEN" turned upside down... They were supposed to open at 2:00, but when I asked, they said "not yet!!" The owner seemed rushed and flustered, and finally opened around 2:05. Perhaps they had been closed for a while due to the spread of COVID-19, as the bottles placed on the stairs were dusty and some were broken or chipped... Now, the blended coffee (700 yen) was very rich and deeply roasted. Served in a small cup that doesn't even reach a demitasse size, the coffee was so thick that you could feel its viscosity. It had a distinct and assertive intensity in its flavor. I think it would pair well with a rich chocolate cake or cheesecake. The coffee was indeed delicious, but the dusty and dirty staircase and interior... Hmm. The owner's apron and shoes were covered in dust, and his hair was messy and dusty as well. The white apron strings were torn and held together by three double clips... This lack of cleanliness, almost bordering on pathological, made me worry about the owner who must have once been a skilled coffee and liquor master. It's a shame. The coffee was good, but I couldn't bring myself to relax and enjoy a chocolate cake, so I just had the coffee... The chocolate cake was from the nearby famous shop "Violon."

Kyoto Kawaramachi "Owada Coffee Specialty Store", which specializes in hand-roasted coffee and Nel Drip coffee, is a shop that also offers a wide selection of old vintage whiskies. It's great that you can enjoy a small amount of old vintage whisky by the glass, and the prices are quite reasonable. On this day, I enjoyed two half glasses of old vintage whisky straight while listening to the owner's anecdotes. The Glenlivet and Tomintoul were the whiskies I tried. The final blend coffee had a lingering taste and was delicious. Thank you for the meal.

I was recommended by the head chef of a Japanese cuisine restaurant to visit alone. Despite negative reviews online such as "staff not understanding customer service," "only talking to regular customers," and "exclusive atmosphere," I was excited to see what kind of unpleasant experience I could have. Upon entering, there were already two regular customers. I was hoping to feel out of place, but I was able to join in the conversation and the staff kindly answered my questions. It was actually a hospitable experience, which was surprising. [Blended Coffee] Quite bitter with a strong bitterness. It has a subtle sweetness with restrained aroma and flavor, making it an acquired taste. I'm not a fan of bitterness, so I couldn't fully appreciate it. [1966 Vintage Signatory Distillery] Rich sweetness in the aroma. It has a lightness characteristic of long-aged vintage whiskies, smoothly passing through the nose without overwhelming heat. [1980s Bottled Whisky] A refreshing sensation that smoothly passes through the throat. It has a youthful quality compared to the previous one. [Seagram's Royal] I requested to try this whisky, which apparently has a plastic smell on the cap. It was a vintage bottle that they don't usually serve, but it was surprisingly drinkable despite the unique aroma. [1960 Black & White] Another vintage bottle they don't usually serve, but they kindly offered it to me. It had a subtle and pleasant aroma, not standing out too much. [42-year aged Bunnahabhain from 1968] Characterized by a rich aroma and sweetness. Despite the high price for a half glass of this vintage bottle, the owner was friendly and welcoming. Overall, it was a very enjoyable experience, and I would like to visit again in the future!

I went during the day, but when I opened the door, it felt like entering a place at night, like the door of Howl's Moving Castle. It seemed like a place to enjoy Scotch whisky. However, you can also enjoy a light-bodied coffee there with a punch.

During the pandemic, I went out for the first time in a while and wandered down to a place near Kiyamachi Shijo. I found a shop with a unique aura at the entrance and went inside. The interior had a counter and two small tables, with old glasses, ceramic cups, and a groovy record player creating a nice atmosphere. They served their own roasted coffee and the owner's favorite Scotch as well. I sat down and asked for a recommendation on Scotch, which turned out to be a mistake. The owner replied with a slightly annoyed tone that everything was recommended. Feeling embarrassed, I tried to change my request to something like "a Scotch with a strong Scotch flavor," but the owner seemed a bit irritated and asked, "What's that?" I realized my mistake and reflected on it. Eventually, I was served a bottle of Old Parr from the 60s to 70s, which was a good experience despite the diluted Scotch flavor. The nostalgic atmosphere of the place was enjoyable, but I learned that cleanliness and customer service are also important factors in enhancing the overall dining experience. It left a stronger impression on me than the taste of the Scotch. It's a place where regular customers are highly valued, so if you decide to visit based on appearance, do so at your own risk and make sure to be respectful to the owner. And whatever you do, avoid asking "What's recommended?" Just in case.

The mysterious gourmet exploration team's expedition in Kyoto. After finishing the autumn leaves viewing in Kyoto, the last stop was here. Ohta Coffee Specialty Store. Climbing up the narrow stairs to the second floor, you enter a different world away from the hustle and bustle of Kawaramachi. It's more like a bar than a café. Sitting at the counter, I looked at the menu. It says, "Coffee is for work, alcohol is for pleasure. That's the kind of place we are." (laughs) So, for work, I ordered the blend coffee (700 yen). The coffee, brewed carefully one cup at a time, was quite dark roasted but very delicious. Next time, if I have time, I would like to come back to enjoy some alcohol.

After visiting the famous Gion Higashi, I wanted to have some tea, so I decided to go to "Gion Tokuya" only to find an unexpectedly long line. It was quite a surprise, but not unexpected for a four-day weekend. Since I can come back anytime, I decided to try again later. When I attempted to go to Françoise or Soiree, I encountered the same situation with long queues. Feeling a bit discouraged, I mustered up the courage to visit this place. I had heard that it had a bar-like atmosphere, and being alone, I was hesitant to go. However, I read that the master was very kind, so I decided to give it a try. To my surprise, it was right next to Tsukimura-san's place, a spot I had passed by before without noticing. It made me realize that I should pay more attention to my surroundings. This coffee shop, quietly nestled in the charming streets of Gion, had a vibe reminiscent of the movie "Before the Coffee Gets Cold." As I climbed the stairs to the second floor, the lovely master greeted me warmly. I was glad I came. I was torn between the blend coffee and the Irish coffee, but I opted for the latter to fully immerse myself in the bar atmosphere. The alcohol hit just right, and I felt content. I look forward to visiting again at night.

It's been a while since I came over here, and things have changed a lot. I thought Melonbooks had closed down and got worried, but it turns out there are new stores opening up. It's the same over here too. I had bookmarked this place since it was in the old location, but I never got around to visiting, so I'm grateful. When I climbed up the steep stairs that no one unfamiliar would ever go up, it looked like a bar. When I think of a cafe that looks like a bar, I think of Chokocoffee on Sanjo, but it wasn't as formal as that, more like a mix between a bar and a cafe. I ordered a blend and a cafe au lait, both for 700 yen each. The blend was bitter, a bit too strong for me. I had it with some water while reading a book. The cafe au lait was easy to drink. Has it always been like this? I happened to see where the coffee was being poured from, and it was coming from a really high place. Does Edinburgh have places like this too? Maybe because it's being poured from a high place, it was a bit frothy and had a smooth taste. It was a bit like a latte. It seems they have a variety of whiskies too, so I'll try that next time. Thank you for the meal.

From the Ishikawa-dori in the southern part of the Imperial Palace in Kyoto to Nishikiya-cho. A famous coffee shop known nationwide for using a hand-operated roasting machine for deep-roasted coffee relocated and opened in October 2019. It is now early December, and the cold is setting in. Climbing up a steep staircase, you enter a space with a high ceiling unique to an attic. Despite being in Nishikiya-cho, you feel a warmth reminiscent of a mountain hut. The interior has a counter at the center, with two small tables and a sofa seating for four. The menu includes deep-roasted Nel drip coffee, Irish coffee, as well as Scotch and Japanese sake. I ordered the Irish Cafe au Lait (1200 yen). It is an iced cafe au lait with added liqueurs, to be mixed with a stirrer. The deep-roasted iced coffee flavor combined with the liqueurs creates a perfect balance. It is quite sweet and very delicious. The atmosphere of the place, with its high ceiling, gives a sense of having traveled far from Nishikiya-cho. The location is on the second floor of the Nishikiya-cho's Kappo "Tatsumura," just a 2-minute walk from Kawaramachi Station. The opening hours are from 1 pm to 1 am (last order at midnight on Fridays and Saturdays). Besides a variety of coffee, you can also enjoy Japanese sake and Scotch without a cover charge. This time, I won't give a score, but the memories of the Irish Cafe au Lait in the Puus Cafe style and the atmosphere filled with the early December of 2019. The owner operates the shop alone and meticulously drips the coffee, so there may be a wait, making it advisable to visit with extra time on hand.

I visited the newly relocated favorite cafe, Oda-san, and it was just as good as before. The cafe is close to the station but tucked away in a quiet alley. The atmosphere is similar to the previous location, with some of the same furniture brought over. They serve alcohol without a cover charge. I tried the blend for ¥700, and it was delicious - a well-balanced blend with a smooth bitterness. The beans are pre-roasted and blended, with adjustments made daily. For my second cup, I had the blend demitasse for ¥1500, which was rich and flavorful, with a pleasant bitterness. The owner is still the same, laid-back and funny. I look forward to visiting again soon!

The renowned dark roasted coffee shop in Gosho Minami, Kyoto, relocated and reopened on October 8, 2019. The new location, accessed from Ishikawa Street, features a steep staircase beyond a glass door. The interior is cozy with a high triangular roof and a wooden warmth reminiscent of a mountain hut. The menu includes coffee, Irish coffee, Scotch, and other alcoholic beverages. I ordered the Blend (¥700), which was meticulously brewed using hand-roasted beans, resulting in a rich flavor unique to deep roasted, low-temperature extraction. The atmosphere was bustling with customers, and the space provided a unique coffee break experience. The shop is open from 1 PM to 1 AM (midnight on Fridays and Saturdays) with no cover charge for enjoying a variety of drinks. Located on the second floor of a restaurant called "Tatsumura" in Nishikiyamachi near Shijo Kawaramachi, this specialty coffee shop offers a memorable coffee experience worth savoring.

I went to drink whiskey instead of coffee. There were various good malts, but the character of the owner didn't seem to appeal to everyone. No plans to revisit.

I visited a coffee shop with a strong commitment that had been relocated. The interior is now bright, but the commitment remains the same as before. I love it.

The coffee shop serves bad-tasting water despite being a coffee shop. They served water with a strong chlorine smell. Even with heavily roasted coffee, you wouldn't notice, but serving tap water is a sign of being below average.