Cafes with Nooks

Think: like a treehouse but in a building

Speaking as a person who would live in an actual treehouse if I could, there’s a certain type of cafe that I love. These tend to be multi-level places with little areas to sit in a variety of spaces. They are fairly few and far between, but when I find one, it’s love at first flight (of stairs).

Today I have two pretty popular cafes and a straight up weirdo who shouldn’t mix with the group but… does. The popular ones prioritize aesthetics and are better for quiet work, while the third is like if you took a traditional housefront cafe and made it four floors with a whole bunch of separate balconies - perfect for conversations, while the inside rooms are great for work.

All three are solid bets depending on what your plans are, and I hope you find the one that speaks to you the most.

Enjoy!

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Cú Trên Cây Coffee

Hours: 7am-10:30pm

Address: 262 Đ. Ung Văn Khiêm, Phường 25, Bình Thạnh

https://maps.app.goo.gl/2CBoQ5cmxpf4FfBU6

This spot is already (rightfully) pretty well-known, so I’m talking directly to those in my audience who have not yet visited - this cafe completely rules. It’s got the most relaxing aesthetic I’ve seen in a long time, and is very reminiscent of a Đà Lạt cafe with its vintage + nature vibes. Every staircase you take will lead you to some new space decked out in brick, natural wood, books, and plants, and they’re all perfect for chilling and working.

This is a spot that is absolutely worth the trip and I would rate this among the ‘must visit’ cafes of the city for visitors and locals alike. Unfortunately, everyone knows this and it’s perpetually busy, but it’s large enough and segmented enough that it never feels too overcrowded.

THE WISELANDS Coffee

Hours: 7am-11pm

Address: 216 Điện Biên Phủ, Phường Võ Thị Sáu, Quận 3

https://maps.app.goo.gl/8XcsP7vj1ujfEtwv7

Any place Wiselands can put a little table and chairs, they do. Mad respect for space usage! Plus, it’s got a ton of greenery, books, and stupendous places for both socializing and working, although not with too large a group. There are so many little areas and each one feels very special.

You might guess that with aesthetics and a location like this that the menu might be a little on the expensive side. You would be correct. However, if you plan to stay for a few hours to finish work or whatever, you get your moneys worth. All in all, a must-visit if this is your vibe. It’s crisp, clean, modern, and will probably be pretty busy during your visit, no matter the time of day.

Saveur Café Tân Định

Hours: 7:30am-10pm

Address: 11 Đ. Nguyễn Văn Nguyễn, Phường Tân Định, Quận 1

https://maps.app.goo.gl/oD7WZKhJKaaV8AfCA

This isn’t as aesthetically bold as the other two, but it’s got something that they don’t: It’s hands down the best for bringing groups/friends/dates where you want to socialize and not bother a lot of other people, and possibly even have an entire balcony to yourselves. It’s particularly well suited for groups of 4+ people who want to chat and hang, which these other two cafes don’t accommodate very well.

This is largely open-air with no AC (but yes fans), which makes it an excellent evening destination. There are balconies of different sizes and shapes on every floor and a garden patio out front that are great for conversations, in addition to a few indoor spaces that are perfect for working - especially during the day.

I have a special affinity for this particular cafe because it just seems so Vietnamese in every way. Also, the music has rocked each of the times I’ve visited.

It took me years to find a third cafe that fit this theme, but I’m glad I finally got it out of my queue and into the publication pipeline. I really don’t have a problem recommending popular places if they are super cool - I just don’t like recommending chains (support your local indie cafes!). These three are some that I consider worth it.

My final plea - got any more cafes with a bunch of little spaces? They’re my favorite! Please share in the comments!

-Ben