Often referred to as the “Coffee Capital of the World,” Seattle has a staggering 843 coffee shops per capita. In addition to serving up a caffeine fix, they also double as social clubs, places to study, and temporary offices where people can work remotely.
While the coffee landscape is dominated by many big chains such as Starbucks and Tully’s, it’s the smaller, locally-owned and operated chains that offer a unique atmosphere and some of the best coffee you’ll ever taste.
As a Seattle realtor, I value what independent coffee shops bring to our city. The relaxed, hip culture of our coffee shops help make our urban village authentically Seattle. What could be more “Seattle” than coffee?
Whether you’re looking for a warm place to get out of the rain, study, or just want to sit back and people watch, here are my top five favorite Seattle Coffee shops.
Cafe Racer
If you’re looking for a coffee bar with lots of character, then check out Cafe Racer. It has a very laid back, come as you are, kind of atmosphere. The drip coffee is on point, and their varied menu serves up breakfast, brunch, and kid’s meals—including several vegetarian options.
What really sets this coffee bar ahead and apart from the rest of the pack is its official OBAMA museum. That’s the: Official Bad Art Museum (of) Art.
Once inside, you’ll bear witness to some of the worst art ever created by humankind. From the painting of Elvis in a Conquistador outfit to the woman looking quizzically as a live lobster on her dining room table tries to speak in sign language, this is a great place to get a cup of joe and a few chuckles.
Location: 5828 Roosevelt Way NE, Seattle, WA 98105.
WIFI: Yes.
Inside and Outside Seating: Both.
Yelp Rating: 4/5 Stars.
Porchlight Coffee & Records
Porchlight Coffee & Records has been a Capitol Hill staple since opening its doors for business in 2009. They are a down-to-earth specialty coffee shop that also happens to sell new and used vinyl records. The small leather couches and clean wood furniture beckon you to stay for a few as you work on your laptop or people watch.
In addition to serving Herkimer Coffee, they also have a decent selection of beer, pastries, and tea. Porchlight is also one of the few coffee shops in this area that offer vegan cream cheese for their bagels. If you’re looking for a non-pretentious place to have a cuppa and hear some tunes, then head on down to Porchlight Coffee & Records.
Location: 1517 14th Ave, Seattle.
WIFI: Yes.
Inside and Outside Seating: Both.
Yelp Rating: 4/5 Stars.
Fremont Coffee Company
Fremont Coffee Company is located inside a very old house situated in a quaint neighborhood. The first thing you’ll notice when you arrive is the antique porch with people sitting on wicker chairs as they thoughtfully sip their coffee.
As you turn the rickety metal antique doorknob and the 90-year old wooden front door swings open, you suddenly realize that you’re inside an actual historic house that’s been converted into a coffee shop.
Fremont Coffee features artisan-roasted Fair Trade and organic coffees alongside tasty sandwiches and healthy salads. Inside, you’ll find a pleasant, friendly atmosphere with knowledgeable and personable baristas. It’s a great place to get some remote work done as seating, Wi-Fi, and electrical outlets are plentiful.
Location: 459 N 36th St Seattle, WA 98103.
WIFI: Yes.
Inside and Outside Seating: Both.
Yelp Rating: 4/5 Stars.
Tougo Coffee Co.
Tougo Coffee Co. is one of the older and least-pretentious coffee shops in Seattle. It’s where you go when your palate demands perfection from your latte or coffee. Brian, the owner, has put his heart and soul into this beautiful neighborhood coffee shop, and it shows.
Everything here is perfect—from the interior décor to the selection of non-intrusive coffeeshop music. If you’re looking to grind out that last-minute school report or need a quiet place to host your weekly client conference call, there’s no better coffee shop than Tougo.
Location: 1410 18th Ave, Seattle, WA 98122.
WIFI: Yes.
Inside and Outside Seating: Inside.
Yelp Rating: 4.5/5 Stars.
Fulcrum Café
If your taste buds demand the latest and greatest in caffeinated offerings, look no further than Fulcrum Café. They feature sustainable coffees from around the world that focus on direct relationships with the producers. Fulcrum practices what it preaches, and that’s evident in the unique roasts they serve, such as beans from the Yunnan province of China.
There is a very open and European-esque vibe here, with clean lines and light wood gracing both the bar and the tables. The windows are large and let in ample light, perfect for reading a book, or having a conversation. If you’re not sure what to order, the knowledgeable and friendly baristas will ask you a few questions before they offer their recommendations. Fulcrum Café is one of the best coffee-forward shops Seattle has to offer!
Location: 590 Bell St, Seattle, WA 98121.
WIFI: Yes.
Inside and Outside Seating: Inside.
Yelp Rating: 4.5/5 Stars.
Best Coffee Shops—and Best Realtor in Seattle
As a Seattle Realtor, the local community is very important to me. No matter what Seattle neighborhood you’re in, I feel that it’s important to patronize and support the independent coffee shops that make this city so unique and amazing.
While this small list only encompasses five of the hundreds of coffee shops in Seattle, it might lead you to discover your next favorite place to hang out, relax, and enjoy some of the finest coffee in the Pacific Northwest.
