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)