YakiniQ CAFE

The drinks here are good, but man are they pricey. When I came, they also didn't have any indoor seating but there seemed to be a large area that was closed off. They do have a couple tables outside though.I got the black sesame latte iced, and my friend got the sweet potato latte. The black sesame cream was good but I wish there was more of it and that they served it in a lid that didn't require a straw so you can get a sip of the cream and coffee together. I also tried some of my friend's sweet potato latte which had a really prominent sweet potato flavor and was quite sweet but also good.The drinks were almost $10 for the smaller size which I thought was a bit much, though. Probably not a spot I'd frequent often unless it was to try something really unique and new.

The ambiance of this cafe is so calm and cute- there's no indoor seating because the space is being used for events, but maybe opening indoor seating soon!The black sesame cream latte was delicious and the lady making the drinks was very sweet

I love YakiniQ and especially their matcha pie/cake. They have the best matcha ....I just can't get enough of their matcha. Try this matcha drink at Yakiniq. It's a dream..come true. I can't wait to return. Did I say "matcha" enough times...probably not!!! I have to have more matcha, people !!!! (smile...)The picture is from YakiniQ Facebook.

I tried their matcha latte and sweet potato latte both were really good. It was a cute cozy cafe. I wish they had a seating area, I was visiting from out of town so I would've enjoyed a place to sit and enjoy my drinks. The women making the drink was super sweet and got our drinks to us quite fast considering it was just her and she had multiple orders. I will definitely be visiting again.

We have long enjoyed this cafe for many years and it's delightful to come upon it again today while the cherry blossom festival is taking place. Unlike the rest of Japantown during this time, the tastefully designed cafe offered a quiet retreat from the crowds.We got a coffee jelly latte, a black sesame latte, and some black sesame shortbread cookies. Drinks had just the right level of light sweetness, the black sesame shortbread cookies had a good balance of sweetness with just a hint of saltiness. The combination was on point and delightful - the perfect afternoon coffee set. As of April 2022, the cafe is still maintaining precautions; while I miss hanging out in their chill, tastefully designed indoor space, I appreciate these precautions. Masks are required, max 4 customers in the store, no indoor seating or restroom use. When we visited, there were two tables with 3 seats each outside their storefront; that's where we hung out for a little to enjoy our coffees and shortbread cookies.

I gave this place two tries, both of which were strikes. I ordered a lavender latte on my first visit. There was only one person ahead of me in line who ordered two drinks, but it took 20 minutes for me to place my order and receive my latte. I figured the long wait was because the drinks were made so meticulously, but my I found my latte underwhelming and overpriced (it came out to over $8 after a $1 tip).The second time was inexplicably worse. I ordered a matcha tea that totaled to over $7. Was the matcha whisked? No. I watched the barista scoop some powder into a paper cup and stir in hot water. I could tell the matcha was old because it was oxidized and dark green, not bright green or grassy. The cafe chairs outside were occupied, so I asked if I could sit on the empty bench inside the cafe. The barista dithered and said no. It's rude to not allow patrons to simply sit on empty furniture you provide in your restaurant. No wifi, no hospitality, absurdly overpriced but poorly made drinks.

Strawberry Yuzu Fizz - more yuzu than strawberry flavor. I was hoping the strawberry would come through a little more. There are a bits of strawberry and yuzu. The fizz is subtle. I was hoping it would be more carbonated.The cafe seating inside is still closed. There is very limited seating outdoors.

My favorite local cafe in Japantown for specialty lattes, there's a lot of unique and tasty options on their menu. I've tried their sweet potato latte and black sesame cream latte, but they charge for everything if you want it iced vs hot, so you're nearly paying $7 for a small specialty drink. Currently with the pandemic they are takeout only, no dining in. I'd come to get drinks here once in a while for more of a treat.

Cute cafe to swing by when you're in Japantown! I had the Matcha Yuzuade which was refreshing as I walked about the area. Lots of offerings on the menu are some unique flavors that I'm curious to try out in the near future. When I visited indoor seating still wasn't available, but the interior was both homey and comfortable. Would definitely be a great spot to study or get some work done once it fully reopens!

Uniqueness: Special drinks like sesameThe only downside is their indoor seating, most of it is blocked off. I'm glad I came across such a unique drink selection!Taste: 5/5 Sight: 4/5Smell: 5/5Sound: 3/5Touch: ?/?