PIER’S CAFE MINAMIAOYAMA

(2.5÷5 stars)
Beyond Unilocal 100 Challenge 2015 — 3/​?
In the area surrounding posh Omotesando subway station, there are surprisingly few open cafes where one can do a bit of nomad work while enjoying half decent coffee and perhaps a light meal or dessert pastry.
Pier’s Café Minami Aoyama is located right at the top of the subway exit if you’re headed towards Aoyama University underground. The entrance is around the corner down the narrow side street leading away from the main road (it’s hard to miss as there is a standing signboard on your left).
Observations:
+ Food: ²⁄₅ stars (see below; you can choose a pastry + drink set or a light meal/​sandwich + drink for a somewhat reasonable price)
— Panini sets — ¹⁄₅ stars (without going into too much detail, you’d be better off skipping these. The photos look good; the actual items are serious meh)
— Pastry sets — ³⁄₅ stars (OK, acceptable but still a gap between the photos, the items and the actual bite experience. Maybe choose one with a drink if you need something in your stomach)
— Drinks: 2.5÷5 (standard variety of hot/​cold coffee, tea and soft drinks. Nothing seriously outstanding in this department)
+ Seating: ³⁄₅ (Smoking/​non-​smoking are separated by a glass-​walled area in the back. There are many more seating options if you don’t need nicotine with your refreshments. Non-​smoking features a variety of seating from tiny high tables and bench seats, cozy mini lounge chairs for singles/​pairs and a few tables for groups of four)
+ Amenities: Wifi/​outlets: Yes in certain areas for both smoking and non-​smoking seats. Wifi is spotty; you’re better off using your cell signal or a portable wifi router. Power along the counter seats in the smoking area; plug-​ins at the high tables near the order counter. There might be more elsewhere but I wasn’t looking that closely)
+ Other
— Atmosphere: ⁴⁄₅ (nice, modern design; comfortable lighting; somewhat acceptable air conditioning)
— BGM: 3.5÷5 (mainly old school jazz in the background; low key and non-​intrusive to conversations)
+ Pricing: 3.5÷5 (considering the expensive neighborhood, the prices are slightly steep, but not too bad)
Overall, it’s a temporary chill spot for salaried workers, nomads, couples, and singles. Most people don’t stay too long unless they’re alone and have found a nice corner/​window seat to read a book at. Food and drink here are just as described — middle of the road, slightly less but trying hard to be trendy but failing in the quality department.
The saving grace is location, relatively fast service and a good hideaway to recharge your mobile devices and your mind.