#seattlecoffeeshops #cutecoffeeshops #seattle #coffeereviews
Hello again my fellow Seattleites and coffee lovers everywhere. If you caught the first edition of the Seattle Coffee Shop series, you'll remember that I mentioned cute coffee shops have always been my hobby and I often joke that I need an app entitled, “What Coffee Shop is Becca at today?” So here lies part 2 (coffee shops #11-20) of this review series! If you need to refresh yourself on coffee shops 1-10, you can find that first post here.
I'll recap the criteria we're working with:
Ambiance
Is it a mellow spot for reading or studying? Or a bustling spot for your on-the-go coffee run?
Parking situation
Does the stress of parking make this place not worth it?
Space
Is it large enough to have tables when you want to work for several hours?
Coffee flavor
For all the coffee snobs out there, I’ll be up-front and say yes I am from the coffee Mecca of Seattle but no, I am not a Chemex, black coffee type. I rank all of these coffee shops by their iced vanilla latte unless otherwise noted.
Extra notes specific to each shop
Is it too pretentious to have vanilla lattes?
Does it spark joy, fellow Marie Kondo fans?
Does it have WIFI? Surprisingly still needs to be asked in 2019.
11. Cedar & Spokes Coffee & Bar | Seattle, WA (Pike Place)
Ambiance
Cedar & Spokes is the epitome of the Seattle hipster-minimalist trend with white walls, one statement burgundy velvet couch, and marble & white tile galore. They not only offer coffee but cocktails and music entertainment in the evening so your coffee shop work day can easily turn into an evening out on the town!
Parking
Just a block from Pike Place, I would opt to pay for a parking lot to save yourself time in the endless search for street parking.
Space
I absolutely loved how open and large the space was. Though it actually made for an awkward moment as I walked in the door. I immediately made eye contact with the barista, and then had to walk quite a ways just smiling until I actually got up to the counter. There is definitely no worry that there won’t be enough seating or tables.
Coffee Flavor
Though they did offer vanilla syrup, it felt as if that was reluctant decision because I couldn’t taste the vanilla at all and wasn’t actually a huge fan of the coffee. I’m hoping it was a fluke though as the space is quite gorgeous and I would love to go back. Alas, I would give my vanilla latte (this was a hot one, I might add) a 4/10.
Extra Notes
Based upon the décor of this minimalist utopia, let’s just say I expected the barista to roll their eyes at me and tell me they didn’t offer vanilla syrup but I was pleasantly surprised that they did indeed have it!
12. General Porpoise | Seattle, WA (Pioneer Square)
Ambiance
General Porpoise has become quite the hit with their famous filled donuts and coffee. When I first heard about this place, I knew I had to visit because what goes better with coffee than donuts, am I right? Their fun nautical-like décor, marble tables, and touches of hot pink everywhere make this such a fun experience. Who knew a donut/coffee shop could be so hip and beautiful at the same time?
General Porpoise is a part of the Renee Erickson restaurant group, which are all so gorgeous so be sure to check them all out!
Parking
Pioneer Square seems to be one of the trickiest parking spots downtown. So I recommend going to this part of town for a whole-day experience as there are lots of fun shops and restaurants to check out. And then somehow it feels more worth it to battle the parking war.
Space
The Capitol Hill location is much smaller so the best GP to visit is in Pioneer Square with lots of tables (even a large conference table) and seating.
The Pioneer Square location is connected to the cutest shop, Henri & Flora, so be sure to check that out as well.
Coffee Flavor
Coffee was delicious, 8/10. As for donuts, be sure that you’re a fan of the cream-filled style with funky flavors like rhubarb or coconut cream (my fav was the chocolate marshmallow). As for me, I’m still a classic maple bar kind of gal so these aren’t my go-to donuts but I still had to experience them! Also be sure to get there plenty early as the best flavors go FAST and they start closing shop around 3pm with donuts often gone by 1pm.
13. 5 Stones | Redmond, WA
Ambiance
Very cozy both in the sense of décor and size. It feels a bit like a race to find a seat because of the popularity of this coffee shop but that’s always a good sign that you’ve found a good spot, right?
Parking
There is only street parking in downtown Redmond available near this spot but finding parking here is always preferable to finding street parking in downtown Seattle.
Space
Wood tables, black metal chairs, and white-tiled walls make for your typical Seattle coffee shop vibes. A larger space would definitely be welcome as it is a very tight fit and often has me choosing elsewhere because I never seem to find a seat.
Coffee Flavor
Just loved this iced vanilla latte – perfect combination of not too sweet with the richness of the coffee coming through. I would give it a 9.5/10!
Extra Notes
5 Stones just opened up a second location in Bellevue! Unfortunately, it is even smaller than the Redmond location (more of a walk-up location as it is located just outside of Bellevue College) but fortunately, the people of Bellevue can now enjoy this delicious coffee! Despite the tight spaces, I keep coming back to this shop because the coffee is just SO good.
14. La Marzocco Café | Seattle, WA (Downtown)
Ambiance
This was a really fun experience with an interesting combination of a coffee shop/show room for the famous Marzocco espresso machines (super fancy, hand-made machines in Florence, Italy), a vinyl shop to buy your next record, and a local KEXP radio station. So as you sip your coffee and listen to the radio you can look right into the station and watch the DJ do their thing. Talk about unique! This is the only La Marzocco cafe in the world and we Seattleites get to enjoy it.
Parking
Your typical downtown Seattle street parking for this one. La Marzocco is located right off the Seattle Center area so you can make a trip out of this and check out the Pacific Science Center, the Space Needle, Chihuly museum, and more before wrapping up the day with some delicious coffee.
Space
I always get strangely excited when a coffee shop has ample space because it means no stress for finding a spot. No one wants to show up for a coffee date or study/work day only to realize the place is packed and people are playing “vulture” for their spot. So all that to say, this place is huge!
Coffee Flavor
So so good. It was a 9.5/10 good.
15. Moore Coffee | Seattle, WA (Downtown)
Ambiance
This place made me chuckle. Located in the heart of downtown Seattle, this tiny shop combines retro and eclectic décor with Mexican music playing overhead, serves delicious waffles, and is famous for their animal latte art! I’m not sure what vibe they’re going for but the latte art alone makes this place worth it, as it’s so impressive!
Parking
There are no designated parking spaces so take into account time to search for street parking.
Space
Very limited seating with a bit of overflow seating in the hotel lobby next door.
Coffee Flavor
I wasn’t super impressed with the actual taste of this coffee so you’re getting more of the latte art flair but nothing amazing when it comes to taste. I rated this vanilla latte a 5/10. My Nutella waffle on the other hand, was a strong 8/10.
16. Zeitgeist Coffee | Seattle, WA (Downtown)
Ambiance
Zeitgeist encompasses that hipster grunge vibe with brick walls, sparse décor, cement floors, and mismatched chairs.
Parking
I was able to find a pretty decent street parking spot near the stadiums (only because it was a non-game day), which was nice and close to the coffee shop. Otherwise, you’ll be good anywhere in the Pioneer Square area for just a little bit of a further walk.
Space
This is a large coffee shop with plenty of space for seating. The comfort of those seats on the other hand is nothing to rave about so it’s a great spot to meet someone for a coffee date but I would not want to find myself sitting there for hours on end.
Coffee Flavor
This iced vanilla latte was a good ol’ 7/10 for me.
Extra Notes
The location of this shop is fun as it’s not too far from the historic King Street Train Station. Even if you don’t find yourself taking a train ride that day, it’s a beautiful place to just pop in and check out. Then walk on over to your Seahawks or Mariners game. There you go – your next Saturday plans are all set.
17. Bellden Cafe | Bellevue, WA
“the Den of Bellevue”- took me a long time to make that connection…
Ambiance
I loved the tile work on the front counter. The view of the street isn’t the best, especially with the constant construction that one finds in downtown Bellevue. This space definitely embodies retro-meets-modern with bright lighting, tiffany blue retro stools, and the modern white tiled walls.
Parking
The parking is awesome compared to a large majority of the greater Seattle coffee shops. There is a parking garage available around the corner & it always has room. There is a 2-hour validation but for those of us who tend to spend hours working in a coffee shop, they seem to have no problem renewing your validation (just give them your stall number to update).
Space
There are minimal tables and bar stools for seating. They do however offer a side room that can be reserved for meetings, workshops, etc.
Coffee flavor
They serve Coava Roasters coffee and I would give the flavor an 8/10.
Extra Notes
It is so nice to have another local coffee shop amidst the downtown Bellevue franchise world. If you’re familiar with Bellevue you know what I’m talking about. Not much seems unique or special when it comes to the coffee scene so this coffee shop is a welcome change.
They offer vanilla lattes & husband-approved sweet mochas (meaning they are super sweet).
They are always promoting their charity work and obviously have a great heart to build community.
18. Slate Coffee | Seattle, WA (U-District)
Ambiance
Grunge. That's about all you need to know. This picture makes the place look a lot cooler than it actually was.
Seating
The seating availability is pretty good as it’s a lot bigger of a space than it looks from outside. This coffee shop has a second story with even more seating and prime people-watching views.
Parking
Seattle parking is already tough but add in the location (right by the Ave near UW) and you’ve got an extra 30 minutes of circling for parking. I recommend swinging by on a Sunday so you at least don’t have to pay for parking.
Coffee Flavor
7/10. The coffee flavor was better than the ambiance of the shop and I do know they make an awesome “deconstructed latte” that looks really cool (worth scrolling their Insta pics) but alas, it was a hot day and I went for my usual iced vanilla latte and didn’t get to try this one.
19. Cascade Coffee Works | Seattle, WA (South Lake Union)
Ambiance
This is a lovely space! With floor-to-ceiling windows, mid-century leather couches, and funky pod-like chairs, this was the perfect spot to spend a rainy day reading and sipping away at a delicious cup of joe.
Seating
When it comes to seating, you can find tables, barstools, couches, and two funky chairs that I can’t even describe but this picture should be pretty self-explanatory. They are quite hard to get out of so prepare to make a spectacle of yourself, but they were surprisingly comfy!
Parking
This is a street-parking spot but unlike a lot of Seattle with 2-hour limits, there were 4-hour parking spots really close by. So you’re covered if you plan on spending a lot of time here. Cascade Coffee Works is in the midst of the Amazon world so you can also find lots of fun food trucks nearby if you’re there around lunch time.
Flavor
My iced vanilla latte was oh so delicious. 8.5/10!
20. Fika House Kafe | Bellevue, WA
Ambiance
Fika House Kafe is a small little coffee shop with a cool, minimalist vibe. Gray, concrete, and succulents abound. The word “Fika” is a Swedish term that encompasses the idea of taking a coffee break with loved ones and enjoying the moment. As a Swede, it’s no wonder I am a fan of this little spot. I can’t not love it, right? These are my people!
Seating
There are only a few tables here as the space itself is quite small. This is more of a pop-in spot rather than staying long-term as there aren’t too many outlets or seats.
Parking
Located at the bottom of Bellevue Towers, there is a parking garage right next to Fika, though the free street parking will probably be a better option.
Flavor
Did I mention Fika is famous for their waffles & coffee pairing? Come for the waffles, stay for the coffee flavor. It was a solid 7.5/10 for me. They serve Olympia Coffee and it is delicious.