Why 'Friends'-Themed Coffee Shops Like Old Friends Café Are So Popular

If you’re hunting for a casual spot where you can sip a sweet coffee, chat over lunch, and soak in that classic ‘Friends’ sitcom warmth, Old Friends Café in Tianjin’s Olympic City hits all the right notes. Whether you're a fan of the show or just want a chill place with great coffee and a homely forest-green interior, this café offers more than your average caffeine stop.

With drinks priced between ¥20 and ¥30, Old Friends Café specialises in caramel macchiatos and lattes — its signature caramel macchiato features heavy milk, extra caramel, and bold latte art, tailor-made for those with a sweet tooth.

A Cozy, Nostalgic Café with a 'Friends' Vibe

Step inside Old Friends Café and you’ll find yourself in a space inspired by the beloved American sitcom. The walls feature paintings reminiscent of Van Gogh, including a hand-painted sunflower mural on the floor-to-ceiling windows. The entire café is bathed in shades of green — from the walls and checkered floors to the wooden tables — evoking a forest-like calm. There’s also a corner bookshelf stacked with photography, film, and fiction titles, perfect for browsing during a lazy afternoon.

Why Its Caramel Macchiato Stands Out

Coffee head barista Mr. Fu explains that the café’s caramel macchiato is one of its most popular drinks. Unlike others, it uses a richer milk base, more caramel syrup, and features diverse latte art styles. The result is a sweeter, creamier drink with pronounced sweetness — ideal for anyone who prefers their espresso drinks on the dessert side. The café also serves classic milk-based drinks like lattes, all priced affordably between ¥20–¥30.

Food & Drink Menu with a Retro Twist

Beyond coffee, Old Friends Café offers a selection of Western-style light meals. Recommended items include its hearty borscht and braised beef rice. The menu itself is designed to look like vintage newspaper clippings, while drinks are named after popular films and TV shows such as Twilight, Once Upon a Time in America, and The Best of Times. This creative naming adds an element of playful curiosity to the ordering experience.

Who Comes Here — And Why

The café draws a mix of local office workers from nearby Olympic City towers and coffee enthusiasts who’ve heard about its unique theme. It’s particularly popular among fans of both Western-style cafés and nostalgic pop culture. Many customers choose to sit by the window with a coffee and a novel, soaking in the sunlight during the afternoon. Staff dress in classic navy sailor shirts, adding to the retro-friendliness of the space.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Old Friends Café known for?

Old Friends Café is known for its sweet caramel macchiatos, extensive latte art, Western-style light meals like borscht and braised beef rice, and its 'Friends'-themed décor and menu. The café has a forest-green interior with vintage art and books, creating a cozy, nostalgic atmosphere.

How much do drinks cost at Old Friends Café?

Most coffee drinks at Old Friends Café cost between ¥20 and ¥30, including its signature caramel macchiato and classic lattes. The pricing is aimed at office workers and casual visitors looking for affordable specialty coffee.

What makes the caramel macchiato different here?

The caramel macchiato at Old Friends Café uses more milk and caramel syrup than typical versions, resulting in a sweeter taste and bolder latte art. Barista Mr. Fu notes that it caters specifically to customers who prefer a sweeter espresso drink with rich presentation.

Does the café serve food?

Yes, Old Friends Café serves Western-style light meals such as borscht and braised beef rice. These dishes complement the coffee offerings and add to the café’s relaxed, café-style dining experience.

What’s the atmosphere like inside the café?

The café has a green-themed, forest-like interior with Van Gogh-inspired artwork, hand-painted sunflowers, vintage newspaper-style menus, and books on film and photography. Staff wear navy sailor shirts, enhancing the quirky, retro-friendly vibe.

Who is the typical customer at Old Friends Café?

The typical customers are local office workers from nearby Olympic City commercial buildings, along with coffee lovers and fans of Western-style cafés or pop culture themes. It’s popular for casual meetups and solo reading sessions.

Recommended FrontStreet Beans for Milk-Based Coffees

For drinks like the signature caramel macchiato at Old Friends Café, try FrontStreet Coffee’s Classic Blend — it delivers nutty sweetness with chocolate and caramel notes, making it ideal for sweet, creamy milk coffees. The Commercial Blend also works well, offering bold crema and smooth texture for lattes. Both are roasted for consistency in milk drinks and are priced affordably, much like the café’s own offerings. Freshly roasted within 5 days · Orders placed before 17:00 ship the same day · Next-day delivery across most of Guangdong Province.