Today, I would like to introduce "Coffee Salon Takase," a cafe located in Ikebukuro. As a fan of morning sets, cafes like this are places I frequent often. You can listen to the introduction of this cafe on standfm here: https://stand.fm/episodes/64d64503252e1a905e98bad5 Although I am not very familiar with the Ikebukuro area, I had come across this cafe while researching places to enjoy a morning set. I had the opportunity to visit recently due to some errands in the area. It was a weekend morning when I visited, and the spacious cafe had quite a number of customers. However, there were still plenty of seats available, allowing me to relax comfortably. I opted for the toast set, which is available during the morning set ordering hours. You can choose a drink and a side dish to accompany your toast. I chose a hot cafe latte, which surprisingly came at no extra charge. Normally, cafe lattes often have an additional fee. Additionally, you can choose one side dish from options like boiled eggs. Since the boiled eggs were sold out, I chose potato salad instead. The toast set, although a simple choice, was delicious with its fluffy bread. And the most surprising part was the price - only 430 yen for this tasty morning set that includes a cafe latte and potato salad. It's a great deal for a satisfying morning meal. Another notable aspect is the diverse range of customers, from young people to the elderly, showing that this cafe is loved by locals. I sat on the second floor, where there were vertical tables and outlets available towards the back, making it a recommended space for those looking to do some work. If you happen to be in the area, I highly recommend visiting "Coffee Salon Takase." You can enjoy a quality morning set and relax in a pleasant atmosphere. Thank you for the meal.

Today was an incredibly hot day, so I decided to revisit this place because I wanted to have some shaved ice. Located near Ikebukuro East Exit Station, this shop is in a prime location and is really convenient when you just want to have a cup of tea. You take the elevator to the second floor. When I looked inside, I was told to choose any seat I liked, but the window seats were taken, so I sat in the middle. I ordered the Strawberry Frappe (620 yen including tax) after looking at the menu. It seems to have gone up by about 30 yen from last year, but that's understandable. The old-fashioned vanilla ice cream and strawberry syrup were delicious. I had a relaxing time again today. Thank you for the meal.

I visited PRONTO after a long time since there have been many PRONTO mornings recently. The atmosphere inside was as quiet as ever, with elegant classical music playing. It felt like a classic coffee shop. The interior display had changed to a Tanabata theme. I like these subtle changes.

I wanted to have tea at this shop before, but the lunch portion was unexpectedly large and I couldn't stop by because I was full. I decided to try again on this day. Instead of just having tea, I opted to buy some bread. There was a cafe space at the back of the shop, and it seemed like there was also one on the second floor. It was relatively empty. The price of the bread here was quite reasonable, and I bought three pieces for a total of 550 yen. A good deal. This time, I bought a Melon Pan, attracted by the name Gold Melon Pan. The description mentioned that almond powder was generously used, which caught my attention. When I tried it, there was a layer of almond powder under the cookie dough on top, moist and fragrant. And creamy. Regular Melon Pan tends to have dry bread, which I don't like, so I find Melon Pan like this one easier to eat without feeling dry. I would like to buy this again. And the one I quickly picked up and put on the tray was Madeleine. The Madeleine I remember from the past was in this kind of paper cup. I really like this kind of pattern on the paper, and I have a memory of often having them bought for me (the Madeleine my mother made was a bit smaller and came in a silver cup). This time, as soon as I entered the shop, this caught my eye and I quickly put it on the tray. I tried warming it up lightly before eating, and it became very delicious, fluffy with a hint of brandy scent. I think this shop is relatively easier to buy from than the main store near the station. The selection may be limited, but you can buy the main types of bread. As I finished paying and headed towards the exit, I noticed that the line had gotten really long, and I thought it was just a small difference.

Most people who have gotten off at Ikebukuro Station have probably seen this sign. I had been wanting to try it for a while. I wanted something light to eat, so I got a set with a hot dog and a ham and vegetable sandwich. It also came with tea for less than ¥1300. So cheap!! Personally, I love hot dogs on roll bread! I was happy that it came with potato chips and fruit as well. The bread was really delicious, maybe because there's a bakery on the first floor! It was soft and had a good amount of filling. It was so tasty! Thank you for the meal!

The lunch set comes with two sandwiches, and you can choose a drink and soup. I chose iced coffee and corn soup, and it was an easy decision. The second floor is spacious, and I was able to take a relaxing lunch break. I realized that I may have gotten too used to Starbucks recently. 😅

It took the staff 1 minute to notice me when I entered the store. I wonder if they couldn't hear me when I called out. I gave up calling out halfway through. There were about half the number of customers. It was somewhat quiet. It was faster to take the stairs than wait for the elevator. They don't accept PayPay, it's non-smoking, and there is no Wi-Fi.

I went shopping in Ikebukuro and took a break to have tea. The old-fashioned classical cake and relaxed atmosphere were very calming. The Viennese coffee I occasionally crave was delicious. Thank you for the meal.

At Takase Coffee Salon in Ikebukuro East Exit, I thought it was my first visit but it seems I have been there before. The place has a nostalgic Showa-era charm that I love. The second floor is quite spacious, as expected from their own building. I ordered the Deluxe Pudding and Iced Coffee set (700 yen). The pudding is firm and has a nostalgic taste, with a castella cake base topped with whipped cream, orange, grapefruit, and strawberry. The customers are diverse and it's a great place for a tea break near Ikebukuro East Exit.

Recently, I've been having breakfast at Takase-san's. It's been a while since I've been to Omusubi Kenmai-san. Today's toast looked a bit too crispy. Hmm, maybe the voltage was too high. Well, it wasn't bitter, so I'll let it slide.

The cafe on the main street was under renovation, so I entered from the back. I had been curious about it for a long time, so I finally went in. It was open in the morning, which was great. I ordered a cafe latte and potato soup. I was surprised to see both cafe au lait and cafe latte on the menu, as I had always thought they were the same thing. I asked about the difference and was told that cafe au lait is coffee with milk, while cafe latte is espresso with milk. I chose the cafe latte, which was said to have slightly more milk. I also ordered the potato soup from the selection of about 5 soups. I received my order and went to the second floor. The second floor seating area was surprisingly spacious, much larger than I had imagined from the entrance. I settled into a seat at the back. The cafe latte was served in a large mug, with a rich and smooth flavor from the extra milk. It was really delicious. I want to keep drinking this cafe latte for the rest of my life. And it's so affordable too. The potato soup was likely instant, as hot water was poured from a coffee machine into the mug. It tasted like "I mixed the powder!!" but for 200 yen, it was understandable. I wished I could have tried the bread or cake as well, they looked delicious. I'll look forward to that next time.

One after another, a famous coffee salon in Ikebukuro, "TAKASE," is the place I have been visiting lately during morning hours. It's the time when freshly baked bread is lined up. TAKASE has some bread baked at the Itabashi factory, and some baked here. I ordered the "Morning Toast" (380 yen) with a "Egg Sandwich" (260 yen) - as shown in the photo. The toast comes with butter and strawberry jam. The freshly baked flavor is excellent. The iced coffee has a strong bitter taste, which is good. The yogurt with white peach was the selected side dish. I usually get a boiled egg, but it was marked as "SOLD OUT." The additional egg sandwich was simple and delicious, with a rustic taste of mayonnaise. After the meal, I couldn't resist having dessert, so I added the "Deluxe Pudding" (430 yen). It's a custard pudding with sponge cake, whipped cream, and fruits in a cup. This pudding also has a rustic charm, like an old-fashioned custard pudding. It was a slightly luxurious morning moment. Thank you for the meal. (By Kyanatsushuku, 3/1/2023) (142 reviews, average rating 3.46)

I went to "Takase" in Ikebukuro, which has been around for a long time, to have some cake. I had tried several cafes around Ikebukuro Station but they were all full, so I decided to try this place since it was spacious and had available seating. Takase building has various shops like blood donation room, restaurants, and bakeries. Some of the shops were temporarily closed, so I went to the nearby Coffee Salon Takase. The cheesecake had a traditional taste, light and delicious.

It's been a while since I visited Ikebukuro. I went to "Takase" for breakfast, but the second-floor cafe is closed for kitchen maintenance until the end of the month. They are operating in a different area with limited menu options, which I wasn't interested in. So, I decided to have breakfast at "Coffee Salon Takase" located behind the building. It's a casual self-service restaurant, perfect for enjoying a meal before getting some writing done. The price is also very reasonable, with meals including a drink for under 500 yen. I chose a bacon and egg sandwich with yogurt on the side, accompanied by an iced royal milk tea. The restaurant has a shelf near the entrance displaying bread and a showcase with cakes in front of the counter. There is a factory at the back where freshly made bread and cakes are occasionally brought out in plastic trays. The bustling atmosphere in the morning brings a smile to my face. The neatly arranged dishes on a tray, with the main bacon and egg sandwich on a rectangular plate. The plate has plenty of space, which is not filled with a yogurt container as in a typical cafe. This attention to the basics over aesthetics is refreshing. The bacon and egg sandwich is made with a soft baguette-like bread that is slightly dense and fragrant. It is filled with scrambled eggs, a slice of fried bacon, and generously sprinkled with pepper. The combination of egg aroma, moist texture, and chewy bacon is delightful. The plain yogurt with two slices of apple compote is a pleasant surprise. The crunchy texture and juicy sweetness of the apples are enjoyable. And the royal milk tea has a strong bitterness balanced with the richness of milk, creating a comforting drink. The elegant logo on the paper napkin adds a touch of sophistication to the experience. Let's take it easy for a moment.

When it comes to Ikebukuro's long-established restaurants, the first one that comes to mind is "Takase," which owns its own building in front of the East Exit. The first floor is a bakery, the second floor is a café, the third floor is a restaurant, and the ninth floor is an observation coffee lounge. This place has been loved by people of all ages for over 100 years and is a true long-established restaurant in Ikebukuro. Surprisingly, not many people know that there is a separate coffee salon in a building just behind the main store. Furthermore, the separate building adopts a self-service system, making it much cheaper than the main building. With two floors and plenty of seats, it is the perfect place to take a break in Ikebukuro when you want to relax a bit. On this particular Sunday when I came to Ikebukuro for errands, I decided to take a break here. At first, I was thinking of enjoying some retro-style bread and pastries with coffee, but I noticed they had a weekend-only quiche set, so I chose that this time. The set includes salmon and spinach quiche, minestrone soup, yogurt, and a drink for 700 yen. The minestrone soup was delicious with plenty of vegetables like onions, potatoes, and carrots, along with the tangy and flavorful tomato base. The quiche had a crispy biscuit crust on the outside and a creamy and flavorful egg mixture with salmon and spinach inside, which was absolutely delicious. The yogurt with canned peaches had a simple and nostalgic taste. The original blend coffee made from 100% Arabica beans had a well-balanced acidity and flavor. It was a satisfying and well-balanced set for a relaxing break. While I find it a bit difficult to fully embrace the redevelopment and various new facilities in today's Ikebukuro, which has become known as the anime town and the holy land for female otaku, I am happy to see that there are still remnants of the Showa era, including places like Takase. It brings me comfort and nostalgia, and I find solace in the fact that the old Ikebukuro is still alive and well.

The toast set was surprisingly cheap at 380 yen, with a drink and a side dish (yogurt, potato salad, boiled egg). I bought bread and a drink on the first floor and went up to the second floor eat-in space. The second floor was shockingly spacious with plenty of seats. The toast was delicious, crispy on the outside and fluffy inside, served with margarine and jam. The ham and cheese toast was simple but tasty. I chose Royal Milk Tea for my drink and it was included in the set price. The boiled egg was firm and good with a sprinkle of salt. The atmosphere was cozy and relaxing, with comfortable seating and even charging stations available. Overall, it was a great experience.

I had ordered a Christmas cake, but it wasn't ready yet, so I arrived over an hour early and decided to wait. I usually frequent the restaurant on the 3rd floor, but this was my first time on the 2nd floor. The Showa era ambiance, similar to the 3rd floor, was nice.

At the entrance, there are lots of bread like a bakery. Beyond that, there are cakes. It's a coffee salon where you can enjoy coffee easily with bread and cake. The prices are also affordable. At the back of the shop, they are baking bread. You could say it's like a bakery. I had the "Blend Coffee 300 yen". The coffee is a stable taste brewed by a coffee machine. The best part is that you can drink it for 300 yen. The shop is spacious and easy to use!

[Shop Name] Coffee Salon Takase [Nearest Station] 2-minute walk from Ikebukuro Station [Morning Budget] 220 yen - 450 yen Visited in November 2022 [About the Shop] I had a chance to gather with friends around Ikebukuro Station, so we visited a cafe near the station. The entrance to the shop is one street away from the main road. It seems like they also offer morning sets. We quickly glanced around and entered the shop. On the first floor, near the entrance, various breads are lined up, and you can choose your favorite bread with tongs and a tray. In the back of the shop, there is a payment area and seating space for customers. The second floor is a quite spacious seating area. There is a wide range of customers from people in their 30s to the elderly. You can see people reading books alone or in groups of two. [Food and Drinks] ★ Morning Set Bacon and Egg 450 yen ☆ HOT Coffee ☆ Yogurt After ordering at the counter, you can make a bacon and egg sandwich. You can choose from 8 types of drinks and 3 types of small dishes, so I chose HOT coffee and yogurt. After a short wait, I received the coffee and other items on a tray at the serving area next to the counter and looked for a seat. Water is self-service, so if you need it, prepare it yourself. The bacon and egg sandwich has a gentle taste of egg cream, and the bacon and bread have a good texture and aroma. The yogurt with fruit sauce and the coffee are also good. With this content, 450 yen offers a very high cost performance. Thank you for the meal.

Located just outside the east exit of Ikebukuro Station, inside the Takase Building, there is a cafeteria tucked away in the back. You order at the counter where they also have bread and cakes available, then find a seat further inside. The first floor has some empty seats, but the second floor seems even more spacious. I ordered the Ginger Royal Milk Tea and waited a bit before it was served. I got some water and paper napkins on the first floor, then went up to the second floor where there was also water available. The second floor is large, but there are many group customers. The seats are arranged facing each other with opaque dividers in the middle. I chose a seat with a power outlet, which I just noticed for the first time. There are power outlets and USB ports, and the chairs are spaced apart, which is convenient. The Ginger Royal Milk Tea has a cinnamon and ginger taste, similar to masala tea, and is quite sweet and warming. The Royal Milk Tea is 330 yen, and you can add 20 yen for the Ginger Royal Milk Tea. I enjoyed both, they are both good options. It's rare to find a place near the station where you can relax at this price. The menu has been updated and is easy to read. The staff members have lovely smiles and serve efficiently. Thank you for the meal!