Wednesday, January 26, 2011

A cup of coffee at Leina's

A real cup, that is. Because sometimes you want your coffee in something other than a paper disposable or a mug.

Despite my being a serious wino, if push comes to shove, I'd choose coffee over wine any day. I'll never, ever, ever be able to stop drinking coffee. It's what wakes me up in the mornings, what comforts me on gloomy days, what accompanies me on the all-nighters I spend writing, what makes time with friends even more joyful, and what uplifts my moments of solitude.

Leina's is hidden away in the busy back streets of Gangnam, inconspicuous among the numerous takeout self-service coffee chains. I only noticed it for the first time last year because of the Billy Elliot promotion banner. The café looked promising despite it being on the second floor of a busy building.

Ah, table service, how much do I love thee? Leina's offers coffee from all over the world including my favorite blends Indonesian Flores Bajawa and Tanzanian AAA Ruvuma. Available in slow drip or siphon, the menu kindly explains the coffee's strength per item.

The brewing counter. The baristas all wear crisp clean uniforms; they're friendly and efficient.

Although the view outside is just a city back alley, I usually sit by the window to enjoy the light and watch people going by. The café provides warm woolen blankets, something the miniskirt wearing girls really need. These people definitely know how to cater to their clientele.

The café doesn't hold many people, but I've never seen the place packed. The third floor is the café's wine section, but I haven't been able to check it out yet.

Besides the higher-priced specialty coffees, "regular" press coffees (espresso, latte, etc.) are available as well. The café also provides free refills with their house blend during the weekdays.

Leina's is situated in Gangnam: walk up the alley of City Movie Theater and it's on the rightside corner of the first crossroad you meet.

Metro: Gangnam station (Line 2, exit #7), walk from the exit until you see City Movie Theater
Bus: Kyobo sahgeori stop, walk towards City Movie Theater
Tel: (070) 7569 - 0090

4 comments:

Steve the QiRanger said...

I like it! As you know, I love coffee! I'm familiar with the bus stop and the subway stop, but can't for the life of me place the actual location. Do you have an address so I can punch it in my GPS the next time I'm around there and need a cup of coffee?

Suzy in Seoul said...

@ Steve : I'm Korean, all my directions are based on turning at certain buildings and such. ;-P
Address = Gangnam-gu, Yeoksam-dong 817

Anonymous said...

I am in Seoul now and going to head there later this afternoon.

Apparently the Korean national barista champion is here so that might explain why your experience is so good:)

Thanks for the post and advice on how to get there.

Carol Ann said...

Leina's Coffee in Shanghai is just as good - wonderful coffee and excellent service. I had the pleasure of a siphon coffee demonstration here that was fabulous.