GRASP 1981 Espresso Bar
★ 4.9 · 175 reviews Chiang Mai Opened Opening date unknown
Serious coffee, no frills, near the Old City's eastern edge
GRASP 1981 sits near the eastern edge of Chiang Mai's Old City, a small espresso bar built for people who care about extraction and single origins over sweet blended drinks. The counter is the center of the room, and the baristas will walk you through whatever is in the hopper that day.
It keeps a lower profile than the bigger Nimman names, which suits the regulars who come looking for it. The menu is short and focused, and the shots are pulled with care rather than dressed up with novelty syrups.
What guests say
Reviews by Google-
Michael McElligott 380 reviews · Local Guide 24 May 2026
Very quaint little coffee shop which is easy to miss if you’re not looking for it. It’s a coffee brewing counter with a few seats/tables strewn around, and is open-air. Very nice find if you like to try unique arabica beans, predominantly light-roasted. They have standard espresso coffee options, but also offer some very unique coffee beans from Thailand and around the world for the connoisseurs who prefer a pour-over coffee. This is one of the first places that I ever found a single-origin coffee from China (pictures). Great spot for coffee-lovers!
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Amethyst Teo 26 reviews · Local Guide 21 May 2026
I really enjoyed my experience here. It’s basic, simple and laid back. No frills no extras It feels as if all of the shop owner thoughts has been put into simplifying the environment for the coffee itself And I enjoy this experience It does gets a bit warm in the PM, so if you aren’t into non air conditioner space you might wanna come early AM !
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Mike Garrett 413 reviews · Local Guide 3 May 2026
Best coffee my partner had tasted in Chiang Mai. No frills but good coffee and service.
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Sophia Latriano 13 reviews 10 February 2026
Super nice staff! Get the orange americano even if it’s not your thing, it’s orange juice - no syrup or added sugar. Yum! By the road so you can sit and it’s lovely, but you will be accompanied by cars.
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Sook Hwang 243 reviews · Local Guide 2 December 2025
Upon reading the reviews, I was expecting a proper cafe, but actually it was a really small shop next to the Six-Natures Salon. I passed by it the first time and had to come back to find it hahaha 😂 Coffee tasted good like the reviews and would recommend the iced coffee Thai style! 🇹🇭❤️ I sat for a minute till the coffee was ready and took it out ☺️
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