Kawagoe Art Cafe Cafe Elevato is one of the first buildings you come across on Ichibangai. Ichibangai is the main thoroughfare of the Edo period tourist district of Kawagoe. However, Cafe Elevato itself was actually built in the Taisho period, in 1915.
Cafe Elevato looks more like it belongs in Europe than the old town of Kawagoe. It is reminiscent of the old stone banks of European cities. The brick front is a stark contrast to the stereotypical wooden buildings of Ichibangai. To be perfectly honest, I don't know why it is called "Kawagoe Art Cafe" as there is little art in view. There are, however, several antiques in the building, including shop items such as a cash register from the early 20th century.
The first floor of Elevato is a bar. They have a counter with stools and a few tables and chairs too. It has a very Western feel. They serve six different varieties of local Coedo beer. Upstairs on the second floor there is a cafe. It is more comfortable and moody than the first floor. It is also a lot quieter. If you sit by the window, you have a nice view of the tourist district and the crowds as they come and go. You can get non-alcoholic beverages and original sweets served to your table. The building and design may feel very Western, but the food is very much Japanese with sweet potato - a specialty of Kawagoe - flavored purin (Japanese pudding) and quintessentially Japanese desserts.
Cafe Elevato is open from 11.30 a.m. to 5.30 p.m. Thursdays to Tuesdays, closed on Wednesdays. Children are allowed and there is a space to store strollers on the first floor. There is no elevator in the building. They provide children's cutlery and bowls.
