Coffee Connoisseurs are Quietly Gathering at PARK at KIMS in Nolita
PC: Florré
I’ve never been to Korea, I have to admit, but one of its leading allurements to me is its coffee culture. I’ve seen endless pictures and reels on Instagram summarizing the best cafés in Seoul, and while an international trip may not be in the cards for me right now, I have PARK at KIMS here to thank for the next best thing.
The Korean Specialty Coffee Shop opened up in Nolita at the end of summer last year, and it’s quickly become a favorite for locals in need of an aesthetic place to work, drink coffee, or quietly chat among themselves. The combination of wood, cement, and chrome creates a calming ambiance that’s both grounding and nostalgic for anyone missing a Japanese or Korean coffee shop vibe.
I found the same wooden stools here as I did at the Silence Please café, which I recently wrote a review about. In fact, there was a lot of overlap in the two locations. Much like the music listening experience that is offered at Silence Please, PARK at KIMS had an extensive collection of vinyl behind the bar. On the speakers, a comforting mix of upbeat tunes kept its guests from getting too cozy (aka sleepy). But while Silence Please focuses more on teas and live DJ performances, this Korean café is here for the specialty coffee connoisseurs.
The space is also much more intimate, with big, wide windows gulping in the sunlight and dispersing it onto the guests. On the menu, you’ll find a selection of drool-worthy delights such as Nutella, custard, and lemon glaze donuts. A few savory snacks are offered as well, like the ham and butter baguette I ordered alongside my drip coffee. Its secret ingredient? A thin layer of fermented daikon radish between the butter and the ham, which, to my own surprise, works delightfully well.
Rumor has it that PARK at KIMS serves some killer affogatos too—a beloved Italian treat comprised of ice cream and espresso. Unfortunately, the just-above-freezing temperatures outside kept the delicious dessert off the menu at the time. It didn’t stop me (and my pup) from making use of the benches right outside the store, though. A very kind server came to deliver my order, and I was instantly reminded of how much I love cafés that put meticulous care into food presentation.
I’m someone who eats with her eyes first. I appreciate beautiful ceramics served on top of a metal tray with a tiny glass of milk on the side. I love little details like parchment paper wrapped around a sandwich served on a ripple-rim plate. These are the things that calm the heart before filling the belly. It’s what makes you want to sit for hours, eating slowly as you people-watch.
I’d like to thank PARK at KIMS for giving me a much-needed moment of peace during a very hectic day, reminding me that a good coffee shop can outright save the day sometimes.
