Seattle is known for many things, including its beautiful views, great coffee, and of course, rain. Coffee culture is alive and well in Seattle. The city is a hotbed of caffeine-infused fun, from the coffee shops to the roasters. Whether you're looking for a quick cup of joe or an afternoon spent drinking espresso, there are plenty of places to get your fix. There are many great coffee shops in Seattle, but here are some of the best.
The Atlantic Cafe (Downtown)
The Atlantic Cafe has become the de facto meeting place for Downtown workers on their way out for lunch or dinner, but it also makes for a great spot to stop and refuel before heading back to work or class. And although there's always a line at the counter, it's worth the wait because their iced lattes are strong enough to keep you up throughout the day (in a good way).
Monorail Espresso
Monorail Espresso is located on 2nd and Pike Street in downtown Seattle. This location is popular with tourists and locals because it's close to major attractions like Pike Place Market and The Space Needle. You can't miss Monorail Espresso if you're looking for it; there's always a line out the door! This shop offers local roasters such as Caffe Vita, Sightglass Coffee Roasters, and Slate Coffee Roasters. They also have food items like pastries, sandwiches, salads, and more!
Espresso Vivace (Belltown)
Vivace is one of the best places in town for espresso drinks and drips coffee. They don't have an official policy prohibiting refills, but they limit them to two per customer every hour — which means that if you get there early enough in the morning (or late enough at night), you could probably score three cups of coffee. They're one of the most delicious cups you can get in Seattle, with the right amount of sugar and cream.
Starbucks (Downtown)
It's hard to beat the convenience of having a Starbucks on every corner — but if you're looking for an iced latte that doesn't taste as if it came out of a plastic bottle, this isn't your place. If you're just looking for a quick fix before heading into work or class, though, their espresso drinks are strong enough to keep you up throughout the day in a good way.
Café Ladro -
This is my favorite spot for getting my second cup of coffee in Seattle because it has two locations within walking distance from my house. They have great pastries and espresso drinks, plus they have free WiFi! The only downside is that they have limited seating available, so if you're planning on sitting down with your laptop or taking advantage of their free WiFi, this might not be your first choice.
Victrola Coffee Roasters
Victrola is one of my favorite places to grab a cup of brew. The space is sleek, with plenty of natural light and simple decor. There's also a great selection of baked goods from local bakeries like Mighty-O Donuts and Salumi Artisan Cured Meats. If you're looking for somewhere to hang out with friends, this is the place!
Zoka Coffee Roasters
Zoka is another excellent choice for quality coffee in Seattle. They have two locations: one in Wallingford and one in Ballard (which I reviewed here). If you're looking for a spot to study or work on your laptop, Zoka has free WiFi and plenty of outlets to keep your electronics charged up while you work or study away!
Conclusion
Seattle has a lot of coffee shops, so it's no surprise that there are some incredible alternatives to Starbucks. We've picked twelve spots with great coffee, great customer service, and amazing food. If you're looking for a breakfast restaurant near your home or place of work, then this detailed list can help you get started. And if you're strolling along a neighborhood with no good options for the second cup of Joe, don't despair: check out the map at the top of this list to find one nearby.