By Steven Crook, Iva Huang, Richard Matheson & C.S. Crane
Translated by Iva Huang

Thousands of businesses in South Taiwan serve coffee. They range from inexpensive streetside coffeeshops where a cup costs NT$25, to swanky establishments where you might have to pay eight times that. This month, we present six great places to drink coffee. The region's six best? Probably not. But among the six featured here are especially good places to eat, take in the scenery, enjoy a family outing, or go on a first date.

    Art Center TNCA Cafe (299, DongMen Rd., Sec. 2, Tainan City ,2F; Tel: (06) 209-6808) is a place where artists and writers gather. The atmosphere is cheerful and friendly, while the place is big and brightly-illuminated. Wireless internet access is available. The manager, Mr. Su, has coffee to be proud of: he sources coffee beans from the best plantations around the world, and the way he grinds the beans and brews the powder with spring water is impeccable. Cakes and cookies are also available. If you think you're going to be a regular customer, buy one of the artistically-designed IC prepaid cards (value NT$500).

    Nice Time (5, Lane 18, DaSyue Rd., Tainan City; Tel: (06) 234-8806) coffee shop has a tasty and filling American-style breakfast for the bargain price of NT$99. It comes in three courses: the first course is a chicken salad, the second a muffin and bagel, and the third features hash browns, eggs, and bacon. The coffee, hot or cold, is refillable throughout the meal. The atmosphere of the restaurant is clean and comfortable and the service is outstanding. The owner, who lived in Canada for many years, says that customer service is a priority. He doesn't want a customer to ever have to ask for a refill, and hopes that the waiters are "on the ball." In this writer's experience, they always are. Nice Time, which also sells coffee in bulk, is open from 8 am to 11 pm on weekdays, and 9 am to 11 pm on weekends.

    If you're into gazing at the ocean and watching ships pass by, Cape Cafe (109, BinHai 1st Road, GuShan, Kaohsiung City; Tel: (07) 551-3117) is splendidly located. Entirely outdoors, this establishment is located on the waterfront, a stone's throw from where the ferries to Chichin Island depart. Boats pass so close you could almost reach out and touch them. You're guaranteed restful views of the island, the lighthouse, and the old British consulate building. Coffees start at NT$80; there's a minimum charge of NT$100 per person; pay when you place your order. Cocktails are NT$150. The food selection is quite broad, with Southeast Asian dishes featuring prominently. The service is friendly, and parking is available

    As you'd expect given its name, the various branches of Taiwan Coffee House sell coffee grown on-island, both in bulk (NT$500 for 200 grams) and as a ready-to-drink beverage (hot, NT$150; ice, NT$80). The branch in the Cinemark movie theater building (across the road from Kaohsiung Medical College) also offers a wide range of tasty set meals, including breakfasts, spaghetti, and mini hot pots (which start at NT$210). There are salads and cakes, too. If you like to enjoy great urban views while sipping your coffee, head for the twelfth floor of the President Department Store, where a Taiwan Coffee House outlet looks over the cultural center. All branches sell a variety of bulk coffee, including Italian and Brazilian, plus coffee-making equipment, cups and mugs. See www.twcoffee.com.tw for branch addresses, menus, and background information.

    Viet Nam Saigon Coffee (108, LinCyuan St., Kaohsiung City; tel: (07) 727-8885) sells quality Vietnamese and Italian coffees at attractive prices. This modestly-sized establishment--more than half-a-dozen customers inside, and it would feel crowded--is conveniently close to the cultural center, and offers rice and noodle meals (NT$120 to NT$170), sorbets, and a few other snacks. Vietnamese coffees (NT$45 to NT$65 if hot, a little more expensive if iced) are served with drip filters, just as they would be back in Vietnam. The staff are friendly and will happily answer questions about the drinks on the menu.

    Le Petit Cafe (6, ChongYi Lane, Pingtung City) is a French/Taiwanese establishment, run by Fred--a Frenchman who speaks English--and his local wife. No knowledge of any particular language, for that matter, is necessary to enjoy the classic coffees and the delectable, sweet liqueur-laced hot and iced drinks available here. Le Petit Cafe is hidden in a narrow side alley near Pingtung's Sogo Department Store; the sign sports the colors of the French flag. Especially recommended are the Jamaican Coffee, a house special, the exquisite Yogurt Coffee (iced), and the creamy chocolate Cafe Borgia. Blue Mountain, Brazilian, and other classic coffees are also available, as well as freshly roasted coffee beans (please order in advance). Le Petit Cafe is currently expanding its food menu to include simple bistro-style meals.