Discover the best of Seattle’s vibrant coffee culture with this list compiled of the absolute top coffee shops in the city. From homegrown gems like Onda Origins and Seattle Coffee Works to Black-owned standout Boon Boona Coffee, all the way to longtime locals Herkimer Coffee and Elm Coffee Roaster, there are endless opportunities to experience fantastic brews and delicious coffees. With stockings from premier Washington roasters, special brewing methods at Boon Boona Coffee, sustainability initiatives at Herkimer, and an inviting atmosphere at Victrola, these places have something special to offer for everyone.
Creating a list of the top coffee shops in Seattle, WA can be an incredibly exciting challenge. As one of the best cities in the world for coffee, Seattle offers a great selection of unique places that have something special to offer – whether it be exceptional beans, creative coffee drinks, an inviting ambiance, or a perfect setup to get down to work. To find out which spots made it to the top, read on to discover the absolute best coffee shops in Seattle.
Three Popular Coffee Shops in Downtown Seattle
Onda Origins and Seattle Coffee Works are two popular coffee shops located in downtown Seattle. Onda Origins is renowned for its bright yet cozy atmosphere, as well as its incredible commitment to fairness, sharing 12 times more than Fair Trade standards with its growers. Seattle Coffee Works, meanwhile, offers modern vibes and a selection of cold brews and other specialty blends like Sunrise Blend and Sumatra Koetintji Barokah, which feature hints of rose, vanilla, and rhubarb. Boon Boona Coffee, a Black-owned shop based in Renton, has expanded to Seattle and is dedicated to African coffees, particularly those grown by women. There, customers can enjoy the traditional Eritrean coffee ceremony, brewed in a clay pot called a jebena, or simply opt for a cup of drip coffee that ranges from floral and fruity to bold and chocolatey.
Popular Seattle Coffee Roasters
Herkimer Coffee is a Seattle staple, boasting a classic neighborhood feel since 2003. With sustainability in mind, Herkimer sources its coffee directly from producers and ensures that everyone along the supply chain is compensated fairly. In addition, they roast daily for maximum freshness. Elm Coffee Roaster offers an inviting atmosphere with exposed brick and huge windows, while Victrola has an industrial yet contemporary vibe with four locations in Seattle. Finally, Analog Coffee is a hidden gem located on Capitol Hill. They source beans from premier Washington roasters, such as Herkimer, Stamp Act, and Camber in Bellingham, and offer house-made vanilla syrup for their cold brews.
Perfect Spot for Coffee Lovers
Milstead and Co. is a Fremont favorite, known for its heavenly coffees sourced from top roasters such as Intelligentsia, Coava, and Stumptown. With bright lighting and plenty of space, it’s the perfect spot for coffee lovers to get their caffeine fix. The ever-changing selection of roasters ensures there’s always something new to try.
Enjoy Delicious Coffee and Treats at Preserve and Gather
Preserve and Gather is a cozy café in Greenwood that offers its patrons an unforgettable experience. From the warm lighting to the brick walls, this café has an atmosphere that is perfect for relaxation or catching up with friends. Here, guests can sample expertly roasted Conduit Coffee blends, as well as a delicious Toddy cold brew system. If coffee isn’t your cup of tea, visitors can also enjoy sweet treats such as gooey chocolate chip cookies. With plenty of seating and lush greenery, Preserve and Gather is a great place to spend a few hours.
Experience Authentic Vietnamese Coffee
Coffeeholic House is proudly hailed as one of the best coffee shops in Seattle. With two locations in Greenwood and Columbia City, Coffeeholic House offers a unique Vietnamese-style twist to traditional cups of coffee. The signature ‘Dream’ drink has become a fan favorite – a classic Vietnamese brew served with a creamy layer of salted cheese foam. If you’re looking for something sweeter, the Purple Haze ube latte with homemade syrup is highly recommended. Roasting their organic robusta beans from Vietnam using old-school phin filters, Coffeeholic House provides a nutty, rich, and authentically flavorful experience with every sip.
Cozy Atmosphere and Specialty Drinks
Pilgrim Coffeehouse is a well-known North Seattle favorite. Starting as a food truck, it has now expanded to include a permanent brick-and-mortar shop. The cozy atmosphere of this coffeehouse is perfect for escaping the hustle and bustle of the city. With its wooden decor and tiled floors, Pilgrim Coffeehouse offers signature blends, specialty coffees, freshly made pastries, sandwiches, and even seasonal drinks like Black Walnut and Pumpkin Spiced Lattes. It also provides an opportunity to book the original food truck for events. Whether you are looking for a place to relax or a spot to get some work done, Pilgrim Coffeehouse’s inviting atmosphere is sure to leave you feeling content.
Caffe Ladro: An Impressive Seattle Empire
Caffe Ladro is an impressive Seattle empire, with 18 branches throughout the city. It first began as a tiny cafe in Upper Queen Anne, but soon became a popular spot for customers looking for delicious in-house roasted coffees, fresh bakes, and one of the best espressos around. Their zucchini bread has become known as the breakfast of dreams!
Favorite Coffee Shops in Seattle
Since 1988, Espresso Vivace has been a staple in Seattle’s coffee scene and continues to be one of the best coffee shops in the city. Founded by David Schomer, the espresso is always sharp and fresh, and they offer a range of single-origin and espresso blends for customers to take home. If you are looking for a stronger cup of coffee, this is the perfect spot. Lighthouse, which has been around since 1993, offers bold dark roast coffee with an old-school cast iron roaster that creates a strong flavor. Black Coffee NW is another great option with its mission to provide youth programs in barista and leadership training, as well as cutely-named drinks like Melanin Mocha and Supa’Fly Chai. Lastly, Lula Coffee Co. in West Seattle offers colorful drinks with funky toppings and delicious baked goods and sandwiches. With so many terrific options, it is no wonder that these coffee shops remain some of the best in Seattle.
Exploring Seattle’s Delicious Desserts and Coffee
Seattle is renowned for its abundance of delicious desserts, many of which come with a side of coffee. Visitors can explore the city’s offerings to find the best treats and drinks that are sure to satiate their cravings.
The coffee culture in Seattle is vibrant and non-stop growing. Every corner holds different information that never stops turning. Whether it’s Onda Origins’ outstanding commitment to fairness and sustainability or Boon Boona’s ability to delight customers with Eritrean dark roast jebena coffees, you can expect to find variety coexisting in harmony. From downtown cafes like Herkimer Marymoor to Capitol Hill locations boasting top Washington roaster ingredients, the range of specialty coffee shops across the greater Seattle area will unquestionably satisfy any craving one may have for a quality cup of joe.
