The global cafe scene has long transcended simple coffee shops. Along with your everyday brew, these themed establishments will offer unique experiences. Animal cafes and those held in unusual locations are among the most creative approaches modern cafe culture could take.
Details and offerings vary from the examples given here, which should indicate how widely cafes are looking to reimagine the coffee experience.
Hello Kitty Cafe, Seoul, South Korea
Sanrio’s officially licensed cafe is a must-visit destination in Hongdae, especially for fans of the beloved Hello Kitty character. The pink interior features Hello Kitty-shaped furniture and decorative elements.
The menu features character-themed desserts and beverages, including its signature Hello Kitty lattes, which feature the iconic cat’s face sculpted in foam art. Merchandise and limited-edition items can be bought.
It is quite a popular site, with locals and tourists visiting frequently.
Temper Cafe, Melbourne, Australia
This coffee laboratory in a converted industrial space explores the science behind coffee brewing. The interior features exposed brewing equipment and a transparent roasting area where customers may view the entire process.
Education displays describe brewing methods and the origins of the beans, and staff often offer brewing demonstrations. The shop specializes in single-origin coffees and offers frequent workshops for those interested in this beverage.
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Cat Cafe MOCHA, Tokyo, Japan
This well-established cat cafe chain represents Japan’s famous animal cafe culture. Located in various Tokyo neighborhoods, each location provides a clean, comfortable environment where visitors can enjoy beverages while spending time with resident cats.
The spaces are designed with both human and feline comfort in mind, featuring climbing structures for the cats and comfortable seating for guests. All cats are well-cared for and have designated rest areas away from the public space.
Cafe Clock, Fez, Morocco
Housed in a restored traditional building, this cultural cafe combines Moroccan heritage with contemporary arts. The multi-level space features local artwork and hosts regular cultural events.
Their menu blends traditional Moroccan coffee preparation methods with modern cafe offerings, including their famous camel burger. The rooftop area offers views of the medina while maintaining the building’s historic character.
Cafe Yeonnam-dong 239-20, Seoul, South Korea
This innovative cafe’s interior design creates the illusion of stepping into a black-and-white cartoon drawing. Monochromatic furniture, walls, and fixtures make visitors feel like they’ve entered a 2D world.
Every element, from the chairs to the coffee cups, has bold outlines and flat surfaces to maintain the artistic illusion. The menu includes classic coffee drinks and creative beverages that resemble the cartoon aesthetic.
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The Dreamer Cafe, Bangkok, Thailand
Located in a renovated shophouse, this art-focused cafe combines traditional Thai architecture with surrealist design elements. The multi-level space features optical illusions and interactive art installations that change seasonally.
Their signature drinks incorporate local Thai ingredients and are presented with artistic flair, often accompanied by creative desserts that complement the cafe’s dreamy atmosphere. The rooftop garden offers additional seating among hanging plants and fairy lights.
Elephant Grounds, Hong Kong
This cafe is known for combining coffee culture with elements of urban lifestyle, and its industrial design with natural materials stands out. There are indoor and outdoor seating areas with custom wooden furniture.
The menu focuses on specialty coffee and ice cream sandwiches, with seasonal changes that reflect local tastes and ingredients.
The Grounds, Sydney, Australia
This large cafe complex is set in a former pie factory and comprises gardens, seating areas, and a small animal farm. The historic industrial building has been carefully restored to retain its original character.
The cafe emphasizes sustainable practices and local ingredients, with much of its produce coming from its gardens.
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Coffee Collective, Copenhagen, Denmark
Located in a historic building, this cafe emphasizes transparency in coffee sourcing and preparation. The minimalist Scandinavian design creates a calm atmosphere for enjoying carefully crafted beverages.
Their direct trade practices and relationship with coffee farmers are documented and shared with customers through educational materials and regular workshops.
La Colombe, Philadelphia, USA
This flagship location houses a former factory building, combining industrial architecture and modern cafe design. The space is characterized by high ceilings, exposed brick, and a demonstration area for their draft latte system.
Their menu includes traditional espresso drinks alongside innovative coffee beverages served on tap.
The Cafe in the Crypt, London, UK
Located beneath St Martin-in-the-Fields church, this atmospheric cafe occupies an 18th-century crypt. Original architectural features include vaulted ceilings and historic tombstones integrated into the floor.
The menu offers traditional British fare alongside standard cafe offerings, with proceeds supporting the church’s charitable work.
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The Roastery by Nozy Coffee, Tokyo, Japan
This specialty coffee shop combines traditional Japanese attention to detail with modern coffee roasting techniques. The space features theater-style seating around the roasting area, allowing customers to watch the process.
The menu focuses on single-origin coffees, with detailed information about each bean’s origin and flavor profile.
Cafe Central, Vienna, Austria
This historic cafe, dating back to 1876, represents Vienna’s traditional coffee house culture. The grand interior features marble columns, crystal chandeliers, and vaulted ceilings.
Traditional Viennese coffee drinks are served alongside classic pastries, maintaining centuries-old recipes and preparation methods.
The Coffee Academics, Hong Kong
This educational-focused cafe incorporates classroom elements into its design, with regular workshops and tasting sessions. The interior features laboratory-style equipment alongside comfortable seating areas.
Their menu emphasizes coffee education, with detailed descriptions of brewing methods and bean origins. Visitors can participate in hands-on brewing sessions where they learn to create their specialty coffee drinks under expert guidance.
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Cafe Tortoni, Buenos Aires, Argentina
Established in 1858, this historic cafe showcases traditional Argentinian cafe culture with its Belle Époque architecture and decor. The interior features Tiffany glass ceilings, marble tables, and wooden panels preserved from the 19th century.
The menu includes traditional Argentinian coffee preparations alongside historic cafe offerings. The cafe has long been a gathering place for artists and intellectuals, hosting regular tango performances and cultural events in its basement theater.
The Evolution of Cafe Culture Continues
These cafes have different approaches to combining coffee service with unique experiences. Specific offerings and details may vary by location and over time. Some venues strictly adhere to traditional practices, while others experiment with new concepts and themes.
The global cafe scene continues to evolve, with new interpretations of the coffee shop experience regularly emerging. When planning a visit to any themed cafe, it is advisable to check first for current offers and operating hours, as these can sometimes change.
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