Where to Drink the Best Coffee in Seattle

05/07/2023 | by Andy | Bars & Restaurants

For many, coffee is more than just a morning pick-me-up; it’s part of their daily routine and socializing with friends and family. If this sounds like you, we’ve got good news: Seattle takes its coffee seriously. 

With enthusiasts in every neighborhood, Seattle is home to some of the best coffee in the country. Coffee is an integral part of Seattle culture, and the city boasts some of the best coffeehouses in the world. 

Need something sweet to go with your cup of joe? Seattle also has some of the best donut shops to pair with your Pacific Northwest liquid gold!

Whether you’re an avid coffee lover or just looking for a place to stop and grab a cup while staying at one of our vacation home rentals, there are plenty of great options in each of Seattle’s vibrant neighborhoods. Check out our list to explore the best coffee shops in Seattle!

Coffee Culture in Seattle

Seattle has earned the city the nickname ‘The Coffee Capital of America’ (after all, it is the home of the original Starbucks). As a result, it’s no surprise that coffee plays a major role in Seattle’s cultural identity.

From indie coffee shops to experiences like the Starbucks Reserve Roastery, you’ll find something for everyone. And you don’t have to look far – there are dozens of great places to get your caffeine fix in Seattle. 

Best Cafes in Capitol Hill, Seattle

Photo Credit: commons.wikimedia.org

Cherry Street Coffee House 

This cafe on Pine Street is one of the most popular cafes in the area. It’s known for its range of quality coffees, including organic and fair trade options. The shop also serves pastries, breakfast sandwiches, homemade soups, and salads. 

For those who need a pick-me-up during their visit, there’s also a selection of specialty drinks and espresso shots.

Victrola Coffee Roasters 

Seattle’s coffee scene has never been the same since Victrola started spinning coffee hits in 2000. With a passion for experimentation and long-standing relationships with farms, every roast at Victrola is a true masterpiece. 

Specializing in pour-over coffees and espresso drinks made from freshly roasted beans sourced from around the world, they also offer pastries, teas, and light meals. For those seeking a unique experience, Victrola does a live cupping and Q&A session weekly. 

With four locations in Seattle, including its flagship store on Pike Street in Capitol Hill, Victrola is a convenient destination for some truly great coffee.

Analog Coffee

  • Address: 235 Summit Ave E, Seattle, WA 
  • Price point: $
  • Website: Analog Coffee

Analog Coffee’s website may keep it short and sweet, but that’s only because it lets its coffee speak for itself. Keeping things fresh, AC keeps a rotation of beans from local roasters, so you’ll always have a chance to taste the best that Seattle offers. 

Settle in and set the mood by putting on one of the many records from their collection. If you stop by in the morning, come hungry–the cafe made it onto Seattle Met’s roundup of best brunch spots in the city!  

Elm Coffee Roasters

Embark on a tantalizing journey of coffee exploration at Elm Coffee Roasters. This haven for caffeine connoisseurs offers a geeky yet approachable atmosphere that will awaken your senses. Discover the finer points of brewing, harvesting, and processing as you savor the seasonal coffees from exotic lands like Peru and Columbia. 

With a streamlined menu of coffee drinks, this Pioneer Square paradise is the perfect spot for those with an appreciation for the bean.

Espresso Vivace 

  • Address: 532 Broadway Ave East, Seattle WA 
  • Price point: $
  • Website: Espresso Vivace 

Espresso Vivace has been roasting coffee in the Northern Italian Style since 1988. They source mild arabicas from around the world and roast them to the peak of caramelized sugar content. Many people consider their coffee to be excellent, with celebrity chef Emeril Lagasse even calling Vivace the best coffee in America (and possibly the world). 

Vivace is also a great place to work from in Seattle, with three locations. You open your laptop at their flagship location, sidewalk espresso stand on Capitol Hill, or Grand Bar in South Lake Union. 

The cafe also serves delicious breakfast sandwiches, pastries, and salads for those looking for more than just coffee. If you want to work at a spacious location, visit the flagship store and enjoy your signature latte in peace.

Best Cafes in Queen Anne, Seattle

Photo Credit: Lay-Luh via Flickr CC2.0

Caffe Ladro

  • Address: 2205 Queen Anne Ave N, Seattle, WA
  • Price point: $
  • Website: Caffe Ladro

Step into the world of Caffe Ladro, a little cafe that has grown into a beloved icon of Seattle’s coffee culture. With over a decade of experience in roasting their own beans, they have crafted the perfect cup of coffee with their signature Yankee Dog – an Americano with a hint of cinnamon. 

Take a bite of their heavenly chocolate-hazelnut cheesecake bar or indulge in a rum-soaked almond croissant. Sip on their perfectly brewed espresso drinks, pour-overs, and cold brews, and experience their in-house blends firsthand! 

Milstead & Co. 

  • Address: 754 N 34th St, Seattle, WA 
  • Price point: $
  • Website: Milstead & Co. 

Milstead & Co. is a hip cafe that offers hand-crafted coffee drinks and delicious bites. The shop roasts its own beans and specializes in pour-over coffees and espresso drinks made with top-notch ingredients. 

They also serve up pastries, breakfast items, and light lunches for those looking for something more substantial than just a cup of coffee. The rustic-chic vibe of Milstead & Co. is also open and bright, making it a great place to bang out some work if you’re on a workstation. Just make sure to snag a bag of beans so that you can stay productive wherever you go next!

Best Cafes in Ballard, Seattle

Caffeé Umbria

Photo Credit: DeymosHR

Seattle’s very own Caffè Umbria is a coffee roaster extraordinaire! Their roots go way back to the 1940s when Ornello Bizzarri set up shop in Perugia, Italy. 

Now, three generations later, his family continues the tradition of roasting with the most advanced equipment and a serious passion for blending and roasting in Seattle. Caffè Umbria brews up the perfect cup of Italian-style espresso and coffee, making it easy for you to enjoy with their local roaster service. Swing by to enjoy a true taste of Italy.

Cafe Bambino 

  • Address: 405 NW 65th St., Seattle, WA
  • Price point: $
  • Website: Cafe Bambino 

This small cafe is perfect for those who enjoy classic espresso drinks. The baristas use locally roasted beans to craft flavorful espressos, cappuccinos, lattes, and more. Plus, with their commitment to sustainability and eco-friendly practices, Cafe Bambino is a great choice for the environmentally conscious coffee lover. The cheerful tile facade will make you smile long before you’ve had your first sip.

Anchored Ship

  • Address: 5308 Ballard Ave NW, Seattle, WA
  • Price point: $
  • Website: Anchored Ship

For a unique selection of handcrafted coffee drinks, head to Anchored Ship Coffee. This cozy cafe offers a wide range of specialty drinks like pour-over, cold brew, and nitro styles. They also have an impressive selection of teas and pastries that perfectly accompany your favorite cup of joe. 

If you want to drink something a bit stronger, we have good news: Anchored Ship also has a natural wine shop! Whether you’re looking for a quick caffeine fix or something more substantial, this is definitely worth checking out.

Lighthouse Roasters

Located in Ballard, Lighthouse Roasters has become a favorite among Seattleites for its high-quality coffees and teas. Their small batches of premium beans are roasted daily in a vintage cast-iron roaster. It’s not just coffee to them; it’s a craft and a passion. 

All of their coffees are roasted in small batches and hand-brewed, giving each cup a unique flavor. Their baristas are experts in preparing the finest coffee drinks available, and the aroma of their on-site roasting is unmistakable and enticing. If you’re a coffee lover who craves great conversation, you can’t miss a trip to Lighthouse, where the coffee magic happens.

Best Cafes in South Lake Union

Photo Credit: brewbooks via Flickr CC2.0

Herkimer Coffee

Since 2003, Herkimer Coffee has been roasting up a storm in Seattle. With four cafes under their belt, they’re all about relationship-driven direct trade and sourcing. And boy, do they have some tasty blends and single-origin beans on offer. 

Take a sip of their Ethiopian coffee from Gogogu Bekaka in the Guji zone, or sample a Colombian brew from their long-time partners at Finca Campo Amor. Can’t decide? No worries – their baristas are always happy and ready for a chat. 

Herkimer even offers coffee subscriptions if you fall in love with their beans and want to continue having their coffee experience back home. 

Fulcrum Café 

  • Address: 590 Bell St, Seattle, WA 
  • Price point: $
  • Website: Fulcrum Café

Indulge in the rich and flavorful coffee creations of Blas Aflaro Fulcrum, a fifth-generation Costa Rican coffee farmer who’s taken Seattle by storm! Step into his modern and inviting Belltown cafe, where you’ll be treated to expertly made espressos and creative drinks like a stunning pink beetroot latte infused with rosewater and jasmine flowers. And if that’s not enough, check out his SODO-based roaster and Mountlake Terrace shop, Urban City Coffee, for even more caffeine-fueled delights!

Kaffeeklatsch 

  • Address: 12513 Lake City Way NE H, Seattle, WA
  • Price point: $$
  • Website: Kaffeeklatsch 

If you notice that their logo is reminiscent of a giant Bavarian soft pretzel, that should be your first clue! Kaffeeklatsch specializes in their signature German-style coffees made with their own house-roasted beans. 

In German, “Kaffeeklatsch” is a composite of the words “coffee” and “gossip,” and the tasty baked goods are definitely something to talk about (try the tart zitronenmohnkuchen!)!

Downtown Seattle Cafes

Photo Credit: Alexander Friedman

Hood Famous Cafe + Bar

Step into the vibrant world of Hood Famous, a hip cafe and bakery nestled in the heart of the Chinatown International District. Indulgently savor Chef Chera Amlag’s divine Filipino treats, including the legendary ube cheesecake that will transport your taste buds to paradise. 

Take a sip of the unique, distinctly Filipino pandan lattes and iced calamansi espresso tonics that will awaken your senses in ways you never thought possible. 

Storyville Coffee

Located in Pike Place Market right in the heart of downtown Seattle, Storyville Coffee has become one of the city’s most popular spots. The small shop is known for its unique blend of specialty coffees and teas and its cozy atmosphere. 

If you’re looking for something a little different, try their Irish Cream Latte with espresso, steamed cream, and a shot of Jameson whiskey. Since you can look out the window at the neon red Pike Place sign, Storyville Coffee sure is an iconic spot to get your caffeine fix!

Monorail Espresso 

Coffee lovers, listen up! Monorail Espresso is a must-visit destination for you. This cafe is a beloved Seattle institution through and through. This groundbreaking espresso joint started as the world’s first espresso cart (really!) and has since transitioned to a walk-up window at Fifth Avenue and Pike Street (plus several other locations nearby). 

But wait, it gets better – the original cart was built by La Marzocco legends Kent Bakke and John Blackwell using parts from a Boeing surplus shuttle cart for a guy called Cappuccino Craig. Chuck and Susie Beek then bought the cart and parked it by the Monorail entrance in 1980. Today, you’ll find a dazzling array of business suits, tourists, and bike messengers lining up for a caffeine fix. Join the club and check it out for yourself!

Beacon Hill/ Mt. Baker

The Station 

  • Address: 1600 S Roberto Maestas Festival St, Seattle, WA
  • Price point: $
  • Website: The Station 

Here you can drink coffee with a cause. This coffee shop, located by the light rail station in Beacon Hill, has a history of active involvement in social justice causes. Along with serving quality coffee drinks, The Station provides space for pop-up events and food drives and serves as a center for community organizing. 

The shop is a popular and friendly gathering spot in the neighborhood where customers can enjoy a Mexican Mocha or hot chocolate and a delicious sandwich.

Hello Em

Photo Credit: dailycoffeenews
  • Address: 1227 S Weller St, Seattle, WA
  • Price point: $
  • Website: Hello Em

Say hello to Hello Em, the newest coffee shop and roastery in Little Saigon! They source their beans directly from Vietnamese farmers, giving you a taste of authentic Vietnamese coffee. A true specialty is their espresso drinks topped with fluffy egg creme and egg cloud made from egg yolks and whites, respectively. 

These decadently delicious drinks originated from milk shortages during the First Indochina War and are a popular treat in the north of Vietnam. And let’s not forget about their food options, including mouthwatering pressed banh mì sandwiches and delectable pastries. So come say hello to Hello Em and treat yourself to a little slice of Vietnam!

Have a Cup of Joe in the  Coffee Capital of the World

Whether you’re a coffee connoisseur or just looking for a place to grab a quick cup while staying at a Seattle Vacations rental, the Emerald City has plenty of great options for drinking coffee. From traditional spots to modern gems, these are some of Seattle’s best places to drink straight from the roastery coffee.