Kōhī Matsui Shōten

(4.5÷5 stars)
Unilocal 100 Challenge 2016 — ²⁄₁₀₀
Matsui Shōten is a coffee shop located on the second floor of what appears to be a Japanese restaurant/​drinking establishment (1^st floor, separate Unilocal spot). The entrance is around the corner in the back, and the businesses only share the building, that’s all.
Highlights:
— Food: 4.5÷5 (limited items but fresh daily, excellent presentation and tasty)
— Coffee: ⁴⁄₅ (many varieties to choose from; beans are roasted daily on site; antique gas/​steam roaster)
— Atmosphere: ⁴⁄₅ (blend of modern and retro, with some nostalgic elements as accents; depends on other customers (ambient noise), bright but comfortable balance of natural and incandescent lighting)
— Service:4.5/5 (friendly, customer familiar, yet professional)
— Quality: ⁵⁄₅ (fresh ingredients, careful preparation, great balance of flavors)
— Access: 3.5÷5 stars (far from station for
walking; bus stops and pay parking nearby)
Business started here in April 2014 although the place still looks and feels new. The owner/​staff are super friendly and helpful when it comes to guiding you to choose a coffee bean variety for eat in or take out. I even got a live demonstration of their automated roasting machine that uses temperature-​controlled hot air and a vacuum system that ensures high roast quality. Cool!
Other notes:
— Menu — light meals, desserts (toasts; cakes)
— Food & dessert menu include your choice from the daily coffee menu, not some lower grade «house blend»
— Coffee beans to go are featured and they will roast and grind your choice to taste; could be fun learning about coffee through the different bean origins, roasts and grinds!
— Atmosphere is comfy with jazz BGM and it’s completely smoke-​free
If you’re in the area, it’s a cool place to chill. You’ll feel retro, modern and hipster… all at the same time.