It’s been just over a half century since Starbucks revolutionized the way much of the world brews and enjoys coffee. Seattle’s embrace of premium java has only grown over time as Espresso Vivace, Caffè Umbria, Caffe Vita, and Victrola have all joined the city’s roasting royalty. And plenty of newer players have developed their own passionate followings. Here are eight delightful indie coffeehouses to try right now.
By Naomi Tomky
Hello Em Việt Coffee and Roastery
Courtesy hello em
Tucked inside the Little Saigon community center, this airy and art-filled cafe roasts exceptional Vietnamese beans with innovative touches, like rich egg cloud toppings (made of yolks and condensed milk). Try the pressed bánh mìs. 1227 S Weller St; facebook.com/helloemcoffee
Fulcrum Cafe
At this lively, urbane Belltown beanery with soaring walls and modern blondewood seating, delicious drinks with surprising flavors—cream of pistachio, sitka spruce—are brewed with beans from rarer sources, such as China and Myanmar. Fuel up in the morning with a strawberry–jasmine rose granola bowl. 590 Bell St; fulcrumcoffee.com
Nos Nos Coffee House
Shelves lined with lush potted greenery and gorgeous teardrop lamps hang above the brightly tiled counter of this cheerful, light-filled corner café specializing in Moroccan-spiced lattes and teas, along with exquisite sandwiches packed with North African flavors. 6080 35th Ave SW; nosnoscoffee.com
Monorail Espresso
The walk-up coffee stand is a quintessential Seattle site. And there is none older—or more famous—than Monorail Espresso, named for its original location back in 1980. Now located near Pacific Place, Westlake Center, and Nordstrom, the pedestrian-friendly setup remains a popular pit stop for morning commuters, shoppers, and out-of-towners jonesing for a quick, classic cup of joe. 510 Pike St; monorailespresso.com
Valentina’s Café
Inspired by Mexico City’s stylish cafes, this long and narrow brick-walled Ballard space is warmed by Edison bulbs and acclaimed for the single-origin coffees it serves from a Oaxacan cooperative. Try the habanero mocha made with stone-ground Mexican chocolate, and a slice of tres leches cake. 5405 Leary Ave NW; valentinascafe.com
Milstead & Co.
One of the central hubs for local coffee nerds, Milstead & Co. operates as a multiroaster, meaning the diverse, rotating coffee menu includes beans from local roasters and others all over the country. Drop in for a bright and juicy Ethiopian espresso, taste the difference of coffee brewed with an Aeropress, and walk away with some single-origin beans to brew back home. 770 N 34th St; milsteadandco.com
Caffe Vita
With six Seattle locations, Caffe Vita is one of the city’s most recognizable chains: just look for the black-and-white masked Punchinello. Vita roasts its selection of coffees, like the full-bodied Caffe Del Sol espresso blend, right in the heart of Capitol Hill. Try a refreshing cold brew, or order a creamy macchiato to cozy up with in winter. 1005 E Pike St; caffevita.com
Elm Coffee Roasters
One of the newer additions to the microroaster scene, Elm strives to move the coffee shop experience from the cozy cafe to more of a craft coffee bar. Pull up a stool at the counter, and try an espresso tonic followed by a fresh brew, all roasted on site. With its beautiful, minimalistic wood and marble interior in the Pioneer Square neighborhood, Elm’s popularity with coffee connoisseurs continues to grow. 240 Second Ave S, Ste 103; elmcoffeeroasters.com
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