I have put great "Hits" on ice after watching 1 or 2 episodes.And there are still in my On Hold List.I thought the same would happen with Café Minamdang.So many bad reviews.So many bad ratings.I admit i was too hesitant to start it.I usually trust my instincts(not only about watching Dramas,lol)and i though is better to waste one hour of my life and watch the first episode rather than rejecting it without giving it any chance.Main reason -i can't lie-was Seo In Guk.Although i usually don't follow his work as he participates mostly in series with heavy romance ,and i try my best to avoid the genre!
But i know he is a very good actor.He was brilliant in Hello Monster.A role of a Shaman here!Yes why not?
So i hit "play" and i was lost in this crazy squad's world.I didn't even realize when the first episode ended.And i already knew it.I was falling shameless!

First let's talk about all the great things this Drama has.

Music:i can guarantee it.You will instantly fall for all the OSTs,music themes and every single note plays here.
My two favorite are Stay Awake & Endless Night.(though Ghost Buster is very funny so check it out too!)

Production /Direction/Cinematography:Feel safe.Everything is well made.The quality is Top.
Special credits to Costume Team for the amazing.colorful and fashionable suits the ML wears!

Cast/Acting: Everyone delivered the feelings and vibes of his/her role to maximum.Seo In Guk's role has both comedic and emotional parts and once again he was amazing.His facial expressions and the body language took over the speaking part of his role.He would deliver every emotion even if the role was without lines!

Characters:

The Dynamic Trio:
Nam Han Joon,ML:A conman a fake Shaman ex criminal profiler .Super Smart a sweet talker,super sexy.He has his own agenda and his own motives.He is a man in pain fighting for justice.--No spoilers needed--

Gong Soo Cheol, a private detective:Ml's best friend working together.Partners in scamming!A giant bear kicking asses,also saving Ml's ass numerous times!He is sweet,naive and with a golden heart.He is hilarious as well.

Nam Hye Joon,ML's younger sister.Super smart too(is in the genes!LOL)An elite hacker,the team i bet can't survive without her.Funny and colorful character.With colorful hair!

Han Jae Hee,The Detective:Stubborn,hot headead.Annoying as hell most of the time.Another char with a hidden agenda and secrets.Badass.she loves giving punches!Kicks asses better than men.

---Side Note related to the Female Lead---

Judging by most of the reviews almost all have problems with this character.Many -said-dropped the drama cause of her,which is really sad but respected.

It seems that the Annoying Female Lead char,is the necessary "evil" in most Kdramas.Writers should finally listen to the viewers and change the bad habit of creating annoying female chars who shouts instead of speaking and acting hysterically at any time.This is not attractive.It doesnt give depth to the character and we have enough of this old fashioned trope.
We need more down to earth female chars.Realisic female roles.Women can be strong and smart.Can debate and argue in the most civil way without need to raise their voice and act like "kittens".
Unfortunately the annoying type is the rule and not the exception.Writers WAKE UP!You,yourselves ruins your own scripts.
Where can i file an official complain?Lol!
---End of Side Note---

Story/Plot:

Ok,let me start by saying.Please check the Genre.Says Mystery & Comedy.
For me firstly this Drama is a well written Comedy.A Series with endless fun,hilarious moments and funny characters.
Read my Lips(just saying!)CO-ME-DY!This Drama is the definition of this Greek word.My language!So don't be mistaken.Noone fools you here.If you decide to watch this prepare yourself for many silly moments.
To make it more juicy the writer decided to add Mystery too.And the dose of mystery is sufficient to tie the fun and the serious part in a nicely done blend which can satisfy both comedy and mystery lovers.
Definitely it has NOT the gravity of a good and solid Crime/Mystery Drama as is more based on the fun element.And in my opinion that is the reason for the many bad reviews.Because viewers expected a flawless crime drama so most they are disturbed about not finding this here.I totally respect this.Is everyone's choice to hate or love it.I chose to love it because i had so much fun.I loved all the characters,even the annoying female detective.If you give this a chance i bet you will laugh 9 out of 10 scenes.After all that is the purpose of a comedy.
Also many said the romance here was forced and unnecessary.Not true.And take this from someone who always looking for the minimum romance when i search series and i get blisters with the idea of any cheesy romantic story!
Both primary and secondary couple's love story was light, funny and cute and added the right dose of fluffiness'.

Something else i really liked was the "epilogue" at the end of each episode.Was always the more serious part of the story.A concentrated review /explanation of what we saw.That was a very fine touch to me which added more credits to the Drama.

Ofc iam not blind not to see all the flaws and negatives Cafe also has.The time line is not the best,It can be confusing.Plot holes?Yes of course there are.I have my objections too over few things about the story.
The never-aged Shaman Lady and the "who is older/younger than whom" was silly enough.I know!(you will understand if you watch what i mean)
But all these weren't enough to make me hate this Drama.Flaws exists even in masterpieces.
I watched this non-stop.Never hesitated to hit the next episode button.I didn't put in "on hold"I had fun i laughed A LOT.I trully enjoyed it.
I admired Seo In Guk's versatility.That was a different role to see him in and iam glad i chose Cafe.
So my last thought is...

Give it some ❤ It deserves it!