Top Ten Coffee Shops in Seattle

Espresso Vivace Roasteria

901 East Denny Way
206.860.5869

Constantly lauded with praise as the premier coffee shop of Seattle and elsewhere, Vivace consistently lives up to the hype. The beans are roasted on site, next door to the cozy, Capitol Hill digs. The coffee is elegantly brewed and classically presented for one of the more authentic latte experiences in the city. A downtown shop was recently opened.

Victrola Coffee

310 East Pike OR 411 15th Ave E
206.325.6520

The Victrola family has recently expanded and now has a location on East Pike and Bellevue to come along side it's sister on 15th Street. Both located in Capitol Hill, Victrola combines Seattle Coffee and it's vintage style. It won't take much time for this new addition to be embraced into the Seattle coffee house family too.

Bauhaus

301 E Pine St
206.625.1600

No one knew coffee houses like this existed in the US. On top of Capitol Hill, Bauhaus’ low-lit ambiance with towering windows and equally towering book shelves is the perfect place to spend hours working or people watching. Ding-dongs, the classic American junk food, are also sold here.

Fuel Coffee

The three Fuel Coffee spots in Capitol Hill, Montlake and Walingford are places where everyone knows your name. People keep coming back for the friendly staff, the strong Coffee Vita roasts and the monthly art classes and art shows.

Mr. Spots Chai House

5463 Leary Ave NW
206.297.2424

If you are looking for something to do, Mr. Spots Chai House in Ballard will have an open mic night, a screen-printing class, or an enlightening time with Reverend Betty to fill your time. For a shot of amaretto with your chai, check out the happy hour.

Java Bean

5819 24th Ave NW
206.788.9677

Like a lot of fine Seattle institutions, Java Bean is always packed with students, college professors, first dates and early risers. The wood stove and mountain décor creates a homey ambience that is comforting and warm on Seattle’s rainy days. Also check out their West Seattle location.

Icon Coffee - Caffe Vita

4301 Fremont Ave N
206.632.3535

There has not been a token coffee house to replace Still Life Café until now. Icon Coffee is the latest coffee house to infiltrate Fremont. With a bar along its many windows and plenty of light, this is the ideal place to get real work done and sip strong Café Vita coffee. While the word still spreads about the amount of electrical outlets here and free Wi-Fi, Icon Coffee is sure to develop into one of Seattle’s irreplaceable coffee houses.

Zeitgeist

71 S Jackson St
206.583.0497

The definition of “Zeitgeist” is “the spirit of the time,” (dictionary.com) which is exactly what Zeitgeist Coffee is aiming to do in the coffee world.  The selection of different teas and pastries, such as lavender shortbread, and the warm open space contributes to their mission to be “a place for the exchange of ideas and a meeting place for the community.”  Zeitgeist Coffee is a great example of how Seattle coffee houses take pride in the art of making coffee and contributing to the local community.

Cafe Solstice

4116 University Way NE
206.675.0850

Every student that needs a caffeine pick-me-up and place with big tables to spread out their books goes to Cafe Solstice. Because it’s a ways down the Ave and lacks a prominent sign, the storefront is easy to miss. With outside seating in the front and back and barstools next to the chatty baristas, options abound. Plus, if it’s a bit late for coffee, there’s beer.

Zoka Coffee Roaster and Tea Company

2200 N 56th St
206.545.4277

Zoka's decor of rich wood paneling, warn leather couches and hearty kitchen tables is the perfect prescription to take one out of a rainy Seattle day and into the warmth of a buzzing Seattle community staple. People stay warm with the uniquely roasted coffee and fine teas of Zoka and the selection of grilled paninis and rich desserts. Also check out the University District store.