Coffee Shops in Xi’an。 « Notes From Xi'an 西安随感

Coffee Shops in Xi’an。

Here is a good selection of cafes that are worth retreating to from time-to-time. There is a brief overview of each below, with many also having their own page with further info. and photographs. I haven’t listed any bars or restaurants as I am sure they will be stumbled across by word-of-mouth or on the odd random night out.

*As cafes have begun to spring up all over the place I have chosen not to keep up with their growth, there is just less need – a coffee shop is easy to find now. I will, however, leave the page up, and although I can’t guarantee they will all still be as they are described below, I will do my best to make sure anything listed is still there. At this point they are: Nov.16th 2012.

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Amy’s Cafe (艾米咖啡馆/ àimǐ Kāfēiguǎn)

A peaceful and cosy little place, with a bit of a French feel, partly due to its boutique nature and partly to do with the hand painted artwork on the walls. It is an independent coffee shop, which for Xi’an is definitely a step in the right direction. If you come out of the North Gate of Wàiyuàn (外院) – Xi’an International Studies University – it is just across the road to the left. Click link for more info. and pictures. (Address:雁塔区昌明路外语学院北门对面艾米咖啡馆)

Book City Tea Lounge (万邦书城/ Wànbāng Shū Chéng)

A good spot. A peaceful and comfortable tea house, mixing style with tradition on the second floor of the bookshop on Xiǎozhài Dōng Lù, half way between Shaanxi National History Museum and Chang2′An1 Lu. Modern red sofas mixed with traditional furniture, good quality tea, wireless internet and a selection of classical music to buy. More information and pictures. (Address: 雁塔区小寨东路万邦书城)

Bridges Cafe (桥缘咖啡馆/ Qiáo Yuán Kāfēiguǎn )

It is out in Gāoxīn and is a very relaxed spot, with a touch of sophistication arising from their mix of dark wooden furniture and complimentary soft furnishings. The old style window frames hanging on the walls act as blackboards, picture frames and ornamentation, while the grey bricked counter, solid slate surface top and silver coffee machine create a stylish focal point at the back of the cafe. Simple and subtle lighting supports the whole environment. Click for more information, pictures and directions. (Address: 高新区在科技路附近丈八北路桥缘咖啡馆)

C’est La Vie Bakery/ Cafe (赛拉维法国烘焙店/ Sài Lā Wéi Fǎguó Hōngbèi Diàn)

This is a bakery/cafe that sells a selection of freshly made European breads, for Xi’an this was a great new thing. The staff were trained by an Austrian baker, flown in for the task. It has comfortable places to sit, sells good coffee, a selection of fresh drinks and also offers an array of fine looking cakes. There are two that I know of, one is on Gao Xin Lu (next to Bacchus Pizza), the other is on the corner of Gao Xin Si Lu and Keji Lu (opposite the Gao Xin Sculpting in Time). Click here for a few pictures and extra info. (Address: 高薪区糜家桥小区向北20米高薪路23号)

Coffee Beanery

A perfectly civilized Starbuck-esque coffee shop, located in the Chang’An Metropolis Centre. It is the shiny black building just outside the South Gate, with BEA Bank, Gucci and Haagen Dazs on the ground floor. For a quiet change of scene, housed as it is in this business/ up-market shopping centre, it is not a bad spot. It is a good place to retreat to close to the city. It does sandwiches, soup and freshly made coffee, but it is a bit expensive for what it is. WiFi. www.coffeebeanery.com.cn (Address: 南关正街88号长安国际广场B座二层- 0298765 1580）

Hello Cafe (你好咖啡馆／ Nǐhǎo Kāfēiguǎn)

This place is a strange anomaly, as it is by all intents and purposes an independent coffee shop but is owned by the Franchisee of the Subway on the ground floor. It has its own menu but the Subway sandwiches can also be eaten upstairs. Hello has a country homestead front room feel, with floral sofas, mock brick fire place, family photos and postcards on the wall. See here for more information and pictures. (Address: 大唐不夜城A-6-1-10105, 大雁塔南广场东南角)