Seattle Coffee Shops

While visiting Seattle, you'll notice the rich aroma of coffee wafting through the air and the quick step of caffeinated Seattleites who spend an average of $400 per a person on coffee every month. As you walk along the streets, you'll notice more coffee houses than could possibly be necessary. (Seattle boasts 10 times more coffee shops per 100,000 residents than the United States averages overall). You'll love learning the lingo and relaxing in one of the unique and tasty Seattle coffee shops. Bring a book or go to hear some live music—these comforting java houses have it all.

Along with rain and Microsoft, coffee immediately comes to mind when people think of Seattle. With over 15,000 locations worldwide, Starbucks has brought a piece of the unique Seattle coffee culture to the rest of the world. Few people realize though that Seattle coffee shops offer far more than the generic Starbucks; they're a central to the local culture and community. The entire city of Seattle thrives on coffee. In fact, a recent study found that the Seattle sewer water had elevated levels of caffeine.

Most locals love coffee and visit their favorite coffee houses regularly. Whether they grab a cup to go on the way to work or set aside time on the weekend to cuddle up with a book in a comfy, coffee shop chair, Seattleites make visiting the local coffee shop a part of each day. While you're in town, set aside some time to visit a shop and partake in Seattle's one-of-a-kind coffee culture.

How to Order

To fit in like a true local, you'll need to learn the lingo behind ordering in Seattle coffee shops. First, decide what type of drink you'd like. (Start with a regular coffee, mocha, latte, etc.). Second, decide what size you'd like. Choose either a small, medium or large cup. (Starbucks has its own system for small (tall), medium (grande) and large (venti)). Third, choose either decaffeinated or caffeinated. Then, decide if you'd like milk (non fat, whole, etc.), cream, half and half, soy milk, or rice dream (a type of rice milk). Finally, decide if you want cream or foam on the top. If you can think of it, most Seattle coffee shops can make it.

If you find it too complicated to ask for 8 things to get a cup of coffee, try some simple Seattle lingo. Order a "Zebra" for a mocha made with half regular chocolate and half white chocolate. Ask for a "Why Bother" (decaffeinated espresso with nonfat milk) to have something on the lighter side. If you really need some energy, dare to order a "Quad," a double-double, which consists of four shots of espresso. Probably not the best choice if you plan on sleeping anytime that week. To get your drink to go in a cup with handles, say you'd like your drink "on a leash." If you really want to make someone in the Seattle coffee shops laugh, ask for a small zebra on a leash.

Where to Go

You'll find Seattle coffee shops on every street corner. If you're in a hurry, stop into the nearest shop. Coffee around Seattle is generally very good, and it's hard to go wrong. If you have some more time and really want to explore Seattle coffee shops, visit Victrola, Caffé Vita or Espresso Vivace. Victrola plays fun jazz music and serves up great coffee it roasts itself. Caffé Vita serves exceptional coffee in 5 locations across Seattle and one roasterie. Their espresso and lattes are especially tasty. Espresso Vivace, on Capitol Hill near the Seattle Center, concentrates on making "una bella tazza di caffe," a beautiful cup of coffee. You'll like the designs and spectacular taste of one of the best Seattle coffee shops.

For a historical view of Seattle coffee shops, visit the original Starbucks location at Pike Place, directly across from the Pike Place market complex. Since 1971, this Starbucks location has served locals and tourists alike. Unlike the majority of Starbuck's chain coffee shops, the original Starbucks location still makes drinks without the help of fancy, automated coffee machines. Step inside and taste the original coffee that helped make the Starbucks brand so popular. The wonderful Seattle coffee shops will surprise you!

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