Taiwan’s Late-Night Coffee Havens

If you wander through any neighborhood in Taipei, you’ll discover a charming array of independent cafés. Unlike the familiar chains such as Starbucks and Louisa, each café in Taipei showcases its own distinct character, often blending music, art, and top-notch coffee. The city offers numerous options for socializing, including two late-night coffee spots highlighted below.

Note: This article appeared in the 2024 Autumn Edition of TAIPEI magazine, published by the Taipei City Government.

Remember Me

Located in the vibrant Songshan District, this café is just a short stroll from MRT Taipei Arena Station (Exit 5). With its rustic charm, exposed-brick walls adorned with artwork and candid Polaroid photos, the inviting atmosphere beckons. Visitors are encouraged to contribute their creativity by displaying their art. The café features wooden tables resembling classic school desks, with some drawers filled with pencils and sketchpads for patrons to explore.

This intimate café accommodates 30 to 40 guests, featuring outdoor seating at the entrance. Live music is showcased every night from 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM, but due to limited space, large bands are not on the schedule. Guests are welcome to tip the performers and may even apply to share their musical talents. The café typically stays open until 2:00 AM on most nights.

Established nine years ago by Ray Fu, the café is inspired by the 2010 Robert Pattinson film “Remember Me.” The owner aimed to create a nostalgic atmosphere. Hot drinks with milk are served with charming little notes, reminiscent of exchanging notes in school. It’s a lovely detail that can spark conversation on a date—my note read, “Life is full of impossible situations, but it’s up to us to make every situation possible.”

In addition to coffee and hot drinks, the menu features beers, ciders, light meals, and desserts. The Fig Jam Coffee is a must-try, boasting a captivating blend of green tea, lemon juice, fig jam, and pineapple sauce, garnished with a dried pineapple slice. The café’s signature drink, the Remember Me Coffee, is a delightful concoction that includes chocolate sauce with a hint of hazelnut, crafted in collaboration with the renowned local sweet shop Chocoholic; it even comes with a Ferrero Rocher treat. The rich and creamy Tiramisu is another standout dessert. Savory items on the menu include classic sides like French fries along with rice dishes, pasta, and salads. The menu also features a variety of international creations, such as the tasty fried fish salad with Thai sweet chili sauce, ensuring there’s something for everyone.

Remember Me 記得我
16, Aly. 4, Ln. 133, Sec. 4, Nanjing E. Rd., Songshan Dist.
(02) 2547-1517
Tue-Sat 12 PM-2 AM, Sun-Mon 12 PM-10 PM
facebook.com/remembermecafe

YABOO

YABOO is a hidden treasure tucked away near the busy Yongkang Street in Daan District, famous for its restaurants and shops. Its discreet entrance means visitors need accurate directions to find this quirky café. The nearest metro station is Dongmen Station (Exit 5).

YABOO boasts ample seating and a cozy rock-and-roll atmosphere, complete with colorful music festival posters lining the walls and tattooed baristas behind the counter. It attracts a young, hip crowd, with indie rock music creating a lively backdrop. Additionally, there are shelves laden with books to sift through, along with a pleasant outdoor patio.

Founded in 2010 by sisters Emily and Tina Tsai, YABOO has a family-run charm. The name “YABOO” stems from a playful inside joke between the sisters, as it phonetically resembles “y’know.”

YABOO serves a variety of standard coffee drinks, with cappuccinos featuring intricate floral designs in the foamed milk. Vegan milk options are available for those with dietary needs. Chocolate enthusiasts will appreciate that YABOO uses premium Valrhona chocolate in many of its beverages, offering flavors like strawberry, banana, hazelnut, and toffee.

If you’re in the mood for something a bit different, many drinks incorporate a splash of spirits, such as a café latte infused with Baileys liqueur. The menu also includes a range of milk teas crafted with Kahlúa, rum, and other spirits, perfectly blending caffeination with a touch of indulgence.

The food menu at YABOO, while not overly extensive, features delicious and satisfying options including pasta and panini sandwiches. Seasonal desserts are frequently offered, with the current selection being a delightful matcha cheesecake, a lovely fusion of flavors that fits perfectly within Taipei’s café culture.

YABOO remains open daily until midnight. A sister location, YABOO II, has been established close by, serving as an excellent alternative if the main café becomes too busy, though it is smaller and has more limited hours. Whether you choose YABOO or its sister café, you’re sure to experience the unique charm of Taipei’s café scene.

YABOO 鴉埠咖啡
26, Ln. 41, Yongkang St., Daan Dist.
(02) 2391-2868
facebook.com/yaboo.lalala
Mon-Fri 12 PM-12 AM, Sat-Sun 11 AM-12 AM

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