Stumptown Coffee Roasters — Restaurant in Kyoto

I happened to found this place when I was visiting my aunts in Kyoto. I was super happy to find their beans as I was a monthly subscriber of their roster's pick beans in the States. I just moved to Japan and trying to find best beans that I like but I haven't found one yet. Tried several places in Tokyo but no ones like Stumptown. I had a pour-over and it was delicious. The whole beans at the Stumptown store was over-priced and double price of its original, but perhaps they must cover the shipping cost from the states. I hope they will start roasting beans in Japan and will expand their business throughout Japan as Kyoto location is the ONLY store in Japan at the moment. I'm surprised they don't have one in Tokyo yet (They said some cafe in Tokyo sold their coffee and beans).

Note: Compared to the many popular coffee beans, their coffee beans are more acidic side which brings more original flavor of the coffee beans and you can notice various aroma of the actual beans itself. So if you are really into coffee, you will appreciate their coffee. However, If you like a cup of coffee from the Starbucks (like Pike Roast), then you wouldn't like it. I found many roaster in Japan tend to have this thick, dark and deep flavor like Starbucks which doesn't bring much aroma though this is just personal preference. Japanese people may used to have this type of flavor and they might not like Stumptown coffee but I hope they will...

Space is great. Prices are rather high for Japan. Blame weak yen for part of that. But as someone who likes Stumptown back home and as someone who avoids dairy and eggs there are two big disappointments:

1. there is an up charge for non-dairy milks like oat milk. I realize that’s common, but Stumptown in the US doesn’t charge extra. If a latte is already 650 yen, including a choice of milk at the scale they buy it seems reasonable. instead they are levying a fee on people who are allergic or are avoiding dairy.

2. no vegan treats or pastries or cookies or food options. there is always something at a Stumptown in the US. usually Murillo options. even at this Stumptown in Kyoto they had vegan options (pastries and wraps) for a few months a few years ago, then they stopped. other chains like Blue Bottle and Starbucks have options. the locally-owned shop Sentido around the corner has GREAT options. it’s a shame that Stumptown doesn’t care to do so. it’s a nice space and good for larger groups than Sentido.

One redeeming thing: there are refills for a small fee for drip coffee. That didn’t use to be the case and it is...

If you are in Kyoto, you must try visit this awesome coffee place!!

Visiting Stumptown every morning was a daily routine during my stay in Kyoto before moving back to the states. All staff are extremely friendly but I do have to mention the manager, Yedi here, because he made me feel like I am at home, every morning!!

You can have either a take out or a dine in coffee and sit at the Ace Hotel Lobby which was also an amazing environment either to work or just have a sip of coffee! All of their in-house pastries are very tasty and would pair well with your coffee. Architecture and furniture carefully laid out by Kengo Kuma is such a joy to visit.

I must give five stars for the food, service, and atmosphere!! And, speaking of service, I wished I could have visited one last time before departing Kyoto to say a proper bye and thank Yedi for all of his hospitality!!

Stop by Stumptown Kyoto, if you...