Ten Coffee Hot Spots Across Seattle

Victrola Coffee Roasters – 3215 Beacon Hill South
Victrola, which got its start in Capitol Hill in 2000, must be doing something right. It was acquired seven years later by Lynnwood-based Vibe Coffee Group, owners of Whidbey Coffee – the same year, Victrola opened a second location on East Pike Street’s Auto Row. And in 2009, Victrola expanded to Beacon Hill, giving the blossoming neighborhood a fun place to hang out and enjoy uniquely roasted beans from around the world. On select Fridays around 11am, Victrola holds free, public cuppings – a chance for coffee snobs (you know who you are!) to sniff and slurp fresh-ground and -brewed coffee.

Joe Bar Café – 810 East Roy Street
I always loved the stone exterior and homey feel of this Cap Hill mainstay. Started in 1997, Joe Bar isn’t your typical coffee shop. It offers crepes, adult beverages, art and, most importantly, a sense of community. This is one of the few places where the people matter more than the coffee. And, frankly, that should mean something to us as Seattleites. I just wish the venerable Harvard Exit Theatre was still showing films across the street!

Empire Café and Roastery – 3829 South Edmonds Street
In Columbia City for more than a decade, Empire Café has been known beyond its French press and AeroPress methods of brewing roasted beans. It’s home to cashew milk made daily in the shop from cashews, date syrup, vanilla, water and a bit of salt. The café is on two floors – including a play area for kids – and an outdoor patio when the weather is nice. The kitchen serves a variety of sweet waffles and sandwiches for anytime. A special experience.

Seattle Coffee Works – 108 Pine Street
Noted Bizarre Foods’ host and world traveler Andrew Zimmern visited the original Seattle Coffee Works on Pike Street and simply fell in love with the bean-to-brew process and attention to detail. Recently moved one block north to Pine Street (at a former cupcake shop), Seattle Coffee Works is one of the temples of local coffee experiences – preached and poured for its many fans. Established in 2006, this is a serious coffee purveyor. It is more like a higher power of coffee-drinking enjoyment. Check out the website and its guidelines to brewing a perfect cup. Then see it first hand – or try one of its other Coffee Works locations by different names in Ballard, Capitol Hill and Cascade/South Lake Union.

Storyville Coffee – 94 Pike Street
When you think coffee and Seattle originals, you instantly point to the first Starbucks on Pike Place next to the market. But locals actually think of Storyville in a grand, mid-century wooded space on the top floor of the Corner Market building, just feet from the original ‘Bucks. Storyville offers sensational coffee in a social, civilized, seated hub with picturesque views above the market. No touristy, long lines like those other guys. Grab a cup of your favorite beverage – or try something new – and enjoy one of the comfy seats to soak it all in. Other locations in downtown, Queen Anne and a roasting studio on Bainbridge Island.

Caffe Vita Coffee Roasting Co. – 813 5^th Avenue North
There are coffee and coffee shops … and then there is Caffe Vita – named one of the top 10 places “to get the best coffee in America.” Do you really need more convincing? This coffee empire has 10 locations across the country (the largest contingent from our list), including six in its flagship city of Seattle and three roasting facilities for its hundreds of wholesale customers across the States. Started in Queen Anne in 1995, Caffe Vita helped pioneer the Farm Direct movement, now importing beans from 11 countries and roasting them in each shop. These folks are serious about their product, with a coffee educator and brand representative on staff. Seattle locations include its now-flagship location in Cap Hill, as well as Fremont, Phinney Ridge, Pioneer Square and Seward Park.

Zoka Coffee – 351 Boren Avenue North
Zoka brings a living room feel to its cozy shops. Born in 1996, this Seattle-based roaster/café business sources 90% of its beans directly from farms in Central and South America. Award-winning baristas produce a sensational cup of coffee, lattes and more – selling beans both retail and wholesale. Zoka believes in giving back to community – toward schools and health care in the areas that grow the beans. Shop locations also in Green Lake (its flagship), University Village and Kirkland.

Café Allegro – 4214 University Way Northeast (entrance in back alley)
One of the true originals, Café Allegro has poured coffee to thousands in the UDistrict for some 45 years. It is the quintessential university-fueled coffee shop and self-proclaimed oldest espresso bar in the city. The old-school alley access and two-story hangout make is secretive and special. One location only.

Realfine Coffee – 4480 Fauntleroy Way Southwest
What I enjoy about Seattle is its creative use of disused buildings. Realfine is housed in a former auto-repair shop where West Seattle and its famous bridge of the same name meet. Quaint, with a couple of long tables, Realfine offers a quick coffee break or an Americano to go. Seattle Met gave the business a Top 25 rating as Best Seattle Coffee Shop in 2016. Plus, there is a popular barber shop in the old garage. A sister coffee shop is located on Capitol Hill.

Tougo Coffee Co. – 860 Yesler Way
Tougo believes local should mean “more than just our neighborhood.” It takes a global approach with connections to direct-trade bean farmers in several countries. What differentiates it from other shops is the many methods – including siphon pot brewing – to produce a tasty cup of coffee in a neighborly location. [Since the pandemic, Tougo has shut its shops in Seattle Convention Center and the Central District – at least for now.]