Why go to Starbucks when you could have a unique coffee experience at a local cafe that Seattleites love?

Feeling overwhelmed by all the coffee shops in Seattle?

Chances are, you can throw a stone and hit a cafe that has good coffee no matter where you are in Seattle. We take our coffee very seriously here. (Possibly because the caffeine helps balance out the lack of sun on those gray winter days.)

Since the options can be overwhelming, we asked local Seattleites for their recommendations for the best coffee shops in Seattle. The Seattle coffee shops that were mentioned with the most frequency and passion were included in this handy guide for your convenience! You can’t go wrong with any of these cafes.

Recommended Articles

Here are the best coffee shops in Seattle according to locals:

1. Espresso Vivace, Capitol Hill & SLU

Espresso Vivace was mentioned the most as Seattleites’ favorite coffee shop. They know their coffee here: the founder and owner David Schomer is actually credited with the start of the latte art craze in the US! We were bummed to see their Capitol Hill sidewalk cafe shut down earlier this year, but happily they still have two locations open. Locals said they especially like going here for their espresso and their hemp milk.

: 532 Broadway E (Capitol Hill): 227 Yale Ave N (SLU)

2. Caffe Ladro, multiple locations

It’s a good thing that Caffe Ladro has so many locations because Seattleites can’t get enough. One local shared: “The one on Union St. [ed. note: the Downtown location] the person there during the mid afternoons makes the best almond milk latte I’ve ever had. it’s so good I literally have to ask every-time after my first drink, this is almond milk right? Like it tastes so damn thick and yummy like a normal milk latte! They’re magic I swear!”

: South Lake Union, Downtown, Ravenna, Bellevue, Kirkland, Lynnwood, and Issaquah

3. Herkimer Coffee, multiple locations

Seattleites love the coffee, pastries, and friendly vibe at Herkimer Coffee. The Phinney Ridge location is the most popular for its cozy vibes.

: Phinney Ridge, Ravenna, Dexter Ave, 4th & Blanchard

4. Monorail Espresso, multiple locations

If you’ve ever walked around downtown Seattle, chances are you’ve walked past the Monorail Espresso window and its posted list of prices for answering common tourist questions (“Where is Pike Place?” will cost you $1 while “Where is Pike’s Place?” will cost $2). If you get the chance to try one, don’t sleep on their scones.

: Pike St., Westlake Ave., Columbia Tower, and 4th Ave.

5. Sound & Fog, West Seattle

In addition to selling coffee, wine, and beer, Sound & Fog has wine nights every Thursday through Saturday from 4:00 to 8:00 p.m. Here’s why one Seattleite loves it: “Their selection of wines, handmade ceramics, and single origin chocolates delights my heart. Also their coffee is perfect every time.”

: 4735 40th Ave SW

6. Overcast Coffee Company, Capitol Hill

In addition to its smaller 15 Ave E location, Overcast Coffee has a larger location on E Union that is connected to the Metier Seattle bike shop. They also offer Macrina Bakery pastries and Metier Brewing craft beer.

: 312 15th Ave E and 1017 E Union St

7. Aroom Coffee, Fremont

Aroom is a Vietnamese coffee shop in Fremont that Seattleites love for the chic, minimalist aesthetic and the creative, visually-pleasing drinks. In addition to traditional Vietnamese coffee drinks such as ca phe trung (egg coffee) they also serve tea, non-caffeinated drinks, and small bites like sticky rice.

: 3801 Stone Way N Suite C

8. Bequest Coffee Co, Capitol Hill

One Seattleite goes there “for the vibes and the most delicious espresso.”

: 2200 E Madison St

9. Anchorhead Coffee, multiple locations

“The guy at Anchorhead in Amazon Frontier who makes my lattes is a legend of the highest order.”

: Pike Place Market, Downtown, Capitol Hill, and Bellevue

10. Diva Espresso, multiple locations

One local shared some insight into the various locations: “If you’re looking for a place to work, the one on 105th and Greenwood is a nice open space with an outdoor deck… The Kenmore location has big tables, quiet rooms, comfy chairs, and a fireplace!”

: Greenwood, Wallingford, Highlands, Broadview, Harborview, Downtown, and Kenmore

Bonus: Honorable mentions

Here are a few more Seattle coffee shops that were recommended by locals almost as frequently as the ones on the list above: