Hello again!

Hello everyone! This is Bekah, the brand-new all-the-time lone blogmaster for SeattleCoffeeSnob. You've likely noticed that nothing has been posted on here since May 2010, and the reason for that is simple: this blog started as a class project, and the class ended.

But now, with the full blessing of the blog's other two co-founders, Maisie and Alex, I would like to reintroduce this blog to the land of the living!

Here are a few notes about the new-and-improved SeattleCoffeeSnob, coming in January:

1.) Unless otherwise noted, from this point forward I will be the only one blogging.

2.) I am, however, open to guest reviews! Just shoot me an email and I'll see what I can do.

Similarly...

3.) If you know of a coffee shop that needs to be reviewed, send me the name and address, so I can hit it up! I know there are thousands of coffee shops in the Seattle area alone--and I'd love to visit them, but can't if I don't know they exist.

4.) This blog will veer away now from solely offering reviews, and will also contain articles on other coffee-related issues or personal coffee exploits--more fun to read, and more fun for me to write!

So that's it for now! Please comment on this and/or vote in the poll above to give me my next marching orders for the new year.

Cheers!
Bekah

Starbucks Coffee Company: Comparing Locations around Seattle

Everybody knows Starbucks; it is the largest coffee company in the world with over 17,000 stores in 49 different countries. Some love it for its consistency, others despise it for its ever-presence. Some enjoy Starbucks coffee, and others do not. But, if you are a Starbucks-lover, or are looking for a Seattle Starbucks location for a particular occasion, this post is for you. I will not review the coffee as much as a few of the locations around Seattle, since Starbucks coffee is remarkably consistent at nearly every location. Also, Starbucks policy for wi-fi is a simple process, but it may not seem so. All you must do is have a Starbucks gift card, register it online, and continue to use it at least once a month. It really is quite simple if you find yourself wanting internet use at their locations and visit it at least every few weeks.

First, the original Starbucks at Pike Place Market in downtown Seattle is a destination coffeeshop for many. This location is often if not usually overflowing with people, even though its size and exterior are quote modest. There is no seating provided really, and parking can be quite difficult, as it really is tucked right in the heart of Pike Place Market. Street parking, of course, is available at surrounding blocks. This being said, I do recommend this location for a quick drop-in visit/experience. It is not a place to stick around or socialize; it is definitely a "to go" or "in-and-out" coffee location. There are numerous other Starbucks locations just blocks away for a quieter, less bustly place to socialize, study, or read.

There is a Starbucks location just 5 minutes' drive away in lower Queen Anne at 519 Queen Anne Ave. that I recommend more for a study atmosphere. There is a large long table with four chairs and electric power strips, perfect for connecting personal computer devices, etc. When I study at this Starbucks location, I most often see business interviews, social meetings, or business people getting coffee to go before work or during lunch. Aside from that seating, two large comfy chairs, one larger round table, and several other small tables make up the rest of available seating.

A drive-thru Starbucks is conveniently located in Lake Union at 1200 Westlake Ave. in the AGC office building shared with the restaurant McCormick & Shmicks. It is the only drive-thru Starbucks I have come across in the area.

A larger Starbucks location on the top of Queen Anne at 2135 Queen Anne Ave. boasts a neat friendly atmosphere, perfect for those looking to socialize or study alone or with friends, and it is kid friendly! The music is usually a bit louder, but it could still be considered background music. This location, however, is usually quite crowded, but the service is always exceptionally fast. Numerous tables and chairs and conveniently located power outlets make it an ideal coffeeshop study location. There are also four comfy chairs in the back of the shop, as well as a little table-and-chairs set for children right next to a bookshelf full of children's books! Because of this, this Queen Anne location is the perfect spot for families. Also, it is just a short 15 minute walk from Seattle Pacific University, so often it is filled with studying college students.

Another location at 3415 Fremont Ave. is just a 15 minute walk from Seattle Pacific University in the other direction in Fremont. This location appears more modest from the exterior but is surprisingly large with a fair amount of seating available. During the early afternoon, which would usually be some of the busier hours for the Upper Queen Anne location, this Fremont location is fairly quiet. College students are not as often studying at this location, but I have found it perfect for just that. The music is usually fairly quiet. I highly recommend this location for reading, meetings with friends for coffee, and for studying.

{Review by Maisie}

Fremont Coffee Company

The Basics:

(206) 632-3633

Fremont Coffee Company

Where is it?

459 North 36th Street
Seattle, WA 98103

When are they open?

Monday-Friday: 6 a.m.-9 p.m.

Saturday: 7 a.m.-9 p.m.

Sunday: 7 a.m.-8 p.m.

Is there parking?

Yes! There is quite a bit of street parking conveniently located right in front.

Is there wi-fi?

Yes, and it's free!

What is the price range?

A tall latte comes with two shots of espresso and is $3.00. I tried their 12 oz. Morning Glory chai tea latte for $2.80.

The Experience:

Fremont Coffee Company is a coffeeshop located in the neighborhood of Fremont in Seattle. It offers a fine selection of hand-roasted, single-origin, and estate coffees from around the world. In addition to this, it offers a full homemade menu of specialty sodas, beer, wine, sandwiches, quiche, and desserts. Local visual artists are featered every month. It is also conveniently located for those who attend the Fremont Sunday Market.

The coffeeshop has uniquely been established in the historic La Roche House in Fremont, so the atmosphere of is quite unique. There are several rooms with tables and chairs at which customers may sit and converse or bring work. The atmosphere was very quiet and peaceful, which was surprising to me given the time of day and the amount of customers present. Most had brought with them a book to read or a laptop to work or study; very little conversation was heard, but it would be a great place for friends to meet and socialize.

The interior is beautifully decorated with old tables and wood chairs in each of the rooms. The dark earthy red and brown-colored walls appeared tattered and torn which emphasized the old, historic home feel. The granite countertops at the entrance were an odd clash with this more rustic, old times atmosphere, but it still contributed to the neat juxtaposition of an old historic home and a modern, yet rustic, coffeeshop.

I tried their morning glory chai tea latte and was delighted at the perfect combination of spicy and sweet. My friend ordered their latte and was pleasantly surprised at the unique complexity of its taste. The taste of the espresso was milder and not as pronounced as expected, but still it was good quality espresso.

I highly recommend Fremont Coffee Company as a coffeeshop atmosphere experience. It's environment is so unique, and I will certainly revisit it when I am in Fremont for the Sunday Market.

{Review by Maisie}

Seattle's Best Coffee

The Basics

206-467-7700
Seattle's Best

Where is it?

In the Post Alley in Pike's Place Market!

When are they open?
During normal market hours.

Is there parking?

Not really, the alley does not allow cars, the only solution is downtown street parking and garages.

Is there wi-fi?

Yes! there is free wi-fi!

What's the price range?

A classic latte is $2.55. Their cheapest drink is the Brewed Coffee ($1.55), and their most expensive one is the Cold Brewed White Orange Bliss ($3.55).

The Experience

The coffee was really good. We got two signature drinks which were the Cold Brewed White Orange Bliss Mocha and the Cold Brewed White Orange Bliss Latte. Both drinks were rich and flavorful. As suggested in their title, they had a strong taste of chocolate and a hint of orange. As you might expect the Mocha was a lot sweeter than the Latte.

The baristas were two young guys who were really helpful and friendly. One even mistakenly gave us a medium size drink when we had paid for a small one :)

I expected to find a place resembling Starbucks, as Seattle's Best Coffee is a major chain of coffee shops. However, the atmosphere was really different. First the shop is situated in a really cute and quaint alley, which gives it a unique charm. Second, the shop gave us the impression of being an old-fashioned diners restaurant. The whole shop was bright red, with red tiles, walls and chairs.

In terms of seating, it is possible to sit at the main bar, at the window bar from which you can view the alley, or at the tables. The chairs are patted and really comfortable! Moreover, depending on where you sit, you get a completely different perspective and ambiance (we actually switched around :) ). It is a little difficult to come as a group because if you are more than 4 you will not be able to find a place to sit together. However, there is public seating in the alley where you can gather in larger groups to enjoy your coffee under a metal arch covered with vines.

We went a little late as they were closing...however, when we first got in the shop it was still full and a group of girl friends were chatting in the middle. I think that the best time to go is probably right after lunch or in the afternoon to refuel as you explore Pike's Place.

It is definitely kid friendly (the bright colors will probably amuse them). Plus they offer a few bakery snacks that they (or you) might be interested in... It is also spacious, and contains little to break. Moreover, since it is not the most sophisticated shop, kids running around will not disturb the ambiance, and could maybe even add to it!!

(Review by Alexandra)

Zoka Coffee Roasters and Tea Company -- Greenlake

The Basics:

206-545-4277
Zoka Coffee

Where is it?
2200 N. 56th Street
Seattle, WA

When are they open?
Every day: 6:00am - 10:00pm

Is there parking?
On the street for free, no limits! Usually plenty, even when it's busy.

Is there wi-fi?
Yes, and it's free!

What's the price range?
On the more expensive side for coffee; the cheapest drink is $2.50 for an espresso, 8 oz. americano, or a cup of tea. A 12 oz. latte starts at $3.50, but when you add flavor and tax, the total ends up closer to $5.

The Experience:

Zoka has long been one of my favorite coffee shops. Its coffee quality is second-to-none, its baristas are well-trained, and its atmosphere is unbeatable. I had forgotten, however, how expensive it is.

For this review, it is worth noting that I refer only to the Zoka in Greenlake; Zoka has been expanding in previous years and also has locations in the University district, Kirkland, and in (of all places) Japan.

Zoka's strongest point has always been their coffee. On this visit, I ordered a hazelnut latte, and though I was shocked at how expensive it was--it had been a while since I'd visited, and they have raised their prices--the drink itself was worth it. Zoka roasts its own coffee beans, and their espresso roast is dark and fruity, which when mixed with expertly prepared foamed milk (with foam art on the top, none the less), creates perfection in a cup. My one complaint about Zoka's drinks in the past has been temperature, as they tend to be a bit cool for my taste.

When I visited, around noon on a Saturday, Zoka was extremely busy; I was able to snag a seat, but it was not without some quick moving and a watchful eye. This tends to be a problem, especially at the Greenlake location, but it is beatable with a little patience and a little knowledge: by the time I left, around 3, the place had tolerably emptied out and there were plenty of seats to be had.

The atmosphere is split between social gatherings of friends, business associates, and young families, and young adults and college students taking advantage of the free wi-fi. If you're lucky enough to get a seat along one of the edges of the room at Zoka, there are ample plug-ins for a computer cord; in many ways, Zoka is a studier's haven. The music is relatively quiet, but typically has an edge to it, rather than something softer like jazz. However, the 50-50 split of studiers and talkers could be distracting if you really need to focus, so I recommend headphones.

The service was relatively quick considering how busy they were; I got my drink in about 5 minutes.

Zoka is an excellent 'third place' and study area, if you don't need silence and do need wi-fi. It's growing pretty rapidly now, and seems to be modeling itself after Starbucks, which means its original touches are slowly eroding away; when I first visited Zoka they had a signature orange-cinnamon (I think?) drink which has long since disappeared from their menu, as has their erstwhile enormous flavor collection. Expect for more homogenization to follow.

But at this point at least, Zoka still has the feel of a community gathering place that Starbucks has lost, and beyond that a very high quality of coffee, both in their espresso drinks and in their wholesale coffee beans, which are the best I have ever tasted. Zoka is going somewhere big, and it's worth checking out before it gets there, if only so you can tell your kids someday that you tried Zoka when its coffee was still good, and it wasn't on every street corner! Look out, Starbucks: for now, Zoka has you beat.

{Post by Bekah}

Monorail Espresso

The Basics

Where is it?
520 Pike Street, Seattle WA 98101 (right next to Banana Republic)

When are they open?
Weekdays: 6 am - 6 pm
Weekends: 9 am - 5 pm

Is there parking?
Not really, unless you can find a spot on the street...

Is there wi-fi?
Nope

What is the price range?
An 8 oz. Latte is 2.75 dollars. In general, prices for 8 oz. drinks go from $1.75 (Espresso) to $3.25 (White Mocha).

The Experience


Monorail Espresso has been "serving it up since 1980" and you can tell!!! Their coffee is amazing! We chose a simple Mocha but it was probably better than at anywhere else (Thanks Benji for the adress). Not too sweet, but not too bitter, it reminded me of the coffee we drink in France! It did not have the "burnt" taste that some coffees have and blended in the chocolate taste perfectly!

Their choice was more limited than in places like Starbucks or Tully's, but proposed interesting drinks such as the Frango Mint Mocha, the Creamsicle, or their Italian soda. We will have to go back to tell you more about those drinks! Other than that, they had warm drinks (coffee or tea) as well as cold drinks (Iced mocha, Iced Chai...), which makes the shop good for all seasons of the year!

Monorail Espresso is nothing like a traditional coffee shop where you can sit down and enjoy your coffee while doing homework or catching up with a friend. It is a window-like shop on the street comparable to a fancy coffee stand. You buy and you go. The dark interior, the design of the shop, as well as the black paint gives it an old-fashioned look. You could compare it to some European shops. I could definitely see it in one of the narrow streets of Paris!

Even though there is the possibility to sit down, there are only two small tables and a few chairs, and you are literally sitting on the sidewalk. People walk around everywhere, and you are right next to cars. Personally, I did not really enjoy this part of the experience, since I like to sit down in a cozy and warm place...(the rain probably didn't help, since it started raining right when we sat down). I might have had a different point of view if it had been sunny...However, this is the perfect place if you are in a hurry and need a little boost of energy! In fact, a lot of the clients we saw were bike messengers and probably local workers.

The best time to go would probably be in the early morning when the city is still quiet, on your way to work or to shop!! They offer a choice of cookies and other baked goodies that you might find delightful to accompany your coffee.

The barista was really friendly and relatively fast, but you have to remember that they only accept cash!!! The only thing I would reproach is that it is a little pricy for the quantity that you get, knowing that the shop does not offer a warm setting. The seating is not very comfortable as it is all in metal (which can get really cold, especially when it rains)...

Kids can go there as there is nothing to break or mess around with. However, I would not recommend leaving them unattended as there are many dangers (street cars, crowded street...).

(Review by Alexandra)

Seattle Coffee Works: Coffee House, Coffee Tasting, Roastery

The Basics:

206-340-8867
Seattle Coffee Works

Where is it?
107 Pike Street
Seattle, WA
98101


When are they open?
Monday-Friday: 7 a.m. - 6 p.m.
Saturday: 8 a.m. - 6 p.m.
Sunday 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.

Is there parking?
Well, it is right next to Pike Place Market in downtown Seattle, so parking is usually pretty scarce. But, there is downtown garage parking and some street parking.

Is there wi-fi?
Yes, and it's free!

What's the price range?
A short latte is $2.25, but every drink has two shots of espresso! They have a selection of blended drinks that are mostly between $5.00 and $6.00, which seem expensive, but they look delicious!

The Experience:
Not even three years old, Seattle Coffee Works roasts its own coffee in a roastery adjacent to the cafe! The cafe and roastery are located right next to Pike Place Market and serve to present the freshest coffee for sale. Often, the oldest coffee one may purchase from Seattle Coffee Works was actually roasted that very same day! For mail customers, they even roast to order.

They pride themselves not on speed or quantity, but on their quality. Their coffee house has the usual "express lane" where customers may order the usual espresso drinks and coffee made with a press pot. It also, however, presents a "Slow Bar" or "Tasting Room" where coffee tasting is offered as an experience with a variety of coffee-making equipment and a large selection of single-origin coffees. You can even create your own cup of coffee by combining your choice of their single-origin coffees and different blending techniques! If you find yourself curious and interested in tasting a variety of coffee selections, exploring different methods of extracting coffee flavor, or even just discovering the process behind a cup of coffee, visit Seattle Coffee works, and the extraordinarily friendly and knowledgeable baristas will provide you with the coffee experience. No reservations are required for the "Slow Bar" and it is open during all regular hours, but one is encouraged to come outside of the 8:00 a.m. - 10:00 a.m. morning rush.
I ordered a tall latte with no flavor added because I wanted to experience their espresso flavor specifically. It was not bitter, and it was not as complex as I expected. It was fairly neutral, as esspresso goes, but definitely satisfies my standards for a latte. My only complaint was the temperature; it was not as hot as I tend to like it or even expect it, but then again, I usually order my hot beverages extra hot.

The indoor seating proposes a fairly wide variety of options. A small section of comfortable chairs encourages group seating or comfy seating for two. A long built-in wood bench that runs along the wall provides seating for many with tables and a chair or two on the other side of the table. This would be a good spot for those coffee drinkers who like to bring a lap top or other work with them to a coffee shop. Also, a few private tables in the corners provide a comfortable spot for a small, quiet meeting. A small fenced patio offers outdoor seating, where one may sit and enjoy observing Seattle's downtown spectacle, Pike Place Market.

The atmosphere at Pike Place Market is usually quite lively and bustly, but the feel within the walls of Seattle Coffee Works was somehow very relaxing and laid-back amidst the many coffee-drinkers who had decided to stay and enjoy their drinks in the cafe. I would certainly consider the music to be background music, as it was fairly quiet amidst the subtle bustle of the Seattle coffee shop. It seems to be the perfect, warm, comfortable nook in the heart of downtown Seattle where coffee lovers may learn much about coffee in a unique experience, come to study, come to converse, or even come for that quick, in-and-out latte.

{Post by Maisie}