Mark T.
Yelp
Read all about it! The Havana Street Business District just keeps getting more and more exciting with each passing month. One of its newest prizewinners is Coffee Story at Havana/Iliff - let's wander in and see what classy culinary tales we can eavesdrop on today.
As you have no doubt heard by now, this spot is a creation of the Seoul Hospitality Group, whose very enterprising founder is responsible for many of the District's rave-worthy establishments (Thank Sool Pocha, Seoul Mandoo, and the soon-to-arrive soft-tofu stew specialist Tofu Story are just a few that come to mind right away). But after all that yummy food, I can't blame you for needing a little-perk-me-up, and as its name would suggest, CS will be able to handily help you out. One of my favorite coffee drinks here is the ultra-frothy whipped wonder known as the Dalgona latte - or, as I've occasionally referred to it, "I can't believe it's instant". If by contrast, you're not looking to get quite so speedy, may I suggest the matcha/berry variety, with its cute little cookie straw? And the other side of the beverage menu has some worthy possibilities too, like a banana/honey/walnut smoothie, or one of their tangy-healthy Ades, in flavors such as mango, passion fruit, or even mojito - so drink up, woncha?
Hmm, what was that? Oh, all that decision-making has gotten your appetite worked up again? Well, don't worry - as it just so happens, CS is also renowned for its array of eminently munchable morsels. In fact, the last time I stopped by, I got to try one of their tempting hot sandwiches - in this case, the Seoul Toast, brimming with thick-sliced ham, cabbage shreds, and corn kernels and bound in a cheddar-y emulsion. But I can also see why your attention seems to be drawn to the Bulgogi Panini with its mouthwatering marinated beef and cool mixed-veggie medley. Or, if your sweet tooth is seeking a little serenade instead, you could definitely fill up on an order of five Bungeoppang or Taiyaki (to use the Korean and Japanese terms respectively) - cute little carp-shaped pastries packed with - for example - Danpat (sweet adzuki-bean paste) or chocolate. These and many other items await your visit to this Havana Street gem. To paraphrase Rod Stewart, "Every coffee tells a story" - what's yours?