Good Seattle Area Coffee Houses

[3ternal]

Out of your experiences, what coffee houses have truly stood out in atmosphere, quality, consistancy, and service in the Seattle area? In my experience having gone through a good 10-15 coffee houses in the area, Cafe Umbria and Zeitgeist Coffee have truly stood out. Good experienced staff, and a nice amount of Latte art. All-City coffee does have a great drip though. What are your opinions?

 

[John P]

Vivace (either the Roasteria or the new location by the REI), Victrola, Zoka, and Lighthouse.

 

[3ternal]

I've been looking everywhere for Vivaci but just can't find it, I've heard good things about it. Zoka's ok 8)

 

[KennyMike]

I would love to hear more opinions about Zoka...
I'm looking at pairing up with them as my roaster...
I met them at the Dallas Fresh Cup Road Show...
And have been to their 2 day barista training class there in Seattle...
So far...
I like what they have to offer...

Kenny

 

[latinboy1976]

Taste wise I'd go with either Zoka which has yummy drip and espresso or Vivace. I'd stay away from Victrola. I've been there twice and have been unimpressed with service and coffee. Although they do have the ambiance down which is nice but some place doesn't have all three down forget it.

 

[3ternal]

Seriously, I really want to check it out but just can't find Vivaci! Sucks

 

[CCafe]

You should have Googled it. It was the first link at the top of the page.

http://www.espressovivace.com/retail.html

Now you map it! :grin:

 

[La Crema Coffee]

Try The NW JAVA drive thru in Mount Vernon. You'll be surprised by the friendly well trained staff, and very fresh roast coffee.

 

[Coffee Guy]

Vivace is in Capital Hill off Broadway across the street from Jack in the Box and the Post Office. Say hi to David if he's there. Very good coffee and very knowledgeable staff

 

[bmusse]

yeah, vivace is awesome its on the hill(capital) probably the most easy to find as long as you know where capital hill is. i think they just opened a new shop too, haven''t been there though.

 

[John P]

From our recent trip:

http://aikibarista.blogspot.com/2007/07 ... et-up.html

 

[Coffee Guy]

Hey JP:

I read your article. Nice :lol: . Have you every had an opportunity to visit any of the independent drive thru espresso places? I would be interested in getting your take on those as well. Not to mention having some photos too.

 

[John P]

No real interest in any drive thru espresso. You can't get a proper cappuccino, or an espresso or a macchiatto... why the hell would I waste my time?

 

[Coffee Guy]

Well I beg to differ :shock: If you went to the right place they may change your mind. True enough you might not be able to sit and enjoy the pictures on the wall and sip your drink with your pinky sticking out, but I know of a place where this drive thru will give some of the sit downs a run for their money

 

[John P]

Giving "the sit downs a run for their money" doesn't mean much, most sit downs serve swill.
So it depends who you're comparing it to.

The problem with drive thru, is their focus is speed, efficiency, volume and while many do take the time to learn how to pull an excellent shot, their focus is not on the coffee. The result of the drive thru is:

1) people who are going somewhere, whether it's driving or walking are focused on going somewhere, there focus is not on the coffee, they are not there to enjoy that cup of coffee, latte, etc. They are there to enjoy a cup of coffee, latte, what-have-you.

2) The tiny hole in the plastic lid does not allow for the aromatics to come through and that is a vital part of the taste of the coffee, as much taste begins with smell.

3) The tiny hole does not allow for the coffee to properly coat your tongue, it only comes out in a tiny flow pattern as compared to the larger, wider pattern from a proper ceramic cup.

4) The paper adds a slight off taste and you lose a majority of the mouthfeel you would have had given the same drink in a ceramic cup.

5) Drive thru not capable of serving espresso, macchiatto, con panna, or cappuccino--and that's those are the drinks that reflect your quality. It's easy to try to hide mistakes inside a latte, but an espresso never lies.

6) You can't sit and enjoy your drink.

7) There's no love in a paper cup.