Seattle is known for its coffee. So if you’re visiting or new in town and looking to grab the “best” cup of Joe—or you’ve lived in Seattle for a while and are looking to switch things up—how do you even know where to start?
Whichever coffee shop wins the title of THE best coffee in Seattle is a matter of your own personal preference, but these coffee shops consistently win top marks from coffee lovers (and our colleagues to the north).
1. Espresso Vivace
227 Yale Ave. North
This sidewalk bar is consistory ranked one of the best in Seattle on blogs and review sites, and they take their coffee experience seriously (they’ll actually give you tips on how to drink it properly). If you’re sick of soy as your only milk alternative, try their hemp milk.
2. Stumptown Coffee Roasters
616 E. Pine St.
This chain roasts organic, Direct Trade beans from a dizzying array of global growers. Come for a free cupping (tasting) daily at 3pm to expand your coffee palate and perhaps find a new favorite.
3. Moore Coffee Shop
1930 2nd Ave.
If lattes are your thing, this is the place to go. A wide variety of flavors, from mango latte to green tea latte, offer something for everyone, and each cup comes with its own custom foam art (usually in an animal design).
Photo courtesy of Brittney Bush Bolloy.
4. Lighthouse Coffee Roasters
400 N. 43rd St.
When the baristas are also the coffee roasters, you know you’re drinks going to be good. With simple classics of the highest quality and enjoyably affordable prices, you can’t go wrong here.
5. Seattle Coffee Works
107 Pike St.
Try their “slow bar” for a custom-made cup of coffee with your choice of brewing methods (French press, vacuum pot and more) for a truly unique experience. You can also snag your own equipment and beans to brew at home.
6. Cafe Presse
1117 12th Ave.
Seattle coffee culture meets French bistro in a café that’s both elegant and surprisingly affordable. The food is just as delectable as the drinks, and you’ll feel like you’ve stepped into a little piece of Paris.
7. Tougo Coffee Co.
1410 18th Ave.
If you’re looking for a place to lounge, read the paper and catch up with old friends, you’ll find that “everyone knows your name” atmosphere here. Lots of regulars (they have punch cards for repeat visitors) and friendly baristas give this place a neighborly feel. (Feel free to bring your kids to enjoy their play area while you sip.)
Photo courtesy Flickr / McKay Savage
8. Milstead & Co.
770 N. 34th St.
A great place to study, work or just hang out, this coffee shop offers delicious handcrafted drinks you can enjoy in their bright, airy indoor space or on their large outdoor seating area (which has a great view of downtown Seattle).
9. Fuel
610 19th Ave. East
They take the “fuel” theme seriously here, with a décor of retro auto shop details like gasoline pumps. They provide a consistently good coffee experience accompanied by plenty of yummy treats, including a good vegan selection.
10. Slate Coffee Bar
5413 6th Ave. NW
Their expert staff appreciates the art of fine coffee and is happy to share it with you. From their extensive knowledge of coffee bean origins to providing explanations of the processes they’re using, you’ll get a deeper understanding of what goes into a great cup of coffee. (Their deconstructed latte is a must-try.)
11. Caffe Senso Unico
622 Olive Way
Step into Italy in this authentic café that makes you feel like you’ve been transported to Milan. Italian sodas, espresso to die for and a genuinely Italian owner make this the total European experience.
12. Bustle
535 W. McGraw St.
If you have a sweet tooth, you’ll love the vanilla bean caramel latte. This cute and comfy coffee shop is dog-friendly (providing water bowls and treats) and kid-friendly (with a play table in the back), so bring the whole family!
Photo courtesy Flickr / Michael Righi.
13.Caffe Lieto / shared space with Biscuit B*tch
1901 1st Ave.
A great little “hole in the wall” in the heart of downtown, their Americano is especially good. Be sure to also check out Biscuit B*tch, which shares its space and gets rave reviews for down-home cooking.
14. C & P Coffee Company
5612 California Ave. SW
Located in a historic old Seattle house, this spot is a real locals’ hangout because it has everything you want in a good coffee house—inviting seating, lots of room to sit and chat and a warm, cozy vibe. Enjoy free live music from local bands on weekday afternoons.
15. Victrola Coffee Roasters
310 E. Pike St.
With a quiet, relaxed atmosphere. this coffee shop also has its own in-house roastery, so be sure to ask for a tour. If you prefer a lighter roast with lots of complexities, this is your spot.
16. Café Vita
813 5th Ave. North
Real ingredients, beans roasted in-house and raved-about espressos make Café Vita a defender contender for top spot. Don’t go if you’re in a hurry, though; the baristas take their time to make your coffee just right (and you can taste the difference).
Photo courtesy Flickr / Nicola.
17. Fonte Coffee Roaster and Wine Bar
1321 1st Ave.
For an upscale bistro feel, you can’t beet Fonte’s breakfast/brunch specials—although the rest of their food is just as delicious. And with both coffee and wine on hand (what more can you ask for?), it can be easy to spend several hours here savoring a great meal.
18. Bedlam Coffee
2231 2nd Ave.
Mocha lovers, take note: this is your coffee shop. Unique offerings like lavender, rose and Nutella mocha set this place apart, and their eclectic, hipster vibe calls to artists and wanderers alike.
19. Kaladi Brothers Coffee
517 E. Pike St.
The Seattle location of this Alaska-based company, this shop is known not only for great coffee, but also for providing a welcoming atmosphere—they’re located in the Gay City building and host a very LGBT-friendly community.
20. El Diablo Coffee
1811 Queen Anne Ave. North
You’ll find a variety of yummy drinks with a Latino flair in this adorably kitschy coffee shop. The Mexican mocha is a must, as are their café con leche (latte) and cortadito (espresso with foamed milk and caramel).
21. Caffe D’arte
1625 2nd Ave.
Another candidate for best espresso in the city, Caffe D’arte is the closest you can get to the perfect espresso experience without actually traveling to Italy. You won’t find a wacky variety of novelty drinks here, but you will find a solid menu of well-crafted classics.
Photo courtesy Flickr / Katherine Lim.
22.Café Argento
1125 E. Olive St.
Stop by when you’re hungry, as their homemade (and often vegan) soups are legendary. They’re made by the owner himself, who clearly takes pride in his work and is often behind the counter and happy to chat with customers.
23. Fremont Coffee
459 N. 36th St.
If you like your coffee with long, cozy chats with good friends, you’ll find plenty of little nooks and crannies here to curl up in—in addition to a lovely patio area if you’d rather sit outside. The quiet atmosphere is also great for people looking to work, study or get lost in a book.
Photo courtesy Flickr / Katherine Lim.
24. Anchored Ship Coffee Bar
5306 Ballard Ave. NW
Small but very popular, Anchored Ship is a great place to hang out and chat with friends, fellow coffee lovers and the very amiable baristas. Featuring a lending library and connected to a sewing store, it’s charming little spot with that special “discovered gem” feel.
25. Caffe Ladro
801 Pine St.
Friendly, fast-working baristas prepare your drink well and efficiently—which is good, because this shop isn’t huge. If you’re looking to grab a cuppa on your way to work or to carry as you walk about town, though, it’s worth checking out. It’s also great for people-watching if you’re looking for the “quintessential” Seattle hipster experience.
*Many of these coffee shop recommendations come from Moz.com, one of Seattle’s many young, hip and forward-thinking tech companies. (And definitely staffed by people who know their coffee!)
Cover photo courtesy Rachel Sarai.
Bikes at Espresso Vivace, Seattle Coffee Works Drinkingman courtesy Michael Allen Smith.
Fuel VW Van courtesy of Ben Haley.
Biscuit B*tch courtesy of Martin Cron.
Coffee Roaster at Victrola Coffee courtesy of Seth and Carrie Schaefer.
Magnetic Poetry at Kaladi Brothers courtesy of Joe McCarthy.
Cafe Ladro skull courtesy of Elena.
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