Along the way to Japan’s breathtaking Minoo Park (箕面公園) sits a small and cozy coffee/bagel shop. George Bagel was the perfect little place to stop on our early morning walk to the waterfall on Osaka’s outskirts. The welcoming warmth from the café came as a relief from the cold wind of the rain outside. Despite the language barrier, we chatted with the barista during our visit about the shop, life, and our days! With the power of cell phones, the barista of George Bagel made the experience all the more enjoyable.
George Bagel serves a variety of bagels, as well as coffee, tea, and other items. Authentic to their name, this shop has bagels for any mood you’re in. Some of their bagels include Bacon & Eggs, Bacon Egg & Cheese, Salmon & Cream Cheese, Tuna, Mayo Ham & Tomato, Cream Cheese, Butter Soybean, and Anko Butter. For those wanting something on the lighter side, you’re free to choose a plain bagel as well. I opted for a Salmon & Cream Cheese bagel, while my boyfriend ordered a Teriyaki Chicken bagel that he still talks about as the best bagel he’s ever had!
Coffee lovers, this shop keeps it simple with options for hot and ice. Under their hot section, they offer regular coffee, espresso, latte, hot chocolate, mochaccino, and caramel macchiato. Under their ice section, you can order a regular coffee, latte, caramel latte, and café mocha. Be wary; George Bagel does not carry any alternative milks. If you’d prefer tea, they offer Assam, Earl Gray, Darjeeling, Straight, and Lemon Tea. When I visited during the chilly weather, I ordered a hot coffee that was as rich and smooth as espresso. If you’re looking for a pick-me-up, this café has precisely what you need.
Just a 22-minute walk from Minoo-park, this café is the perfect morning fuel for your hike. If Minoo Waterfall is on your itinerary, remember that the trek from the park is nearly an hour, so you’ll want to eat and grab a cup of Joe before you begin! Once you reach the top of the mountain, you’ll find a shop selling a snack called Momiji Tempura (もみじ天ぷら), which are maple leaves deep fried in batter. Momiji Tempura is one of Osaka’s specialties, so get them while they’re warm and fresh! And if you find yourself traveling through the tranquil city of Mino-shi, Osaka, make your way to George Bagel because you won’t find any other place as tasty or welcoming like it!