COCONUTS HOT SPOT — Occupying a two-story house on Soi Metheenivet, Library Café is a handsome place. The floor to ceiling windows allow the sun to suffuse the white-walled interior with light, making it a comfortable place to read a novel or do work or sit quietly and convalesce from Bangkok’s noise, pollution and blistering heat.
Or you can come with friends, split a slice of blueberry cheesecake or a Library waffle, and discuss your plans for the evening and weekend. It doesn’t matter, really, because it’s a place suited to every mood. When the first floor gets crowded, the upstairs shoes-off area opens. The floor cushions and low tables are less comfortable, perhaps, than the chairs and sofas downstairs, but they’re certainly more novel and homey.
The drinks, which include everything from coffees to blended fruit and tea drinks, are excellent and aren’t served sickly sweet. There’s no need to implore the baristas to go light on sugar when you order an iced Americano or a latte, as these drinks come unsweetened. (There’s a counter with simple syrup, if you so desire).
In addition to the desserts and beverages, Library offers a small but well-edited selection of Thai and Japanese dishes. You might try the herbed chicken leg and rice, redolent in light but flavorful juices. Or you might get the fried pork cutlet. The food comes out in ceramic white bowls placed atop wooden serving trays; if you order something that calls for chopsticks, they come with holders.
By the time your order arrives, none of this will be a surprise. There’s a real emphasis on doing things right here, every single time.
Those in the know—a mishmash of working professionals, university students and Japanese housewives—keep Library bustling, especially on weekend afternoons. If you can, come earlier and during the weekday.
FIND IT:
2 Soi Metheenivet, Sukhumvit 24
Bangkok 10110, Thailand
Tel: 02 259 287
Daily: 8am – 9pm
BTS Prompong
https://www.facebook.com/librarycafe
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James Yu is a freelance writer and editor. You can follow him on instagram @jamcyu and tumblr.
