Although seemingly unimportant within an anime, some cafes have become important if not critical settings for their respective shows. These cafes provide either the center stage where all the action happens or a place where characters can be vulnerable and find some sort of solace, thus serving as fronts or refuges for the main characters.
These places range from lush, cozy maid cafes and establishments run by polar bears to safe spaces meant for human/android fraternization. These iconic anime cafes would entice any viewer to want to take the afternoon off and head to a nearby coffee shop, accompanied, of course, by a good book and a nice cup of coffee.
7 The Ouran Host Club From Ouran High School Host Club
Located in Music Room 3 of the high school building of Ouran Academy, the Ouran Host Club is comprised of seven hosts that cater to a young female clientele. The club typically selects a theme and chooses various club activities daily to entertain their female guests. Each host is known for their ‘type’ and ‘techniques’ and will dote on their respective guests through conversation, flattery, good manners, and flirting.
As one of the most popular reverse harems of all time, Ouran High School Host Club was so popular that many real-life ‘host club’ events have been held worldwide, inspired by the series itself and with club members cosplaying as members. It’s the perfect cafe should one ever wish to sit back and enjoy beautiful men, etiquette, and the joys of sweets and fine tea.
6 Kobayashi’s Cafe From Domestic Girlfriend
This nameless cafe belongs to a minor supporting character from Domestic Girlfriend that the main protagonists frequently visit. At various times, the main characters: Natsuo, Rui, and Hina (who unwittingly end up in a love triangle) take turns venting their romantic frustrations and concerns. There, Kobayashi listens to each of them whilst offering advice and support.
Though not the most glamorous or the most appealing cafe in the anime world, it’s nice to know that there’s a place out there where people can share a part of themselves and be vulnerable. If only everybody had a local cafe where they could feel and do the same.
5 Maid Latte From The Class President Is A Maid!
Similar to most maid cafes out there, Maid Latte remains one of the most iconic cafes within the realm of anime. If viewers haven’t seen it, they’ve at least heard about this show. Complete with adorable waitresses adorned in cute outfits and sporting cute nicknames, Maid Cafe takes it up a notch as it hosts several events such as Bunny Ears Day and Anime-Cosplay Day, making it one of the more creative and enthusiastic cafes in anime.
Boasting exceptional service and amazing personalities, Maid Latte is definitely a great place to unwind, chat with a cute girl, and unravel the president’s identity. Viewers should be careful, however, as cute looks can often be deceiving.
4 Kawaji House From The Kawai Complex Guide To Manors And Hostel Behaviors
Though the title of the anime is a bit of a mouthful, Kawaji House or Houseboy Student Cafe is a quaint little traditional Japanese cafe and the place where the show's protagonist, Usa Kazunari, works part-time. Showcasing traditional Japanese aesthetics and traditional foods, the cafe projects an intimate and cozy atmosphere, highlighted by the fact that there are several private rooms.
Attracting a diverse cast of quirky and fun characters, servers are dressed in classic yukatas and will happily engage casually with visitors should they desire it. Kawaji House is a place to pass the time in peace and solitude.
3 Cafe Endou From Dagashi Kashi
Tucked away in the countryside is a little place called Cafe Endou. Run by twins, Endou Saya and Tou, this cozy little rustic cottage serves as a rendezvous point for the characters within the show. Saya herself is a coffee lover and goes to great lengths to brew quality coffee.
Unlike some of the busier anime cafes, Cafe Endou balances a modern sentiment with rustic country charm. A place where patrons won’t be bothered and where a good cup of coffee is guaranteed. To top it all off, the nearby sweets shop selling Dagashi will appeal to all the sugar gluttons out there.
2 The Time Of Eve (The Time Of Eve)
In the not-so-distant future, androids have become commonplace but are treated as domestic servants. However, a cafe known as The Time Of Eve invites its patrons through its doors to enjoy a relaxed ambiance, good food, and quality company. It is here that both androids and humans can safely coexist and converse with one another without prejudice or judgment.
Sporting darker hues and a spacious interior, the cafe also offers various seating arrangements for different crowds, catering to both solitary patrons and groups. Chic yet welcoming, It’s a place to visit should one ever wish to interact with an android.
1 Shirokuma Cafe From Polar Bear’s Cafe
Similar to The Time Of Eve but for animals and humans, Shirokuma Cafe is that friendly neighborhood animal cafe that everyone wishes they had. Located near a zoo, this cafe is managed and run by a polar bear, making it one of the strangest yet most heartwarming cafes in the anime world.
A regular haunt for zoo animals getting off their shift and for humans that just want to be around animals, Shirokuma Cafe is the place to be for anyone who wishes to enjoy a relaxing vibe alongside some furry companions.