I thought Vegas had everything, but then a 1920s Korean coffee house opened in a strip mall in Chinatown.
The first thing to know about Gäbi’s Coffee and Bakery is that it’s difficult to find. There’s no sign—The only indication that the 2,944-square-foot cafe even exists is a Medieval Times-lookng wooden door. This is by design; the cafe is a coffee speakeasy.
The second thing to know about Gäbi’s Coffee is that it has got ambiance in spades. Baristas brew cappuccinos inside a greenhouse roasting room, college students study on a giant repurposed bookshelf and patrons sip tea from flowery tea cups, lounging on Victorian furniture.
The cafe was designed to celebrate 1920s Korean coffee culture (“Gabi” means “coffee” in Korean), which is evidenced by the early 20th-century Asian artwork that hangs from the walls and the Korean-inspired desserts and tea and coffee menu.
As a freelance writer, I spend a lot of time working from coffee shops, so ambiance is a big deal. It doesn’t matter how great the coffee is, if the chairs are uncomfortable or the cafe feels too sterile, cold or crowded, it’s see ya latte.
I liked Gäbi Coffee because the desserts were excellent (I’m not a dessert person and so I loved that the desserts weren’t overly sweet) and I think they pulled off their unique theme without being overly gimmicky.
Is it worth a visit? That depends. Gäbi is located about a 10-minute car ride from the Las Vegas Strip, so it’s not the most convenient location for visitors just looking for a quick cup of coffee to go. But if you’re looking for a place to work or study for a few hours or if you’re like me, and quirky travel destinations are your thing, then I’d definitely recommend visiting.
Gäbi Coffee & Bakery
Address: 5808 Spring Mountain Rd #104, Las Vegas, NV 89146
Hours: 9 a.m.—11 p.m.
Phone: (702) 331-1144
I had brunch here on Valentines Day and it was one of the most sensational experiences!!! What a find. The food was delicious and the ambiance fantastic. AMAZING! Thank you for this memorable day.