Coffee Libre's Yeonnam cafe is a small alley shop with bean displays and an old herbal-medicine cabinet. The counter and retail coffee occupy much of the room.
Coffee Libre has several other Seoul shops, including at Myeongdong Cathedral, Times Square and Shinsegae Gangnam. Myeongdong is handier on a central sightseeing day. Yeonnam is the little alley shop for a cup and a look through the beans.
Coffee Libre buys and roasts coffee, including through direct relationships with producers. The café serves a short drinks menu and sells beans to take home.
Coffee style
Coffee Libre serves espresso and single-origin brewed coffee. Ask about the current beans and upcoming public cuppings.
A black coffee lets you try the beans before buying a bag. Staff can help match the retail selection to your preferred brew method.
What people go for
This is most useful for filter drinkers and people buying beans. Allow time at the counter to compare the available coffees.
The feel
The Yeonnam shop is compact, so seating is limited at busy times. Keep plans flexible if you are visiting with a group.
The medicine cabinet, bean displays and small counter give the shop its character. Come for the coffee selection rather than expecting a large lounge.
Why Coffee Libre is shortlisted by Filter Notes
Yeonnam is the original café; other Seoul branches are at Myeongdong Cathedral, Times Square and Shinsegae Gangnam.