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Seattle, Washington is famous for its coffee. Perhaps it’s the cozy weather year-round, or the huge entrepreneurial culture. Whatever the reason, there are hundreds of coffee shops and cafes all over the city.
After living here for over six years, I have tasted my share of the best coffee in Seattle. While it is the birthplace of classic coffee shops like Starbucks and Seattle’s Best Coffee, there are hundreds of neighborhood cafes serving up incredible espresso drinks.
Keep reading to find out where to get some of the best coffee in Seattle.
Coffeeholic House
- Neighborhood: Columbia City, Greenwood
- Go-to order: Coffeeholic Dream + Add Ube Drizzle
Coffeeholic House is Seattle’s first Vietnamese cafe, starting what is now a growing trend of coffee shops in the city.
Opening in 2020, this trendy cafe is a known gem among locals, so don’t be surprised to find yourself waiting in line. Coffeeholic puts a spin on signature drink options like Tiramisu Egg Coffee and Plant-based Vietnamese coffee, while also carrying classic Phin drinks like Bạc Xỉu.
Their namesake drink, the Coffeeholic Dream, is a must-order. With ingredients like sweet condensed milk, salty cheese foam, and the slightly earthy added ube drizzle – this coffee drink is uniquely delicious. Seriously – don’t knock it til you try it!
For less-adventurous caffeine-seekers, there are plenty of classic espresso drinks available on the menu as well. And for the ube lovers, don’t worry, you can go all out with the Purple Haze.
Coffeeholic House orders their beans directly from Vietnam and roasts them in-house, opting for robusta rather than arabica beams. Once roasted, they brew the coffee using a traditional phin-drip method, which brings out flavor profiles that are nutty and caramel, unlike the typical high-acid espresso found at most cafes.
-Michele of Adventures Abound
Café Allegro
- Neighborhood: U-District
- Go-to Order: Drip Coffee
Started in 1975 by Dave Olson, Café Allegro is the oldest continuously operated coffee shop in Seattle. Located in an unassuming alley, around the corner from a bookshop, Cafe Allegro maintains the vibes of Seattle’s historic coffee culture. It’s the kind of place where they offer delicious coffee that you would enjoy every sip of.
The coffee beans are extracted from family farms from all over the world and have been served to locals and students for around 48 years. It attracts millions of visitors each year, including many loyal customers in the University District.
There are a variety of coffee beans offered in the Espresso Bar with many flavors, such as Sole Nero Black Roast, Original Espresso, and Swiss Water Decaf. They roast their coffee and try to make the perfect coffee blend where the flavors complement each others, which makes it a great gift for coffee lovers.
In addition to coffee, Café Allegro offers some delicious pastries, such as Butter Croissant, Salted Carmel Apple Danish, Apricot White Chocolate Scone, and Almond Croissant.
There are three rooms at the coffee shop making it a prime choice for those looking to nurse a cup of coffee over their laptop or meet with friends.
If you’re in the mood to keep moving, Seattle has plenty of walking trails, so grab your coffee to-go and hit the Burke Gilman for an active break.
Recommended By Ossama Alnuwaiser At Awesome Travelers
Ghost Alley Espresso
- Neighborhood: Pike Place Market
- Go-to order: Mystery Mocha
You’ll find Ghost Alley Espresso in Pike Place Market right next to the famous Gum Wall.
This coffee shop is literally a hole-in-the-wall, as you order your coffee to-go from the window in the wall of Post Alley.
Ghost Alley opened in 2012 in the market’s original attendant’s room of the men’s bathroom from 1908. The shop is named in honor of the frequent hauntings that occur in the market, including the resident Ghost Alley ghost, Arthur Goodwin.
They serve two locally roasted coffees from Seattle: Queen Anne Roasters and Middle Fork Roasters, who creates their custom Ghost Alley Blend.
They pride themselves in making their espresso shots on the Slayer espresso machine, which is hand-built in Seattle. This machine is known for its variable pressure system and precise temperature control, which enhances the extraction process and thus produces a perfect cup of coffee.
What also elevates Ghost Alley in quality is the fact that they make their own housemade syrups: Vanilla and Caramel.
Besides having your basic coffee menu, Ghost Alley also has an impressive signature drinks menu. They have tea lattes with espresso, and a spicy or turmeric mocha.
Then there’s the Mystery Mocha. The barista will ask you some questions about some scary movies and then create a customized mystery drink just for you! If you’re feeling adventurous, I recommend getting this.
Skip the long line at the original Starbucks and get a more unique caffeinated drink from Ghost Alley Espresso instead!
Recommended by Tabitha of Travel Compositions
🤩 Visit Ghost Alley and more on this coffee tour around Pike Place Market 🤩
The Flour Box
- Neighborhood: Hillman City
- Go-To Order: Hillman Cinny Latte
What started as a pop-up shop with lines around the block and hours-long waits has since turned into a brick-and-mortar cafe that is one of Seattle’s favorites.
I had the pleasure of watching The Flour Box grow over the years. Owner Pamela Vuong started her business selling hand-filled brioche donuts at pop-up shops a few times a year. Word got around quickly and I even stood in line for hours at least twice for her incredible donuts before opening up a coffee shop in Hillman City.
Still a family-run business, The Flour Box donut flavors change weekly, with creations like the savory Everything Donut filled with cream cheese and covered in bagel spices, and the PB&J filled with jam and dusted with peanut butter sugar.
The cafe serves up hand-filled donuts along with a small selection of other baked goods, coffee, and non-coffee beverages. The coffee is roasted locally. The Flour Box offers a few house-made creations, including cold brew drinks like the Hillman Cinny, a nod to their new neighborhood home.
One of my favorite cheap things to do in Seattle on a Saturday is grab a box of donuts or the famous gigantic cinnamon rolls and head to Seward Park for a picnic and leisurely stroll.
The donuts are offered in 4 unique flavors that change every other week, and the shop runs from Thursday through Sunday.
Be sure to come early and be prepared to wait in line but trust me – it is worth it!
-Michele of Adventures Abound
Victrola Coffee Roasters
- Neighborhood: 7 locations (Capitol Hill, Thomas St., Downtown, Beacon Hill, and Ballard)
- Go-to order: Mocha with coffee cake
Victrola Coffee, named after the phonograph of the 1920s, has multiple locations in Seattle and has been a staple to the community. Their coffee shops are inspired by the 1920s era with charming architecture, a fun ambiance, and jazz music often playing.
Their menu is just as exuberant with unique seasonal drinks. For example, in summer they have a creamsicle latte. Their mainstay menu is just as wonderful with specials like the Golden Spices, featuring Tanglewood Turmeric Thai Tea, and a mocha that will please any chocolate lover.
Don’t miss their free coffee tastings on Fridays at 11 am at their Pike Street location where you can try a few of their roasts to find the best one for your palette!
Victrola’s coffee shops also offer pastries, larger breakfast sandwiches, and tacos, perfect for a mid-day work pick-me-up or a delicious start to your morning. Each shop location has lots of seating so you can set up for work as much as you need to.
Victrola Coffee Roasters keeps the community in mind, so they often have specialty drinks that support local community efforts. For example, for Pride month, proceeds from Sparkling Rosella Tea drink purchases went to Lambert House, a Seattle organization that supports LQBTQIA+ youth.
Recommended by Alanna of Periodic Adventures
☕️ Check availability for coffee tours around Seattle ☕️
The Brim Coffee Shop at The Edgewater Hotel
- Neighborhood: Downtown Seattle
- Go-to Order: Iced Caramel Latte
If you’re looking for a coffee experience with the ultimate view of Seattle then head over to The Edgewater Hotel located on the Puget Sound waterfront.
This tucked-away coffee shop is a hidden gem in Seattle and is open to the public daily from 7 am-6 pm and it’s somewhere that you’ll want to stay a while.
The Brim Coffee Shop is located inside the hotel’s gift shop off the lobby. Inside, you’ll find all sorts of locally made items for sale as well as delicious coffee, lattes, and teas.
If you’re looking for a bite to eat to accompany your beverage, you’ll find a small selection of locally-made pastries near the register.
The Brim Coffee Shop brews Zoka Coffee Roasters which is a Seattle-based company and you can find classic and seasonal drinks on the menu such as Lavender Lattes and Gingerbread Cookie Lattes depending on the time of year you visit.
The main draw of The Brim Coffee Shop is the view and for anyone visiting Seattle, you’ll want to make sure to add this coffee shop to your list!
The Edgewater Hotel is Seattle’s most iconic hotel and sits on Pier 67. Their lobby is where you’ll enjoy your cup of joe and it offers floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the Puget Sound and a wood-burning fireplace – it really doesn’t get better than this!
Recommended by Tess Arnold of Traveling Tessie
Cloud City Coffee
- Neighborhood: Maple Leaf
- Go-to Order: Golden Milk + Gluten Free Coconut Bread
I’m not sure why, but the gluten-free coconut bread at Cloud City Coffee just tastes better than the regular. Either way, both are incredible options at this hidden gem located in the quiet neighborhood of Maple Leaf.
Cloud City roasts their own coffee beans weekly at their Georgetown roaster, and crafts their coffee and espresso drinks with the same care in their cafe.
My favorite on the menu, however, is their Golden Latte which just hits perfectly on a crisp autumn day in the aptly named neighborhood in northern Seattle. Grab a cup and head out into Maple Leaf to wander around the charming residences, or head to Maple Leaf Resevoir Park.
This neighborhood coffee shop is incredibly popular, with seating inside and out, as well as a robust takeout offering. Regulars will often catch up with friends here, and students can be seen nursing a second (third?) cup of coffee over their laptop screens.
Cloud City Coffee is woman-owned and operated, and channels their community-forward approach into the business.
Their roasts have won many awards, and are available for purchase online by order, as well as a part of a coffee subscription.
-Michele of Adventures Abound
The Flora Bakehouse
- Neighborhood: Beacon Hill
- Go-To Order: Chocolate Croissant + Midnight Dream (Coffee)
Make your way to The Flora Bakehouse in Beacon Hill for freshly baked pastries, delicious sandwiches, and excellent coffee. This local bakeshop is in a two-story building with a beautiful patio with an amazing view of Mount Rainier.
On weekend mornings, you’ll see a line out the door as people flock to get their morning coffee and sweet (or savory) treats. They’re famous for their seasonal scones and cinnamon rolls, but you can’t go wrong with anything they have. I love their chocolate croissants!
They have seasonal flavors that are fresh and fun, like rhubarb and ginger buns, savory squash croissants, and more. There are both gluten-free and vegan options, so there’s something for everyone.
You can grab a light lunch here by getting a cold or hot sandwich or snagging one of their focaccia pizza slices. But whatever you get, definitely pair it with a drink. They have the classics and specialty flavors like lavender, cardamom rose, and more. Try the Midnight Dream, a blackberry and coconut latte; it’s so good.
The Flora Bakehouse is open from 7-5 PM daily, but I recommend going during off-peak hours so you avoid lining up. Try to find a seat upstairs on their balcony; hopefully, you’ll get a seat with a clear view of Mt. Rainier. They also sell soft-serve every day after 11:30 AM, featuring specialty flavors I want to try the next time I’m there.
Recommended by Andrea from andreagoesplaces.com
Meowtropolitan Cat Cafe
- Neighborhood: Wallingford
- Go-to Order: Catpuccino
Meowtropolitan Cat Cafe Seattle is located in the Wallingford area of the city. As the name suggests, it offers a unique experience beyond your typical coffee shop. This is the place where you can savor a hot or cold drink AND cuddle with more than ten cats.
All these cats are rescues. Some are permanent residents accustomed to this lifestyle, while others are awaiting adoption. In order to provide loving homes for formerly homeless cats, the cafe collaborates with cat rescues and shelters (Their main shelter partner is the Regional Animal Services of King County or RASKC.).
Meowtropolitan also offers support to organizations committed to enhancing the well-being of stray cats.
All the standard coffee and tea options are available, as well as soda, wine, and beer. The distinguishing feature from other coffee shops lies in their names. In this cat-friendly environment, you can order a Catpuccino, Meowca, and many other cute options.
A limited number of pastries, snacks, and sandwiches are also available.
Not a fan of coffee sprinkled with cat hair? No problem. At Meowtropolitan, the cats reside in a separate “cat lounge,” distinct from the café area.
Recommended by Vanessa Morgan from Traveling Cats
Map of Best Seattle Coffee Shops
Frequently asked questions about Seattle coffee shops
What is the most famous coffee chain in Seattle?
The most well-known coffee chain in Seattle is Starbucks, which was founded in Seattle in 1971
What is special about Seattle coffee?
Seattle is known for its high-quality, innovative coffee culture and is the birthplace of Starbucks, emphasizing quality roasts, sustainability, and artisanal brewing techniques.
Why does the Pacific Northwest have so many coffee shops?
The Pacific Northwest’s rainy climate and strong tradition of entrepreneurship and coffee appreciation create a perfect environment for a thriving coffee shop scene.
Why isn’t coffee grown in Seattle?
Seattle’s climate is too cool and lacks the tropical conditions required for coffee cultivation, which are found in places like Costa Rica. Instead, many coffee roasters in Seattle provide locally roasted beans to cafes around the city.
Wrapping up this guide to the best coffee shops in Seattle
Seattle is a city known for its coffee culture, and there are countless options to choose from when it comes to finding the perfect cup of coffee.
However, for travelers looking for a unique and memorable experience, these nine coffee shops stand out among the rest. From the cozy and welcoming ambiances to the innovative and creative menus, each of these cafes offers something special that will leave a lasting impression on any visitor.
So during your trip to Seattle, make sure to add these coffee shops to your must-visit list and indulge in some of the best coffee in the city while immersing yourself in its vibrant culture. Happy sipping!
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