Best Coffee Shops in Seattle: A Guide to the City’s Top Cafés
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I would like to first preface this post on that I take my coffee seriously – very seriously! If you are anything like me, you don’t just drink that cup of Joe in the morning for a pick me up. It’s a ritual. A moment of piece where you can sit down, reflect, and just enjoy that cup of coffee before a busy and hectic day starts. I have been to Seattle a few times now, and every time I go, I make it my mission to try new coffee shops (since they are the coffee capital) and taste test an amazing latte at each spot. I am not about the Yelp reviews or Instagram posts (although I am also a sucker for an aesthetic vibe), my main mission is to find all of the best coffee shops in Seattle, based on taste.
So, grab your favorite cup of coffee, take a seat on your comfy couch, or from your favorite local coffee shop, and let’s dive into the best coffee shops in Seattle, that I feel like are absolutely worth a visit!
Introduction: Best Coffee Shops in Seattle
Seattle is frequently called the coffee capital of the United States, and rightfully so. Whenever I visit Seattle, I am always on a mission to try a new coffee shop and try out a new latte. In this blog post, I will provide my honest reviews of 5 different coffee shops in Seattle, and provide feedback on what I liked, didn’t like, and what I tried.
So, grab your cup coffee, and let’s get into it!
1. Espresso Vivace
The name “Espresso Vivace” is a name that is well-known in the Seattle coffee community. Founded by David Schomer in 1988, this coffee shop is known for the creation and popularization of the latte art that we so love to see on top of our coffee before we take our first sip. This coffee shop has an impeccable attention for detail and ensures every cup is a work of art.
If you love espresso, then this coffee shop is for you! I ordered a vanilla latte (always my go-to) and honestly, I thought they brewed my coffee with an actual vanilla espresso bean. The foam was creamy, mixed to perfection, and I could taste the espresso perfectly, with just enough vanilla that I could actually in enjoy the smoothness of the espresso itself.
Espresso Vivace is a name that resonates deeply within Seattle’s coffee community. Founded by David Schomer, credited with pioneering latte art in the U.S., this café is a haven for espresso aficionados. The meticulous attention to espresso extraction and the silky microfoam make each cup a masterpiece. The ambiance, with its European flair, invites patrons to savor their coffee slowly, appreciating the artistry in every sip.
The only issue I had with this coffee shop was that because of its popularity, it was very difficult to find a seat so that I could actually enjoy my latte. This isn’t an ideal place if you are coming here to work, because it can be a bit noisy. Also, there are no food options, so come thirsty, but don’t come hungry!
2. Analog Coffee
This cozy coffee shop is located in Seattle’s Capitol Hill and was one of my absolute favorite shops. It is a laid-back coffee shop, offering a nostalgic feel with their fun analog music selection. Their espresso was fantastic, and I love that they rotate their roast selection with local roasters to ensure a diverse and fun coffee experience.
Walking into this coffee shop made me feel like I was walking back in time. The vintage magazines, old school vinyl records, and the indie playlist, just put off such a cool and shill vibe. All of the baristas were energetic and had great coffee recommendations based on your preferences. At this shop, I opted for a light roast espresso, which actually made the vanilla in the latte pop, and was definitely sweater because of that.
Despite the vibe, it is pretty busy, and the space in the coffee shop is pretty limited. This wouldn’t be a great place to come in work but would be a great place to maybe grab a book and read on a rainy Seattle day.
3. Elm Coffee Roasters
This coffee shop is located in Seattle’s Pioneer Square and the only word I can think of to describe this coffee shop is “chic”. The cafe was very minimalistic, airy, and they pride themselves on their meticulously prepare light roast espresso.
At this coffee shop, I opted to try their One of Everything coffee flight versus my standard vanilla latte. This flight featured espresso, macchiato, and a brewed coffee, and all three were absolutely fantastic. I did “encourage” my friend to order the vanilla latte so I could try a sip, for research purposes only, and it was what I would describe as “elegant”. The vanilla flavor was subtle, not too sweet, and they were heavier on the milk side, which everyone may not appreciate.
Elm Coffee Roasters stands out with its minimalist design and commitment to light roasts. Located in the historic Pioneer Square, the café offers a serene environment to enjoy meticulously brewed coffee. Their “One of Everything” flight, featuring an espresso, macchiato, and brewed coffee, provides a comprehensive taste of their offerings.
Make sure you visit this shop with an empty bladder, as they do not have any restrooms (or at least didn’t when I visited), and the chairs were a little too modern for my liking – hard.
4. Caffe Vita
Out of all the coffee shops that I visited in Seattle, I would have to say that this probably my most favorite. Caffe Vita has multiple locations in Seattle, and I choose to visit the Capital Hill location, just because I happen to be in the area. I am not sure if all of the locations are like this, but this particular cafe has such a rustic, warm, and community vibe to it, which I loved.
What I loved most about this cafe was it just felt like Seattle. Cozy industrial touches, their commitment to sustainability, the great people watching, and their pastries? OMG! Delicious! I stuck to my vanilla late order here and the word I would use to describe the flavor is intense. It almost had a smokey flavor, which I didn’t mind at all, and the espresso was very rich, which again, I loved.
This coffee shop does get a bit loud, so if you are looking for a quiet place to read or work, this may not be the coffee shop for you. The barista was friendly, but looked rushed, which I understand since I waited in line for 20 mins to place my order.
5. Milstead & Co
This cafe is situated in the very fun and artsy neighborhood of Fremont. This coffee shop is known for its impressive, curated selection of top-tier roasters and the expert baristas ensure each cup is brewed to absolute perfection. This modern and airy space is idea for the causal drinker and the coffee connoisseur like myself.
From an aesthetic perspective, this was hands down one of the most beautiful coffee shops that I have visited in Seattle. It felt more like a sanctuary than a coffee shop, with their high ceilings, natural lighting, and wall of local roasts.
My vanilla latte here was fantastic! I heard that their syrups are homemade, but I didn’t fact check this. Although, but the way it tasted, I wouldn’t doubt it. The espresso was well-balanced, and the steamed milk was pillowy soft. Now, this coffee shop was a little pricier than the others, but honestly, it was worth every cent!
Conclusion: Best Coffee Shops in Seattle
Seattle, the city of amazing coffee! Just as Seattle’s neighborhoods are unique and diverse, so is the coffee. There is honestly a cup for everyone. Whether your vibe is classic espresso, a unique latte, or you want a cozy place to enjoy a latte on a cold rainy day, then there is a Seattle coffee shop for you! I hope you are able to use this best coffee shops in Seattle guide for your next trip to Seattle, and if you try one of the shops out, let me know your thoughts! I would love to know which coffee shops are your favorites.