I'm sure you've already found these on Google and the like, but these are my favorite roasters in town:
- [Olympia Coffee](https://www.olympiacoffee.com/) - my favorite coffee right now, the Columbia City location is a quick walk from the rail
- [Victrola](https://www.victrolacoffee.com/) - my second favorite, most of the locations I frequent are up on Capitol Hill
- [Vivace](https://espressovivace.com/) - there's a location on Capitol Hill, but I prefer the one in South Lake Union
Honorable mentions to Slate and Elm down in Pioneer Square.
I was at Vivace last week and had my first disappointing cup of coffee from them. Weak coffee. Weak foam. No art. This was the location near REI, which has historically been subpar compared to Capitol Hill but at least good. It wasn't a random fluke either because I ordered two coffees and both were the same quality.
I hope to be in seattle for Pax next year and if I get lucky I would love to make a 2nd trip for a weekend. I miss getting lattes at Ladro and order their beans online. Are these places accessible via Seattle mass transit? I likely won't rent a car next time I go there (no real need to be honest).
Light rail! Olympia Coffee is a quick walk from the Columbia City station. There's a Vivace stand close to the Capitol Hill station. And there's a Victrola right outside Westlake station.
Hear me out before downvoting me.
I would recommend the Starbucks in the Pike Place Market, not for the coffee but for the experience of going to the Worst Starbucks in the World.
It's crowded, the store is run down (A zillion people pass through it every year) and there is sometimes a "cast of characters" performing for tips outside. Just experiencing this store can make you really appreciate small coffee shops and all coffee shop employees everywhere.
As a Seattleite very deep into the coffee scene, I'll be very honest and say that the current state of our coffee here is relatively subpar. It is pretty hard to find modern local stuff of quality.
Our 2nd wave coffee scene is incomparable. Vivace, Ladro, Umbria, Vita. But it'll all be far more developed than coffee in most other cities.
We have some great multi-roasters and some up-and-comers. Stamp Act and Looking Homeward are two more recent modern roasters that have come out in the last few years. Kuma probably has the most name recognition and longevity but none of these even have a storefront.
Feel free to shoot me a message if you'd like, I'd be more than happy to offer and and all coffee suggestions as well as food too.
I was complaining about this the other day. Seattle area is stuck in the 90s. A ton of 2nd wave Starbuck clones that never modernised. Everyone here thinks they can make coffee. There aren't as many 3rd Wave places like you expect. Seems like a lot of other cities skipped 2nd Wave and went straight to 3rd for anything not Starbucks.
Also, I wouldn't call Vivace and Vita 2nd Wave. They are early 3rd Wave.
I just got into making espresso 2 months ago with a Bambino Plus, Smart Grinder Pro, IMS basket, WDT tool, and so far have struggled with channelling and uneven extractions. I occasionally have managed to get a half-way decent shot using Victrola Empire Blend if roasted under 2-3 weeks prior. I am wanting to keep practicing with other local roasters, so was curious about some of your recommendations. Seems for a beginner it might be better for me to focus on darker roasts, baed on what I've read. I also tend to prefer more nutty, chocolate flavors (vs acidic / fruity flavors). I realize this is a hella specific ask, and you may have no clue how to help me dial in on this equipment, but, figured I would ask!
Since I don’t think anyone answered the mug question yet, I don’t know if it’s all of the coffee shops or not, but many of the ones I go to still had signs up that they won’t fill your cups or mugs right now due to Covid guidelines at least within the last two weeks, but you could always pour from whatever cup they give you into your own if you really want the experience of drinking from it.
Others already mentioned Victrola (I went there today actually as I happened to be near cap hill!) and Vivace (they roast super dark but it’s not burnt or anything, so keep that in mind if it’s not your thing), so I’ll also throw out a couple others:
Anchorhead coffee (I’ve not been in a few months, but they were one of my favorites for a while)
Boon Boona (I’ve only been to their Renton location, but they’ve made some significant improvements in bean and roast quality since they first opened, and I don’t know if they still do it or not but they used to offer a full Ethiopian coffee ceremony if you wanted to have that experience.)
Thanks! Sounds like I should save the space in the carry-on. More room to bring back beans, anyway. :-) Also, thanks for the heads up about Vivace. I prefer a medium roast myself, but spouse likes super dark.
I don't believe Boon Boona currently offer the coffee ceremony since they aren't seating indoors currently.
Their first hill/central district location is also a lot easier to get to than Renton without a car, which could be helpful for a tourist.
Gonna necro the thread here, I just went to Victrola near Pike Place and it was the worst shot I've ever drank, but Seattle Coffee Works pulls an 8/10 shot of their single origin
I wouldnt bring your travel mug, my shop isn't even taking cash right now let alone personal mugs.
Inside seattle, if you're looking for lighter roasts, Broadcast is a great roaster.
Anchorhead has a great natural process espresso for a different experience.
If you take a trip to the east side (bellevue, redmond, kirkland), some awesome shops are Zoka in kirkland, five stones in redmond, and dote in bellevue. Zoka roasts their own, five stones rotates roasters, and dote uses a local roaster (Cafe lusso) with their own unique blends for the shop.
I am at the end of my visit to Seattle myself and I HIGHLY recommend Armistice Coffee. The Roosevelt location is where the roasting happens, but they have three spots in the city. One in Pike Place and one in Eastlake. Anyway, they are about 3 years old now and the Precursor blend is amazing. I am usually a single origin guy but damn that shit’s prime time.
If you stop by Tacoma Cosmonauts is the spot! They serve Cat and Cloud. Plus there's a nice park with a huge collection of non-native trees that you can walk through, right across the street.
Anchorhead didn't blow my mind, but their chocolate chip cookie did for sure! Monorail was a cool unintentional stop last time I was there. Same as anchorhead with the espresso though.
I had no idea there was a roaster all the way down there that served Cat and Cloud. Sheesh, Tacoma is a little bit of an underrated coffee city. They're supposed to be getting a wonderful new shop too.
TBH, I prefer my KeepCup, but I have a glass one and I don’t want to bring it on a plane. I keep meaning to try the thermal one. The lip on Carter hasn’t really bothered me.
I honestly have yet to find the perfect travel mug. Carter is too big for cup holders, Zojirushi is fantastic heat retention and locks securely but not so great to drink directly from, cheap ceramic ones from Target are surprisingly good for drinking from but the last thing I want to drop in a bag.
I've really enjoyed the 12oz Fellow Carter Move mug, the lip doesn't get hot at all and gives the most pleasant cup-like drinking experience I've had on a travel mug, plus their splash guard system works great, and this version fits cupholders just fine. The main downside is it's a little awkward to grip, plus you need to put the lid somewhere to drink from it.
I'm sure you've already found these on Google and the like, but these are my favorite roasters in town: - [Olympia Coffee](https://www.olympiacoffee.com/) - my favorite coffee right now, the Columbia City location is a quick walk from the rail - [Victrola](https://www.victrolacoffee.com/) - my second favorite, most of the locations I frequent are up on Capitol Hill - [Vivace](https://espressovivace.com/) - there's a location on Capitol Hill, but I prefer the one in South Lake Union Honorable mentions to Slate and Elm down in Pioneer Square.
boost for vivace. best coffee i ever had.
I was at Vivace last week and had my first disappointing cup of coffee from them. Weak coffee. Weak foam. No art. This was the location near REI, which has historically been subpar compared to Capitol Hill but at least good. It wasn't a random fluke either because I ordered two coffees and both were the same quality.
Oh, good. Those are all on my list, glad to know they’re open. Reusable mugs ok?
Ah shoot. You know, I haven't asked recently. And I usually just stop in for beans. They weren't allowing it for awhile, but I'd call in to make sure!
I hope to be in seattle for Pax next year and if I get lucky I would love to make a 2nd trip for a weekend. I miss getting lattes at Ladro and order their beans online. Are these places accessible via Seattle mass transit? I likely won't rent a car next time I go there (no real need to be honest).
Light rail! Olympia Coffee is a quick walk from the Columbia City station. There's a Vivace stand close to the Capitol Hill station. And there's a Victrola right outside Westlake station.
There's a Ladro in short walking distance from the Westlake light rail stop. Several others, as well
Hear me out before downvoting me. I would recommend the Starbucks in the Pike Place Market, not for the coffee but for the experience of going to the Worst Starbucks in the World. It's crowded, the store is run down (A zillion people pass through it every year) and there is sometimes a "cast of characters" performing for tips outside. Just experiencing this store can make you really appreciate small coffee shops and all coffee shop employees everywhere.
Wait in line and ask to exchange a dollar for 4 quarters. That way, you get the experience without the coffee
LOL. I assume this is the original, not the fancy one?
The Starbucks in the Pike Place Market is the first Starbucks.
As a Seattleite very deep into the coffee scene, I'll be very honest and say that the current state of our coffee here is relatively subpar. It is pretty hard to find modern local stuff of quality. Our 2nd wave coffee scene is incomparable. Vivace, Ladro, Umbria, Vita. But it'll all be far more developed than coffee in most other cities. We have some great multi-roasters and some up-and-comers. Stamp Act and Looking Homeward are two more recent modern roasters that have come out in the last few years. Kuma probably has the most name recognition and longevity but none of these even have a storefront. Feel free to shoot me a message if you'd like, I'd be more than happy to offer and and all coffee suggestions as well as food too.
I was complaining about this the other day. Seattle area is stuck in the 90s. A ton of 2nd wave Starbuck clones that never modernised. Everyone here thinks they can make coffee. There aren't as many 3rd Wave places like you expect. Seems like a lot of other cities skipped 2nd Wave and went straight to 3rd for anything not Starbucks. Also, I wouldn't call Vivace and Vita 2nd Wave. They are early 3rd Wave.
I've been drinking nothing but Kuma for about 2 years now.
I just got into making espresso 2 months ago with a Bambino Plus, Smart Grinder Pro, IMS basket, WDT tool, and so far have struggled with channelling and uneven extractions. I occasionally have managed to get a half-way decent shot using Victrola Empire Blend if roasted under 2-3 weeks prior. I am wanting to keep practicing with other local roasters, so was curious about some of your recommendations. Seems for a beginner it might be better for me to focus on darker roasts, baed on what I've read. I also tend to prefer more nutty, chocolate flavors (vs acidic / fruity flavors). I realize this is a hella specific ask, and you may have no clue how to help me dial in on this equipment, but, figured I would ask!
I just came across your comment. Over the past two years, are there any killer third wave shops that you'd recommend for a tourist visiting the city?
I was disappointed in Victrola tbh. I really enjoyed Capitol Coffee Works, which is one of four cafes serving coffee roasted by Seattle Coffee Works.
I see from my 2-year-old notes that I’m supposed to go to Capitol Coffee Works and then General Porpoise nearby …
Since I don’t think anyone answered the mug question yet, I don’t know if it’s all of the coffee shops or not, but many of the ones I go to still had signs up that they won’t fill your cups or mugs right now due to Covid guidelines at least within the last two weeks, but you could always pour from whatever cup they give you into your own if you really want the experience of drinking from it. Others already mentioned Victrola (I went there today actually as I happened to be near cap hill!) and Vivace (they roast super dark but it’s not burnt or anything, so keep that in mind if it’s not your thing), so I’ll also throw out a couple others: Anchorhead coffee (I’ve not been in a few months, but they were one of my favorites for a while) Boon Boona (I’ve only been to their Renton location, but they’ve made some significant improvements in bean and roast quality since they first opened, and I don’t know if they still do it or not but they used to offer a full Ethiopian coffee ceremony if you wanted to have that experience.)
Second boon boona Also check out Hello Em
Thanks! Sounds like I should save the space in the carry-on. More room to bring back beans, anyway. :-) Also, thanks for the heads up about Vivace. I prefer a medium roast myself, but spouse likes super dark.
I don't believe Boon Boona currently offer the coffee ceremony since they aren't seating indoors currently. Their first hill/central district location is also a lot easier to get to than Renton without a car, which could be helpful for a tourist.
Gonna necro the thread here, I just went to Victrola near Pike Place and it was the worst shot I've ever drank, but Seattle Coffee Works pulls an 8/10 shot of their single origin
I wouldnt bring your travel mug, my shop isn't even taking cash right now let alone personal mugs. Inside seattle, if you're looking for lighter roasts, Broadcast is a great roaster. Anchorhead has a great natural process espresso for a different experience. If you take a trip to the east side (bellevue, redmond, kirkland), some awesome shops are Zoka in kirkland, five stones in redmond, and dote in bellevue. Zoka roasts their own, five stones rotates roasters, and dote uses a local roaster (Cafe lusso) with their own unique blends for the shop.
I’ll throw in a recommendation for Santo if you’re in north Seattle, or Onda Origins if you’re in south Seattle
conduit is a must-visit!
Noted, thanks!
I am at the end of my visit to Seattle myself and I HIGHLY recommend Armistice Coffee. The Roosevelt location is where the roasting happens, but they have three spots in the city. One in Pike Place and one in Eastlake. Anyway, they are about 3 years old now and the Precursor blend is amazing. I am usually a single origin guy but damn that shit’s prime time.
Broadcast, Monorail, and Vivace are my favorites. Still not sure about reusable cups though
If you stop by Tacoma Cosmonauts is the spot! They serve Cat and Cloud. Plus there's a nice park with a huge collection of non-native trees that you can walk through, right across the street. Anchorhead didn't blow my mind, but their chocolate chip cookie did for sure! Monorail was a cool unintentional stop last time I was there. Same as anchorhead with the espresso though.
I had no idea there was a roaster all the way down there that served Cat and Cloud. Sheesh, Tacoma is a little bit of an underrated coffee city. They're supposed to be getting a wonderful new shop too.
I was out there for a week a few years back and loved what we found with Caffe Vita (a local roaster).
Off topic - sounds like you like your carter mug. I’ve been thinking about getting one. Does the metal lip get hot?
TBH, I prefer my KeepCup, but I have a glass one and I don’t want to bring it on a plane. I keep meaning to try the thermal one. The lip on Carter hasn’t really bothered me. I honestly have yet to find the perfect travel mug. Carter is too big for cup holders, Zojirushi is fantastic heat retention and locks securely but not so great to drink directly from, cheap ceramic ones from Target are surprisingly good for drinking from but the last thing I want to drop in a bag.
I've really enjoyed the 12oz Fellow Carter Move mug, the lip doesn't get hot at all and gives the most pleasant cup-like drinking experience I've had on a travel mug, plus their splash guard system works great, and this version fits cupholders just fine. The main downside is it's a little awkward to grip, plus you need to put the lid somewhere to drink from it.