A retro museum café in the alleys of Taipei’s East District recreates Taiwan’s 1950s scene

▲ A scene resembling an old-time convenience store, filled with many vintage items. (Photo provided by Zhang Xinchang of Museum Coffee, same below. Please do not take unauthorized photos to avoid copyright infringement.)

Reported by Yang Xiaorou

Hidden in the alleys along Guangfu South Road in Taipei, there’s a nostalgic café—Museum Coffee of the 1950s (Museum Coffee). From the exterior to the interior decor, the café is infused with a strong 1950s and 1960s vibe.

▲ A corner of the café.

Does this place feel familiar? Actually, the owner of this café is the designer behind the Nichiyo Honpo Museum on Ximending. Both Nichiyo Honpo and Museum Coffee authentically recreate the atmosphere of the Showa era.

▲ The 1960s Volkswagen car is real—the owner cut it to use as the counter.

The owner, who has loved collecting old items since childhood, began considering how to use their collection to recreate Taiwan’s 1950s look after becoming a designer. Thus, Museum Coffee was born. As you step inside, you’ll see a 1960s Volkswagen car prominently displayed, with the charming owner preparing food and drinks for guests at the counter made from the old car—an eye-catching sight.

▲ The mascot at the entrance.

By the way, the large character mascot greeting guests at the entrance was designed based on the owner’s childhood appearance.

▲ The bookshelf wall.

Besides the vintage car counter, the full bookshelf wall is also quite interesting, featuring various themed books alongside a collection of cola bottles. Additionally, the café recreates scenes of old-time convenience stores, dental clinics, and barbershops, allowing guests to freely explore these vintage shop settings, as if stepping into a time tunnel.

▲ The dental clinic scene.

Of course, you should also try the food at Museum Coffee. To provide a more comfortable and relaxing dining and browsing environment, the dishes here mainly consist of flame-free light meals. The owner recommends trying the French savory pies, which come in five flavors: duck breast, pineapple chicken, ham bacon, mixed vegetables, and mushroom (vegetarian). Each flavor is popular, but they’re served randomly each day, so you might have to rely on luck to get your favorite.

▲ Popular French savory pie.

▲ Pancakes with bananas and ice cream.

Also, the “pancakes with bananas and ice cream” are highly popular and a must-try dish here. In summer, the owner especially recommends the “CC Lemonade” made from natural ingredients—a refreshing drink perfect for beating the heat.

▲ Museum Coffee.

Museum Coffee of the 1950s
Address: No. 9-1, Lane 421, Guangfu South Road, Xinyi District, Taipei City
Phone: 02-2725-1386
Business hours: 07:00–17:00 (Closed on Mondays)