55. Cafe Ever (Random Weekly Review)

Am I the only person who thinks this cafe’s logo looks like the place would be a ski lodge in a 1980s movie about the K12?

Cafe Ever, a tribute to skiing the K12.

Cafe Ever. Go that way really fast. If an Americano gets in your way, ask for milk (and possibly get confused looks from the baristas).

I had been curious about Cafe Ever, in Gimhae, for a while. Long before deciding I would attempting to record every coffee shop in Korea here (and on my Facebook page, yow!), I had been struck by this building’s logo, which seemed inappropriate and out of time.

Employees have a chat.

Employees have a chat.

The burlap coffee sacks as lampshades is a nice touch.

The burlap coffee sacks as lampshades is a nice touch.

There is a lot of room for people to gather.

There is a lot of room for people to gather.

What I found inside was a very ample cafe, with seating for about 75 patrons. There is a play area for mothers and their children (but, no fathers, apparently. This is a cafe in 1980s Aspen, as well as 1950s America. Catty!), as well as music that’s not too loud (unlike Audrey Hepburn Cafe) as to be distracting, and not prudish enough that you can still hear classy English lyrics in Korean songs that include, “I don’t give a shit about your stupid heart.”

There is even upstairs, and outdoor seating available.

There is even upstairs, and outdoor seating available.

I ordered an Americano for 3,900 won (a little pricey, considering the superior cup at Starbucks costs about as much). Like most cafes in Korea, asking for a “two shot” of espresso does not cost additional. Also–and forgive my terrible Korean language skills–it appears that a “takeout” cup of Americano is only 2,500 won. Other menu items include your standard cappuccinos and Lattes, as well as fresh-made juices and dessert sets that include bingsu’s (Korea’s famous shaved ice treat) and fresh-made waffle dishes.

You don't say?

You don’t say?

At 1pm on a Tuesday afternoon, business was steady, as well (unlike L’Revelry, which was so quiet the employee had not bothered turning on background music or the AC until I walked in). This could be attributed to the time I went, the location of the cafe, the quality and reputation of the product, or a combination of all of these. My Americano was certainly decent (if a little bitter. Which is why I often ask for milk, but many Korean cafes are confused by this request, thinking I’m asking for a latte, so I’ll occasionally not bother). But, it did not blow my socks off. That said, I will definitely visit again. It’s conveniently-located within walking distance from either the Presbyterian University or Yeonji Park Busan-Gimhae Lightrail stops, and near other attractions such as the beautiful Yeonji Park. And it looks like I could probably get a nice dessert package for a reasonable (for Korean cafes) price (one such set included four waffles and two Americanos for 14,000 won).

Just don’t go french frying when you should have pizza’d. If you do that, well, you know.


JPDdoesROK is a former news editor/writer in New Jersey, USA, who served a one-year tour of duty in Dadaepo/Jangnim, Saha-gu, Busan from February 2013 to February 2014. He is now a teacher in Gimhae.