It’s true: Seattleites love their coffee. Hundreds of independent coffeehouses pepper the city, and that’s not including the locations of well-known chains, some of which started in Seattle. We take a look at some of the best local cafés that Seattle, Washington, has to offer.
Coffee at Tin Umbrella Courtesy of Tin Umbrella Coffee
Tin Umbrella Coffee
Tin Umbrella Coffee is a lovely neighborhood café located in the up-and-coming area of Hillman City in South Seattle. Housed in a renovated 1920s building, this coffeehouse roasts its own beans from around the world using the ‘new wave’ method, which brings out the natural flavors of the coffee beans. These beans are then crafted into delicious drinks that guests can savour inside the welcoming atmosphere, which often features local artworks.
Located in the friendly and funky neighborhood of Fremont, Milstead & Co. is a multi-roaster coffee shop that also serves pastries from local bakeries. While many coffeehouses serve one brand of coffee or roast their own beans, this particular café, prefers to feature several of the highest quality roasters available.
Coffee at Street Bean Espresso | Courtesy of Street Bean Espresso
Located in a busy downtown area near Pike Place Market, Seattle Coffee Works is a warm and inviting café and roaster. Procuring coffee beans direct from the farmers when possible, this coffee shop has two distinct areas: an express bar and a slow bar. The express bar is for those guests seeking an espresso drink or just a regular cup of coffee who then want to sit or take it to go with a tasty sweet or savoury edible. The slow bar, on the other hand, is a place where coffee lovers can take their time exploring and learning about the coffee.
Located in Belltown, which is a vibrant downtown community, Street Bean Espresso is a wonderful coffeehouse with a very important mission: to help young people who are living on the streets. A non-profit organisation, this café trains and hires homeless youths, thereby giving them the tools they need to build their confidence and find a life off the streets. Guests are attracted to Street Bean not only because of its purpose but because of the great coffee they can procure as well.
Espresso Vivace is a family owned café and roaster specialising in Northern Italian style roasting. Made from mild arabicas, their coffees are slow roasted, which brings out the sweet caramel flavors . A warm and airy environment with wifi makes it the perfect spot for doing some studying or work while lingering over a cup of coffee or tea.
Occupying a 1904 Craftsman-style house in West Seattle is C & P Coffee Company, a charming neighborhood café featuring the coffee of a local company. Open every day, guests can choose to sit in the homey interior or, weather permitting, the lovely outdoor space while enjoying their beverage. This coffeehouse also offers delicious baked goods from local purveyors, and serves beer and wine as well.
Located in East Ballard, the family-owned Slate Coffee Bar is a cosy café and roaster specializing in the highest quality of coffee from around the world. Seeking out those coffees that are different in some way, they roast the beans using the ‘exposure roasting’ method, which is a lighter roast that allows the individual flavors to develop.
Sound Coffee and Morsel is a cosy café located in the bustling University District. Attracting everyone from area residents to university students and tourists, this coffeehouse has a relaxing environment where people can savour affordable drinks and American comfort food. Wanting to provide a quality coffee product, Morsel features coffee from area roasters, plus local milk. They also offer house-made syrups and caramels for those seeking a sweet coffee drink.
Zeitgeist is a larger coffeehouse that has a passion for the arts. Serving their own quality beans that are privately roasted, this café has ample seating where locals and tourists alike can linger over a cup of fresh coffee or espresso drink and sample savoury and sweet treats, such as sandwiches and pastries. An airy space with high ceilings and brick walls makes it a great venue for hosting art shows as well.
Ghost Alley Espresso is a coffeehouse situated in the strangest space: an old bathroom attendant’s room. Opened in 2012, they transformed this tiny space in Pike Place Market into a café that specialises in creative coffee drinks. Using coffee beans from a local roaster, visitors can try beverages, such as the salted nut latte made with salted caramel and hazelnut. Be sure to purchase a ticket for the ghost tours they offer for a unique Seattle experience.
