Trendy coffee spots near Zhongshan MRT Station
Get a caffeine hit among the cool kids in one of Taipei's trendiest areas
Zhongshan has become one of Taipei’s trendiest areas, with a vibrant coffee culture centered on hip, independent cafes.
In November 2023, the district earned a spot on Time Out’s list of the “Top 40 Coolest Neighborhoods in the World” — the only place in Taiwan to make the cut. It continues to draw a steady mix of young Taiwanese and tourists, and you will likely see plenty of people photographing lattes, buildings, and each other.
Much of the action is concentrated in the pocket between Zhongshan MRT Station and Shuanglian MRT Station, a stretch of just over half a kilometer known as Zhongshan Linear Park. The park often hosts small markets on weekends, selling everything from clothes to souvenirs.
Along the park and down the surrounding alleys, coffee shops are dotted about seemingly everywhere. With so many options, choosing where to stop can feel a little intimidating. To help narrow it down, This Is Taipei visited three places that serve up a good cuppa.
#1: Athena Bookstore
A bookshop cafe designed for reading, writing, and working
A few steps down one of the many alleys of Zhongshan Linear Park is Athena Bookstore, a bookstore that also doubles as a cafe. It stands out immediately, with its distinctly Parisian cafe feel.
The space spans four floors, each with a slightly different set-up. The front of the building is bright, while the back is more cozy and dimly lit. The upper floors are more spacious and often used by writing groups.
As you walk in, you are greeted by a full wall of dark bookshelves and soft, understated lighting. Note that in this section, you must purchase a book before reading it. If you are looking for something free to browse, there is a selection of mainly Chinese books and magazines on the other floors that you can skim.
When This Is Taipei visited, we started with two strong lattes (NT$180), then opted for a chocolate milk (NT$200) and a Tieguanyin tea latte (NT$180), a creamy, aromatic milk tea made from that variety of oolong. All the drinks were tasty, though not particularly hot. For more discerning coffee drinkers, there is also a range of light, medium, and dark roast beans available.
The main draw here is how well-suited it is for settling in and getting work done. The leather chairs are comfortable, most seats have power outlets nearby, and there is no time limit. You just need to buy one drink, which you order downstairs and which will be brought to your table.
Note that tables are slightly small if two people are sharing one, but the cafe strikes a good balance: quiet without feeling oppressive. It is perfectly fine for catching up with a friend, but probably not ideal for large groups wanting to chat.
Athena Bookstore is open every day from midday to 10 PM.
#2: Youmou to Ohana Coffee
A relaxed cafe hideout inside the former US embassy
For those looking to escape the busy streets of Zhongshan, Youmou to Ohana Coffee, with its indoor and outdoor seating areas, is a good shout year-round. It's located inside the Taipei Film House, which also happens to be the former US embassy building.
Coffee is the focus here. There is a wide range of drip coffees, priced from NT$220, with the menu listing flavor notes and bean processing methods. Orders are placed via QR code, but if you're hungry, be sure to check out the dessert fridge before choosing.
The menu also includes juices, teas, and even draft beer. There are also full meals available, from dumplings to a brunch plate that includes a bagel, scrambled eggs, chicken, bacon, and salad.
When This Is Taipei visited in January 2026, we tried the chocolate milk (NT$180), toffee nut latte (NT$180), and tiramisu (NT$170). The slice of cake was enormous — easily enough for two people to share.
Inside, the cafe has white decor, low-hanging lights, plenty of plants, and large windows that give the space a bright, European feel. Outside, the seating area is strung with fairy lights.
When we visited in January, there were a lot of mosquitoes, so do accept the free spray if you choose to sit outside.
Youmou to Ohana Coffee is open every day between 11 AM and 10 PM. Note that there is a two-hour seating limit.
#3: Coffee Stand By Me
Tightly packed coffee bar that only opens four hours a day
Coffee Stand By Me takes a surfer theme for its interior, with surfboards and punk-rock items on shelves and walls. When This Is Taipei visited, a poppy jazz soundtrack provided the background to youthful chatter from the young clientele.
The place is small, with bar-style seating for a maximum of around a dozen patrons. But if you can get a seat, it's well worth it. The americano (NT$150) was thick and aromatic with a kick.
This cute coffee bar runs on its owner's clock. Don't expect a wide range of drink options: the menu is limited, aiming for quality over quantity.
This coffee bar opens just four hours from 2 PM to 6 PM most days, adding to the laid-back mystique.
There were also desserts on the board — basque cheesecake, carrot cake, brownies — but these were all sold out when we arrived.
In other words, landing a coffee and a seat here feels like a small victory. At places like this, trendy is all about timing.
