Shim Book Cafe

Good little establishment. I came here on a Wednesday evening at around 7:00 PM and it was empty and I don’t know why. The waitress was watching TV but when the door opened she immediately came to greet us and she seemed very nice (probably b/​c we were with a friend who knew here very well) but nevertheless she was friendly.
The price of food is kind of privy for the amount food you get ~$ 12.00 the portion size doesn’t really get you full. But the food itself is pretty good. I got some salmon dish with some salad on the side and I have to say the salad had an Asian taste to it (which I prefer and I am not much of a salad person). The salmon was also flavor and not too dry.
Overall I would come eat here again and you should too if you are in the area. But keep in mind this is Korea Town and there are A TON of places to go.

I stumbled in here today and was very very impressed. I’d disagree with the previous (first) reviewer and say that it does function as a café. They have a full menu of coffee and tea, Korean «health teas,» blended espresso drinks, sandwiches, salads, hot foods, breakfast foods, and desserts. I ordered an iced earl grey ($ 2.75 for a medium) and was pleasantly surprised at how they managed to extract so much flavor and make it so cold in so little time. Unfortunately, they did not have soy milk, though it is on the menu.
The space itself is a little strange. In the front as you walk in through the door, it looks like someone’s living room or foyer. In the middle, it looks like a normal café, with brand new café tables, fairly plush chairs, and a few bar stools and raised tables to the side. On the far right, there’s a conference table – perfect if you’re having a meeting or need to work on a group project. When I was there on a Monday afternoon, it was a group of middle-​aged Korean women having a good time.
The café is quiet and conducive to studying. The music was set to a classical station. In the back is what appears to be a library with study carrels. I didn’t see anybody using them, but I’m sure they must be open for customers. The sign outside advertises free wi-​fi but I couldn’t figure out which network was theirs; I assume you’d need to ask for the password.
This is way out of my way, but next time I’m in the neighborhood I’m definitely stopping by again!

*Edited: the first reviewer deleted his/​her review. So I also removed my reference to that review.
Currently «Shim Book Café» is closed, but the new café-​to-​be at the same location is semi-​open to public. Until they become fully operational, only a person or two take turns to help those who want to use their café. So for now I’ve seen a few hiccups here and there — but I see great potential in this café.
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(1) This is not a restaurant. Neither is it a café although I used the term «café» and the name of the place bears a word «café.» At least it’s not a café in «Asian definition (for those who are familiar with a «Korean Café.»). Technically this is a «cafeteria» attached to a school, open to public.
This venue is an upgraded version of school cafeteria, designed for the public, not just students. It’s a wonderful place for students and offered to professionals who need to have their meetings and quiet work time away from the office. Well, that’s what I was told, and that’s exactly what I’ve seen whenever I visit this venue. So if you’re looking for a place to be productive in a comfortable setting, this is it.
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(2) This is not a Korean place although it is located in Koreatown and people running it speak Korean language. But they do carry a small quantity of high-​quality organic, medicinal Korean teas. Highly recommended.
Being a part of an Oriental medicine/​herb school, they seem to be picky about teas they carry, carefully considering specific health and medicinal benefits each tea bears, backed by knowledge.
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(3) About their food:
They don’t have a kitchen that can cook up a meal. However, they do serve a various range of quick «school food,» including sandwich, basic salads and noodles. And for a school food, they’re beyond expectation.
My first trip to this venue didn’t make a fan of me. They were clean, healthy, and reasonably priced for the quality they offer. But there was something missing that I couldn’t define.
Last few times I ordered food, I was greatly impressed by improvements. They were fat sandwiches, packed with fresh ingredients complimented by light salad and traditional Korean rice cakes (Tok or Dduk). They were delicious, and our group couldn’t stop talking about them.
We especially liked their healthy portions. Those who are comfortable with American-​me portion may find their sandwiches and absence of french fries a disappointment, especially when there’s no leftover to take home.
As for price, they’re no more expensive than any other places. We pay more at fast food restaurants for their crappy food.
As for food other than sandwiches, I have no opinion as I haven’t tried any of them yet.
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(4) From an Event Organizer’s POV:
Capacity: about 40 sitting, 70 standing (ballpark)
The café (teria) area is great if you need a place with flexibility to take walk-in’s.
Budget/​cost: The best I could find in town for what I was looking for. I almost want to call it dirt-​cheap — compare to facilities for $ 150 – 600.
The venue is available for rent on weekends only, and only with special arrangement. Send me a message, and I am happy to introduce you to the staff.
Not appropriate for parties but not impossible. This is more of a professional venue.
Available: piano, flat screen TV (no TV reception) for your presentation, sounds (may not be fully operational but microphone available nonetheless), projector.
Classrooms are also available. Capacity is about 20 sitting.
HAC unit is not centralized, so the control of temperature and humidity is a challenge.
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I am always looking for venues, for all types of events. If you have one or know one, please send me a message. Thank you!