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}

Serendipity Cafe

The Basics:

206-282-9866
Serendipity Cafe

Where is it?
3222 West McGraw Street
Seattle, WA 98199

When are they open?
Mon-Thur: 7am - 8pm
Fri: 7am- 9pm
Sat: 7am - 8pm
Sun: 7am - 3pm

Is there parking?
2-hour back in angle parking, plus street parking--pretty easy to find.

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

What's the price range?
The cheapest thing I saw in terms of coffee was a single espresso for $1.75; a 12 oz. latte is $2.85, and the Steel Magnolia that I got was $3.35, all plus tax.

The Experience:

On this particular trip, the coffee was so-so, but on previous trips I have been more impressed. I ordered one of their signature drinks, the Steel Magnolia, which is a mix of hazelnut, espresso, milk, and white coffee. For those unacquainted with white coffee, it has a more tea-like taste slightly reminiscent of yerba mate; when mixed with hazelnut and espresso, it creates a unique and rich taste sensation that I have never tasted elsewhere. However, this time the drink was watery and weak, and the coffee itself is nothing special.

It's worth noting that Serendipity offers a full menu besides coffee, as well as gelato, and their food is exceptional. The food is a bit pricey, but it's what would be expected from a high-end bistro, with prices that reach the $10 range for a lunch entree.

I visited Serendipity around 1:30 on a Saturday, and they were busy! This cafe is uniquely geared for Magnolia, and serves full meals as well, so it caters especially to the brunch crowd with children; I would imagine it would slow down around 6pm or so, when parents start heading home to put their kids to bed.

On this visit, we decided to bypass the direct coffee route and chose instead to sit down and order. Due to the business, we were quickly motioned over to an empty table in the back; from then, service was good enough, but nothing special. It took a while to get our menus, then our waters, and after our food came, our waters were frequently refilled, but overall the staff was incredibly slow in getting to our table. While we were in no particular hurry, so it didn't matter, I wouldn't recommend trying Serendipity unless you have some time to kill.

Serendipity's strong suit is definitely its atmosphere--it finds the perfect middle ground between family-friendly neighborhood cafe and high-class bistro. For those who know Magnolia, it fits the stereotypical Magnolia family to a "t"!

As the pictures show, Serendipity has fantastically eccentric and urban furnishings, yet sitting there, you feel like you're in a neighborhood meeting-place, not a bistro downtown. There's plenty of seating, and a good-sized partially closed-off nook dedicated to kids, complete with chalkboard walls and a large playhouse. Overall, Serendipity is adorable, and definitely worth the experience of going.

{Review by Bekah}

Chocolate Box

The Basics

206-443-3900
Chocolate Box

Where is it?
108 Pine Street
Seattle WA 98101

When are they open?
Spring Hours:
Sunday: 8 am to 7 pm
Monday-Thursday: 10 am to 7 pm
Friday-Saturday: 8 am to 9 pm

Is there parking?
Street parking right in front of the shop and downtown garages

Is there wi-fi?
I think so....

What is the price range?
Their 8 oz. latte is $2.60. In general, prices go from $1.90 (Espresso) to 4.25 (Tuxedo Mocha).

Experience

The coffee is really sweet and chocolaty. We got a White Mocha $3.75 + tax, one of the house favorites. The strong taste of chocolate overpowered a little the taste of coffee, but since we love chocolate and sweet drinks, it was perfect for us!
Their signature drinks are all hot chocolates with real whipped cream, in which you can add a multitude of flavours such as peanut butter, orange cardamom, salted caramel, flavored marshmallow, etc...for just $0.60. They also introduced a special iced white chai for warm days.
The baristas were extremely nice and helpful. One of them even offered to bring our coffee to our table!

The Chocolate Box is a lively, modern and energetic place. The store is really spacious and bright, with the shop's colors being mainly white and brown. The modern style is seen through their chairs', tables' and lamps' cool designs. They have small glass or silver tables and bigger white ones. There is plenty of seating as there is a large table in the back and several smaller ones facing the street at the front of the shop. The seating is not the most comfortable as most
chairs are hard plastic, however their designs make up for it!


Half of the store is specifically dedicated to selling chocolate with hundreds of flavors (like bacon :) ), while the other half sells ice cream, cookies and coffee. This place is a paradise for chocolate lovers, but should be avoided by those who want to stay away from temptations!

While we were there, they had jazzy music playing. They also had opened their front windows which allowed us to benefit from the ambiance of the store while enjoying the good weather and the liveliness of the street.

This place is good for homework if you do not mind the busyness of the street, but it is even better to get together with (a) friend(s). It is also perfect for a break from touring the streets of Seattle.

We went at night but it can be enjoyed at any time of the day. The possibility of sitting outside and the choice of ice cream make it the perfect place for a sunny afternoon. Moreover, most people just come and go which prevents the shop from getting crowded and adds to the liveliness. While we were there, two families came in to eat ice cream and the children did not seem to be a problem at all. There is room for a little rough housing, but you will have to watch their hands since the shop is full of chocolate and sweets...

(Review by Alexandra)

The Rumors are True--free Coffee day at Starbucks!

This is not a promotion, but more of a public service announcement--for today only, if you go to a Starbucks with your own mug or tumbler, you can have free brewed coffee or iced coffee! All opinions about Starbucks aside, free coffee is free coffee. Enjoy!

Fonte -- Coffee Roaster and Wine Bar

The Basics
Fonte
888-783-6683

Where is it?
1321 1st Avenue
Seattle, WA 98101

When are they open?
Weekday: 6 am - 9 pm
Weekend: 7 am -10 pm

Is there parking?
Limited street parking and downtown parking garages.

Is there wi-fi?
Yes, they have free wi-fi, as well as a flat screen TV!!

What is the price range?
For 10 oz coffees, prices go from 1.75 to 2.85 dollars (plus taxes). Their signature drinks as well as their latte are 2.85 dollars each.

The Experience

We ordered two of their signature drinks: their Bronwen's Turkish Latte (which has a hint of vanilla) and their Melissa's Lusty Latte (cinnamon scented). I would recommend their coffee to people who dislike the sweet "Starbucks-like" drinks and enjoy the bitter taste of coffee mixed with other subtle aromas. Personally, I preferred the Turkish Latte which was sweeter and less bitter.

The service is really appropriate to the setting and atmosphere: discrete but attentive. In fact, this coffee shop is not a place to go do homework, but is more suited for a romantic evening or a private business discussion. It stands out as a high-class and intimate place. The lighting, music and decoration all contribute to the sophisticated and peaceful ambiance (the darker lighting fooled us into thinking the shop was closed). On each table, you will find candles, pink flowers floating in a dark blue dish, as well as a leather-bound menu. The walls are decorated with black and white illustrations of coffee brewing. The combination of modern and old styles contribute to giving the store a classy touch.

There is a lot of choice in terms of seating, giving you the possibility to either be alone or in a group. The seating is comfortable, and you can choose between lounge chairs, normal chairs and wall seats.

The best time to go is probably in the evening, which would bring out the relaxing atmosphere even more.

I would not recommend taking kids there, as there is no room for running around or playing and many things can break.

(Review by Alexandra)

Caffe Ladro -- Espresso Bar & Bakery

The Basics:

206-282-5313
Caffe Ladro

Where is it?
2205 Queen Anne Ave. N.
Seattle, WA

When are they open?
Everyday: 5:30 a.m. - 11:00 p.m.

Is there parking?
Yes, there is street parking in the front along Queen Anne Avenue and a few parking spots in the back behind the shop.


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

What's the price range?
At $1.75, tall americano is one of the cheapest options besides a cup of brewed coffee. A 12 oz. latte is $2.25, plus tax.

The Experience:
I ordered a hazelnut latte, hoping it would not be too sweet as a hazelnut latte often is. It was not too sweet, in fact, I could barely taste the hazelnut. The coffee's complex taste was certainly prevalent, but the espresso was quite bitter--too bitter for my liking. Also, a slight hint of burned espresso surprised me. The friendly barista seemed to take pride in her foam art display, and the presentation was wonderful as always.

In 2007, Caffe Ladro was voted Best Coffeehouse in Seattle's Weekly Reader's Poll and has been serving only Fair Trade, Organic & Shade Grown Coffee since 2002. Caffe Ladro's unique, artsy atmosphere gives it a character that not many coffeeshops possess. I visited the upper Queen Anne location, and discovered that it was the original Caffe Ladro location. It boasts a variety of unique art pieces that are available for purchase through an art service, and art may also be displayed or purchased at all other locations.

There were about a half-dozen people seated in the warmly decorated coffeeshop at the unique tables of a conglomerate mix of colorful stones. This particular location is fairly small, providing seating for a maximum of about 20 inside. There are comfortable chairs along the outside front wall that are made of 100% recycled milk cartons, and a small covered deck in the back features two large granite tables with nicely-crafted wood picnic benches for seating right by the backdoor parking.

I visited the coffeeshop early on a Sunday afternoon, and it was not too busy by any means. When I arrived only one person was in front of me. It A few students sat studying with laptops open, and two businessmen enjoyed conversation over a cup of coffee. The music was slightly louder than I would expect from a coffeeshop, perhaps making it difficult for those who have come to work or study, but it could still be considered "background" music as conversation is easily heard over it. The music was also very appropriate for the environment, even perhaps adding to the genuine coffeeshop feel.

Overall, I was I admit unimpressed with the very bitter taste of Caffe Ladro's espresso, but the environment was very warm and welcoming. I enjoyed the music selection, but the ambient noise level was slightly too loud for those who have come for an environment in which they may concentrate on work. However, I definitely recommend this location as an escape from a bustly Seattle day or as a place to meet a friend for conversation.

{Review by Maisie}

Allann Bros. Coffee -- The Beanery

The Basics:

541-342-3378
5th Street Beanery

Where is it?
152 W. 5th St.
Eugene, OR

When are they open?
Mon-Sat: 6:00pm - 11:00pm
Sun: 7:00pm - 11:00pm

Is there parking?
Yes, limited 2-hour parking in the parking lot, plus street parking.

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

What's the price range?
The cheapest item I saw was a single Espresso or Americano for $1.80; a 12 oz. latte was $2.35. And since it's Oregon, no tax!

The Experience
Allan Bros. is generally considered to be Eugene's premier coffee supplier, and today, at least, it lived up to its reputation. I ordered an iced almond Americano, and discovered that, while they don't have 12 oz. iced cups, they don't charge extra for the 16 oz. with a single shot. My drink was the perfect blend of almond and coffee flavor, without tasting too watered down, even with just the one shot in the 16 oz. cup. The coffee itself wasn't bitter, and while it wasn't quite dark-roasted enough for my taste, the superior quality of the beans came through in the final taste.

I visited the 5th. Street Beanery around 2:00 pm, and with a few people in line, service was adequately quick--nothing too exceptional, but not so slow you'd notice, unless you were looking for it. Probably as a result of the hour, most people getting coffee were staying and chatting, so speed of service wasn't exactly a keystone issue. As a result of this particular Beanery's location downtown, too, this is definitely a sit-and-stay coffee shop.

So far as atmosphere goes, it's important to note that the Beanery is a chain--albeit a small one--and this review concerns only the 5th Street location in Eugene. This location has an interesting amalgamation of old-time farmer's market and modern hipster coffee shop; everything is made of weathered wood which give the place a very genuine feel.

I would not recommend the Beanery if you need a quiet place to read, do homework, or have an important conversation: while I was there, at least, the atmosphere was jovial, but with joviality necessarily comes a great deal of noise. My phone rang twice while I was getting coffee, and I couldn't hear it at all, despite the fact that the volume was set to high. Unless you're someone like me who likes to have a great deal of background noise to fully focus, I'd consider this primarily a social, rather than working, coffee shop.

This is not my favorite Eugene coffee shop, but it is definitely up there if you need quality espresso and a fun atmosphere.

{Review by Bekah}

El Diablo Coffee Company

The Basics:

206-285-0693
El Diablo Coffee

Where is it?
1811 Queen Anne Avenue North, #101
Seattle, WA

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



When are they open?
Mon-Thur: 5:30am - 10:00pm
Fri: 5:30am - 11:00pm
Sat: 6:30am - 11:00pm
Sun: 6:30am - 10:00pm

Is there parking?
Yes, 2-hour limit angle back-in street parking on Queen Anne Ave.

What's the price range?
The cheapest coffee option I saw was the Cafe Cubano at $2.10; a medium Cafe con Leche (comparable to a latte) is $3.35, plus tax.

The Experience:
The coffee is excellent; I ordered the Cafe Cubano, their signature mixture of espresso and caramelized sugar, and enjoyed the sweet-yet-bold taste combination which embodies this coffee shop's vibe. The drink was sweeter than I expected, but had the bitter and fruity tang you would expect from quality espresso.

I visited El Diablo mid-morning, around 9:45, and while there were a few people in line (three, myself included), service was very quick--much better than I expected in terms of an early-morning crowd. The people I was in line with left with their coffee, but I decided to stick around for a while and check out the atmosphere.

There were a few people in the eccentric and well-decorated sitting area, some reading and others chatting quietly with friends. The main part of the shop has five tables, plus around 12 seats set up at tall cafe tables and counter tops, and three little alcoves of plush chairs and couches, including one dubbed the "Love Grotto," which is decked out with images of angelic figures. There is also a covered patio out back with a few more chairs and tables; these would be lovely in warmer weather, butI opted to stay inside, out of the chilly April weather.

For atmosphere, El Diablo has a distinctly Latin vibe, complete with a menu full of Spanish coffee names, a cold-case stocked with Mexican soda, and colorful murals all over the walls. As you can see in the picture, this coffee shop has a lot of character, and in fact a lot of characters, as demons and angels tempt you from the wall to "eat more dessert" or "drink more coffee." Even the tabletops are adorned with various colorful paintings of devils and fantastical creatures such as mermaids, all of which seem more tongue-in-cheek than truly frightening, although small children may disagree.

When I was there, the music was quiet enough to be considered background noise, but El Diablo does sometimes host performers, and when this happens there are no guarantees as to volume level.

Overall, El Diablo impressed me with it's uniquely yummy signature drink, free wi-fi, and fun atmosphere. I understand now the buzz I've heard surrounding this quirky coffee shop; in many ways it is an ideal stop for a few free minutes of reading or chatting with a friend. Because of the difficulties of parking there in busy Queen Anne traffic, though--word to the wise, don't approach from the downtown side of Queen Anne Ave--I wouldn't necessarily recommend it as an in-and-out coffee stop.

But if you have a minute to enjoy it, El Diablo delivers a devilishly good Latin coffee experience.

{Review by Bekah}

Welcome!

On this blog, you will find reviews of Seattle and other area coffee shops. We are Seattle-dwellers ourselves, but will try to mix it up and report on coffee around the country and the world, according to our experiences. We have tasted the coffee of many continents, and hope to taste more in the future!

We know that, in Seattle, your coffee choices are wide open. Every coffee shop is not created equal; each has a unique personality that may or may not jive with what you want. We hope that our reviews help you find exactly what you're looking for in a coffee shop--whether that's the ideal study spot, or a "third place" to catch up with friends. After all, who has the time to try out new places? At Seattle Coffee Snob, we'll do the leg work for you, so you can have more time for sipping.

To keep it simple, we've compiled a list of what we'll be investigating for you in our reviews. The Basics we'll keep short and to-the-point, but you can expect a few more details in the Experience section.

The Basics:

Where is it?

When are they open?

Is there parking?

Is there wi-fi?

What's the price range?

The Experience:

How's the coffee?

How's the service?

How's the atmosphere?

What is their signature/featured drink?

Is there enough seating?

How comfortable is the seating?

When's the best time to go?

Is it kid friendly?