Sometimes Mewby and I head back up to north Kyoto to revisit our old haunts. One Sunday afternoon we spent a pleasant afternoon up by Demachiyanagi flying the kite that I’d brought back from Bali. There’s a spit of land there where the two rivers meet that’s just perfect for it.
Many kids (and their dads) were eyeing my paper bird with silent envy, but the two ladies in the next picture struck up a bit of a conversation with me. Turns out they make their own kites and they showed me a bunch of pictures – so I let them fly mine for a while. They were fascinated to see one made in a Balinese style.
After that, feeling a bit peckish, Mewby and I headed over to the Ball’n’Chain Blues Cafe.
Back when I lived in north Kyoto, I used to love to come here, order a coffee, listen to the blues and sit and read a book. But I never blogged this place before because I wanted to keep it for myself. Some cafes are for reading in – so they need to be quiet…
A word of warning – order a coffee here and it will take at least twenty minutes to arrive. That’s because it is good coffee, and good coffee takes time.
The food here is simple but tasty; pasta and sandwiches and suchlike. I like the vegetable sandwich (a nice option for our vegan bretheren).
Mewby is a big fan of the “American Dog”, which is basically a hotdog but instead of being in a bun it is deepfried in sweet tasting dough.
Their doughnuts are also impressive in terms of size.
But more than the food, it’s the 雰囲気 that makes me want to come back here. It’s just a great spot for coffee and a book. And the all-day background blues don’t hurt either. Highly recommended for bookworms and coffee lovers. Take a seat here and step out of time.
Ball’n’Chain is open from 11:00 am ~ 24:00 everyday except Monday.
The owner is a well known blues harpist locally so very occasionally they do have live music. It is located on that road that lies between Demachiyanagi station and Hyakumanben. Head east from Demachiyanagi past the 7/11 and post office on your left, and then Falafel Garden and the Heming Sports Club on your right. Ball’n’Chain is on the north side of the street. Here is a map.
Tel: 075-721-4863