Chakkaru is located right in front of Exit 3 of Nishi 18-chome Station on the Tozai Subway Line. The relaxed atmosphere of this coffee shop makes it look quite old, but it is actually a relatively new shop that opened in 2016. However, the owner's thorough commitment to creating a coffee shop is still evident in the shop.

Wax food samples are lined up in a glass case at the front of the store. Open the door and you'll find a warm, nostalgic space. The small interior is lined with potted plants, bookshelves filled with magazines, and retro furniture in chic colors. It looks as if the store has been in this location for decades, but it only opened in 2016. This shop is a reproduction of the "good old traditional coffee shop" that owner Ayako Ishioka envisioned.

The small restaurant has a total of 17 seats. There are also seats for single diners.

It is loved by a wide range of customers, from students to the elderly, including not only local residents but also office workers on their break from work, and people who use it in their spare time during dates or while waiting for someone. "When people ask me things like how long the shop has been around and whether it's the second generation, I do a fist pump in my head (laughs). It makes me happy that the shop has become what I had hoped it would be," says Ishioka with a smile.

"Napolitan" 800 yen (large size +100 yen), drink set +300 yen

The menu is full of dishes that make you think "this is a true coffee shop," such as toast, sandwiches, beef curry, and doria, all made with bread sourced from the famous "Okameya" shop in Hassamu, Nishi Ward. The most popular dish is the Neapolitan.

The spaghetti is boiled and left to sit overnight, giving it a chewy texture. It is stir-fried with onions, bell peppers, and sausage in a special tomato sauce, and finished with tomato ketchup to add a fresh acidity. The rich flavor is accentuated by the sharp tang of coarsely ground black pepper, creating an exquisite taste.

"Original Blend" 580 yen

The coffee beans are an original blend sourced from "JINNO COFFEE" in Shinkotoni, Kita Ward. Extracted using a siphon, it has a deep richness and a heavy aftertaste. It has a traditional taste with a mild acidity, and goes perfectly with the mini chocolate garnish. Refills are 100 yen off (this can also be used with other drinks), and beans can also be purchased for 650 yen per gram.

A siphon on the counter. You can enjoy watching the coffee being brewed.

In addition, the drink menu is extensive, including Viennese coffee, cafe au lait, tea, chai, and soft drinks such as melon soda, lemon squash, strawberry milk, and of course cream soda.

The lampshade also exudes a retro feel.

The handmade stained glass here and there, the heavy benches, and every detail of the interior décor exude the atmosphere of a traditional coffee shop. Some people are working on their computers, while others are quietly drinking coffee and smoking cigarettes. You can't help but feel comfortable in this space that evokes nostalgia for "those days."

There is also a table for four.

"You can stay there for a while, or just grab a quick cup of coffee. I think the appeal of a pure coffee shop is that it can be used in any way," says Ishioka.

*All prices include tax