If you want a place where you can drink coffee and do some work or business on the side, then Cafe Namoo is not for you.

Cafe Namoo, which labels itself as a dessert cafe and bistro, is more for lounging around or hanging out with family and friends. My son describes it the coolest coffee shop in town. He’s 11.

cafe namoo
Cafe Namoo in City Time Square, Mandaue City is filled to the rafters with messages on post-it notes by customers.

Instead of tables and chairs, the cafe has sections separated by wooden partitions. Each square section is closed off on three sides and curtained on the remaining open side. Cushions are provided and guests, who have to sit on the wooden floor, can use them as back props or pillows if they want to lie down. I learned the hard way that a short dress is a definite no-no.

There’s a low table where you can put your food and drinks.

There are sections with a top tier, like bunk beds. The top areas are accessible through wooden stairways. I haven’t tried it though. I don’t know if there is a limit to the number of people that can quite safely and conveniently stay on the top areas. Vandalism is prohibited but you can bring post-it notes, write inspirational words on them and paste them on the walls.

cafe namoo sections
At Cafe Namoo, guests squat on the floor and are provided with pillows for their comfort.

The Cafe Namoo I’ve tried out is one at City Time Square across Parkmall in Mandaue City. I heard there’s a Cafe Namoo along Old Banilad Road in Cebu City. It’s at the second floor of Northgate Cente, across Gaisano Country Mall, in Banilad.

Getting there

Cafe Namoo is just near Parkmall in Mandaue City. From Cebu City, you can take the Urgello or Mandaue jeepneys that pass by Parkmall. It’s a short trip by cab.

Address: City Time Square, Mandaue City
Business hours: 8 a.m.-1 a.m. (weekdays); 8 a.m.-3 a.m. (weekends)

Marlen is the editor of MyCebu.ph and co-founder of Cebu-based journalism startup InnoPub Media.

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