Prelude: A Coffee Lover’s Tale
Let me start out by saying I love coffee. And I know what you’re thinking, approximately 98% of the human population loves coffee. But like, I love coffee. I can’t even remember at what age I held my first cup of joe, but all I know is that it was love at first sip. I average about five cups a day. I spent a semester in Vienna which is basically the coffee capital of the world (but that’s a post for another day), and I even worked as a barista for a summer. Does that make me a coffee connoisseur? Probably not. But I’ll leave that for you to decide. Regardless, my love for coffee runs deep, and I know a solid cappuccino when I taste it.
While Vienna may be the coffee capital of Europe, Seattle is the coffee capital of the United States. Every street is sprinkled with quaint little cafes serving up locally roasted beans. The coffee snobbery runs deep there, and because of that, there are basically no bad coffee shops in Seattle. They range from slightly above average to divine intervention. I wish I had time to try out all of them, but to do that I would have to move there permanently, and even then I think it would take me 100 years.
In the two trips I have taken to this majestic gem of a city, I’ve tested the limits of how much coffee I can consume. I did it for love. And I’d do it time and time again. Here are the coffee shops I found note-worthy. Some of them you’ve probably seen mentioned before, and some of them are a little less renowned. Either way, I think you’ll love them all!
#8 CITIZEN COFFEE & CREPERIE
Citizen isn’t exactly a coffee shop per say, but a restaurant/creperie that happens to sell amazing coffee. My mom and I first discovered this place when we stayed in a hotel just a couple of blocks over, and we loved it so much we had to go back again before our trip was over. And on my second visit to the Emerald City, I couldn’t pass up the opportunity to go back! That’s how good it is, folks. Everything on the menu is amazing, from the crepes, to the breakfast sandwich, but especially the cheesy potatoes… mmm those cheesy potatoes… okay but anyway we’re talking about coffee here! Get a plain latte topped with beautiful latte art or a drink from their rotating special menu. I honestly can’t even remember what I ended up with on my last visit. All I know is that it was the most obscure combination of flavors that I never would have put together myself (I know orange and honey was involved), but I trusted it would be amazing and they didn’t let me down as usual!
#7 CAFFE UMBRIA
If you’re looking for a European-inspired coffee experience with a modern twist, hop on over to Caffe Umbria with locations in Pioneer Square, Westlake and Ballard. Their open layout, vast seating options and mellow atmosphere makes this elegant yet laid back café a perfect place to sit, relax and re-caffeinate after a long day of roaming the streets of Seattle. Their menu features the classics along with some more unique options you probably wouldn’t find elsewhere, making it an easy spot to please the traditional and adventurous coffee lovers alike! On a warm summer day, cool down and refuel with a glass of their creamy nitro cold brew.
#6 ELM COFFEE ROASTERS
I would almost recommend this place for the Seattle vibes alone. It is truly as local as local can get. I walked in with my clunky DSLR camera and got some interesting looks. Just wear all black and purchase some large frame glasses and you’ll fit right in. Just kidding, kind of. The coffee is great too, though. It’s one of those places where both the menu and the aesthetic can only be described as minimalist. Order a cappuccino, and you’ll have a revelation of what espresso is really supposed to taste like and wonder why you’ve been putting sugar in your coffee all these years.
#5 CONVOY COFFEE
This corner cafe is located in Pioneer Square and is one that I just stumbled upon the first time I visited the city, and I’m glad I did! They are passionate about local roasters and passionate about coffee in general. It’s a small space, but if a table is free it’s a nice relaxing place to take a load off and do some people watching before getting back on your feet. You might also see them in different parts of town serving up coffee from their mobile cart. If you go during the winter, you have to get the Gingerbread Latte.
#4 STARBUCKS RESERVE ROASTERY
I definitely wouldn’t call this a coffee shop, and hesitated putting this on my list at all, as it is cluttered with tourists and… well, it’s Starbucks. And who wants to go to Starbucks when you’re in Seattle, the land of the quaintest and hippest coffee shops galore? Well, hear me out. This place is not your average Starbucks. It’s more like a Disney Land for coffee lovers. You have to go; just trust me. Grab yourself a slice of their flatbread, take a seat at the coffee counter and order anything off the menu. None of it will disappoint. While you’re waiting for the well-trained baristas to prepare your drink, turn around and watch as the Reserve beans are roasted right in front of your eyes. You can even go up to the roasters and ask them any questions you have about the process. After you’re done, take a stroll around the block and pop in any of the surrounding shops. It’s a fun part of town to explore!
#3 EL DIABLO COFFEE CO
If you venture up the hill to Upper Queen Anne, you’ll find this quirky, Spanish-influenced coffee oasis. When I first visited a couple years ago, they were in a smaller space hidden from view, but they have since upgraded to a new location a few doors down, and I must say I’m a huge fan. Order your coffee at the bar downstairs and make your way up the stairway and out the French doors to sit on the quaint patio shaded by trees. Their espresso is bold and their staff is always happy to serve you. And an added bonus: they sell empanadas.
#2 GHOST ALLEY ESPRESSO
Located at Pikes Market but tucked away from the crowds, this literal hole in the wall coffee shop is one you don’t want to miss. Ever heard of the infamous Gum Wall of Seattle? Well, if you follow the stairs down to this intriguing and definitely unique attraction, you’ll find this little coffee shop in the corner. It’s the perfect place to get your much-needed caffeine fix before snapping a quick photo at the Gum Wall and walking around the market. They even sell bubble gum for those who are truly committed to getting that gram-worthy photo. Their coffee is delicious, their service is friendly, and their vibes are spoooooky. The coffee was so good I couldn’t even wait to stop and take a photo before it was half gone!
#1 LA MARZOCCO CAFE
And we’ve made it! My number one coffee shop recommendation in Seattle. Located very close to the Space Needle, but oddly untouched by tourists, this unsuspecting coffee shop will knock your socks off. You may be a little taken aback when you first walk through the door, as it doesn’t look like your typical coffee shop. That’s because it shares a space with a popular local rock radio station, KEXP and a small record shop. If that doesn’t make this cafe unique enough, it is also a storefront for the Florence-based espresso machine manufacturer, La Marzocco. So, as you sip on your espresso beverage of choice, you can also browse (and maybe even purchase if you win the lotto) some very pretty, shiny espresso machines straight from Italia and watch the local DJ’s at KEXP do their thang. Not to mention, the coffee is to die for, and their pastries are served up from The London Plane, a well known bakery based in Pioneer Square. What’s not to love?
Off the Beaten Path
The last couple of places I wanted to mention aren’t exactly smack dab in Seattle, but they are in the general area and definitely worth checking out if you find yourself in the neighborhood!
Resistencia Coffee is in the South Park area and is definitely a hidden gem. It was close to our Airbnb, so we popped in for some coffee to start our day one morning and honestly, it was one of my favorite cups I had throughout my entire trip! Definitely go give them some love if you’re in the area. The Museum of Flight is also nearby and is supposed to be a cool way to kill some time!
If you decide to go hike up to Rattlesnake Ledge and are in desperate need of some fuel on the drive back into Seattle (as we were), make a pit stop at Issaquah Coffee Company, the cutest little coffee house right off of 90. Order a blended Tiger Mt. or Superior Buzz and it will bring you back to life!
The Girl out of Texas 