Recommendations for a week in Seattle

#1: Post by **Chuckster** » June 6th, 2015, 7:03 pm

Hi from Denver,

We're headed to Seattle later this summer. Any current recommendations for "don't miss" coffee for a first time visitor?

Thanks,

Chuck

#2: Post by **Marshall** » June 6th, 2015, 7:12 pm

I'm sure you'll get a lot of good recommendations. But I think you will also find it interesting to compare the super-dense micro-ristrettos pioneered by David Schomer at Vivace and the other shops that follow that style on Capitol Hill with the newer shops in other neighborhoods around town that don't.

#3: Post by **Crispy** » June 6th, 2015, 8:22 pm

Don't miss the Starbucks Reserve cafe for the spectacle of it all if nothing else.

June 6th, 2015, 11:20 pm

It is worth a look, then you can cross the street to Victrola for some good coffee.

#5: Post by **Marshall** » June 7th, 2015, 4:59 pm

Ken Davids' review notwithstanding, you will probably enjoy the Starbucks Reserve extravaganza, if you go downstairs, sit at the brew bar, have a discussion with your barista about the kind of roast you want and then choose a (non-espresso) brewing method. It is a very nice coffee experience. The good pizzas on the main level are a bonus.

As for the other shops on Capitol Hill, I like clarity in my espresso and do not favor the very dense micro-ristrettos served up there. Others obviously love them, so YMMV.

June 7th, 2015, 8:35 pm

Thanks for the replies - we're looking forward to our visit. It sounds like a great town for a foodie/ coffee lover!

#7: Post by **pennywise** » August 13th, 2015, 3:30 pm

So, Chuck, have you been to Seattle yet? If you have and you're willing to share, I'd love to read your thoughts on what interesting cafes you visited and also about your Seattle espresso experiences in general.
Thanks!

August 13th, 2015, 9:03 pm

Hi Barbara,

Shortly after posting this we had a change in plans and are heading to the Bay Area and Napa for a week instead of the Seattle trip. I'm hoping for great coffee in SF. We really want to make the Seattle trip soon!
Chuck

#9: Post by **pennywise** » August 13th, 2015, 9:16 pm

I've never been to Napa, but I love the San Francisco area. I'm sure you'll find a lot of interesting cafes there -- maybe just not as many espresso-specific ones as there are in Seattle, though.

Have a great time, Chuck! Take care!
Barbara

#10: Post by **TomC** » August 13th, 2015, 9:49 pm

Chuckster wrote:Hi Barbara,

Shortly after posting this we had a change in plans and are heading to the Bay Area and Napa for a week instead of the Seattle trip. I'm hoping for great coffee in SF. We really want to make the Seattle trip soon!
Chuck

Stanza in the Mission for anything pour over (the best in the city by a wide margin), Linea Caffe for cappuccino done very well (also in the Mission). Some of the big name places are more about being a "coffee scene" versus serving delicious coffee (something many of them haven't done for a very long time). If you head out towards the Outer Sunset, Andytown has a great small cafe vibe with very attentive, friendly baristas and probably the best freshly baked goods you can find. If its a hot day, definitely give their Snowy Plover a try. It's not one to miss.

Old school, head to North Beach and see the cafe that started it ALL; Cafe Trieste.