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}