Downstairs Coffee

Pic from official website

So after the disaster that was sick Neena at a smoky cafe, my friend was in charge of finding a smoke free place for our next language exchange meeting. Since he had something to do in Roppongi that evening, he found a cafe nearby. The one he found is called Downstairs Coffee and it's run by the same guy as Streamer Coffee, Hiroshi Sawada.

The cafe is in the Mercedes-Benz showroom. I had seen it before but never went in. It looked a bit swanky and expensive. It is pretty cool but the prices aren't bad at all. I didn't know it at the time, but this cafe, and possibly the entire place, is only opened for a limited time. It will be closing in December of 2012, this year.

My friend and I found a cafe magazine (that I don't have!) that mentioned this place. I didn't read it at the time, but I took a picture of it for later study. It said Downstairs, and Upstairs (a bar/restaurant), opened as part of the Mercedes-Benz Connection. The magazine article also talks about the coffee and its creaminess, and how customers can use the wifi freely. And even though they're basically in the showroom, people can relax and feel a welcoming atmosphere. (It's a short article, but it briefly touches on all the selling points.)

So, I have to say that I agree with the article. The coffee, just like at Streamer, was delicious, and pretty. And this time I could take a picture of it. I didn't take any pictures of the place, because I forgot, like an idiot. But the place is very bright with lots of big windows. It's a car showroom after all. When it started getting dark, the lights came on, and the lighting was the kind that is green and then before you know it, it's pink. It was kind of nice and somehow subtle. I don't remember the seats, and I think our window side table was white, but I'm pretty sure the communal table in the middle was wooden. Quite comfortable and easy to relax and chat or study in.

So, I would definitely recommend this place. And over Streamer Coffee at that. But since it'll be closing in just a few months, you'd better get a move on it if you want to check it out.

Order: Soy Latte (¥430)
Review: It's a shame that it's closing soon.

Website: http://www.mercedes-benz-connection.com/index.html
Access: Roppongi station (exit 8 maybe, the Roppongi Hills side)
Address: 7-8-1 Roppongi, Minato-ku, Tokyo