6 of the Best Cafés + Coffee Shops in Seattle
The damp and rainy weather in Seattle makes for comfy coffee weather. The people of Seattle seem to always be moving and the city itself rises early making it an ideal place for coffee shop businesses. Certain coffee shops I had premeditated plans of visiting, but others I stumbled upon while exploring different neighborhoods in Seattle. Although I did not make it to every coffee shop on my list, I discovered others. Here are six unique and innovative coffee shops I was able to experience while perusing Seattle.
Moore Coffee Shop
Not to be confused with the two other Moore Coffee Shops in Seattle, this specific Moore is located at 1926 2nd Ave, directly next door to the Moore Theatre and Moore Hotel. It is a Latin owned coffee shop that offers a Mexican twist to the drink and food options. The coffee shops décor is chic with pink additions all around making it a fun spot for taking pictures. The drinks are highly reviewed by guests and offer unique Mexican-themed drinks including Mexican mocha and horchata latte.
ADDRESS: 1926 2nd Ave, Seattle, WA 98101
RECOMMENDATIONS:
Crema de Leche Latte
Horchata latte
Coffee TAB
Located in Belltown, Coffee TAB not only serves as a coffee shop but also a mentorship program that provides work to students. It was founded by Jonathan Tran in 2019 in honor of one of his undergraduate professors Cheryl Crawford who had passed away. Students enrolled in the mentorship program receive a variety of educational resources including on-site barista and business management training, career support, and resume and interview preparation.
The coffee shop offers a solid coffee experience but is more on the quaint side. It’s more of an “order-to-go” coffee shop rather than sit down so keep that in mind when planning your visit.
ADDRESS: 2103 3rd Ave, Seattle, WA 98121
HOURS: 7AM-2PM 7 days a week.
RECOMMENDATIONS:
If time permits, check out a coffee class for a day to gain behind the counter experience into latte art and espresso creations.
Starbucks Reserve Roastery
Just down the road from Starbucks’ very first coffee shop is the Reserve Roastery, a unique experience that offers customers different stations and experiences throughout the roastery. The Arriviamo mixology bar features coffee inspired martinis and cocktails using art and science to create these one-of-a-kind concoctions. The main bar toward the entrance of the coffee shop itself is a work of art, manufactured and handcrafted in New York of solid teak and stone marble.
ADDRESS: 1124 Pike St, Seattle, WA 98101
HOURS: Monday’s-Thursday’s 7AM-10PM, Friday’s-Sundays 7AM-10:30PM
RECOMMENDATIONS:
Toffeenut Bianco Latte
Cold brew trio flight which offers three Starbucks Reserve cold brews in three different flavors: Cold Brew, Nitro and Whiskey Barrel-Aged Cold Brew.
Ghost Alley Espresso
A hidden gem located in Pike Place Market, Ghost Alley Espresso is located just a few steps away from Seattle’s famous Gum Wall. Quite literally a hole-in-the-wall, Ghost Alley offers artisanal espresso drinks from small Northwest roasters. The large variety of house made syrups makes for a unique customized experience for the customer.
The history of the coffee shop involves a woman named Mercedes Carrabba who stood outside of the old attendant's room to the 1908 Market restrooms in Lower Post Alley when she had the idea of remodeling and fixing it up into a coffee shop. The name "Ghost Alley Espresso" was chosen to pay respect to the purported hauntings in the area.
ADDRESS: 1499 Post Alley, Seattle, WA 98101
HOURS: 7AM-2PM Monday’s-Tuesday’s, 7AM-3PM Wednesday’s-Thursday’s, 7AM-4PM Fridays, 7AM-5PM Saturday’s-Sunday’s
RECOMMENDATIONS:
Mystery mocha (barista’s choice)
Activated charcoal mocha
The Crumpet Shop
Known as Seattle’s “favorite tea and crumpets shop,” I actually stumbled upon this adorable find by accident while exploring Pike Place Market. This English-inspired shop features fresh made crumpets, fine loose leaf teas and deliciously creamy coffee and latte options.
Made with simple ingredients: flour, water and yeast, a Crumpet is an English griddle cake. They are cooked in round rings on the griddle and are distinguished from other similar baked goods by their holes and spongy texture.
ADDRESS: 1503 1st Ave, Seattle, WA 98101
HOURS: 7AM-3PM Monday’s-Thursday’s, 7AM-4PM Friday’s-Sunday’s
RECOMMENDATIONS:
Vanilla latte
Crumpets
Victrola Coffee Roasters
The shop was conceived in 2000 in a time when Seattle lacked a space for the community to get together and socialize. Victrola was named after the home phonograph of the 1920’s in honor of the decades lively jazz era. The coffee shop definitely reflects the 1920’s era with its charm and ambience.
Unlike most coffee shops, Victrola features an entire brewing guide on its website explaining the different brewing options including pour-over, french press and more. As well as helpful information on how to create latte art from home.
Every Friday at 11am there is a free coffee tasting at the Pike St. cafe location.
ADDRESS: 108 Pine St, Seattle, WA 98101
RECOMMENDATIONS:
Pumpkin Pie Latte
