Making a list of the best coffee shops in Seattle, WA is both easy and hard. It’s easy because Seattle is one of the best cities in the world for coffee. It’s hard because there are just so many good ones, it’s hard to decide which are the best.
However, there are some Seattle coffee shops that rise above the rest once you evaluate places based on their beans, coffee drink creativity, ambiance, and set up for getting work done. If you’re wondering which came out on top, read on to discover the best coffee shops in Seattle.
27 Best Coffee Shops in Seattle, WA
Save this to Pinterest for later, as I’ll add more places as I find them.
Ghost Note Coffee
website | 1623 Bellevue Ave | neighborhood: Capitol Hill | best for: coffee treated like a cocktail
Christos and Lee opened this cozy coffee shop in a quiet part of Capitol Hill. It’s got a locals-only vibe, which adds to its charm.
As you enter you’ll find a cute retail area selling coffee from Broadcast Coffee, their house roaster, and a rotating-list of fan faves like Kuma Coffee. You’ll also find a cute retail section with grab-and-go coffee drinks, chocolates, bitters, and non-alcoholic (NA) spirits.
Wondering why bitters and NA-spirits? Therein lies what makes Ghost Note special. Not only are they a great spot for an excellent cup of your everyday coffee, but they also make really creative drinks using items bartenders often put in cocktails. But none of their drinks have a drop of alcohol in it.
Instead Christos makes syrups by hand and concocts drinks with an alchemy-like flair pairing coffee, bitters, herbs, etc. I didn’t even know there are as many NA-spirit brands as there are, but he’s sourced some truly interesting ones. Plus most drinks are vegan, so anyone can enjoy them.
If it’s available during the holidays, get the Naima with espresso, cookie butter, NA-amaretto, and spiced cookie crumble. It tastes like Christmas in a cup. Alternatively, the Lush Life is a popular year-round drink that has a refreshing and floral-like quality thanks to the marriage of espresso, orange blossom honey, and almond milk. Whatever you choose, know nothing will be too sweet or artificial tasting, but rather balanced like your fave craft cocktai
Onda Origins
website | 5600 Rainier Ave S | neighborhood: Hillman City | best for: craft-roasted Seattle brews
Onda Origins makes some of my favorite coffee in Seattle, and they just so happen to have a charming coffee shop. The vibe is bright yet cozy, making it the perfect pitstop after waiting in line for The Flour Box doughnuts. Besides roasting excellent coffee, Onda also shares an impressive profit with their growers…about 12 times more than Fair Trade standards.
Seattle Coffee Works
website | neighborhoods: Ballard, SLU, Downtown | best for: single-origin coffee
If you want to skip the queues at the Original Starbucks, Seattle Coffee Works is a great place to check out since its downtown location is just up the street from Pike Place Market. These Seattle-based coffee shops have a modern feel, but are still quaint and cozy enough for settling down with a good book. They sell a selection of cold brews, but I suggest buying a bag of their Sunrise Blend or Sumatra Koetintji Barokah if you love hints of rose, vanilla, and rhubarb.
Boon Boona Coffee
website | neighborhood: First Hill, U-District, (inside The University Bookstore), and Renton | best for: African blends
This Black-owned coffee shop got its start in Renton, but it became so popular that it expanded to Seattle. Their focus is on African coffees, particularly those grown by women.
The owners wanted to bring their Eritrean roots to Seattle, which centers on the coffee ceremony East African people use to prepare their daily fix. You can experience this ceremony at Boon Boona’s Renton location, which involves pan roasting raw coffee beans and brewing them in a clay pot known as a jebena. Or you can enjoy their excellent coffee on drip, which ranges from floral and fruity to bold and chocolatey.
Herkimer
website | neighborhoods: Greenwood, U-District, Westlake, Downtown | best for: international blends
Herkimer Coffee has been rocking the Seattle coffee scene since 2003 and has that classic neighborhood feel. They’re known as one the most sustainable coffee shops in Seattle, as they source their coffee directly from producers and make sure everyone along the supply chain is paid fairly. To make things even sweeter, they roast everything daily for some of the freshest coffee in town.
Elm Coffee Roaster
website | 240 2nd Ave S | neighborhood: Pioneer Square | best for: a minimalist atmosphere
This bright and airy coffee roaster feels clean and minimalistic, but has an air of coziness thanks to the exposed brick and huge windows that flood light into the main seating area. Plus it has good Wi-Fi, so you’ll always see people working here.
What I love most about this spot is the in-house roasting and bags of beans that you can take home. All beans come directly from coffee farmers around the world, and the Colombia Jonathan Caicedo is my all-time favorite single-origin blend.
Victrola
website | neighborhoods: North Capitol Hill, Capitol Hill, Downtown, Beacon Hill | best for: watching the roasting process
Victrola Café and Roastery has an industrial vibe that somehow feels contemporary and kitsch at the same time. There are currently four locations in Seattle, but my favorite will always be the one on Pike Street in Capitol Hill for its signature buzz.
The staff here is amazing and they’re always around to run you through the roasting process for their single-origin coffees and signature blends. In fact, I did a coffee cupping event with them once and was left speechless at how knowledgeable they are about coffee. They take tasting seriously and try hundreds of cups of coffee each week to make sure their technique remains up to scratch.
Analog Coffee
website | 235 Summit Ave E | neighborhood: Capitol Hill | best for: a range of blends from local roasters
Analog Coffee is one of the best coffee shops in Seattle, WA because it’s such a hidden gem. This tiny spot is located on a quiet residential corner of Capitol Hill. From the vinyl HiFi in the corner to the muted décor, it fits right in.
They source beans from the best coffee roasters around Washington. This includes Herkimer, Stamp Act, and my beloved Camber in Bellingham. They don’t have tons of signature drinks, as they focus on just making a mean cup of classic coffee. Bt their house-made vanilla syrup is worth squirting into any of their cold brews.
Milstead and Co.
website | 754 N 34th St | neighborhood: Fremont | best for: impeccably-sourced PNW beans
Milstead and Co. brings heavenly coffee to Fremont and is the perfect spot for a caffeine fix after visiting the Fremont Troll. I’ve always appreciated the bright lighting and spacious feel of this place, but it’s the rotating list of coffee roasters that keeps me coming back. I’ve found blends from Intelligentsia, Coava, and Stumptown out of Portland, just to name a few. However, they’re constantly sourcing beans from different popular roasters to entice coffee fanatics.
Zoka
website | neighborhoods: Greenlake, U-District, South Lake Union, Kirkland | best for: getting work done
Zoka Coffee Roasters is my go-to spot if I have tons of work to do. It’s quiet, the feel is rustic thanks to the wooden décor, and it has plenty of tables to spare so I never feel guilty about spreading out with a few lattes. And don’t worry, you’ll be in great company as local businessfolk and freelancers are usually found tapping away here.
Anchorhead
website | neighborhoods: Capitol Hill, Downtown, Bellevue | best for: a swanky atmosphere
If I’m ever hanging around Capitol Hill or downtown Seattle, I’ll stop by Anchorhead for one of their nitro cold brews and an enormous homemade “quaffle” (waffle and croissant hybrid). Their Pike Place location is a welcome escape from the hustle and bustle of the market, but I prefer the larger premises in Capitol Hill or Bellevue if I’m sticking around for a couple of hours.
There’s plenty of seating here, and the warm lighting, dark wooden décor, and swanky ambiance are ideal for getting some work done. As a proud plant parent, I also love the greenery that’s dotted around the counter area. If you’re here for merch, you can pick up shirts, tumblers, or glass cans. But I honestly recommend grabbing a few pouches of roasted beans to recreate your Seattle experience at home!
Broadcast Coffee
website | neighborhoods: Pioneer Square, Central District, Ravenna | best for: bold medium roasts
Broadcast Coffee was inspired by the owner’s dad who was a radio DJ. They focus on medium roasts, with a few light and dark roasts thrown in. Their Central District location is the best if you want a bite to eat, as it’s located inside Temple Pastries.
Caffe Fiore
website | neighborhoods: Queen Anne & Sunset Hill | best for: Caffe Vita coffee
A lot of Seattle coffee shops have my heart, but Caffe Fiore has always been my personal oasis in Sunset Hill. It doesn’t have a huge online presence, but its coffees, espressos, and oh-so-chewy cookies sell themselves. They primarily serve Caffe Vita coffee. However, they also have specialty blends that you can purchase. I love the slightly romantic vibe you get from the warm lighting and brick walls, so feel free to cozy up with a book.
Preserve and Gather
website | 358 NW 85th St | neighborhood: Greenwood | best for: light bites
Preserve and Gather is a quaint café in Greenwood. I’ll usually head here if I have a free afternoon and want to grab a few java drinks and light meal. I always set out to get one of their toasts, but then my sweet tooth kicks in when I see their gooey chocolate chip cookie.
Java wise you’ll find Conduit Coffee, which is roasted in small batches and always tastes perfectly rich and hearty. They also have an incredible Toddy cold-brew system which creates full-bodied cups of coffee. It’s one of the best coffee shops in Seattle to visit for a quick catchup. However, you should be warned that there’s no Wi-Fi if you’re planning to work!
Coffeeholic House
website | neighborhoods: Columbia City & Greenwood | best for: Vietnamese coffee
Coffeeholic House is one of the best coffee shops in Seattle and it’s incredibly unique. There are two locations in town – one in Greenwood and the OG store in Columbia City. You won’t find many traditional cups of coffee here, as they specialize in Vietnamese drinks made with sweetened condensed milk and egg foam.
The Coffeeholic Dream is their ultimate bestseller; it’s a classic Vietnamese brew served with an indulgent and velvety layer of salted cheese foam. But if you’re on the hunt for something sweeter, the Purple Haze ube latte with homemade syrup is the way to go.
They also roast their own organic robusta beans from Vietnam using old-school phin filters. So, you’ll get a nutty, rich, and authentic flavor with every sip.
Aroom
website | 3801 Stone Way N | neighborhood: Fremont | best for: rich and flavorful Vietnamese coffees
Aroom is another Vietnamese coffee house serving phin-brewed drinks. The vibe here is minimalist, but stylish. Once you step through the doors, you’ll find orb lights hanging from the ceiling, huge floor-to-ceiling windows, and dark furniture with a contemporary edge. There’s also a decent amount of empty space which gives the place an airy and industrial feel.
And the coffee? It’s great. The Sesame Latte is one of the most interesting coffees I’ve ever tried. It’s nutty and foamy, but not too sweet so as not to be able to taste the coffee.
Cafe Hagen
website | neighborhoods: South Lake Union & Queen Anne | best for: a sip of Scandi happiness
Hagen is all about creating a sense of warmth, comfort, and happiness. And who can argue with that? This modern café is the perfect place for escaping the hustle and bustle of the city. Their obsessed with sourcing high-quality beans, and even have a variety that’s specifically roasted for their café. You’ll find everything from single-origin coffees to cappuccinos and blackcurrant espressos. So, you’ll be spoiled for choice. If the coffee doesn’t appeal (which it will!), they have beer on tap, a bunch of wines, and flaky pastries for a cheeky brunch feast.
Cloud City
website | 8801 Roosevelt Way NE | neighborhood: Maple Leaf | best for: seasonal treats
Cloud City is one of my favorite places to visit whenever I’m in Maple Leaf. The atmosphere is laid-back and the café is usually swarming with locals. I’ll often camp out on the roomy sofas if I’m planning to stay for the afternoon, but you can’t beat the bright spots by the window either.
This café serves a selection of locally roasted specialty coffees, freshly baked pastries, and sandwiches. I also suggest keeping an eye out for their seasonal specials like the Black Walnut and Pumpkin Spiced Lattes which are my guilty pleasures during fall.
Pilgrim Coffeehouse
website | 10002 Aurora Ave N | neighborhood: Northgate | best for: a laidback atmosphere
Pilgrim Coffeehouse is a North Seattle staple. It started as a food truck, but it now has a permanent brick and mortar. You can still book the OG truck for events though!
The coffeehouse has a home-away-from-home feel with slick tiled floors, wooden décor, and a small shopping area for its signature blends. I wouldn’t say it’s great for working because the tables lining the walls where outlets would be are bar top, but it’s fairly large so you wouldn’t disturb anyone if you brought out your laptop.
Caffe Ladro
website | neighborhoods: there are over 18 different locations! | best for: fresh bakes and in-house roasts
Caffe Ladro is one of the most popular coffee shops in Seattle. I mean, it has over 18 branches throughout the city, so it comes as no surprise! This empire started its life as a tiny café in Upper Queen Anne. It was such a smash hit, that it began stealing customers from the Starbucks next door. It doesn’t matter which location you visit either. Each one serves in-house roasted coffees, delicious fresh bakes, and one of the best espressos in the city. And between you and me, the zucchini bread is the breakfast of dreams.
Storyville
website | 94 Pike Street | neighborhood: Downtown | best for: whole bean blends + granola
Forget the original Starbucks. Storyville is the place to be for a great cup of coffee near Pike Place Market. Although I usually stop by Storyville for a grab-and-go coffee, the freshly baked goods and stylish wooden décor is hard to tear yourself away from.
They only source beans from the top 2% of farms in the world and they roast every single bean individually before creating their blends. This Seattle shop is so confident in its coffee that they offer a refund if it’s not love by the third sip.
I suggest grabbing a bag of their whole bean signature blend while you’re here. It’s called Prologue and has a vanilla and dark chocolate flavor. But you should also grab a bag of their Esther Mae’s Granola. It’s baked throughout the week in tiny batches, meaning it’s always perfectly fresh and crunchy.
The Station
website | 1600 S Roberto Maestas Festival St | neighborhood: Beacon Hill | best for: supporting the local community
There are a lot of great coffee shops in Seattle, but The Station is my absolute favorite spot for a brew in Beacon Hill. It’s a Black and Latin-owned hybrid coffee and wine bar that proudly employs POC and LGBTQ+ people from the local community.
The coffee is a huge part of this place’s success, as it serves a bunch of specialty coffees like the Mexican Mocha. But what sets it apart are the festivals, local art displays, and community awareness projects that it runs on the reg. Throw in the cozy atmosphere and it’s easy to see why I can’t get enough of this place.
Espresso Vivace
website | neighborhood: Capitol Hill (3 locations) | best for: espresso
Espresso Vivace has been around since 1988 and continues to be one of the best coffee shops in Seattle. It was founded by David Schomer, who taught all his original baristas how to make the perfect espresso. The espresso is always sharp and fresh, and they sell a range of single-origin and espresso blends to take home. If you like stronger coffee, this is the spot for you.
Lighthouse
website | 400 N 34 St | neighborhood: Fremont | best for: small-batch roasts
Located on a residential street, this coffee shop is a complete hidden gem. Yet it’s been around since 1993 and has a fiercely loyal following.
Lighthouse roasts beans in small batches using an old-school cast-iron roaster ,which creates a gloriously strong flavor. So if you like bold dark roasts, this is the place for you. Given its tiny size and mostly stool seating, this isn’t a place for working, but rather a neighborhood joint full of regulars coming and going.
Black Coffee NW
website | 16743 Aurora Ave N | neighborhood: Central District | best for: aromatic coffees in a supportive environment
Black Coffee NW is entirely Black-owned and offers youth programs in barista and leadership training. If its mission wasn’t enough to convince you to visit, maybe the cutely-named Melanin Mocha and Supa’Fly Chai will push you over the edge.
Lula Coffee Co.
website | 4451 California Ave SW | neighborhood: West Seattle | best for: drive through coffee
Ask anyone in West Seattle where the best coffee shops in Seattle, WA are and Lula Coffee Co. will undoubtedly be on their list. There’s an urban vibe inside, with pop art and colorful couches. However, most people never go inside because this is a popular drive-through coffee stop.
Their focus is colorful drinks with funky toppings. You’ll find peppermint, marshmallows, toffee, and berry syrups put together to create colorful drinks as yummy as they are Instagrammable. There are also baked goods and sandwiches if you’re feeling peckish. It’s the perfect stop when exploring the best restaurants in West Seattle!
More coffee resources
If you need more coffee during your visit, check out my other guides.
