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Name: Café Presse
Address: 1117 12th Ave, Seattle, WA, 98122
Telephone: (206) 709-7674
Price range: Under $11
Rating: 4.08

Café Presse

1117 12th Ave, Seattle, WA, 98122

(206) 709-7674
Store is closed

Café Presse Menu

Petit Dejeuner

Pain et Beurre

Pain au Chocolat à l’ancienne

Amandes à l’espagnole

Yaourt noix et miel

OEufs plats jambon fromage*

OEufs mayonnaise

Assiette de Fromage

Viennoiserie maison

Les Desserts
Le Casse Croûte

Pain et beurre

Viennoiserie maison

Amandes à l’espagnole

Pain au chocolat (à l’ancienne)

Yaourt noix et miel

Sandwich en baguette

Pommes-frites

Olives marines au citron

OEufs mayonnaise

OEufs plats jambon fromage*

Omelette au choix

Poêlon vert aux champignons*

Croque monsieur

Croque madame*

Tourin blanchi

Assiette de fromage
La Charcuterie

Gâteau aux foies de volailles

Rillettes de porc

Assiette de jambon cru

Assiette de charcuterie
Les Salades

Salade verte

Asperge confit de thon oeuf mollet

Courgettes scarole noix de pe
Nos Plats

Petite tartare de boeuf*

Assiettes de crudités

Filet de truite à la meunière aux câpres et au ci

Caille croustillant sa salade aux pommes de terre rôties et au lard fumé

Saucisse à l’agneau et au porc ragoût vert aux haricots blancs

Steak-frites sauce crème au bleu aux échalotes et au thym*

Demi-poulet froid mayonnaise

Poulet rôti selon votre commande et pommes frites
Nos Desserts

Mousse glacée au citron compote à la rhubarbe

Tourteau poitevin et ses pruneaux marinés au Cognac

Gâteau au chocolate glace à la vanille et sauce au caramel

Glace ou sorbet du jour

Glace à la vanille et sa sauce au chocolat
Les Confiseries

Caramels au beurre

Chocolat chaud

Assiette de biscuits sucrés
Vins Desserts

Porto Rocha

Bacalhôa Moscatel de Setubal D.O. Colheita 2004

Les Clos de Paulilles Banyuls

Château Loupiac-Gaudiet

TerraCruda Visciola 2009
Vin Express

Croque apéro

Olives marinées au citron

Rillettes de porc

Asperge noix et œuf mollet

Céleri-rave rémoulade et ses sardines grillées

Petite assiette de fromage
Main

Croque monsieur

Croque madame*

Pommes frites

Olives marinées au citron

Amandes à l’espagnole

Rillettes de porc

Healthy Meal suggestions for Café Presse

Petit Dejeuner

Pain et Beurre [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Pain au Chocolat à l’ancienne [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Amandes à l’espagnole [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Yaourt noix et miel [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

OEufs plats jambon fromage* [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

OEufs mayonnaise [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Assiette de Fromage [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Viennoiserie maison [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Les Desserts [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]
Le Casse Croûte

Pain et beurre [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Viennoiserie maison [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Amandes à l’espagnole [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Pain au chocolat (à l’ancienne) [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Yaourt noix et miel [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Sandwich en baguette [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Pommes-frites [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Olives marines au citron [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

OEufs mayonnaise [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

OEufs plats jambon fromage* [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Omelette au choix [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Poêlon vert aux champignons* [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Croque monsieur [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Croque madame* [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Tourin blanchi [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Assiette de fromage [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]
La Charcuterie

Gâteau aux foies de volailles [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Rillettes de porc [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Assiette de jambon cru [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Assiette de charcuterie [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]
Les Salades

Salade verte [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Asperge confit de thon oeuf mollet [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Courgettes scarole noix de pe [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]
Nos Plats

Petite tartare de boeuf* [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Assiettes de crudités [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Filet de truite à la meunière aux câpres et au ci [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Caille croustillant sa salade aux pommes de terre rôties et au lard fumé [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Saucisse à l’agneau et au porc ragoût vert aux haricots blancs [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Steak-frites sauce crème au bleu aux échalotes et au thym* [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Demi-poulet froid mayonnaise [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Poulet rôti selon votre commande et pommes frites [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]
Nos Desserts

Mousse glacée au citron compote à la rhubarbe [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Tourteau poitevin et ses pruneaux marinés au Cognac [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Gâteau au chocolate glace à la vanille et sauce au caramel [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Glace ou sorbet du jour [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Glace à la vanille et sa sauce au chocolat [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]
Les Confiseries

Caramels au beurre [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Chocolat chaud [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Assiette de biscuits sucrés [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]
Vins Desserts

Porto Rocha [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Bacalhôa Moscatel de Setubal D.O. Colheita 2004 [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Les Clos de Paulilles Banyuls [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Château Loupiac-Gaudiet [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

TerraCruda Visciola 2009 [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]
Vin Express

Croque apéro [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Olives marinées au citron [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Rillettes de porc [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Asperge noix et œuf mollet [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Céleri-rave rémoulade et ses sardines grillées [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Petite assiette de fromage [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]
Main

Croque monsieur [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Croque madame* [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Pommes frites [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Olives marinées au citron [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Amandes à l’espagnole [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Rillettes de porc [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

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Write An Anonymous Review

Kari G.

Very impressed with this tiny unassuming space and its French Bistro food. I walk by here all the time on the way to Stumptown Coffee and have actually, mistaking it for Stumptown, tried to walk right in. I am always bummed when I realize my mistake because it's so adorable with its outdoor seating space and small, warm indoor area. I've been a fan of Le Pichet for a long time now, and while the decor doesn't offer anything new or different (Le Pichet has so much character!), the food more than makes up for it. We came here for happy hour and we definitely left happy! The food was all so reasonably priced -- all for about 5 dollars or less. 5 stars on their cocktails. I got something that my friend was drinking but I have no idea what it was called... It was something like a grapefruit and vodka spritzer that was so refreshing (and dangerous). We got the following: Oeufs mayonnaise I always get the closest thing on a menu to deviled eggs. This dish is so wonderfully French and simple. The oeufs mayonnaise are basically hard boiled eggs served with mayo and cornichons (which seem signature to Cafe Presse and also Le Pichet). The cornichons definitely offset any blandness with the eggs (as the eggs are prepared exactly as I said -- simply, just being hardboiled eggs). Soooo good we ordered more. Pain et beurre I have made my stance clear on simple bread and butter. If a restaurant can't do this right, then they lose all credibility with me. This bread was delicious and tasted house-made and the butter was soft and also doled out in thoughtful proportion. Salade verte It was very buttery and reasonably large pieces of sumptuous bib lettuce adorned with delectably light vinaigrette dressing and hazelnuts. I am a huge fan of vinaigrette dressing done right and in the right proportion (so as not to soak a salad). I literally couldn't get enough of it. So simple, yet so flavorful! Croque apÃ©ro This is basically a fancy grilled cheese sandwich with ham and baked-on cheese. Need I say more?! Petite salade aux fallafels At this point, we were pretty full. The fritters were delicious, but I didn't get to try the salad since I was basically stuffed. All in all, I am really happy I discovered this place! Can't wait to go back and try out some of their other adorable and authentic French dishes! Bravo!
(4)
Cindy T.

Small place with great ambience and outdoor sitting. I was bummed that I had to head out of Seattle so soon otherwise, I would have loved to sit here to enjoy my food and drink. The service was fast and friendly. Will took my food order quickly so I could be on my way. I ordered homemade cookies (assiete de biscuits) and the lentil salad (salade courge de lentil led). Both tasty and perfect snack for my trip out. The squash and lentil paired well with the spinach. The cookies were not overbearingly sweet. Would have been perfect to eat these cookies with tea at the cafe. Also, while I was waiting, the barista Chris gave my friends and I a coffee 101 (I am not a coffee drinker so I don't know much about coffee and rarely enjoy the taste). He made me an iced latte and it was just right. Not too sweet and not bitter. I will be back next time I'm invading the area.
(4)
Becca C.

Great little place for brunch. Super high ceilings and French simplicity ooze through here. Extensive racks of magazines for purchase (it will be added onto your bill). The bartender was extremely nice and was ready with much needed coffee after a late night on the Hill. This was my first croquet madam, so I have nothing to compare it to, but it was a very hearty meal; I like the texture of the bread, the sunny side egg was done to perfection without being super runny, and the Dijon mustard gave it a nice twang. They are known for always having a football match on the telly, and they post the schedule on their site.
(4)
Bruyere C.

Not sure they can do any wrong food-wise here. The pate, soup, the Croque, even the baguette alone pretty much rock. The drinks are great, with the wine selection being a plus every time. Only negatives: too well lit, service can be apathetic (it's a Seattle thing) and the general layout is tight. So a temporary stop ... Hard to nestle in. Not a "comfortable"spot...always feel you're wedging in...but definitely a top 20 destination here.
(4)
Nick H.

*****An Amazing Meal***** ~Petite tartare-5 Stars! Raw NW grass fed beef, hand chopped and seasoned, with baguette and fennel red pepper, nicoise olive compote. The meat was a dream. The compote was AOK and just a style for preparing steak tartar. They should give a few extra pieces of baguette. Even if I am complaining, the absolute magnificence that went into preparing the actual meat causes my qualms to vanish in the brilliance of this preparation and quality of meat. Not many can craft raw beef into such art. ~Chocolate Chaud-4 stars Very rich with deliciously hand prepared whipped cream. ~Baguette with Chocolate-3 stars Reminiscent of the Dutch and Flemish breakfasts I had as a child, the baguette type was not suited for this rich and decadent chocolate. The bread was crunchy as though it was toasted to nearly being burnt. Or, the bread was old and stale. A softer baguette, perhaps fresh, with a flakey crust would have made this treat perfection. ~Customer Service-4 stars and ? Our greeting was grand. The servers that would pass had friendly smiles and warm words for us. This did not extend to our server. She did her job and got the job done. Nothing good and nothing bad. Would it be rude if I asked for someone else? So, if you do the math and combine the above it may seem like it doesn't add up. I made no mistake and my comments are mine. The tartare was amazing and the chocolate grand. I would fly to Seattle again just for this meal. It was simply "as good as it gets!" But, I did make a mistake. They have wine and my meal had none. A nice wine would have been well suited for the tartare even if it's breakfast. The hot chocolate chaud would make for an excellent closer. Kudos to those who put this restaurant together and to those behind the meals. I will see you soon.
(5)
Yang X.

When I arrived, it was already 12am. Very casual French dining but you could feel its French atmosphere. Love its small dish at such a late time.
(4)
Cedric A.

I was for diner tonight and be very disappointed with the lack of service they have in this joint...also the french onion soup was flat and tasteless...I am from ChÃ¢teauroux France and a chef myself....I use to be a Chef de parties at Joel Robuchon Paris and the way those guys cook french classic is totally wrong....
(1)
Jade L.

I sat at the bar with my friend. Service was awesome and the bartender who helped me was super cool. I was going to get a mimosa with grapefruit but he convinced me to get the SusieMosa. Who is Susie? I am jealous because she gets such an awesome drink named after her. Grapefruit, champs, and Saint Germaine, this drink is awesome and it comes in a big cup so order one of these rather than two mimosas. DO IT. Based on the millions of yelps pics of the croquet madame, how could I not order it?? Perfectly cooked egg on top, hot, thinly sliced ham in the middle, covered in melted cheese (salivating). The bread was also awesome because toast always rips up the top of my mouth (tmi?) but this one was soft get toasty at the same time, probably due to the cheese. This one is definitely a must get. My sister ordered the omelette with ham and comtÃ©, which the bartender explained is a cow cheese. Super yummy. The egg is cooked perfectly and not oily. The cheese was amazing and I would say is close to a cheddar taste but maybe not as sharp. Overall, this place is a cute little gem in Cap Hill. I will definitely be back again for you Susie and Madame.
(5)
Serena L.

Came here for a late night bite after a 4 hour train ride on a wet Tue night. Thank goodness this place stays open 'til 2am! The croque madame was just awesome with the right amount of creaminess in the bechamel sauce and gruyere. All of this topped with a sunny side egg. The beef tartare was a first for me. Quite interesting. Chopped raw local grass fed beef seasoned with vinaigrette like sauce. It is served with toasted baguette. We also orderd the pomme frites which were done very well. Nice and crispy with skin. First restaurant in Seattle this time and we sure like it!
(5)
Alexey D.

Lovely French food with a fantastic coffee. Croque Monsieur. Steak Tartare. Pate with French baguette. Everything was really good.
(5)
Kathy A.

Croque Madame... mmmmm....that is all.
(4)
Evelyn L.

Came here twice during my visit to Seattle. Everything's really good, service is great as well. I love the water bottles given at the table and they soften their butter!!!!! FTW. More places need to do this! Breakfast 7-9am is a limited menu. We had their almond coffee cake which was delightfully almond flavored and had a nice crunch. Croque madam was not on the menu but there was a similar one without bread: cheese egg and ham. It was fine with a banquette on the side. Their coffee and espresso as you all know already is excellent. Really, it's just fabulous! Came here again for dinner. Trout with farro, pork pate dish, and their garlic cream soup. Everything tastes so good. Usually I wolf down food but I PURPOSELY chewed slowly to savor the flavors. Despite being full and because I was on vacation I had to stuff in dessert. I had the chocolate chaude. It was like drinking from Willy Wonkas chocolate river with a side of whipped cream. I ate the cream like ice cream dipped in the chocolate. For those who like sour items more my sister had a frozen lemon mousse with rhubarb and whipped cream. It made her salivate in the best way and was a very bright and fresh dessert. Come here for breakfast lunch or dinner. They have more seating in back, full car, attractive employees, clean facilities, great cafe options and gorgeous food.
(5)
Kristen G.

I've met several people who just love Cafe Presse, and I can't figure out why. Their most popular menu item is the Croque Madame, and you know why? Because it's the only thing on the menu even remotely filling. Everything else they serve are excruciatingly austere French small plates. Lots of bread, cold cheese, olives, etc. But hey, the Croque Madame _is_ really good - the bread is incredible. I could get over the meager menu if the staff was pleasant. But these people clearly know they work in a hip Little Paris cafe, and they act the part. Both times I was there the servers couldn't be bothered to even grin, and seemed pretty bored with everything in general. I haven't yet been to Cafe Presse in a bar capacity - maybe that's where it really shines, and where too-cool-for-l'ecole severs are more expected. But I'll definitely not be returning for lunch - I like to actually feel full when I eat a meal.
(3)
Gabrielle M.

I love coming here after my yoga sessions, it's on the walk home. I always order the same dish, Salad with hazelnuts (I forget what it's called at the moment) It's so delicious tho. Service is always efficient and really good!!
(5)
Nio S.

My wife and I decided to have a late dinner here. Wait time to be seated was fairly quick but getting to place an order took quite awhile. We both got the Croque Madame and shared Pommes-frites. Over all the meal was delicious of the combination of the two. The environment is visually very hipster but still laid back. I would come back and taste other dishes! Happy eats everyone!
(4)
Carolina S.

This is one of those places were I'm reluctant to review...it's amazing and I want to keep it all to myself!!! Quiet easily one of my most favorite places to eat and drink. My husband and I moved to NY and we miss this place so much. So many weekends we would come here split a soup and a salad. The soups here are incredible. And the salads are simple and perfectly dressed. I'm hooked on the fried sardine sandwich. OOooHH..let me wipe my drool off. It's what I call perfection. Then there are the lovely cornichons on the side. Adding that needed acidity to the fried goodness. And my husband always orders the Croque Madame. He is one happy camper. I've also come here for brunch with my brother and his kiddo. My nephew loves the melted chocolate on the baguette. I always enjoy a cappuccino and some baked eggs and we get some fries to share. Also a fabulous option for a snack and a glass of vino! Je T'aime Cafe Presse!
(5)
Nick E.

Honestly, I went to this place over a year ago so sorry for the wait. What I remember is that I really like the cappuccino that I got. Also, we ordered that big huge croque sandwich thing and I loved that. Best part was the guy at the table next to us spilled hella of his sweet potato soup on my girlfriend. Shit was pretty epic. I do remember being pleasantly surprised by the place, though, having never heard anything about it before. This is one of those reviews that I'll be ashamed to know I had written. Better days ahead, my gents.
(4)
Lisa B.

Gotta love this place. Consistently good food, creative but classy drinks, patient servers, what's not to like? I feel like this is a go-to place for any meal of the day. And the hot chocolate is more like soup.... perfect for a winter's day/night!
(4)
Christine N.

We came here last summer for breakfast and the Croque madame was pretty amazing. Loved it and can't wait to return!
(4)
Emily P.

This place is pretty great. Brunchy menu items all day, every day? Check. Kitchen open till 1 am? Check. Decent, affordable cocktails? Check. What more do you need in a restaurant, seriously? I wish more places on the Hill would take a cue from what Presse does right.
(5)
Izzy G.

Bad service and they don't split checks... I was very disappointed with my experience here. I've been here multiple times and have never been impressed. It's the REAL French experience -- minus the good French food.
(1)
Patrice D.

This was the cutest little French cafe in the middle of what seemed to be a college district. Seating was limited, so that was kind of annoying. It was cafeteria style, sort of, and there was barely any room to get to where we were sitting. And we sat elbow to elbow next to people. But whatever, that's cool. Cozy and intimate is sometimes good, too. The coffee and food were amazing. My best friend, brother, and I were all pleased. My best friend ordered the croque madame, and OH BOY was that delish. My brother got the pork belly (if I remember correctly), which I didn't try. He said it was really good, and he lamented the small serving since he wanted more. My salad had figs (I LOVE FIGS) and goat cheese (I LOVE CHEESE), so I was pretty happy about that. Mmhm!
(4)
Kuan-teh L.

We happened to be served by a very rude waitress.. perhaps she was in a bad mood but the whole experience was just very bad..
(1)
Rachel S.

So I am so tempted this give this place a 5, but I'm not sure so as I am wavering a 4 it shall remain until I return and am blown away again. So I went to this little cafe in the Capital hill area after rock climbing with a group of friends. The front seating area is super cute and very french. The back has a strange sports vibe, but I don't even care because the food was so awesome. I got the classic crouque madame, and was not disappointed. It had all the right proportions of everything. I wanted to lick my plate clean like a dog, but the sophisticated couple with the cheese plate next to me made me reconsider. The cheese plate looked amazing too btw. All the food was high quality and very tasty. Service was great all evening long. As many french paces do they had used wine bottles instead of water jugs. I like how these can be left at the tables so water lovers like my self can get all hydrated and use the nice cafe presse bathrooms multiple times. The staff was on top of giving us new water when ever we were out. In conclusion french food can sometimes be pricey, but not at Cafe Presse! I think for 4 people the bill before tip was like 35$(no drinks). I will go back and I'm sure that again I will be blown away and then change this review to a 5.
(4)
Teagan T.

This place seems like a more hipster place. I'm giving a 3.5 star, but 4 seems a little much. I do really like the decor. It's very industrial/modern and dark wood look. Lots of wine and liqueur selections on the walls. But also smells of coffee in the morning. They have a little patio seating area out in front. Street/meter parking are available. Seems like it gets very crowded during weekends. They have a lot of American/French type of food for breakfast (I'm not sure if they have different menus at different hours of the day). I was in dire need of some caffeine in me before coming in. So I ordered the cappuccino with double shot. You can taste the shot but doesn't seem like it's strong enough, tasted like one shot with very good cream/milk. Good coffee though. I ordered the Crouque Madame Monsieur. It's basically a ham and gruyere cheese sandwich on buttered toasted bread, with melted cheese on top and a sunny-side up egg. Flavors are all there, cheese was maybe a bit too over powering though. Fries were fried perfectly and decent portion. Service was tentative. A bit of limited selection on the menu to be honest. I mean it may look like a long list but a few of them re very similar items. I would be back if I lived here. Good to try and chill.
(3)
Clover A.

I am ashamed to admit a few things, but the fact I want to just rent out a corner booth here is not one. The thing is, I've been oh, a MILLION times for breakfast, twice for lunch but never for dinner. Why is this I ask myself all the time, I mean, I love Presse, it may well be my favorite restaurant in the city, but somehow, it's as though our love affair needs to happen in broad daylight. In front of the world, I'll declare that the menu is perfect, and the bread makes my carb-aversion soooo tough (impossible, I cave almost every time), the coffee and chai I order are always made exquisitely, the omelets are so well made, I think eggs grow up hoping to make it into them like the egg olympics, But.... the Oeufs Plat.... that's where I find my mind most of the time. So good, it's like a food representation of a fine painting I could stare at for hours. I may also mention I personally have a crush on every single employee there, so the dreamy look in my eyes is a combination of that food and my little daydream fantasies where I kidnap them all and set up Cafe Presse in my house so I can have it all day and night.
(5)
Rachel M.

Beautiful atmosphere (nice touch with the natural lighting). Not crowded on a weekday morning. Unfortunately, I couldn't rate it a 5/5 for the price (I am willing to pay a lot for good food, but it is just a hair too high). Also, the French bread (while I did finish it because I was starving) is so hard to eat. I mean, "hurt your teeth to pull apart" hard to eat. I wish I hadn't ordered it, but you know when you spend too much money on a meal that you feel obligated to finish it? Yeah, that was me. I can definitely give them credit for their unique, VERY Frenchly prepared egg dishes, though. Those were quite easy to devour.
(3)
Ramie M.

Good dishes, smaller portion-wise, but still quite filling. Nice selection of food that is prepared fresh. Fun, lively atmosphere. Friendly service. Would definitely return.
(4)
Andy Z.

lunch food: croque madame. boiled down, it's a ham sandwich with cheese on the outside with an egg on top. it was delicious. it has a gooey center and a crusty exterior. the additional egg is like a cherry on top. my friend couldnt finish her bread pudding and i cant say no to helping her out. glad i helped out. it was so good. sometimes bread pudding can be too mushy but this one has some nuts in there. ***4/5 service: one of the quicker services i have had in cap hill. even some sandwich places can take awhile sometimes. server was attentive and got new bottles of water every time it was near empty. ***5/5 ambiance: i thought the place was small from the front of the store, but theres a whole other area behind the back. so if the front looks very busy, dont fret, you might still have a chance. it's right next to a university, yet i didnt see much college kids dining. and right next door is coffee shop. ***4/5 value: i thought the portion was small. if it wasnt for that bread pudding, i would still be hungry. ill probably have to order a side next time along with the sandwiches. ***3/5
(4)
Chessie S.

We tried a new place to check out. It's really close to our place and we dread waiting in line for food. This is not WWII, no need to ration, yeah? In any case, we were seated immediately and sat at the bar. It was about 1pm, but that's our usual brunch. Last night we watched the Sochi Winter Olympics opening ceremony after trying for about three hours, we finally got it! So we had a late night and appreciate the quick seating. When I looked at previous pictures I was worried that the food would not be filling. The server seemed a bit gruff at first and there were afternoon cocktails and recovery drinks already flying out of the bar. I saw five unrecognizable ones before we even ordered. We must go back at an "appropriate" hour. I don't judge others, I just judge for myself. The menu made me feel like I was in a different country for sure. All orders were in French. From the reviews here I could see that Madame was pretty popular, so I tried it out myself. I went for black coffee, orange juice and Madame. He ordered a yummy ham, gruyere, ricotta and two sunny side up eggs. He also ordered orange juice and was pleased with the cappuccino. He was such a happy lil coffee snob at CaffÃ© Presse. I was surprised by the orange juice, because I was extraordinarily thirsty and started gulping it down right away, then I noticed its fragrance and unique flavor. I had to slow down and take in more of the experience. The woodwork is large and in charge. The color palette is stained wood and olive green paint, with touches of stainless steel and black with matte finish. Tiny tables can make for a private affair or joined for group brunch or game watching. Definitely going back. Only down side is that they don't have anything yummy and sweet on the menu besides Hershey chocolate baguette...
(4)
Diane L.

One of my staple Seattle go-tos. Frites, Croque Madame, chicken pate. Ahhmazing. Whether you want a small light meal or a heavier dish - Presse has you covered. Have great selection of $5 wines and the cocktails aren't shabby either! The ambience is cozy (read close tables) and the service is always friendly. Love this place!
(5)
Sheng M.

I'm a fat kid and I love my breads. Love the simple baguettes here with butter. I also love the baked eggs and the croque madame. Service is always great too. My advice is to avoid going during brunch hours on the weekend as there can be a wait.
(5)
Kayan H.

Came here for dinner on a Friday night expecting a huge wait, but fortunately we beat the crowd and only had to wait 10 minutes for a table for 4 - great start! Service was pretty good, tables are a little tight but it adds to the cozy atmosphere. Here's critique of our meal: Chicken dinner - super moist and juicy chicken! I really wish my friend didn't tell me how it was made because it looked super healthy, but apparently it's not something you should eat every day.... no wonder it's so delicious! Bibb lettuce salad - pretty good Fries - delicious! Chicken pate - I didn't try it but husband and friends enjoyed it a lot. Baguette w/ butter and mustard - we probably ate 5-6, maybe even more, baguettes while waiting for our meal. The chicken takes an hour, so what else were we going to do?!? It was really really yummmM! People sitting next to us had a delicious item that i really wanted to try. Apparently, it was grilled cheese, probably deep fried, with a runny egg on top. It looked amazing and they devoured one each. I have to go back to try it!
(4)
D H.

Lovely place to sip and chat, especially on a rainy day! Not great for kids, particularly the rowdy sort (is there any other sort??). Fantastic menu.
(4)
Green B.

Ran into this little spot sometime last year. Wow! the Madame Croque was fabulous. I have gone to different States and even France did not make it as good as this place. They have a really good breakfast selection. I would recommend giving this location a try. Cant wait to eat there again someday.
(5)
Missy L.

Not bad. Smaller plates at happy hour but the discount seems to reflect the portion size. Tried 3 dishes off the happy hour menu. Wasn't bad but not a place I'd rush back to. As a foodie I'm going to explore many other options on capital hill before returning. Food was decent, not impressive though. Just run of the mill Americanized French food. Not bad.
(3)
Ramya R.

I have been here a bunch of times mostly because it's close to where I live. The food is very simplistic but not in a good way. The ingredients are also a bit old/raw. I ordered a baguette and literally thought my teeth were going to fall out trying to eat it. The grapefruit juice was crazy over priced and the salads are really hit or miss. There are a lot of other better French cafÃ©s out there, but if you must go I would get a croque madam. Something sort of wet, because most of the breads are hard to chew.
(2)
Trevor P.

6 stars Great spot, simple design, hot chocolate, coffee, Croque Madame, herb omelette, and service. And I got to watch Le Tour. When it was over, they turned off the TV!!! Do it. Wish I could stay and have a cocktail tonight.
(5)
Jemima S.

My husband and I held our dream winter wedding reception at Cafe Presse and it was magical! Joanna and Jim helped us plan the perfect evening. We met prior to plan out every detail from the wine/food/decor/etc. They were so flexible and accommodating to our every request. The wine tasting for 6 the day before was lovely. We were able to decorate the beautiful lofted back room as we wished as well as have our own musical entertainment for after dinner dancing. Their team did a fabulous job setting up the dining tables with name cards, menus, table center pieces and favors we had given them. They were laid out beautifully! Our guests were greeted with a cocktail hour (or two) a choice of mr or mrs cocktails, paired with croque mousier bites which warmed our hearts after being out in the cold night air. It seamlessly transitioned in to a full sit down 3 corse meal. Starting with a selection of salads, charcuterie, cheese and fresh oysters, all we superb. Followed buy a choice of ether salmon, steak or a vegetarian option, all delicious. Desert was a warm chocolate torte with a crÃ¨me anglaise which was rich and velvety. The staff were outstanding. Constantly Attentive, no one was left wanting. We just wish we could do it all over again! Thanks you Cafe Press! Mr and Mrs Shoemacher
(5)
S M.

Been here twice now and am impressed with their quality. The food is tasty and creative and the place is classy and quaint. Great place for a date or solo lunch break.
(5)
Tony L.

We came here on a Sunday night, and the place wasn't very busy, at least in the back area. We immediately put in an order for two roasted chickens and fries since it takes an hour to prepare. For the four of us, we ordered a ton of food: Two roasted chickens with french fries: The chickens are really good, although they are $28 each and you have to wait an hour for them. Dip your french fries in mayonnaise. Bread and butter: there is a charge for this, but they give you refills on it (can't go wrong with bread and butter). Steamed clams: this came in a cream and wine sauce with bacon and fresh corn (good). Salade verte (bibb lettuce with hazelnuts): standard salad, but much needed awhile eating chicken and fries. Salade de tomates: tomatoes, egg and anchovy sauce: I liked it better than the salade verte. Oeufs plats, jambon, fromage: this is a baked/broiled egg dish with cheese and ham, with slices of ham on the bottom, then the eggs, and then the melted cheese: really good. We ended up ordering two desserts: Pot de creme au citron: I liked the lemon custard and the fresh blackberries. Tarte bordelaise aux fruits: this fruit tart was decent, but I liked the lemon custard more. Most of the dishes are pretty small, so you'll probably over-order. I wanted the croque madame, but there was already too much food on the table. If you want to have some good, simple french food and watch the occasional soccer game on tv, then stop on by Cafe Presse.
(4)
Samantha J.

My friend and I stopped here for breakfast on our way out of Seattle. We struggled a little to find parking, but once we did it quickly became obvious it was worth the time. Delicious cafe au lait, scrumptious brioche and a tantalizing Croque Madame! I definitely recommend this place! Only one star lost because the skylights were a little warm and blinding, but I did like the light. Overall, worth the trip and a perfect end to our Seattle adventures!
(4)
Katy H.

After three years I believe it's time for another update. Cafe Presse is yet another solid go-to spot for me in Seattle. You know when you have friends in town and you want to show off some awesome places that really speak to your city? This is one of those spots. And while I'm slightly more in love with its sister restaurant Le Pichet, Cafe Presse still holds a special place in my heart. I come here mostly for lunch, late night food and cocktails. At Le Pichet I go for the quiche! Everything here is solid. The sandwiches, salads, cheese plates and meat centric dishes like charcuterie plates, chicken liver terrine and pork rillette are all great in quality. In fact, the chicken liver terrine is massive! It's enough to share with 4-6 people easy. Cocktails are made with care, baguettes are always fresh and the butter isn't rock hard! That's a test for me when I know I'm at a place that cares about food. Water is served without ice and the butter isn't either in packets or super tough to cut. Ok, enough about this spot... I'm getting hungry just writing about it. Come here if you haven't tried it. The food is killer and well, so is everything else.
(5)
Chris S.

My second favorite breakfast and coffee joint in Seattle. A European slice of heaven on Capitol Hill.
(5)
Anonymous X.

I had only the croque monsieur, but it really was as good as it gets!
(5)
Jody B.

You know it's been a good day when it involves two terrines. My Seattle tour guide took me to CafÃ© Presse for a quick lunch before we got deep in party planning mode. Note to the cautious - do not eat at CafÃ© Presse before you have to slip into a wee little wiggle dress! SO MUCH BREAD! I'm a sucker for a good baguette. Fresh bread & chunk of butter = i'm a happy little dynamo. So right off the bat, baguette hit the table along with a lovely cappuccino. And then again, and again, and again. At $2 per healthy serving of wheatie love - how can you not? At home, I try and keep my gluten to a minimum but hey - new city! Indulge a little!! Lunch was Å’ufs plats, jambon, fromage - healthy slab of ham with two very well cooked eggs and melted gruyere. But I have to admit, I had some SERIOUS lunch envy. My dining buddy ordered the Croque Madame - baked ham, gruyere and bÃ©chamel sandwich with a sunny side up egg on top- and from the second it hit the table, I had visions of creating some sort of slap-stick distraction to poach it from her. Note to self for the next go around. Splitsies was had over a smooth chicken liver terrine. Eggs and chicken liver... yup, that happened. The portion size was HUGE! WAY TO MUCH chicken liver huge! We would have been more then happy with half the portion for something so rich and had to bag up half of it to take with us. The terrine itself was pretty overwhelming at first - very rich, very livery... if that makes any sense. But once we dipped into the dijon and dried cherry compote, all was well. Don't ignore that mustard! It makes all the difference. Bonus points to our server who set us up with complimentary bread for our doggie bagged terrine. Lovely, casual place for lunch. Croque Madame - i'll be back for you!
(4)
Pepper P.

I came here with a group with young kids for lunch. We were seated in the back, which was fine with me. The wait staff was attentive. The Croque Monsieur was the stand out dish, it was delicious! Even the kids had plenty to eat between the ham plate with the boiled eggs, the baguettes and the frites. I would definitely come back here for lunch with kids, and a date for dinner!
(5)
Paris F.

Good American french casual restaurant. I always try to get the demi poulet, but know that the portion is pretty big. I wish that they offered eggs in cocotte but I guess they do offer similar two boiled eggs and ham. I recommend this place for casual good lunch to have.
(4)
Zelda K.

Great place if you are hyped up about eggs and meat (vegans beware!) However, my americano has been ultra bitter the past two times I have been there.
(4)
David C.

French food, without the over-the-top arrogance and ethnocentrism. They'll serve you breakfast all day here. Prices here are reasonable - and the bar menu in particular is highly recommended. I had a punch with orange pekoe tea that I really enjoyed- it was under $5 at the time. There are some standout simple bar dishes here - the oeufs en mayonnaise, the rice pistachio rice pudding, the frittes. Service was excellent- the bar tender was gracious and conversational.
(5)
Layna E.

Love the delicate flavor of food here, as well as unique ingredients like rabbit and terrine.
(4)
Kanix W.

Their Croque Madame is to die for. So good. Great place, great ambience. Love the huge mirror. Also not as expensive as we thought. Worth coming back.
(5)
Robert G.

I love this place! It can get busy at rush hour but I'm not surprised considering how wonderful this restaurant is! I love ordering the Croque Madame with a side of fries. And then to finish off a meal, the Parisian-style Hot Chocolate is so rich and tasteful with the whipped cream! Plus, I love the Capitol-Hill ambiance this place has.
(5)
TJ S.

Amazing service and food! It was really busy so we sat at the bar but the service was amazing! The bar tender was super genuine and nice. We ordered the madame croque which was FUCKING AMAZING. Seriously, one of the most delicious, but simple, breakfast dishes I have ever consumed. Touche Cafe Presse, touche.
(4)
Alissa V.

Humble brag time: just returned from 2 weeks travelling throughout France with boyfriend. He returned with a love for croque madames. I told him the one at Cafe Presse is better than the 3 different versions we tried abroad (2 in Paris, 1 in Nice). That's saying something. Best baguette w/ butter in Seattle. Prices are right. Food is as authentic as the presse signage outside (very). Great for breakfast, lunch, happy hour, dinner, and late night.
(5)
Sandie L.

I like you! I like your sexy snobbish feel. I don't care that my Montreal friend and her food snobby chef boyfriend don't much care for your food style, you're hot to me! I came here recently one friday evening with my out-town friends in search of dessert at a late hour... that is one thing I LOVE about this place, late business hours! Great location for late hours too with SU just down the street. Inside was much larger than I thought. Street side there a small bar area with seating, but it opens up much larger through a narrow hallway. Much more spacious feel in the back. Dimly lit, groovy music with occasional rap popped in here and there, not sure what the music mixture was about =D offers a nice environment feel. Diverse crowds can be found here at night. It does remind me a bit of being in Europe with late night coffee houses. Desserts: We tried many! -I must say, I enjoyed the espresso and would be back just for that! -Chocolate mousse with side of whipped cream was very thick and rich. Very large portion which provided more for 3 people to share. -cheese plate was disappointing. Huge bread slices??? not sure what that is about. And no sweetness offered with the cheese such as fruit or honey. Overall great experience. Loved the atmosphere the most and then the espresso!
(4)
Matt G.

I come here regularly for brunch weekends. They have the best croque for the price and their bread and brioche is great. There is usually a little wait if you arrive during peek times, but well worth it!
(5)
Zoe V.

My partner and friend were out walking our dog and got hungry, and we found Cafe Presse. It was great that we were allowed to eat outside (dog) with it being January and that the dog could eat next to us on the patio. We all ended up getting Croque Madames and they were delicious. Our waitress was really nice too. Menu was mostly in French, so it took longer picking out what to eat since we couldn't go off of titles and had to scan every description.
(4)
Cucteen V.

We ended up here since skillet diner's system was down. I'm glad we did. There was no wait, but we opted for the bar seating. The bartender seemed a bit cranky but definitely made great recommendations. We started with gateau aux foiles de volailles. My friend didn't care much for it, but who's complaining!? More for me!! I loved it except the bread was tough. I ordered the croque Madame as my main dish which was exactly what I needed after zero sleep and three hour flight. Yet another simple dish that satisfies. I washed the food down with a drink recommended by the bartender. I had two actually. Yum. Definitely gave me a head change. My friend and I have no issues socializing anywhere we go and that's exactly what happened. We engaged with most of the staff working and enjoyed ourselves with their assistance. Once they learned we were out of towners, they made suggestions of places to visit and things to do which we greatly appreciated. The location is fairly small with limited seating. There's outdoor seating as well. It provides an intimate atmosphere. I liked this place a lot. Too bad I won't be able to return for a long while.
(5)
Nico D.

They might have a couple of standout dishes, like the roasted chicken (but with one-hour wait, I will never know) and the French fries did look very good. But most dishes like omelets and salad were very meh (and so was the French baguette). I would not go out of my way to eat there. Come to think of it, I would not even walk from the next street corner to go back.
(2)
Rachel H.

Je suis dÃ©solÃ©. Il a changÃ©. Or maybe the food scene in Seattle is changing. I'm not sure which. Either way, its taken us a while to get back to the lovely little bistro in Capitol Hill, Cafe Presse, and we were so sad to find our Saturday lunch was disappointing. The atmosphere here is still wonderful, and the outdoor seating too on a sunny day feels just like a european cafe, but food here was not quite right. Just okay. The bread (w/butter order) didn't taste as fresh as you'd like it to be, the croque madams were oozy and decadent but not quite right, particularly in freshness, and the salad vert overpowered with acid. You just can't beat the atmosphere here and the feel of being an alternative Seattle version of Paris, but, 'poof' that changed when our food arrived and it didn't quite work. Limited options for an older child here (ours is eight) with simple tastes. We don't need a kids menu when we dine, just a few choices. It was interesting that even with all the bread (from brioche sliced to baguette) and cheese on hand, Cafe Presse was unable to accommodate a request for a grilled cheese sandwich. We were told any toasted cheese sandwich we ordered would have to come with bÃ©chamel, which I'm assuming means all sandwiches are preassembled. The atmosphere remains lovely.
(3)
Geoffrey C.

I'm always in search of a good steak tartar, and was pleased to see that Presse carried the French bistro staple on their menu. Of the many steak tartars I've sampled (Paris and Montreal included), I have to say: this one rates surprisingly high. We've had hit or miss results on some of their entrees-- Definitely worthwhile visiting during happy hour--this recent visit revealed tasty Penn Cove clams--plus great deals on wine ($8-14/bottle).
(4)
Sonal K.

Love this place! I've been here for brunch and dinner and both are fantastic. They have a great wine list and deliciously authentic simple French foods. My favourite things are the baguettes, the omelette for brunch. The whole roasted chicken for dinner. Such a great vibe too I could spend hours here! One of seattle top 20!
(5)
Xavier F.

I love this place. Just moved back to the hill and I hadn't been back in a few years but it's still one of the best place for breakfast on the weekends.
(5)
Alexandra M.

I've been here a few times, and I always try something new every time. The peolon aux crevettes is still my favorite. I don't see what the whole hype about their croque madam is about. Granted, I've had some of the best French food, but this one really has nothing special about it. What irritates me is that half the time, I always get a waitress trying to show of her French speaking skills. Little did she know two of my friends were fluent in French and thought she had the most annoying American accent.
(4)
Kristine H.

Decadent - the first word that immediately sprung to mind when I slid my spoon into the airy mousse au chocolat. And from the moment it began to dissolve on my tongue... the word that came to mind was "more". Maybe I'm a pansy when it comes to chocolate but I couldn't finish that bowl of mousse and cream, try as I might. And I swear to you, dear reader, I really did try! I've been here several times with my bestie who lives on the Hill. Each time we go, I'm actually glad that parking can be a headache... I'd want to go waaay more often if they had their own lot or something. True story. The cafÃ© bustles with a pleasant hum and the wait staff is attentively friendly without disturbing you too often. Francophiles and foodies alike will dig the ambiance and menu here so if you haven't visited, bookmark and go already! Speaking of visiting, I've sworn to return and share their Poulet RÃ´ti Selon Votre Commande et Pommes Frites with a dining companion. Only problem is when I go, it's usually to grab something sweet and not savoury. I do love a proper roasted chicken though... J'adore ce CafÃ© Presse! J'adore Ã§a de tout mon cÅ“ur!!
(5)
Kathleen W.

I wandered in wanting to escape a bit. I was whisked away to a France at this coffee shop. Including the French gentleman watching football at 7 am. Loved it. Amazing cafÃ© and a pain du chocolate.
(5)
Marika A.

Come here for breakfast! They have a cosy place and good selection of omelets. If you are here in the evening - try their Elderflower cocktail - really nice!
(4)
Steph D.

Perfect for breakfast, happy hour, late night--anytime really-- and for all occasions. Sit by the window to have some coffee, a pastry and get some work done, or meet your girlfriends at 4pm for half off wine bottles and small plates. Nice little (mental) escape to France :)
(5)
Blair E.

Ok, admittedly this is one of my go to places. Before and after turning 21, after 21 I loved it even more for the reasonably priced and well made drinks on Capitol Hill - French 75 while a classic is my favorite here. Also if you like chicken liver pate, it is so good. Also their chocolat chaud... mmm! I have only had an entree here once so I can't speak too much to that side of the menu, but I've never ordered something I didn't enjoy.
(5)
Michelle Pearl G.

We came here for breakfast. Upon first glance of the menu, I found the items to be less varied and with less options than expected. With regard to the breakfast items, there are a lot sandwich variations and an omelette but that's it. I was apprehensive. We ordered 2 croque madams and pomme frites. One little sandwich sitting solo on a plate. My bf said, "this place isn't made for a man to eat, is it?" The first bite was amazing. So many rich flavors and a good mix of textures as well. The torched gruyere cheese on top of the bread was a perfect touch and it paired well with the saltiness of the ham. The bottom slice of the bread was half the thickness of the top slice with 3 layers of ham. I could barely finish mine. The dish might look small but this sandwich is dense! Don't let it fool you. My bf and I left pleasantly full. The pommel frites were also very tasty and more healthy seeming than your average frite. 'll definitely be back.
(5)
Annie T.

I was looking for a coffee shop at midnight on a Friday night, and ended up coming to Cafe Presse. I ordered the Parisian Hot Chocolate because it looked really good from the Yelp pics, Oeufs Plats with ham and cheese, and a cup of cappuccino. The Parisian Hot Chocolate is not what I expected. It shouldn't be called a Hot chocolate because it is so dense that it's not drinkable. The best way I can describe it is dark chocolate fondue in a cup with a side of whipped heavy cream. After a few spoonfuls, I felt like throwing up because the flavors was so intense. The oeufs plats was delicious and the star of the meal. The eggs were perfectly cooked, a little bit of runny yolk but no runny white. It was not too greasy either even though they were generous with the cheese. I have to minus another star because of the clientel they have. It's not the restaurant's fault but since it was late night and near a college, a lady came in after smoking pot to join her group of friends. I have no hard feelings for marijuana but boy, when she took off her coat, I almost threw up my entire meal right there from the heavy stench. Even on the drive home, I could still smell it in my nostrils. I think I'll try a diner or 611 Supreme if I am looking for a late night coffee snack.
(2)
william w.

I give it hardy and resounding meh. Nothing actively bad per say. Glad I went though. Now I know I'm not missing out on anything. Wait staff was nice though.
(2)
Paul R.

After two visits I'm ready to give five stars. Four stars for food, service, price and hours and an extra star for being as close to the feel of a Paris bistro as I've found in the USA. Yesterday we started with the half baguette and plate of duck-apple sausage and warm country bread and that was inspired - the perfect way to start a meal shared with two others. My onion soup was delicious and my companions were happy with steak frites and casserole. Coffee is good and also strong, careful of too many free refills! The dessert menu looks good but so far I've not tried - the rest of the menu is just too good!
(5)
Hana A.

Fresh squeezed orange juice Croque madame Pommes-frittes Soupe a l'oigon gratinee Very good service, friendly, quick Street parking but free after 6pm
(4)
Allen W.

Ever since going to Paris, I've been on the lookout for an authentic French "cafÃ©". This unassuming place fits the bill. Having lived in Capitol Hill for a while already, I was surprised it took me this long to try CafÃ© Presse. The atmosphere and food here is authentic, and is a great place to have brunch or to spend an afternoon with a buddy or a book. I got the croque madame, which is a baked ham and cheese sandwich with an egg on top, a seemingly simple dish, but absolutely delicious. Look for street parking down spring street in the neighborhood area, and don't forget to stop by at Stumptown next door for some amazing coffee.
(5)
Kathryn N.

Yum yum yum! I love eggs and this place just makes my mouth water. The ouefs with jambon et fromage came out bubbling hot! The croque Madame was so tasty , crispy around the outside. Love it! Also got the chicken liver terrine which was super delicious with the mustard seeds on the baguette. I really wanted to try the onion soup but it is kind of pricy for $11. Maybe next time!
(4)
Shelly C.

Woke up in the Saturday morning and I was in the mood to find some new brunch place adventure. So I looked at Yelp as usual and Cafe Presse obviously has decent reviews and nice photos of food. It was a sunny day and my husband and I wanted to sit outside for the lovely sun. There was one dirty table outside of the patio which looked ready to be cleaned for the next customers, and a couple of dirty tables in the restaurant waited to be cleaned. There was a coupe of 4 in front of us waiting against the magazine rack and I was thinking that we would be lucky to have the only empty table in the patio (since it was a small table for two only) However, here it started that my hubby running out of patience. With the only group of 4 in front of us, and another 3 small groups standing behind us. The working crews were not in anything hurry to clean up for the next one in the line and they kept their gentle, nice and slow pace to set the table without coming up to greet anyone or at least jotted down the name for the list. My hubby couldn't stand the customer services and started complaining to me which I totally understood where it came from. But I comforted him and promised him that we would order some good food here. With all empty tables and also people waiting in the line, we were served after 15 minutes. But we were sat with tables, the waitress served you with pretty smiles. I was telling the story to let you expect some authentic French style service (Nice and Slow) that they won't go out of their way to make things faster for you just because you were standing there waiting. For the food, I ordered the croque madame as it appears the most often in the yelp page :) which also looks amazing. For those who cannot tell from the photos, that Croque Madame actually came with ham and cheese inside of two pieces of toasts. It was pretty tasty and filling. I am so glad that I did my research before I came to this place so I ordered something exciting. My husband ordered the omelet with ham and mushroom (additional item costs $1) which is also pretty good. It comes with the special gravy kind of sauce which is very tasty. We looked around to those tables around us and noticed there were a lot of customers ordered the same omelet as well. So my final comment is that everything goes well after we sat down. It does not mean they are not good at customer services but if you are looking for some 5 star hotel service that the waitresses would be extra nice to you, this may not be the place you want to go. I will definitely come back in another relaxing day.
(4)
Michelle L.

Ummm...why did it take me so long to try this place? Beats me. SO happy my friend asked me to meet him here for dinner! Two words: Croquet Madame. Get it. That is all.
(4)
Lisa P.

I'm very surprised this restaurant had such good Yelp Reviews, especially with how many other good restaurants Seattle seems to have. I ordered the pork and polenta, and while the pork was tender, the meal was very bland. I also split the tomato soup with spelt, and while I like spelt, I was not a fan of in the soup. The only redeeming quality, in my opinion, was the cheap cocktail menu.
(2)
Cynthia L.

Cafe Presse may not have a million items that I can eat due to my food choices, but what I DO eat is always perfect; the place feels like a legitimate small French cafe. (Close quarters, clanging dishes and silverware--very jolly.) Unless it's a sunny day, I usually prefer sitting in the back room; it's a little easier to hear your dining partner speak, but as is everywhere in Presse, you can listen to EVERYBODY's conversation pretty easily *chuckle* I feel like I get to know my dining neighbors so well sometimes, I feel like I should send them a Christmas card. I've only had a dinner entree here once, and it was a special: Moules Frites. I have a predilection for moules frites (must have cream!) and almost cannot pass them up when offered. They were FANTASTIC. It's a wonder it is not a regular item by now. They should try to keep up with the Jacques, you know? However, I've been in probably 6x for a light lunch: right-sized portions and right-sized prices. $6 for a liver terrine baguette. The sardine salad with white beans and wilted arugula $9.50. And an additional order of chicken liver terrine--just for good measure. And the Bib lettuce salad with hazelnuts is a good, but it is a little too light for me without pairing it with their dark-fried frites (mayo.) The only thing that keeps me from Presse is the parking situation. Given its proximity to the college, I have to plan that I will need to not be in a rush, and that I will have to be comfortable with circling and/or walking a few blocks. It's worth it though :)
(5)
Corinna K.

There is perfection in the oily simplicity of a grilled bait fish. Presse, showing admirable restraint, displays their sardines 'twixt baguette and butter lettuce, with a thick smear of aioli. And that is it. And it is exquisite. I previously was all about the croque madame, but why order that when you can order perfection?
(5)
Seliya G.

Jizzzzzzzzzzz! All the reviews and pictures are of the Croque Madame and that's exactly what you should get! You won't regret it!
(5)
Ken H.

This is a quaint little spot with tight fitting tables and can be taken as warm and cozy or needing room to breathe. The food is wonderful and very tasty. I usually leave hungry, but I have a huge appetite. Not their fault. The prices aren't bad depending on what you order, but not everything is cheap and if extras are asked for such as butter or bread etc...your going to pony up. Mostly the attitude can be pleasant one day, but very cold the next. Not consistent. They have strong coffee and and the omelets are great. Give it a shot.
(4)
Brian P.

The food here really is consistently great. The core of the menu is simple dishes executed beautifully- oeufs mayonnaise, for instance, are deceptively simple in appearance yet astonishingly sublime. Highly recommended.
(5)
Ryan A.

There was something about Seattle that was very charming this time around, and our visit to CafÃ© Presse summed it up nicely. While there was a somewhat hipster vibe that I know all too well living in Portland, it wasn't over-the-top and in-your-face like Portland. The crowd seemed welcoming, the staff friendly. You don't get five stars with atmosphere, though, do you? No, you get it primarily from food and that was not lacking here. I got the . . . Croque Madame, I think. Whatever it was, it was delicious. The gruyere cheese was perfectly browned on top of the delicious bread and ham with an amazing bÃ©chamel sauce. I could eat that breakfast every morning for the rest of my life. My life would be shorter, of course, but it would be well worth it.
(5)
Ali R.

After all of the positive reviews, I had high expectations for Cafe Presse. The service was decent. The waitress was attentive but not exactly warm. The food was fine but nothing to write home about. We ordered a croque monsieur to share and an assiette de fromage (cheese plate). I ended up ordering a baguette because the cheese was served with brown bread which seemed like a strange choice since it masked the taste of the cheeses (which were quite tasty). To top off the mediocre experience, the tables are so close together that even after some careful maneuvering, I knocked silverware off one of the tables with my ass (and I am certainly not a large person).
(2)
Madeleine T.

I have no idea if this is as good as it gets- but they have some damn good chefs and I've never had a bad thing there. Everything is phenomenal. The confit de canard- when they have it- is one of the best things I've ever had. Decadent, rich, delicious= and I don't feel bad eating it because duck fat is good for you, if you don't eat it all the time.
(4)
Jason B.

This place is ridiculously delicious. Try the Croque Madame: you will love it. Caramelized gruyere ftw.
(5)
Lauree C.

Cafe Presse is a Capitol Hill staple. There are few things nicer than a thick Croque Madame and a cup of black coffee to chase away a hangover and Cafe Presse has perfected these. Other things I am a fan of: -Beef Tartar -French Onion Soup -Les Oeufs Plats Jambon Fromage....gooey cheesy egg dish begging to be devoured with a fresh baguette. -Frites...guilty pleasure Although the restaurant is cozy, there is ample seating in the back room and it's fun to sit along the bar or out on the patio to people watch. Also a great spot to take in soccer matches.
(4)
Kim L.

From the outside, the cafe looked kinda small with a few tables outside on the patio. But in the back, there are more tables, which can fit a bigger group. Since I was the first one to arrive at the yelp UYE brunch, I put my name down for a table. They apparently don't take online or phone reservations, it's first come, first served. There is street parking and I was able to find a spot to park right outside of the restaurant. I ordered a mimosa and a croque madame. The mimosa was good and the croque madame was great! Service was good. Overall, it's a cute little french restaurant with good food-I would come back to try other items on their menu.
(4)
Willy M.

Came here for a UYE brunch event, great pick of a spot!!! Cafe is bigger than I thought, there is a back room too with quite a bit of tables that sat the 6 of us comfortably. If you speak French, the menu is in French and also English. Great brunch menu from smaller items or more of a heartier brunch. I had afternoon lunch plans so I kept my brunch on the smaller side. I decided to get their yogurt, very delicious, came with candied walnuts and drizzle of honey all mixed in. Also I got a pain au chocolat, baguette bread with dark semi-sweet chocolate melted inside. Good sized baguette and the chocolate was very nice, it is served warm so the chocolate is nice & melty and may drip on you. Got a Cafe Au Lait as well and I was good to go!!! They will give you complimentary drip refill since you ordered a coffee drink, so that was nice. Service was fine, no issues, pricing is good too. Definitely a place I would come back again. The ambiance is nice, inviting, warm, and friendly. Great brunch spot!
(4)
Miya T.

This place is very nostalgic for me. Used to come here on dates when I was still a college student at Seattle University . It's a little small but I feel they make great use of the space. It doesn't feel as crowded as it looks. Finally made my way back here for breakfast after having graduated over 6 years ago (getting so old ). It's conveniently open at 7am, so my gf and I met before she had to head into work. They've got a full bar with seating, plus some outdoor seating as well. It's French themed, so they've got yummy dishes like Croque Madame and Oeuf Au Plat. They also had Bloody Mary, Bloody Maria, and Aquvit Bloody Marys (this was very pleasing to me). It was completely empty when we got there around 730, and since it was a beautiful summer morning we sat facing outside. It's a cute little spot with good food and libations. Service was pretty mediocre, but not terrible. I do dream of going to Paris one day, so I'll keep coming here to get a little taste of France from time to time :-).
(4)
Karlo G.

"Good food, nice ambience, hit and miss on service." Cafe Presse is the type of place you will will want to allot some extra time to enjoy the food. The establishment doesn't have a wide footprint however the use of space and cleverly designed seating areas can accommodate a decent amount of patrons. I have been to Cafe Presse multiple times and find the seasonal menu to be a refreshing idea. This is a great approach to showcasing great ingredients and French fares. My recent experience with the service was not exactly of high ranks. Our table was not hidden, however our server was almost absent. The normality of being asked "how's your food" or "any dessert today" were both non-existent. The food was delivered and we enjoyed the dishes. The steak tartare was wonderfully done. The french fries are top notch and the Croque Madame was crispy and flavorful. I recommend the Susie Mosa (Grapefruit Mimosa) or an Aperol Spritz. I would return to Presse as the food remains consistent and never disappoints.
(3)
Ravi S.

My girlfriend and I were in the Capitol Hill area a few weeks ago, and we decided to check out Cafe Presse for happy hour. We sat in their outdoor seating area and ordered the following: Pain et beurre (half baguette with butter and jam) - The baguette had a crisp crust and perfectly chewy interior. Olives marines au citron (mixed olives) - They had about five types of olives. The saltiness of the olives provided a nice contrast with the sweetness of the jam for the bread. Pommes frites - The fries were the best of the appetizers that we sampled. You should definitely get them with mayonnaise. Cheese plate - One of the cheeses on the plate was particularly good. The others were so so. We asked our server what the name was of the cheese that we liked, and she just shrugged and said, "I don't know. We have five cheeses, and the three on the plate change often." Then she walked off. While all of the snacks we had were quite tasty, the service was not great (see the above paragraph). In general, our server seemed quite apathetic about interacting with us. Although this behavior is consistent with what I experienced at some cafes in Paris, I expect better service in Seattle, even at a French cafe. If you are looking for some good small plates for happy hour in the Capitol Hill area, you should visit Cafe Presse.
(4)
Marco D.

Great french menu on the hill My favorite is croque monsieur and fries with a bottle of wine!
(5)
Erin W.

I have loved every single thing I have ordered!! The coffee is always good. I have the steak and fries many times... Can't go wrong there. I also love the eggs baked with ham and gruyÃ¨re. The wine and cheese selection is outstanding. Yes, yes, and yes. The service is usually pretty good for my family and friends, however, I've witnessed other tables get blown off. But I'm also very nice to wait staff... Maybe some of the other tables sucker? Lol. My son, is always treated nicely too. I love that.
(5)
Kayla H.

As a barista I was quite pleased with the mocha/latte/espresso beverages. They still taste like coffee but aren't overpoweringly bitter. The desserts are all on point. Didn't try any savory food yet, but I'm sure to come back, especially for the great selection of wine and cocktails.
(4)
Rona L.

Finally got to check this place out for dinner last week. You walk in and think, "This is it?" It's a small space with just a few tables and a bar to the left. THEN, you walk toward the back, passed the kitchen and realize there is another room with a few more tables. It's a hip little restaurant with darkened walls, dim lighting and both benches and chairs to sit on. The servers are totally cool with their beards and pony tails as they rush by you; some are friendlier than others. I ordered the Rue McClanahan. You can get me every time with some sparkly and grapefruit and this cocktail was just fine. To eat, our table ordered the GÃ¢teau aux foies de volailles (smooth chicken liver terrine) and the Rillettes de porc (confit pork spread), and we ordered the Poulet rÃ´ti selon votre commande et pommes frites in pairs (roasted chicken and fries; $30/pair). Don't worry if you can't read french, they have the English translations for you underneath. :-) The chicken terrine and pork spread were both delicious. The terrine was extremely smooth and the ground mustard and cherry added a great tangy contrast, cutting into the richness of the terrine. The pork spread was also delicious -- more hearty -- and porky. Served with some baguette and butter...it was the perfect thing to munch on while we waited for the chicken... ....because if you order the chicken, wait, you will! It takes about 1 hour from the time you order, to be served the dish but I wasn't disappointed when it came out. The roasted chicken had the wonderfully crispy skin and the meat was tender and juicy. Seriously, juices were running all over my plate, soaking my fries. The fries were awesome too; cut thick enough to enjoy the crunchiness of the outside, while maintaining a softness instead and with just the right amount of salt. I had a really good time and can't wait to come back for their Croque-madame.
(4)
Tamiko T.

Love, love, love! Imagine taking a flight halfway around the world to Paris and strumbling in to a neighborhood cafe with damn good food, coffee and drinks. That is Cafe Presse -- a true Capitol Hill gem. Perfect for any meal of the day including late night and breakfast. Going to this cafe is like taking a little in city vacation. Time just stops for me (in a good way) whenever I come here. They have a small outdoor patio for the summer and play soccer matches throughout the year. With my demi pichet of red wine and a delicious baguette sandwich, I feel like I'm back in Paris. I recommend anything and everything on their menu. I've been here over a dozen times and have never been disappointed!
(5)
Melissa B.

I've had food here twice. I like it! But I like the little things, the cozy tables....the stump town coffee. I like the focus on coffee drinks. Nits very French and I feel like it could make for a romantical breakfast place sometime. I have had the croque Madame (which is one of my favorite plates) and it was suppppper cheesy. Served kind of "baked" looking. That is, in a crueset and actually lightly seared. The most recent time I had an omelet and that was also very tasty, served with veggies, and was light enough to not overdo a portion size. I like that as well. Service seemed attentive and helpful. I would return...I'd even come here by myself to work or read. Happy happy!
(4)
Y A.

Croque- Madame was amazing. I am extremely picky especially with breakfast foods and I LOVED it.
(5)
Felisa D.

Definitely time for an update. CafÃ© Presse is Le Pichet's more affordable sister. The food, drinks, service and ambiance by no means scream "discounted!" The food is thoughtful and scrumptious. Drinks are very reasonably priced and well-balanced. Service is attentive without being uncomfortably friendly. And the ambiance is that of a casual cafe-bar serving food, alcoholic drinks, baked goods and coffee from 7 am - 2 am. Whaaattt. I wish I lived closer cuz I'd just live here. While casual, it's a great spot for a sit-down meal. I love coming here for weekend brunches when all other places in Seattle have over an hour wait. The most I've had to wait is the 2 minutes it took them to wipe down my table. Then I'm sipping delicious coffee in no time and enjoying an ooey gooey croque madame in even less time after that. Their croque madame is dreamyyy. When it gets to my table, my face is not unlike a mother's beholding her firstborn. Then I eat it. Then I realize that my analogy doesn't work cuz I just ate my baby. But mannnn can we talk more about the nutty crust that forms around the bread from the bechamel sauce? It's fantastic with the ham. Then when you break the egg yolk on top to of all that, it's like a symphony in your mouth.
(5)
Nancy B.

I don't have a bad thing to say. Really. You get bread while you wait, and there is dijon on the table. I would highly recommend the hot chocolate (if you like it really rich, and I do), and the croque madames are superb. Oh also, there was a salad with hazelnuts that was so light and perfectly dressed. Every item is so well prepared and tastes so delicately delicious.
(5)
Stephanie F.

Cute little place and home of the best Croque Madame of my life. Go now!!
(5)
Karen R.

Off the beaten path in a quieter part of Seattle but well worth the trip. Way bigger than it seems from the outside. Nice strong coffee, good drinks & great food and service at very reasonable prices, love it! Went for brunch, short wait sat out in the back area. Had a great meal there. I would def go back again and again if I lived in the area!!!
(5)
Emmeline C.

Great place for breakfast, and there's more open seating in the back where I like to sit. Reading the menu makes me wish I took French to avoid sounding like an idiot whenever I order, so now I just point and say "this". I LOVE the complimentary baguettes they serve with butter. Delicious. This time I ordered the Croque Monsieur: juicy and thick ham pieces between crisp bread slices with perfectly melted and broiled cheese on top. Yum! To drink I had the hot chocolate after seeing all pictures on Yelp. Mine, unfortunately, didn't have the gorgeous latte art (or hot chocolate art) that I saw in the pictures, so no token picture taking from me during that meal (of the hot chocolate). Tasty though!
(4)
Jessica S.

Ohhhhh yes, this is a great brunch spot. I met a friend today and we sat outside, which was nice on a sunny day - there are trees and shade umbrellas, so we didn't have the sun beating down on us. The waitress was pleasant (I won't go as far as friendly), and definitely efficient. The food is just so good: simple but superbly prepared. My friend and I both ordered the broiled eggs with Gruyere and ham, and it was perfectly done: gooey cheese, not-too-salty ham, eggs cooked through but not overdone. They brought a sliced up baguette and butter for the table - I wish I'd ordered preserves as I've had them here in the past and they were delicious. Pricing is just right for the quality - no complaints. Parking in the area is kind of awful, so plan ahead if you're driving in.
(4)
Vivian H.

The chicken liver terrine is as good as everyone says it is. It is a large portion, enough for at least four people, and that is being generous. It came with cherries, cornichons, and mustard. I liked the liver by itself on bread. I had the quail while the bf had steak frites. The steak was a pretty large portion and the fries were thick and crispy. The quail was a little salty but went perfectly with the carrot puree. I loved it. I'd love to come back for their smaller breakfast/brunch plates another day, especially the croque madame!
(5)
Kathy Z.

What a wonderful place to settle for brunch! I first just have to say that I had the best hot chocolate that I had ever yet had in the world here. I must learn the secret, but it is a cup of warm, rich, thick chocolate magic that you pair with the cooled complementary cream. I don't think I was even able to concentrate on the rest of food after, it was so delicious. But anyways, my next favorite thing was the chicken liver terrine. Paired with the served bread, I would have been very happy with just this order :) The oeufs plats and Croque Madame were great too, some heavy for my taste but made my taste buds very happy. The French onion soup was a little salty for my like.
(5)
Jonelle T.

Cafe Presse is one of my go-to brunch spots because it just never disappoints. I love the cozy ambience and the fact that you can basically order brunch almost all day, everyday. I tend to lean towards the croque madame or the oeufs plats jambon et fromage with a side of bread and butter. The pork rilletees are also a highlight. Basically, this place is fantastic any time of day.
(5)
Chelsea J.

I still love Cafe Presse and it's one of my favorite places but we got some pretty sourpuss service today. It's too bad. It was my cousin's first time at the restaurant. The other 3 of us had been before, myself many times, and it's just a bad impression to leave on a party. The food is always consistent and excellent and today wasn't an exception. I never tip a flat 15% and did this time. The service was just appalling.
(4)
Samantha D.

Came here with a friend due to a recommendation. Cute little French cafe, delicious food and decent service. Friend A and I ordered two croque madames and a side of pommes frites. I'd come back with friends for brunch.
(4)
Brian C.

The short version: good continental breakfast here! The Deets: I've been here in the evenings for nibbles and the famous romantic shareable Chocolat Chaud (formerly an off-menu treat for those in-the-know, now a regular menu item that my sweetie and I still refer to as "The Shug"). Breakfast here was equally delicious and satisfying. French food, to me, is made to be appreciated sensually when it's done well. So what follows is a sensualist's review: I enter the store, and as I cross the verge the scent of coffee, toast, eggs, and a hint of that old alcohol smell bars always have finds me. The morning sun floods through the giant front windows, seeming to spotlight a chartreuse-painted table for two, and I obligingly take a seat at the gray bench the star has warmed for me. The buzz of talking patrons and soft clatter and clinking of dishes and serviceware, punctuated by the gurgle and hiss of the espresso machine, wash like waves over the Elini Mandell on the sound system. A server gives me a menu immediately and retreats with a smile. I pour myself water from the clear repurposed wine bottle, and it sparkles in my faceted glass. I notice I am handed a menu of wine and liquor selections too...at 9:00 AM on a Thursday. Maybe they get a lot of early drinkers here. I order an egg, ham and Gruyere dish and a croissant, with a cappuccino from the pleasant, soft-spoken waitress, sip my glistening water, and admire the high wood-beamed ceilings with skylights, old train depot clock hanging above the bar, which is a minimalist contraption of bottle-covered glass shelves delineated above by suspended crown molding. Semi-industrial. Eclectic. Radiohead starts to play as my croissant arrives. The waitress proudly announces the presence of marmalade on my plate, and for good reason- the beautiful rustic style preserves shine, chunky, orange and jewel-like next to the croissant, offering a sweet citrus fragrance. The croissant is a miss; it's more bready than flaky, and has been over-saturated with egg wash, giving it a shiny, almost leathery crust. The inside is soft and sweet though, and the rich, tangy marmalade would improve even the most humble pastry. My cappuccino, well-made but not dry (foamy) enough for my taste, ads a creamy bitter counterpoint. Not bad. The eggs arrive as the YaYaYa's kick into a raucous number, along with a crusty baguette, and the eggs are beautifully cooked; runny orange yolks on a sea of white melted cheese (not browned at all! Yea!), over a generous bed of thin-sliced ham. I wonder at the presence of the bread, until I dig in to the dish. A forkful shows the purpose: strings of gooey cheese and globs of soft egg beg to be wrapped and sopped, and I oblige, twirling the threads of melted Gruyere around the crusty bread. This leaves me, every few bites or so, with a cheese-wrapped, eggy, crunchy morsel to pop into my mouth. Lovely! Excellent food, good unobtrusive service. Total bill for my lovely morning: $15.00! Glad I came and took that yellow star's warm advice! :)
(4)
Raven D.

Great environment. Fine cocktail and sandwiches. Servers were not quick but understandable, very nice. Hope to see a bigger store to seat more people
(4)
Whitney B.

You might get a hard-on for this place if you like cheese and butter with everything. After dinner, I felt as though I was forced fed dairy products like they conspired to confiscate my liver for foie gras. This is why French food only appeals to me when Ursula pays me a visit every month and I'm a hormonal burrito. We ordered a salad, Croque Madame, Oeuf Plat, and two desserts, all of which was plentiful for a group of four. You know, all of the safe items for American consumption. It's like the General Tao's Chicken of a Chinese restaurant. The curly fries of school cafeteria food. With only bread, cheese, egg, and ham found on our table, it's glorified breakfast food items with a French tag. None of it was seasoned at all. Nothing that can't be done with a ramekin, oven, and 5 inches of butter sitting at the bottom. This is a cute, intimate restaurant with limited table seating in the front. I would've enjoyed things more if a couple next to us weren't eating each other's faces. LET'S WRAP IT UP, KIDS. Grandma's bitter over here. Not a staple or a restaurant to frequent for me. But there's always someone in the group trying to highlight their love of French food as a marker of their own sophistication and gentility. IT'S AN ACQUIRED TASTE! So is a man's yogurt but you don't see us girls being bedazzled by our own ability to swallow it.
(3)
Samuel A.

As someone who has worked in customer service - I think it's time to pay some homage and write a yelp review about my favorite dining experience on the hill. I want to know how much money exactly I've spent at CafÃ© Presse. Ever since I moved to Seattle four years ago something about this place has me in a trance. It's too much. It's too good. I can't deal with it. Let's talk about the service here. If you're one of those people who think a dining experience means you're the king and everyone else in the restaurant is your peasant then maybe you should reconsider your moral being before eating out. The people at Presse are actually very nice but considering they have long hours for a restaurant, are always-open for vacations, and have a constant stream of customers, for sure they're going to be tired. Take a minute to ask how your server is doing because I've had some amazing and hilarious conversations with the staff here (in fact do that to every server ever if you don't already). Though I admit after four years I now can't even remember some of the regular staff who use to work there. The only person who is a constant is the lady with beautiful gray hair (who I think is one of the owners or managers?), who is always so sweet - but some good ones have been blonde girl with bangs, shorter guy with "the hermit" tattoo, and Hamish. You all rock. Anyway - order a Croque Monsieur and Pommes Frittes if you're a human being because I don't know anyone who would hate those things. Their menu changes seasonally and I remember a couple years back they had a dish called "tartine aux montagnards." It was one of the best things I've ever had and I would always order it - I've never seen it back on the menu, sadly, so be sure to try the seasonal items because they may disappear soon! Coffee here is bomb because they're super prompt at refilling it - but pace yourself because I always get so caffeinated that I feel like I need coffee rehab after. Lastly their happy hour is just perfect - but I never got to appreciate it till about two years ago when I turned 21. Either 4-6 or late night after 11PM. Split a bottle of wine for cheap. Just do it. I'm sad to leave you Presse, you were one of my favorite things about Seattle and I will always make time to stop by!
(5)
Charles K.

If you're looking for near authentic French cuisine, you can find it at Cafe Presse. The restaurant is small with limited seating so you may need to get on the waiting list. The bar program is extremely impressive with bartenders who can make more than a sex on the beach. The Croque Madame and charcuterie may be the biggest highlights at the restaurant.
(4)
Laura E.

I want to live here.
(5)
Sara Q.

I absolutely adore this place. It had a very modern yet chic but rustic euro charm about it. The pomme frites are to die. I love the crisp texture and the accompanying sauce to dip is equally as delicious. I had the Bibb the first time and I didn't quite care for the uncut leaves but the vinaigrette was very nice and tangy. Croque madam is a "thank you sweet baby Jesus" good. I usually get the same thing when I come bc it's always so good but this time around I was able to get a cafe latte and show chocolate. OH MY GOD. It was auhhhhhhhhhmazing. We're talking soup like consistency, thick and oh so chocolately. It was definitely decadent but soo worth it. A dessert in its own, I'm glad it was served with a side of whipped cream. It cut how super decadent it was for a second and just made the experience a little creamier. The latte was also good and I think they've got me being a foam lover now. I got to add a little bit of the hot chocolate to the latte and turned it into a mocha.. Even better! My other half got the baguette sandwich with the pork rillettes and it was also delicious. Something so simple (baguette, salami type meat, and mayo/mustard) could be so tasty. Whenever I come in, doesn't seem like we ever order enough food.. But I always leaves stuff and wanting more. This is my favorite french cafe/brunch spot in seattle. Bravo presse!
(5)
Vince B.

Nice simple unpretentious French cafe very close to Seattle University campus. Very comfortable with great food and reasonable prices at lunch time. Parking: Limited street parking in this area. Decor: Casual French Cafe vs. Seattle Coffee House. I liked it. Breakfast, Lunch, dinner and after-hours. Food: For lunch, there is a simple menu with a wide variety of items. None, except the whole chicken, was over $20. We had a croque monsieur and touren blanchi. The garlic soup was 5 stars. The croque monsieur was another 5 star winner. Very nice meal, perfect for a rainy Seattle day. Service: Friendly, efficient and helpful. I would normally rate Cafe Presse 5 stars. But to be fair I would like to go back and try a few more items. So I'll go with 4 stars and look forward to returning. I strongly recommend this place for lunch.
(4)
Victoria W.

We came for lunch and overall, just okay. The service was sub par, everyone seemed disinterested and apathetic. Food was alright, the baguette was good, but made my teeth hurt, and the price was average. I doubt I would go back.
(2)
Mojdeh S.

How I heard of this place: Nearly a decade ago, I was invited to join some friends for a birthday party at Caffe Presse. Having known nor heard anything about it prior, it was somewhat exciting to be part of the celebration. Sadly, I wasn't hungry enough to try anything more than a side order of pommes-frites. This time, it was going to be different. Completely. Type of cuisine: "The second collaboration of Le Pichet owners Joanne Herron and Jim Drohman offers full coffee service featuring Caffe Vita coffee and house-made pastries; affordable wines from the French countryside; a full bar open until 2am everyday; and a menu of casual Parisian cafÃ© classics, to enjoy here or to Take Out...With CafÃ© Presse, Jim and Joanne hope to build another type of Parisian institution, a Bar/CafÃ©. They hope that CafÃ© Presse will be the sort of place that Parisians use as a kind of alternative living room, to enjoy coffee and croissants in the morning, meet friends for lunch, dinner or drinks throughout the day or to have a late night bite or a night cap until 2am." Ambiance: A French neighborhood cafe in the true sense of it, the space creates an intimate and small, friendly bar/cafe atmosphere where friends gather, couples whisper and staff rushes to and fro to ensure that everyone is served, content, fed. What I ordered: On this visit with two good friends, we were first offered a French style baguette with butter, and continued with our own orders: one each of Å’ufs mayonnaise ($4.50): two hard-cooked eggs with mayonnaise and cornichons, Å’ plats, jambon et fromage ($7.50): two eggs broiled with ham and gruyere, Filet de saumon rosÃ© fumÃ©, salad tiÃ¨de aux haricots blancs ($17): Lummi Island pink salmon, smoked and grilled, salad of white beans, cherry tomatoes, roasted peppers, escarole, cilantro, and Steak-Frites, beurre aux Ã©crevisses, Ã©pinards au beurre ($18): NW Grass fed beef petit strip steak, Washington crayfish butter, spinach sautÃ©ed in butter. And two bowls of ice cream to end the meal: one vanilla with house-made chocolate fudge, and the second a homemade, seasonal peach ice cream. What I loved: All of it. Every last bite. The surprisingly simple and abundantly flavorful Å“ufs dishes: both baked with ham and cheese, as well as simple hard-boiled served atop a dollop of mayonnaise each have me craving more each morning for breakfast. Or lunch. Dinner? Always a favorite, the steak-frites aims to please. And the buttery white beans with vegetables from the salmon dish kept each of us diving back in for seconds, thirds, and then some. Why I loved it: An intimate setting where good friends, dates and family all feel comfortable at any time of the day or night. Delicious food to boot! Cost: Average ($12 - $18 per entree)
(5)
Sam S.

This place is great because it opens at 7am for breakfast. The menu is simple so it's easy to decide what you want. Service was great and I enjoyed my espresso. The yogurt with walnuts and honey was a perfect breakfast before I headed to work. There is a good amount a seating and they have magazines for purchase. If you want your coffee to go just order at the bar.
(5)
Anna P.

Quaint little cafe that offers classic French foods that are delicious! Tiny space so they pack you in but it's a perfect spot for groups of 2-4 people. My favorite is sitting at the bar and eating there. I have been multiple times and the quality of the food always stays the same. I love the Croque Madame and french fries! Great spot for brunch.
(4)
Nathasha S.

The moment I stepped into this place, I instantaneously loved it! Quaint, not very noisy, with a euro charm - I was smiling from cheek to cheek just being in there. Open late at night with a great selection for HH, I'm giving it a 4-star cause I've only been here once late at night. I recommend getting their pomme frites and either their croque monsieur or croque madame (with an egg on top). Complimentary baguette bread with butter, what more could I ask for? I'll definitely be back any time of day! :)
(4)
Candi K.

This place is a cute little place that I wouldn't even notice. They have space in the back so if you think it's packed it might not be. Came here for dinner before going to a meeting and got the steak frites. I was slightly disappointed by the steak because I ordered it medium and seemed more towards the well down side. The wine is yummy. The baguette is good and comes with housemate rhubarb jam. Service is 5 stars and so friendly. Will need to come back for hh
(4)
Betsy S.

We stopped in for a light breakfast before a Dr's appointment. Everything was yummy and service quick because we told the waitress in advance that we had to "eat and run". She brought bill early to help facilitate that. Coffee is also very good
(5)
Alyssa B.

Cafe Presse is a cute little brunch spot, located near Seattle University. I liked the hip vibe, and it was bursting with people on a Saturday morning, but the food, just didn't cut it. The coffee was good, but served in cups that I thought were too small. I found the food to be overpriced for brunch fair, though it was filling. I had a tasty herb omlette, and pommes frittes to die for, but other than that the food was fairly lackluster. All in all, I don't think I'll be returning during my next trip to Seattle.
(3)
Lindsey H.

This is by the worst service. I've ever had in my life. They over charge for sub par wine but that's okay because it has nice out door seating. But the service is absolutely terrible!! The first time my friend and I went to Presse, our waitress moved us from one table, to the bar, to a table in the back. We were annoyed and didn't understand why we kept being moved. She also was very unfriendly about moving us. She acted like we were a nuisance in the restaurant. It was absolutely pathetic. Then the last time I went to presse, my friend and I were having a few glasses outside. When we asked to have another the round, the waitress loudly said that my friend and I were cut off but our other friend at our table could order whatever he wanted. We were so embarrassed especially since we were being good customers. The other customers sitting outside were shocked and laughing bc they didn't understand why we had been cut off. I will never ever go back to Presse. I have never in my life been so insulted by a crappy cafe. If you want to go somewhere with over priced wine, mediocre French food, and the worst service of your life then by all means go to Presse. But if you actually like to be treated with respect and drink over priced wine then go somewhere else. You'd probably have a better time at the Cheiftain across the street. At least the people there are nice.
(1)
Sarah B.

This place has become a regular visit for me when I find myself in Seattle. I also end up ordering the same thing! You can not go wrong with the Croque Madame and the Pommes-frites. The Pomme Frite are spectacular and the Croque Madame is a breakfast sandwich at its best. I highly recommend stopping here for breakfast! Maybe I will skip the urge to go for breakfast and try something for lunch. I am sure another positive review of Cafe Presse will be in my future.
(5)
Barry F.

I absolutely love cafe presse! The menu is consistent they have wonderful seasonal soups, their Aperol Spritzers are off the chain and only $5.50. Get there early for a croissant and after 9am for a Croque Madam. The folks working are really nice too!
(5)
Aalsheha Z.

Very different french atmosphere, i love it :) the staff easy going and very approchable. The food is very tasty. If you're looking for tasty breakfast & relaxing place. Go there :)
(4)
Conor O.

wonderful spot for coffee and european-style dishes. great place to sit and chat with friends and enjoy quality coffee and tea. will definitely return again soon.
(5)
Haeree C.

It was ok - we got the raved for Croque Madame, and I decided to try their two eggs baked in a skillet with ham and gruyere. We also ordered the fries on a whim (because who doesn't love fries?) It was meh. Everything for me tasted like too much ham. I ended up slathering ketchup or mustard on it to get a different taste. Even the eggs tasted like ham. I don't think the gruyere was overpowering - which is great. But the con was that my dish tasted like ham. I like ham - in little portions. I don't want my eggs and my cheese and my whole dish to just be layer upon layer of ham-ness. Sorry to complain Cafe Presse. Your decor was cute and lovely, your fries were crunchy, and your Croque Madame's first few bites were great. But everything tasted like Porky the Pig and I got bored with my dish quick.
(3)
Clifton C.

Great food and great service!
(5)
Eileen R.

Whattt?? How have I not reviewed this place yet? I've been here a ridiculous number of times. I will be a long time customer here. Probably the best Cafe au Lait I've ever had. Pommes-frites with housemade mayo is not to be skipped. Croque Monsieur is so good. I can't say if it's the best, because I've never had one anywhere else. Sometimes, they don't cook it as long as I'd like...but usually it's done to perfection. I've only had bad (just slow, not rude) service one time. I only had that waitress once and I'm not sure I've seen her since.
(4)
Mark B.

I suppose the cuisine at La Presse is wonderful.....wouldn't know. Had reservations at 7:00 on a Tuesday night. Left downtown early, found the neighborhood readily. Found the restaurant. Drove around for 32 minutes, in extended circles looking for a parking spot. Finally out of frustration called the restaurant to ask for a public lot, got a snarky smart ass response. Canceled the reservation, drove back into town and had an excellent dinner at Le Pichet. Everyone in this review section managed to find a parking spot, we could not. Will not try again.
(1)
Nadia S.

Quality ingredients and urban charm are just a few things you will love about this place. In the back room I felt whisked away to France. We came for brunch but we will be back for dinner for sure.
(4)
Mike B.

Chocolate croissant. May 4, 2013. Never forget. Also, the broiled eggs with ham and gruyere dish was killer!
(5)
Parker M.

CafÃ© Presse is my favorite late night cafe in the Seattle area. I've been searching for a cafe to satisfy my late night cravings for a good caffeine buzz and all others pale in comparison. First of all, they have fairly good espresso up until about 2 I think and then they have an intensely interesting menu full of different meal options all inspired by French cuisine. Very good desserts and great place to sit outside at. Love it
(4)
Dan M.

Great food, desert & drinks! They serve food later than most on the hill too! I've always enjoyed the service here. The seasonal menu changes are always something to look forward to as well.
(5)
Almost G.

If you're out and about on the hill and it's not quite 1:30am, and your date isn't quite convinced by your wit and charm that it's time to head home, head to Presse. They have a couple of desserts stuffed full of enough chocolate to kill a litter of puppies. Unfortunately they may just be a bit too rich to finish by yourself, so you'd better share. Right? Right. Presse is consistent, serves food all day up until 1:30am, and the staff don't get upset if you loiter. I like it. The menu features a range of familiar French dishes and there's plenty of booze available. You'll feel right at home with a book (or tablet - WiFi can be stolen from Stumptown), croissant and coffee on a lazy Sunday afternoon in the front section which is reasonably quiet. Alternatively, bring a large group, book a table in the back room and drink your way through the south of France whilst gorging on the chicken. Oh man, that chicken... The coffee is ok (Stumptown next door is better) and the tea is generic. But surely you're sitting here drinking wine and reading one of the many magazines or newspapers they have on sale. Parking is terrible. The place gets very busy at brunch and dinner on the weekends. One thing that makes me really happy - they get the music and lighting right, for the most part. Well done team. Right now it's 11:51pm on a Tuesday night and The Cure is playing at just the right level to make conversation easy, but muddle the noise that the table next to us is making. The lighting is low enough that the fact that I haven't shaved for about 4 days won't count against me, but bright enough that I can gaze longingly into the eyes of anyone in the restaurant (as creepy as that may be). On to the food: Steak Tartare - garlic. I hope you really like garlic. Each bite begins with a mouth-searingly potent dose of garlic. Once that subsides there's a hint of capers. The actual taste of the beef gets overwhelmed. The bread is great, as it always is (kudos to Grand Central). There's also a tomato based chutney thing. It does help mellow out the taste of the garlic to a certain extent. Serving size is pretty good - about the size of a large duck egg, with 4 slivers of toasted baguette and a small container of tomato-based chutney. The Roast Chicken - amazing. The poultry gods have blessed the chef with the ability to create a masterpiece. Don't get confused and order the cold chicken, it's bad. Go for the one with the 1-hour wait. Do not bring a vegetarian with you - a minimum of 2 people need to order this beast. You'll end up with a plate of chicken and chips. It is easily one of my 'must eat' dishes in Seattle. The rest of the dishes I have tried, which includes most things on the menu, are generally ok. I've never had something come out that was horrible, but other than the aforementioned chicken I've also never had something that I've craved going back for
(4)
Nate S.

Croque madam, fries with spicy ground mustard and a glass of red. Perfect brunch day!
(5)
Jen H.

Snaps for excellent pate, well cooked pomme frites, and beet salad. I loved the fresh lemonade. But preparation and overall flavors were good - not awesome. Sorry, but I'm getting tired of paying a lot for nice-but-not-awesome restaurant food in this neighborhood.
(4)
Jenn N.

Simply adore this restaurant. I love it for an early breakfast, brunch, lunch and dinner. This is a rather casual eatery and feels like a true French bistro. The prices are very affordable so you don't have to think twice about that extra glass of wine or two desserts. The food is straightforward but so delicious that it leaves you wondering how something so simple can be so delicious. Anytime of the day is great at Cafe Presse. I enjoy taking a moment before a busy day with an expertly pulled espresso and a baguette with melted bittersweet chocolate. On the weekends, when I have more time, a delicious bloody Mary with my croque madame always satisfies. Lunch is all about their sardine sandwich and green salad with the beautiful hazelnut vinaigrette. Dinner always starts with a Lillet and lots of charcuterie and bread and butter. They have very simple bistro dishes like steak frites or duck confit and they never fail to be amazing. Late night dining has to involve their delicious pommes frites with amazing aioli. I can go on and on. Great place for a date, groups or to even bring your parents which I have done to great approval. There not very many places in Seattle where you can get such wonderful French food without the stuffy attitude or astronomical prices. Atmosphere is very welcoming if you want to linger and savor you chocolate chaud. They also play most of the international football games and it's always a good time when a big rivalry match is going on. Go now!
(5)
Victoria V.

Excellent staff, who are not only attentive during your dining experience, but will also let you sit before your whole party arrives -- nothing beats coffee and a magazine on a lazy morning at a great little spot like this, people-watching and waiting for pals to stop by. Had my first Croque Madame (holy shit), they serve Vita coffee (thumbs up), and when I was there on Inauguration Day they were streaming the President's speech in the (silent, rapt) front room. Perfection!
(5)
Chris B.

I stopped in at Cafe Presse today with a friend. We were going to have A Serious Talk over coffee and wanted some place quiet and cozy. Cafe Presse immediately came to mind. When we arrived, we realized we were a bit hungry as well. I had a "Sandwich en baguette" which is apparently some unpronounceable Gallic delicacy. Typical. I ordered it with grilled sardine. It was austere and perfect. My friend had the omelet with mushrooms, which looked great. We also had a baguette and butter, which was simple but delicious. Finally, we split the "GÃ¢teau renversÃ© au poires et aux noix, crÃ¨me Ã la cannelle," which is French for "a little piece of cake." I joke, but it was fantastic. The perfect end to a perfect meal. All this plus bottomless coffee (which struck me as particularly tasty) for a reasonable price. What more could we ask for? Oh, and The Serious Talk went well too.
(4)
Colby C.

Great food, decent prices, BUT the table tops are always STICKY...which is creepy and feels very un-hygenic.
(3)
Jennie Kay B.

Great food, great value, and a great deal of attitude from the staff. Being unable to put a fried egg inside a sandwich on "philosophical" (their word, not mine) reasons? However, all eyerolls aside, and after a pressed-for explanation why having only five people in the kitchen was just not enough to provide me with an egg inside my croque, the food was phenomenal, and at a great price. I can suffer not getting exactly what I want, for all the positives going on here. Great magazine selection for purchase (they charge to your bill), super bar, and reasonably-sized portions. As someone that prefers to not pay for food I'm not going to eat, this made me happy. It's a do, and I'll be back. A great place for a solo meal or with a few friends. Seating is limited. ***EDIT*** I think I was a little harsh on the staff. Our waiter was nice, and eventually sort of warmed up to us. It could have been that he was new, and it wasn't attitude. However, there just wasn't a feeling of warmth from anyone that was working there, and I made an effort to smile, say hi, make eye contact, etc. I don't want to blame our waiter, he was actually the nicest person we encountered there, and I feel would have facilitated whatever we wanted, had he been able. The service he provided was prompt, and we had a great lunch experience. Of course, with the crew we had, we would have had a good time in a paper bag.
(4)
J D M.

The bread and butter (A+++) provides a great composite review of this place. I have had their crouque madame (A), oeufs de Provence(B), mushroom omelette (B+), homemade breakfast yogurt with hazelnut and honey (B+), wedge salad (B+), coffee (B+) with sugar cubes, and Pomme frites (B); but the quality of the butter and bread speaks volumes of the kitchen as a whole, served with assorted homemade marmalades that make you mouth drop. The only detractor, is that their pomme frites (fries) can sometimes be a tad too salty. Otherwise I have had nothing bad here.
(5)
Stanlo S.

This is a really cute place, tiny and cozy inside and very French. A friend and I enjoyed a madame and French onion soup (is it just onion soup in France?) both of which were well above average. The madame was very cheesey which made it kind of heavy. It was toasted really well on the sides and soft in the middle. Not as good as Bastille's madame though. The baguette was sooo good though, it went so well with their butter. I wanted to steal some on the way out. Oh, and I ordered their pork spread charcuterie but I ended up with a terrine of some sort. It was tasty, but I think it not being what I expected sort of disappointed me.
(4)
Jillian S.

What can I say! This place is great! They have delicious food, fancy drinks, and good coffee. Beautiful atmosphere that is always lively and full of customers. The food is very French and you can tell they have taken time to develop a unique menu but that is still reasonable priced. It's a favorite spot of mine and because it's so close I frequently it once a week or so. Oh! And The staff is great. So genuine and friendly. Willing to Anwser any questions and keep your coffee cup full. 100% recommend. Brunch. Dinner. Date. Quick breakfast. All perfect times to go to caffe press.
(5)
Beth C.

Had a delicious vanilla latte and the waiter was very nice. I just chilled for a while, sipping coffee and reading. Also, omlet is a great choice for gluten free crowd.
(5)
S B.

An unpretentious hidden gem in First Hill. Casual but friendly service, excellent food, and an inviting atmosphere add up to a great experience. Add to this the overall good value, this is a great spot.
(4)
Victoria C.

So on our short visit to Seattle my BFF took me, my fiancÃ© and his friends to CafÃ© Presse for a late luncheon! I was pretty excited especially cause I love French cuisine. The place is pretty small but luckily there was enough room for us since we came later in the afternoon. My friend made some suggestions since she had been here before and I knew right away I had to try the Croque Madame. I also ordered the French Onion Soup since I LOVE French Onion and we shared the pommes frites. What I love about French food is that it's very simple. I also loveee how they eat mayo with their French fries.. yes I know it's so bad but so good! When the French fries came with mayo I was in heaven. Seriously. Anyway, the French Onion Soup came in a BIG bowl.. biggest portion I've seen but then again it is $11. I'd def recommend this though.. it was very good with all that cheesy goodness. My Croque Madame tasted as good as it looked. It was perfect in every way! I really liked this place even though our server was a little on the snobby side but I guess it added to the hipster atmosphere eh. Oh yeah btw, I don't know if people in Seattle just have a heavy hand and a high tolerance for alcohol but man their drinks were strong! My mimosa gave me a good buzz after a couple sips lol. But it was delish and a great way to start my day. I wish we had more places like this in Hawaii!
(4)
Tyler L.

Good food, but a terrible service experience would make me second guess coming back here. The coffee and brunch food are great, and the outside patio, while a bit cramped, is great on a nice day. However, our food order was clearly lost and rather than appologizing, excuses were made even while people just sitting down were getting their food. I don't mind waiting, but lying about it is not ok. Still though, the food was good.
(3)
Margaret G.

This was the first time I came into this cafe for a meal, and I discovered that the restaurant extends back with more seating. I had a great brunch of the house-made plain yogurt with honeyed walnuts and the tomato-eggplant soup. The yogurt was best stirred (a little too plain until you mix it, but on point when you do). The soup had great flavor and was on the spicier side. They paired it with a fancier crouton topped with grilled cod and this glaze of what tasted like candied lemons, cilantro and a mayo base of sorts. I'd order it all again in a heartbeat. Also, the fresh grapefruit juice was refreshing.
(5)
Chris J.

I came here for dinner with my girlfriend for date night. First of all, I liked the industrial warehouse atmosphere with brick walls and steel beams; the mood lighting kept things cozy. I enjoyed my meal, but overall I didn't come away "wow'd." French food has never been one of my favorites, and while I've always enjoyed French bakeries, Cafe Presse didn't turn me into a believer... My girlfriend had the duck leg on faro, which she liked. I had the smoked garlic sausage served on white cabbage, which was decent although a bit blander than I hoped. The prices here weren't too bad. We just didn't fall in love with the food. Perhaps we would have had more luck going in for breakfast instead. We probably won't know because there are so many restaurants in Seattle to try!
(3)
Tanner K.

The food and atmosphere of this really nice cafe that really tries to be like an authentic French cafe will fill all your needs if you want, cocktails, wine, or a good espresso. It is an easy and cozy place to hang or grab something in a hurry. The service at times can leave you wanting as they can sometimes come off as they don't want you there. Still highly recommend.
(3)
Elle D.

My waitress didn't pack my baguette for the Gateau Au Foie De Volaille so I asked her which box the liver was packed in so I can put it in myself. She answered with "I don't know." and just walked away...I was left with my mouth opened, staring at the back of her. You can at least offer to give me another box. What kind of attitude was that? It took her another million years to give me the check after I made eye contact with her numerous times while she was walking around. This was not at a busy time either. If you don't want to be working, nobody is forcing you! Every time I come here I always encounter bad service. Hence, the 3 stars. However, the food was good. The pommes frites was just the right crunch and saltiness! I also had the sardine sandwich and the croque madame. I always get the Gateau Au Foie De Volaille when I come here. For me, French cuisine might be a little bit too much all at once since it is so rich. But I have plenty of leftovers, not that I am complaining. :)
(3)
Arden J.

I used to love this place and came here often. However, my most recent visit I had indifferent service and was disappointed that the moules frites were now just moules. The portion size was perfect for an appetizer (12 mussels), but they kept the price the same! $15 is too much for 12 mussels. Fries were an extra $4.50. The steak tartare size has also been cut in half. I'll go to Le Zinc next time or the myriad of great new spots on Cap Hill.
(1)
John W.

The croissant was delicious, however i ordered two lattes to go and after checking my receipt when i went home, the server has included two extra charges for it to go, my lattees turned out to be 4 dollars each.
(2)
Etan B.

The food: had the eggs and cheese dish which was excellent. Perfectly broiled with gruyere. Ordered an espresso which was way bitter so ordered drip coffee which was too weak. French press not available at this French cafe with the word "press" in its name. Ironic? Service: our waiter had an attitude which I suppose works if you are looking for a stereotypical Paris vibe. But I was not impressed. He was very attentive though. Ambiance: very clean and comfortable. Feels European. Overall I probably won't return based on the coffee.
(3)
Yoda B.

This is a favorite spot for a good friend and I, who both prefer a more European dining experience, simple yet high quality food, and small plates we can share over hours of conversation. The place is tiny but the food is tasty, and their coffee is delicious.
(5)
Guillermo R.

Loved the Croque Madame... And the daily pastries... Definitely coming back for more
(5)
Sandra R.

Just have to rave about the croque Monsieur -- so incredibly delicious and not near as greasy as I've had before. And it's so reasonably priced -- only 6 bucks. The other food I saw looked appetizing. Cute little place.
(5)
Joop V.

My friends and I visited Cafe Presse this weekend for Brunch. It was my first time and their second. The place is small (at most around 8-10 2-people tables) and some extra 20-25 seatings at a bar, so if you plan to go there with large parties, it's probably not ideal..else, you'd probably want to make sure you go there early). Personally if I ever go there next time, I'd probably just go with one other person, so we can get a seat at a bar if any table isn't available. I ordered the Croque Madame (it's the same as Croque Monsieur but with a sunny side up egg topped on my toasted sandwich bread) and my friends ordered Pain Au Chocolat A L'ancienne (melted chocolate on french baguette), Tartine Montagnarde Aux Poires (some grilled onions/mushrooms with cheese on a toast) and Omelette Au Choix with mushrooms (omelet with mushrooms). My Croque Madame was good although I wasn't that blown away by the taste. My friends though were really disappointed with the Pain Au Chocolat A L'ancienne, Tartine Montagnarde Aux Poires and their Omelette (and mind you, one of them is French...and he had tried their Croque Madame and wasn't that impressed with the taste either). Mostly, the biggest let down was there were some burnt/plastic residues (who knows how long it has been built up) left in the omelette that my friend ordered which made some omelette bites particularly gross. We did informed our waiter about it and he was polite polite handling the issue and actually comped that particular dish off of our check for us. I'm personally ok with the Croque Madame but due to small restaurant size and somewhat limited selection..I probably won't mind going back there but won't go out of my way to go back to this place either.
(3)
Rene C.

Many Thanks to all the Seattle Yelpers. Thanks to you, my ass has doubled in size. I've traveled to Seattle numerous times over the last several years. But it's always been for business and was never exposed to just how good this town can. And oh boy is it GOOD! This was our first stop for the long weekend. Arriving just after noon, we were greeted by our host who sat us at a nice table in the back room. Since it was technically after 12:00, wine was in the cards but what pairs with wine? uhhhhh everything! The croque madam is the star attraction here, so I figured my ass would need a formal introduction to Cafe Presse's signature dish. I was in France just three weeks ago so this place would really have to wow me to earn it's stars. Let me tell you right now, Cafe Presse not only exceeded in crafting an excellent croque madam, they made the best I have ever tasted! Perfect amount of cheese and ham and toasted to perfection. Each bite sang to me. But I am a French fry fiend! How good were the frites? NO WORDS CAN EVEN BEGIN TO TELL YOU HOW GOOD THESE FRITES WERE! So good were the frites I just took photos and posted for your viewing pleasure. The service here is top notch, the wine list is 100 percent French and there is a full bar. Is there really anything else you need to know? PS. Cafe Presse is suitable for breakfast, lunch and or dinner. Open from 7AM-2AM Daily.
(5)
Teala A.

The food was awesome! Came out quickly and full of all the flavors!! The service however.... Weeelll, they lost 2 stars..... Mostly because the hostess, a young, pretty, bored hipster girl, walked right past my friend and I who waited in the entry , didn't acknowledge us and kept chatting with her coworker. We then waited again, while she walked past us with no greeting or acknowledge..... Until I asked her if we could seat ourselves..... And the answer was no. I work in food service. I get that it's not a fun or positive job all the time. I don't expect you to be fake and bubbly and kiss my ass.... I do however , need to be acknowledged...... Unless you want me to take my hard earned money elsewhere..... And I will
(3)
Megan L.

I absolutely love this place! From the chill atmosphere to the great service, CafÃ© Presse never disappoints. I've taken my LA friends from back home to eat here and they all loved it. When in doubt, definitely order yourself the Croque Madame and the pomme frites!
(5)
Leonardo D.

The food is great. Clean place and amazing atmosphere. However they don't take American Express which means they are not interested in the high end of the credit cards market. Having said that your experience may vary upon your waiter, you might love it or you might be ignored completely.
(1)
Nia M.

I am giving CAFE PRESSE 5 stars!! Yes, my date and I waited an hr for our chicken-but it clearly states the wait time on the menu. I think as Americans we are constantly living at such a fast paced that we don't take the time to enjoy life. Thus, I absolutely love the care-free pace of the French! Now, Cafe Presse made me feel like I had stepped into the spirit of France. There were guest already conversing and enjoying meals at the small tables. Although, the area is small, conversations weren't intrusive. Our waitress was very welcoming.As we waited for our meal, we ate delicious bread and butter. I am typically not a bread & butter gal. Yet, I found myself devouring it. (Honestly, it had nothing to do with the hour wait for entrÃ© but truly good bread) Lets talk about their salads--I felt my mouth water over the salad.The butter lettuce salad was divine. The lettuce was fresh-as if it was just picked from a garden magically hidden in the back. I can't believe I am raving over lettuce. For the main entrÃ© we had the roasted chicken with fries. The chicken was delicious-- moist and tender. Its how chicken is truly suppose to taste!! My friend would have preferred thinner fries. I typically don't eat a lot of fries so I probably would've preferred more of the butter lettuce salad. Yummy! I can't recall the wine that we had with our dinner. The waitress was very helpful in assisting us with the selection. PERFECT!...We actually boxed up most of our dinner so we could eat dessert. We had the "cheesecake" with dried plums. OMG! We savored each bite. I completed my meal with a cup of perfectly brewed coffee. I plan to return with or without a date. I wish I lived closer. Yet, I plan to come one morning for breakfast. Wish we could truly live life the French and have LONG lunch hours.
(5)
Chandini S.

I love an excellent baguette with butter. And I love a great cup of hot chocolate. This place has both. AND they play soccer a couple of days a week (great for my partner). If you're just checking things out and it looks crowded, you should still go in because there is another room in the back. The food menu is much smaller in the early morning, which is disappointing. I would have loved some eggs or a sandwich. But I got by on my delectable bread and butter.
(4)
Jenny L.

Been here twice and both times, I wasn't amazed. It was decent, yes. Just not anything super memorable. I always have a hard time choosing what to order. Came here for dinner and ended up ordering breakfast foods because they didn't have too many options. If you come, definitely come for breakfast/brunch...unless you're a breakfast for dinner kind of person. I guess I'm not.
(3)
Chris D.

Instead of "Woohoo! As good as it gets!" it is more like "Holy Shit! As fucking good as it gets! Oh, and I've discussed this at length since my visit...their omelet will be the best omelet you ever have for this price. Ever. It may be the best omelet at 75% higher too which is why it is just stupid as is. On to the nuts and bolts... Great location...next to UofS campus and nearby commercial area on Pike but just a little off beaten path. Service is great. They are all over it and not in a pain in the ass way. Every table seems genuinely having a good time briefly chatting with their server and bartender.. Bar - great choice in spirits, wine, and draft and bottle beer...good program. Interior...open and welcoming and a great place to meet people or lose yourself in the paper. Food...everything was good. Cannot go wrong. Coffee...top notch. Price...very affordable. If I went back to grad school, or if I was part of the faculty of UofS, I'd have my office hours here...daily.
(5)
Vicki L.

It's no secret that this place is popular with the natives and the out-of-towners alike, so I'll keep my review succinct. This is one of my favourite spots to plop myself down at when I'm in the mood to dive into a good book solo, or grab a happy hour sparkling wine cocktail with a girlfriend, OR catch a good game of football (european football, that is), and in today's case, oggle the amazing cyclists competing in the tour de france. since i'm a pescetarian, I can't rave much about their meat offerings, but I will say that their breads and baked goods are top notch (likely because they're siblings with the infamous Le Pichet, only with a more welcoming price-point). I almost always devour the entire serving of half baguette with butter and fruit compote, and eagerly gulp down their bottomless cups of Cafe Vita brew like a fish. if you're swinging by in the morning, make sure to snag a brioche bun or a baguette. In the evening, linger for a soup, salad, or a delicious sardine baguette sandwich!
(4)
Nancy C.

Have wanted to try this place for ages. Took my 14 year old here.... she loved - she felt all grown up. It really is more of an adult date place (it looks like a romantic Parisian bar) but she thought it was cool - every single table was full of "daters". They had a jazz band playing which added to the ambiance. We shared a Croque Madame, pomme frites and the mousse glacÃ© au chocolate et au caramel. Every item was excellent and we didn't even eat it all (we were so full). The only downside was the Bloody Mary I ordered - it was tasteless, watered down and didn't even have an olive in it (and it wasn't cheap....) Will definitely come back but most likely with an adult "date"!
(4)
Nate B.

I'll never forget the fries.
(4)
Justin C.

This was definitely a nice place to have breakfast. Sit outside, sit inside, or sit at the bar. Either way its a nice quiet place with great food. The Croque Madame was amazing. I was expecting a small little 7$ sandwich, but it was more than enough to fill me up. I don't know how they make it in France, but I thought it was very delicious. A little on the heavy side, but eating all of it together just made an amazing taste in my mouth. I didn't try any of the other dishes, but they all looked pretty good. If you want a good breakfast "sandwich" I would say give this place a try. You won't be disappointed. :) Happy eating!
(5)
Suie C.

So the second time around, we tried out the omelettes. You can choose a combination of cheese, ham, herbs, and mushrooms. I got a mushroom and cheese one which was okay, but nothing to really rave too much about, a pretty standard omlette with well cooked eggs. Others at the table also had the croque madame and once again, the pate and steak frites were shared. The second time around, the food lacked some of the WOW appeal that it had the very first time I was here. Maybe it's because the first time was new and something I had never tried before. This time around, the food was still tasty, but not as phenomenal as it was before. I'll come here again, but probably not until I'm craving very specific items like the croque or bib salad, which was probably my favorite this time around. The salad is so simple, but soooo tasty. Service was great, except they mixed up two of the omlettes. We thought they had left out an ingredient, but by the time we realized they had switched the omelttes, the mistaken one was already halfway eaten.
(4)
Steve C.

A nice place to get out of the rain on a Saturday morning. It actually felt like a cafe inside, and I can imagine how inviting it must be in the summer. Ordered the croque madame because I had to. It was served quickly, and I actually got it before my latte. The meal was the real deal, and was surprisingly filling. Loved the cheese. The latte was average and nothing to write home about. Service was friendly and prices were on point for Capitol Hill.
(4)
Katharine T.

I loved this place! I wish I lived in Seattle so I could come here every weekend for brunch. Damn good cappuccino, the likes of which are not served in Chicago & I'll probably never be lucky enough to enjoy again. Had my first Croque Madame here. Oh fried egg, on fried bread with fried cheese and ham and bechamel sauce. This taste treat was off the chain. Sat in their back room, nice chill atmosphere. Friendly but uninterested staff (not uninterested in a bad way) made for a relaxed, I'm not hurrying you to finish your food, type of meal. I'm still dreaming of their cappuccino.
(4)
Stephanie M.

My only knowledge of French cuisine up until now was buttery escargot and croissants. both of which are delicious, but it doesn't say anything to what French Cuisine is actually like. It was about 11:00 on a Thursday evening and my girlfriends and I were up on Capital Hill. We needed to satisfy our drunken-hunger and my friend suggested Cafe Presse. It was only a few blocks to where we were so we trekked on over, not really knowing what we were getting into. We were seated in the front section of the cafe (there is a back section with more seating) and I immediately loved the "feel". It has high-ceilings, low-lighting, candles and it had a sort of peace to it. After being seated we decided to take a break from drinking and concentrate all our focus on what we would be eating. (Part of the fun is figuring out how to pronounce everything--an especially fun task while intoxicated. :-) ) --Pommes-Frites, Translation is: Fried potatoes instead of french fries --Pain au Chocolat, Translation is: Bittersweet chocolate melted on baguette --Huitres crus, Translation is: Oysters in the shell --Croque Madame, Translation is: Baked Ham, gruyere with a sunny side up egg on top The Pommes-Frites and Pain au Chocolat were tasty, but my favorite was the Croque Madame. I can honestly say that this is simply the absolute best sandwich that I have ever put in my mouth, EVER. The ham & gruyere compliment each other perfectly and the egg ontop is such a bonus. The egg soaked the bread just enough and every bite was savored as long as humanly possible. We all didn't want this sandwich to end and everyone wanted the last bite. The Oysters were a new thing for me as I have never had oysters before--can't say I'm a huge fan, but at least I tried it. The service was fantastic, excellent food, and the atmosphere is great for whatever you're in the mood for. Whether you're with girlfriends or on a date, or if you want to just sip some wine while you work alone on your laptop, Cafe Presse is the perfect place!
(5)
Shannon M.

One of my favorite spots, I have never been disappointed whenever I've come here. Delicious casual cafe French food at its best. If you have the time, the chicken is super delicious and nice to share. I personally love the sardine sandwich, very simple and a relatively good deal. When I feel like splurging, the steak frites is my hands-down fave - order with a side of their house made mayo to dip your fries and you are in for a treat.
(5)
Ati B.

Always amazing!! You have to get in early to have the honor of devouring one of their chocolate croissants. I don't even know where to start so I'll just list the great stuff I love: -chocolate croissants -outdoor seating -open late...WITH FOOD -serves Cafe Vita -croque Madame is incredible -frites -everything else
(4)
Olivia S.

We came to Cafe Presse for breakfast. Their breakfast menu is sort of small. When you walk in the door, you see a wide variety of magazines. About five minutes after we ordered, we got our food. Very fast. My crossaint was very good. There is music playing and it is very light. They have a 9:00 menu- the menu changes at 9:00 and you have more options than what is on the smaller breakfast menu. The menu is in French with English descriptions in italics. There is a wide variety of wines for the wine lover. The staff is very nice. The floors are pretty clean. I also ordered the seasonal fruit plate with shortbread cookie and cream. It was delicious. The seasonal fruit was black raspberries. Normally, I wouldn't like black raspberries, but they were very good with cream. The shortbread cookie was delicious. It was relatively quiet, except for the music. The pricing was good. Everything was delicious. I will definitely come here again if I am in the Seattle area.
(5)
JP L.

After wanting to stop in for over a year now, I finally had the opportunity to meet a friend at Cafe Presse for an overdue birthday celebration. At 6 PM on a weekday the cafe was packed. We ordered pommes frites (delicious, crispy, but fat enough to be a true potato treat), croque monsieur (delightfully tidy little package of ham and creamy goodness), and gateau au foie de volaille (indeed, chicken liver pate was a first time for me and although I'm embarassed to say it, it was fabulous with stone ground mustard, a dab of butter, and sour cherries on baguette). For dessert, a baked apple tart with fresh whipped cream, and coffee. Yum. We ordered a celebratory bottle of wine, and our server did let us taste two selections before we chose which we preferred. I would have gone for a cocktail instead but the menu gave me the impression that it was wine only, no liquor. Not so. Our server was friendly, but a little odd and awkward. He couldn't quite get the right mix of showing up when needed but letting us be when we were mid-coversation. Tips: if you're in for a meal, be sure to try to sit in the back area (more restauranty and less cafey). If you're shy about pronouncing the French, don't worry - we, and most of the folks I overheard, ordered by listing the ingredients of the desired dish in English. And, when you first arrive it's unclear whether you are to seat yourself or wait for a server, so I ponied up to the bar and asked; a server then appeared immediately and showed me to a table. The biggest surprise of the evening was the bill. But for the bottle of wine, we would have had a birthday celebration with more than enough delicious food, plus dessert and coffee, for less than $30 for two. I get we're in a recession, but it still felt inexpensive to me given the luxury feel of the evening and the top-notch eats. This place is a keeper.
(4)
Shyam H.

Short of taking a flight to Paris, this is your next best thing in Seattle. As a good alternative, there is now also a direct flight from SEA to CDG ;-) On 12th & Union in Seattle. ANy place with food this good and open till 2am gets 5 stars in my book :D
(5)
Laura G.

I can't stop thinking about the Croque Madame that I had for dinner last night at Cafe Presse. It was SO GOOD! I spent at least an hour this morning trying to find a recipe online that would allow me to make something at home that's half as good. I don't think it's possible. I'll just keep relying on Cafe Presse for my Croque Madame fixes. As a HUGE fan of Le Pichet, I waited for this little cafe from the same owners to open for almost a year. As frustrated as I was when the owners missed their forecasted opening by (was it 7?) months, I now believe the wait was totally worth it. I've had only great meals at this place. From my experience, their short wine list is filled with nothing but hits. And I love the reasonable prices. I will go here any day or night of the week. I only wish I could give this place six stars. The only drawback that I can think of - and it doesn't deter me from going at all - is that the tables in back are packed in a little too tight. To eat here, you should be open to making new friends at the neighboring tables. It's tough to avoid.
(5)
Albert F.

Cafe Presse is a great place to have an unhurried meal or snack. The ambiance is lovely, the wine selection varied and the food quite tasty. If you haven't t had the baguette with melted bittersweet chocolate, go treat yourself it's delicious. All that and the best bike rack setup in the city right outside.
(4)
Rodney L.

My wife was in the mood for French and I suggested this place from all the buzz I heard. We were checking out the menu outside when someone coming in said "Everything's good!". Okay, sold! She had the Sandwich en baguette with pork rillette and I had the Croque Campagnard. Mine was kind of like a toasted open-faced sandwich and her sandwich was filled with a pork spread (kind of like an upscale deviled ham, but with a tuna-like texture). I liked hers better. We also shared a bowl of Pomme Frites (fries), but she liked the ones at Cremant better. For dessert, we decided on the Cherry and pistacio bread pudding. Delicious, but it could've used more condensed milk topping. What a great place for lunch (look for street parking - 2 hours free about 2 blocks away) if you're in the mood for some reasonable French fare. What a treat for our 7th wedding anniversary!
(4)
Jeffrey L.

Usually I'm pretty scathing with my reviews but really, I'll give this place "props" for it being decently nice. I had the "fromage" something something dessert and I'm happy to say it didn't suck. Rather, it was orgasmically awesome, I highly recommend it! Now excuse me as I'm still reeling from the Stella Artoise I had there, passing out with a stomach full of beer is certainly not optimal on a Monday night.
(4)
Jodi I.

I love love love Cafe Presse! Cute atmosphere in the front room (open and lively) and the back dining area (cozy and dark). I am a sucker for pate and I think about their chicken liver terrine with sea salt and cherry compote at least once a day. The french fries with mayo and hazelnut salad are also very good. The staff is always helpful in recommending a good wine pairing, and everything is reasonably priced.
(5)
Cecilie H.

While the decor is not mind blowing, it's cosy enough and have relatively comfortable seats, although the tables are stacked VERY closely so it might be a good idea to hold back a bit on the alcohol, if you are seated on the bench along the wall. I try to eat something new when I go, but it's very hard for me not to keep ordering the rillette and the liver pÃ¢tÃ©, the baguette that comes with it is perfect, with a crisp crust and a chewy crumb. When I have ventured into the red beet salad and other salads they have been just as they should, too. Once I was so lucky that a three person jazz band was playing while I was there, but I haven't been that lucky since, so I don't know if they still have live shows.
(4)
Megan B.

As an admitted Francophile- especially the cuisine- how delighted was I to have an excuse to head over to Capitol Hill and try Cafe Presse? Very, indeed. I think we may have made ourselves broke here. Not that it's pricey or anything, we just went overboard here. Started out with a Lillet rouge neat. MMMM And a ton of water from the old wine bottle. A nice touch. Tres chic, non? Couldn't decide what to eat so we just ordered a few things- Croque Madame, Soupe a l'oignons, and the moules frites. All were excellent. I could really imagine this place in Paris. It is the perfect place to get un cafe, un sandwich, un apertif.... Stare at les feuilles d'automne on the trees outside.... I wanted to drown myself in the broth of the moules frites. Perfect mussels. No grit. Plump, juicy, studded with bacon.... Finished it all off with some Pernod. When you poured it over ice, it matched the color of the tables. Vachement chouette! J'aime ca restaurant!
(5)
Z Z.

Fantastic Sunday brunch. It's lovely to squeeze into a little table against the brick wall and gaze longingly at the beautiful liquor selection: Lillet, Campari, Pernod, Pastis, Hendrick's gin. They make a perfect Caffe Vita latte and serve fresh squeezed orange juice. The baguette with melted bittersweet chocolate is light and not too sweet, like a hearty pastry, and a perfect compliment to a good, strong cup of espresso. The yogurt with honey and walnuts is a runny, sour European version of yogurt, served in a little cup. The pommes frites are crispy on the outside, hot and soft in the middle, and come deliciously browned and salty. Served with a mayonnaise-based dipping sauce, they are a damn good brunch accompaniment. The baked eggs with ham and gruyere come lava hot and bubbling, and the omelette is buttery and delicious. I have to say, it was probably one of the most memorable brunches I've had in a long time. The service was fast and good, especially since the place was packed. Loved the clientele, the music and the food. Will definitely be back soon.
(5)
Linda N.

The service was fairly good, but the food is awesome. Croque Madame was wonderful. My boyfriend had a stake dish with fries, and I have to say, the fries are delicious. Great coffee and wide varieties of wine. A must if you're visiting!
(4)
sean o.

Cafe Presse was as advertised. Great food, reasonable prices, comfortable cafe atmophere. We went with the roasted chicken and pototoes, which take an hour. We were more than happy to hang out, drink some good wine and chat with our friends, while waiting for the chicken to cook. The chicken arrived juicy, tasty, and with perfectly crispy skin. AND... they are open late, this place was just getting busy at 11.
(4)
Dani M.

Patio is nice on a beautiful day. Drip is from Cafe Vita, meh. I got a breakfast sandwich that had ham then covered in a sauce smothered in cheese then topped with a fried egg. Great food fir the price. Didn't get inside cause I chilled on the patio with my dog.
(4)
John E.

I love this place. It has an abundance of tasty food and thoughtful touches. The extended hours, the interesting cross-section of the population, the tasty versions of French standards, the tasty fries w/ mayo, the way the candlelight plays through a bottle of water, the magazines, the quite friendly servers, the relaxed atmosphere, the industrial-ish decor: love it. My experiences here have been overwhelmingly positive. The atmosphere and execution are ace; other places should take note.
(5)
Blake A.

Fantastic (considering the price) casual, french food in an unassuming atmosphere. All in all a fun place to grab tasty food and a drink or two with friends without breaking the bank. Get the charcuterie plate, cheese plate, and steak-frites.
(4)
Bryan K.

I'm not usually a big fan of French food, cold food hot and hot food cold. What?! I think they do it just to piss me off. With that said, I kind of went into this place with an already negative feeling toward it, but I have to admit, I was pleasantly surprised. The food was superb. I got the tomato soup with goat cheese croutons and the croque monsieur. They were both served warm and delicious. We got an order of frites for the table, which were pretty good too (although I prefer my own homemade version better). Also, not that it really matters that much, but I thought it was cool that they serve water in a glass bottle for the table. That is so hip. The industrial, yet modern decor fit the restaurant nicely. The young, hip clientele made me feel like I was part of something special, as if I were young and hip as well. Ah, it's nice to dream. Plus, they were playing Dr. Dog over the stereo, added bonus! Overall, I really liked this place. The food is good yet inexpensive, and the vibe is happenin'. I don't think this will be the last time you'll find me at Presse.
(4)
Allison A.

The outside sign and location next to Stumptown coffee shop made me think that this was more of a cafe than a restaurant. Wow, was I mistaken! Excellent French food, and very affordable. Love sitting in the back, out of the way -- good ambiance. Good wine list, food was absolutely delicious. Service was pretty slow, which at first I thought was a conscious choice and I appreciated -- no one likes to be rushed through dinner. But then we realized it was just lack of concentration -- when we wanted to go, it took foooooooorrrrrever to get the check. Still, worth the end game to spend the evening at this charming place.
(4)
Marneaux W.

Went there early on a Friday evening to watch soccer game on their screen...sat at the bar, ate a delicious Leak/Potato soup and their green salad with beets. Then, shared the ice cream/choc.sauce & house made cookies for dessert with my husband. All very good. Plus its always entertaining sitting at the bar.
(5)
Ann K.

Very tasty French food in a cool urban setting. I like to come here for lunch with co-workers and the service is always quick, the food good. Very tasty "frites." I do wish they would offer more vegetarian options; the menu is very meat-heavy and vegans are stuck with a plain bibb lettuce salad. The other day I ordered the beet, walnut and blue cheese salad. I'd had it before and very much enjoyed it but this time it was very over-dressed, each salty bite had me puckering! I mentioned this to our server, Suli, as took our plates. I was pleasantly surprised when he brought the check and told me they were not charging me for the salad. This isn't too common in restaurants anymore; I've found you'll either encounter indifference and a quick "sorry about that" or even defensiveness. My $7 salad wasn't going to break their bank but it did earn them a loyal customer. Great customer service. The owners have also been very generous in providing gift certificates for a raffle I organized for a community organization. They are a great local business and serve up great French food!
(4)
Alison L.

We mistakingly went there for drinks, thinking it was a little on the loungey side due to the decor, and were disappointed to find out that they don't even have a drink menu and the bartender didn't have any interesting recommendations to make up for it. Service was friendly, cheese plate was good, but there's no stand out reason to return past 5pm. Now, for brunch, on the other hand...I can see that. The problem with Presse, though, is that the place is constantly packed. When I'm brunching, I either like to sprawl out and make myself at home and/or be able to hold a conversation. I don't feel I can do either there, but perhaps I'll give it another try and let you know otherwise.
(3)
Jason L.

This is the best place for lunch in town. In fact, I consider lunch at Cafe Presse better than Prozac when I am having a bad day. They serve that hard to find french soul food that makes you smile. I always order the Croque Madame or Monsieur with frites and a cup of Cafe Vita brewed coffee. The croque is a wonder to behold with the crispy, golden brown cheese contrasted on your perfectly white plate just begging for your fork to make that first crunch. The texture when the first bite hits your mouth is just what you expect. The flavors of the ham, cheese, bread and a touch of hot mustard are perfect. If you feel decadent, get the madame. With an egg on top, you will feel compelled to share a picture of this thing of beauty on Facebook. The frites often make best of Seattle lists and this comes as no surprise. Perfectly crisp and flavorful with a side of mayo. Tomato based products would insult this fine food. Finally, the coffee perfectly compliments The atmosphere is fantastic and it is a gathering place for all kinds of interesting folks. Finally, you won't believe the prices. If you stick to a croque and coffee, you can get out of there for under $10! Hands down, this is one of my favorite places.
(5)
Yasmien H.

What yummy breakfast! I ordered hot chocolate too, and it was so yummy. We orderd the tomatoe soup which was delicious. The bread was a tough, but I think it was supposed to be.
(4)
Tom N.

I was craving for some delicious french food so I used my palm pre application and go on a long journey to cafe presse. It was pretty hard to find, since I don't know my downtown area that well, but I finally found it. I ordered Croque Madam which was pretty good. I love the egg's seasoning on it, egg was pretty good, nothing special, vietnamese style son and there was some cheap ham in the middle and toasted on some delicious bun with cheese. I hate cheese, but this cheese is pretty tasty. The tables are very smoosh together, so my backpack with my books almost knocked the table over and the water, but my awesome balance and reaction is too god like. Chill place, but overrated.
(3)
Tom Y.

AMAZING is the word... It was my date's suggestion to go there in the first place and just by the fact it is a French restaurant already intrigued me before we got there. When we arrived, it was a packed night and obviously, neither of us made the reservation ahead of time since it was a last minute decision. However, the hostess was very friendly and found two bar spaces for us as soon as they became available. We shared most of the dishes, we got Brandade de morue, which was absolutely refreshing, Croque something (I know it's not Monsieur or Madame but I forgot what it's called exactly since I don't really speak french :( ), and Steak frites, which is AMAZINGLY TENDER! The overall ambience was very cool and romantic. Candle lights, wine, and a cute boy in front of you, what more can you possibly ask for, honestly! :)
(5)
Tami F.

I wish I could be all fa fa and know that the food here is EXACTLY what I've been looking for since my trip to France, but my level of "cultured" doesn't include France yet. That being said, I was intimidated by the menu at first. Everything sounded fishy, salty or too creamy but I took a chance. And then I went back and took another. And now I'm learning this menu and nothing has failed me yet. The ambiance is great - during the day a buzzing little bright cafe, and in the evening, a candlelit cozy restaurant where you sit snug next to other diners and can still hold a private and meaningful conversation. Good place to go alone, good place to go with others. I recommend getting a few small dishes and splitting them. Everything is satisfying, and the prices are reasonable. I've always walked out feeling satiated, warm and happy to have invested my time for a sweet little dining experience.
(5)
Mimo K.

Lovely place for a brunch in the Capitol Hill area. It slightly felt like I was out of place and trying to fit in with the cool kids, but once the food came whatever it was all about the Croque Madam and I just stopped with the self-consciousness. This is a beautiful ham and cheese sandwich topped with a fried egg. I'm not really doing it justice. See the menu or pictures; I see someone snapped one of the Madam.
(4)
Angela G.

Jonesing for a trip to Paris but can't quite swing it and make it back for work in the morning? Drop by Cafe Presse. This place was designed around the european dining experience. It's not about stuffy proper dinner hours and large entrees. It's about following your moment. Maybe it's 3pm and you need to saunter up to a counter and order an espresso. Or you just feel like breakfast and it's a little late by American standards. Don't fret. Europeans see it differently. Order what you want, and stop by any time.
(5)
Mathew C.

Just checked out Presse for the first time. The menu was full of options - all light fare, and everything i saw (and tasted) was really good. The prices were reasonable and the staff friendly and helpful. Presse really wins on the atmosphere though, beautiful exposed brick, really high ceilings, and this morning the sun was shining in through the windows. I'm excited to have another cute breakfast joint to go to. Check out presse, it's worth your time.
(5)
Sheila Y.

So happy to come back from three months away and find Cafe Presse a few blocks from home. Went there this afternoon not too hungry and ended up ordering a few things off the menu. Started with a delicious and cold Hoegaarden, the Baguette with butter and jam (homemade for sure), and the Steak Tartare with the best fries around (esp. since Frites is closed now...Le Sigh). Service was decent, esp. since I requested a ramekin of mayonnaise and then some additional bread for my tartare. The only negative was the mocha, which was pretty bitter and not filled to the top! This is going to be my new study spot and will have to share my time with Coffee Animals. I am glad to have another option in the hood! UPDATE: I removed a star for two reasons: 1. the last two times I ordered the steak frites it was God awful...I'm talking gristle and fat to the max! Also the tomato soup was really bland and they always seem to be running out of baguettes. 2. the service can really suck...I'm talking snooty and all. Please fix this otherwise I am going to stop coming. Still despite these discrepancies I still come back here a couple times a week for frites and the Aviation (one of the best drinks ever), and to burn the midnight oil working on law school nastiness...
(4)
Elizabeth J.

Went here last night with two friends and it was fantastic! We each had two glasses of wine, an entree and split an order of frites and it came out to be just under $45 total! I had the pumpkin soup with pears, it was a bit salty, but good. The atmosphere was very romantic and the servers were great and answered any questions regarding the menu. I can't wait to go back soon and taste more delicious wine!
(5)
Martyn L.

Great French Cafe. Super food, well cooked, high quality. Best new place I've been in a while.
(5)
Charley B.

This is a great place to hangout with a group of friends, or go on a date to, or grab a few drinks. The food is a little more expensive, but there are cheaper choices. The pommes frites are awesome: freshly cut, nicely salted, served with mayo and Dijon. The Croque Madame is always a hearty meal and goes perfectly with the frites. I have not had much of the other food, mostly because I usually go for drinks. The bartenders are skilled, friendly, and fast. They have a great selection of whiskeys. They only downside is they only have Stella on tap, but there are some other exotic beers in the bottle and can. It can be bus on the weekends and during soccer games, so I generally go on a weekday night.
(4)
Edward T.

Like I said, limited on the beer menu but they have Stella on draft and my Basil Hayden so I can't complain. The reason I love this place is the Croque Madam and the Chicken Liver Terrine! Try them both, you won't be disappointed!
(5)
Tiffany D.

I don't agree with the people that claim that Parisians are rude. I think they, Parisians, just have a difficult time hearing. That's why their immediate response is "Nawh" (no). For example, this one time at a small little cafe next to our hotel, a waiter repeatedly replied "Nawh" in response to my asking for a "Grand Marnier". I asked why. His response was that he did not understand what I wanted. "Grand Marnier" I repeated - "Nawh", he repeated. This went on a couple of times, until I finally picked up the menu and pointed to "Grand Marnier." "Aww, oui, Graaaaannnnnd Mauuuuurrrrrrneigh! oui! deux?" Wearily, I replied: "oui, deux." See, he wasn't being rude - he just couldn't hear me. That's what I think happened during my first visit to this wonderful new addition to Seattle. I ordered the Steak Frites (those that read my posts, know it's a special treat!). When asked how I'd like it cooked - I replied "Medium - Medium well." I clearly stated - "I don't mind a little pink." (Save the "How to properly order a steak in a restaurant so the chefs won't spit on it" discussion for the talk thread.) Perhaps I should have said "I don't mind a little light rouuuuuge" Anyway, the steak came out - Purple/black/RED - as in not cooked in the middle - at all. And no, I didn't send it back. I ate the cooked parts - which were REALLY tasty. I ate some of the frites - which were REALLY tasty. And I drank a le pichet plus one glass of really TASTY red wine.
(5)
Amy E.

It felt just like being in pairis! Wonderful food and supercilious service.
(4)
Anjali K.

AMAZING! My husband and I went in knowing that we wanted a yummy french dinner, but instead what we got was an absolutely out of the ballpark fantastic meal. If I was told I was able to have only one more meal ever - I would insist that it be from Cafe Presse. Again it was GREAT. Did I mention that it was sooooo ridiculously affordable that I felt like I a thief - like stealing halloween candy from an 8 year old kid?
(5)
Pete M.

Will definitely be going here again. Cute place, unpretentious feel. Nice menu. Loved the croque monsieur, especially with the crusty cheese on top. The baguette with sardines was definitely the highlight. Ordered the pate too and got a pretty big slab of goodness. And finally the frites, also a delicious addition. The food is appropriately rich and the portions are relatively large compared to the prices. Looking forward to trying some cheeses and wines on a return visit.
(4)
Stephanie E.

I loved this place! It's a very intimate, dimly-lit, super mellow French restaurant and bar. On this particular Monday evening, it featured a live trio of a bassist, guitarist, and vocalist singing old jazz tunes; it sounded like an old record playing on a phonograph. I sat with a couple friends and enjoyed some delicious, seemingly-upscale french fries and sipped on a delicious pear brandy. It was the perfect answer to a quest for a quiet evening out, after a not-so-quiet evening out the night before. I will definitely go back!
(5)
Cyn C.

I mean, look, Presse, let's talk, just you and me... I want to like you. I've known you from the start. Everyone said you were awesome, so I went. I went a lot of times for multiple meals. I've experienced your brunch, your lunch, your late night, and still, I have not found myself leaving thinking, "I can't wait to go back in there" and here's why: Presse...you look nice and your menu is cute, but why do you insist on having some of the worst servers in the city as your representatives? Is it the whole French stereotype? This is Seattle, we are supposed to be beyond that! Am I supposed to be getting some kind of cultural experience out of this? I am confused! Your servers are really REALLY bad. So bad in fact, that I basically have to get up and GET MY OWN water/coffee/baguette/butter, etc. only to receive sneers from the servers that seem to say, "please sit back down and continue to wait for me to remember or care that you asked for something." Why!? Why is everyone there so mean?! (The exclusion to this problem would be the older manager lady with the bluest eyes in the world! She is super nice and it is an excellent server!) Their food isn't even THAT amazing and is way too meat-heavy. I know French food is generally meaty, but there's a lot of good green stuff around here-- It balances out the clogged arteries that follow most items on the menu. Presse...I tried. I really did. But now I boycott you and I don't feel the same sadness deep down that I used to. You and I are different. You rely too much on being cool and not enough on being GOOD. I'm one of the few who refuse to go to Presse and be treated like crap just to sit inside and tweet or facebook, "I'm at Presse right now. Oui!" This has been a sad review to write, but it had to be done.
(2)
Justin P.

They refill your empty cappuccino with drip, how can you not love that? Great cafe setting. Atmosphere is social, yet intimate - just as a cafe should be.
(4)
Sasha S.

I absolutely love this place. I have been here at least 4 times and I have ordered many of their different dishes, including the steak frites (which has a delicious steak covered in butter and some absolutely phenomenal fries), the "filet de poisson," (a wonderful fish dish) and some of the other dishes. They have all been absolutely amazing. Not to mention the ambiance, the service, and everything else being great, and not too expensive. It's a great place to go for a nice French lunch.
(4)
Cleo F.

French fare for cheap! It's a casual spot where you can go for just drinks, cafe-type food (baguettes, croque monsieur, etc.), and even some serious meals like steak. Most French restaurants are $15-$25 and I always feel like I have to dress up. NOT Cafe Presse! Why can't there be more places like this?
(5)
Jeremy R.

Went last night for the first time and absolutely loved it. The wait was short (even on a Saturday night without a reservation), the food was amazing, and the prices were reasonable. The clams were superb - perfectly steamed, and accompanied by eggplant and a brilliant sauce (that had a surprising kick to it). The pork meatballs in corn chowder were so good I was using my bread to scrape the bowl clean. And the tomato/zucchini/cucumber/feta salad was a fantastic side - crisp and fresh. The only thing I didn't like was the olive appetizer - not a fan of the licorice flavor they seem to be a little obsessed with.
(5)
Kris L.

Somehow I've been so out of it for the last year that I didn't know pomme frites closed. My drunken sadness was lifted when someone (I don't remember who or where, that would probably explain the drunken part) said go to Presse as they serve until 2am. "Food?" I recall asking. "Yes!" he said (or I guess it could be a she at this point). I really believe it was close to being the best French onion soup I've ever had. All things taste great when you're drunk, but I really have a fantastic memory of that soup, and of Presse in general. I have a great memory of an IHOP I went to once while wasted, but I believe that this wonderful memory of Cafe Presse is warranted. Definitely will return to substantiate the fuzzy memory.
(4)
Aris K.

Great food with reasonable prices. Also a good place for breakfast if you're not an eggs and pancakes person. Always generous portions of sides like bread or frites - the half baguette for $2.50 is more than enough for 3 people. I have been a handful of times so I have not had a chance to try the entire menu, but I have always been happy with the baguette sandwiches and the steak frites. The one letdown was the onion soup. At $11 it was too pricey for the size. From friends' recommendations, the $7 butternut squash soup is a better bet. There are lots of great places to eat on the south side of Capitol Hill but Cafe Presse is definitely the best value.
(4)
Grace E.

The mussels were ok, but had better. The bread didn't seem fresh. Boiled chicken tasted bland, they forgot to season it. Seats are very close, it seemed as if your sitting together with the next table.
(1)
Mags L.

The first thing I notice about this restaurant is how cool it is without seeming to try. It looks like someone uprooted (what I think is) a very European restaurant and planted it randomly in Seattle. If you're looking to pass the time, have conversation with friends, drink good coffee (Cafe Vita) and eat good food, come here. Service is kind of slow, but I don't think this is the kind of place people go to when they want a fast meal anyway. I tried the Oeufs Plats, sampled some of my friend's Croque Madame, and ate some Pomme Frites. I was really satisfied with every dish. I think one dish is more than enough to fill one stomach. PS - this place is tucked away, kind of hard to find. If you're on 12th Ave, you'll first pass Pine, then Pike, then Madison. It's on your right side that first block after you pass Madison. Like I said, tucked away.
(4)
Rachel R.

This is a fun little place that always seems to have a good crowd. The menu is not too big, so the things they do they do pretty darn well. Steak-frites is a nice, tender and well-seasoned steak (mine always comes out a perfect medium-rare as ordered) with thin, crispy fries. Croque monsieur has a lovely savory ham and creamy gruyere on never-soggy toast. The salads always are fresh and the vinaigrette tangy. Wine prices are surprising inexpensive. Service is quick and the servers friendly and knowledgeable. Cafe Presse - making basic French food affordable, accessible, and enjoyable!
(4)
Pierre G.

Superb, Reliable Bistro Fare: I can recommend: - Rillettes de porc $6.00 "Confit pork spread": it comes with two mustards [Stone Ground & a Spicy Dijon] and a cornichon; this ain't health food, but its dense and very flavorful, a good example of what Presse does well - Filet de poisson marinÃ© au chermoula sur lit de fenouil $16.00: "Spice rubbed fish filet, pan roasted, on a bed of fennel, chard and preserved lemon, tomato broth, grilled bread" - the rub is delicious & includes cumin, which may obscure the delicate taste of the perfectly cooked flaky fish [I recall it being rockfish & was served two healthy pieces]; the broth is addicting & great with the grilled bread - Chocolate Mousse $5.00 - served with whipped cream and a Pecan Sandy-like cookie; not overly sweet - so light... I was less enthusiastic about the: - Poulet rÃ´ti Ã votre commande, pommes frites [$26.00 for 2 persons]. It arrived in 1 hour, as advertised; The skin is delicious [with Sea Salt, I believe] and the chicken meat is all moist But its merely good, but not great [talented home cooks will insist they can prepare a roasted chicken just as good as this for far less that $26 plus tax & tip] The difficulty is: After your 20th bite of Chicken, it feels like you are paying for volume; Thus, far too monotonous I suggest sharing this amongst 4 people, at a minimum, if you can get a consensus; "Fried Potatoes" are a huge portion of French Fries [again, you'll benefit from having a 3rd & 4th diner to polish these off], served with aioli... The Back Room is dark; Service competent & cordial; I wish this were in my neighborhood... for Tina
(4)
Eleazar J.

Cafe Presse is in my neighborhood and I have heard good things about it from people whose taste and style I respect. So, when my boyfriend and I were looking for a place to walk over to and have a nice News Years Eve dinner. I have to admit, small intimate hip places like Presse can be intimidating to walk into. Upon entering the Cafe all of my worries were laid to rest. It is intimate with table right up against each other and it is hip and euro and everything I heard it was. Its is everything you gotta love from a hyped up little bistro without the uptight staff or expensive menu. The hostess and our waitress were both sweet and welcoming. I dont know much about wine but when I decided to order the mussels I was not afraid to ask what wine would go well with it. Too often at this type of place youre frowned upon for no knowing what to order or for having basic questions. Not at Presse. She recommended a great red wine and the dinner was different but delicious. The menu is french and refreshing. Its nice to have options in the neighborhood. I am excited about going there for work lunches. The prices are great, ambiance is hip without being uptight and the staff is accommodating and nice.
(4)
Rachel O.

My favorite restaurant. Great food, good service, and the coffee is perculated to perfection. The oeufs plats is my favorite dish - broiled just so the edges of the ham are crispy. I love how they're open late every night so you can stop in to have a drink and snack in the wee hours.
(5)
Mischa D.

Oh, Cafe Presse. You are like that guy at a high school party---the mysterious one in the black leather jacket and artfully rumpled hair staring at me from across the room. "Come here," you seemed to beckon. "I am your francophile fantasy in restaurant form." I must say, Presse: You had me at "Kir Royal, $6.00". However, the spell you cast was immediately broken the second you opened your mouth and spewed forth our waitress: the human equivalent of horrible halitosis. I mean it: she was almost comically rude. Not the "I'm-a-subtly-condescending-francophile-whose-tast e-in-all-things-is-far-superior-to-yours" kind of rude. (I'm used to that in Seattle.) I mean the "years-of-restaurant-industry-bitterness-Âcompounded-by-a-possible-hormonal-induced-rage" kind of rude. All I did was pull my chair up to my boyfriend's, because we were separated after our party of six had been squeezed into an awkward corner booth. No more than a minute later, I heard a high grating voice that cut through the clink of silverware and the white noise of a dozen late-saturday-night conversations, including one that I was in the middle of. "Um, excuse me!? You need to like, move your chair away from the gentleman sitting behind you. You're, like, waaay too close to him." She was referring to the stranger seated behind me, whose chair was, despite the lack of room EVERYWHERE, a good permissible distance from mine. Shocked at her rudeness, I looked down, embarrassed, like I had committed some horribly unforgivable faux paus. "I'm sorry," I mumbled, as I scooted away from my boyfriend's chair, simultaneously dejected and enraged. Nevertheless, I shrugged it off and tried to enjoy a rare night out. No such luck, for the rest of the meal was brimming with awkward tension as she continued to unapologetically interrupt our conversations every time she came to our table, set our drinks and plates down in an angry huff, and act clearly pissed about something we obviously had nothing to do with. The kicker? Despite her repugnant attitude, we begrudgingly tipped her anyway-- what can I say, my boyfriend is a true gentleman--but we will probably never come here ever again. Next time, pop a mint...
(1)
Garbiel A.

I love I love I love this place. This'll be the fourth time I've been here (I'm there now) and the fourth time I've been happy with the food, the service, and the music. The staff has always been friendly (and really, really good looking-- the men and the women) and they don't make fun when I don't know how to pronounce the french stuff on the menu. I just finished a wonderful ham and mushroom omlette. Omlette au Choix! I'll keep coming back until I've ordered everything on this menu. Anytime anyone visits from out of town, this is the place to go.
(4)
Luke H.

This place is marvelous. Extensive liquor selection for a breakfast cafe, good bloody marys and mimosas. The Croque Madame here is off the charts. The staff can be a bit scrambled, though (it does get really busy), and it is a bit steep, but the food is quite high quality. I just keep going back - again and again.
(4)
WhitePeach S.

Absolutely love this french cafe! We had croque madame and frites. Croque madame was so cheesy and warm. Cafe is cute and hip. I will definitely be back... some day!
(5)
Emily D.

I'm torn. I've had some great times at Cafe Presse, but lately, the prices are bringing me down. I work right around the corner from Cafe Presse, so it's a pretty common lunch spot for me. True, the omelets are great, and the baguettes that accompany them are also delicious. But yesterday, I just wasn't feeling the breakfast vibe. Decided to go for the (seasonal?) salad with spinach, red onion, pepitas, and roasted pumpkin. It was $7. That tells me it should be a medium-sized salad. Am I still cllinging to my Midwestern roots to have such expectations of a salad lacking a protein? Cafe Presse thinks oui. The salad, while it tasted fine, was so small. A starter salad definitely, with only 3 measly squares of roasted pumpkin. Sad. My companion and I shared a side of frites - thank God, or I may have passed out from starvation - but they were definitely lacking in their usual deliciousness yesterday. Oh, I'll go back. It's definitely not the end of the road for Cafe Presse and me. But I'm thinking breakfast, and breakfast only.
(3)
J W.

Oh delicious! I did some in-depth web searches looking for a good place to try a real crocque monsieur...and settled on this awesome little eatery. We went on a Sunday around 11...obviously, it was kinda crowded (even outside), so our party of four went to the coffee shop next door. Half a cigarette later, we're shuffled off to the back area, which was actually nice and open (instead of the way it looked "cozy" from the front door). Anyway: the food! The bread and real (European?) butter were delish, especially with the apple compote to slather on...try being dainty with THAT if you're a true eater. Mimosas were nice and light, and my sandwich (even though I couldn't pronounce it worth a @#$) was insane...perfect crisp + sauce + melty gruyere. The other ladies with me had "oeufs plats, jambon, fromage" (eggs/ham/cheese) that came in little dishes, but I think mine had better presentation. Also did pomme frites with the homemade (?) mayo...cute wait staff, too. So basically, I would have turned cartwheels when I got outside if there wasn't just concrete to break my fall. Perfect weekend chill spot...and as a BONUS just down the road from Trader Joe's.
(5)
Mercedes L.

I've had MANY late nights and early mornings at Presse. One of my favorite things about Presse is the quality of food and service available at all times of the day. You MUST try the steak frites and the croque madame.
(5)
Elaine M.

Cafe Presse, thank you for not only have delicious baguettes, real butter and the most luscious chocolat chaud dessert, but also for having many reasonably priced menu items and drinks in a city where $10 glasses of wine are becoming the norm. Thanks for being there late at night when I need to celebrate and recover from an exam, but also for being there in the morning for brunch. I heart you!
(4)
Christie P.

For the love of God, order the french onion soup. Try not to lick the plate clean. The end.
(4)
Veronica C.

When I first walked in, I instantly noticed and liked the atmosphere. It was very quaint and the music was just perfect for a little cafÃ©. They serve free baguettes if you order something to go with it. We ordered the "Gateau au foie de volaille" which came with a chicken liver pate, cranberries, pickles, and dill mustard. The pate was impressive. It was so smooth and the flavor was just right. We also ordered the "Pain et beurre", which was half baguette served with butter and apricot jam. The jam was amazing! It was not overly sweet or too thick. I myself ordered the "Omelette au choix" with mushrooms and cheese. The cheese was a bit heavy but the fresh mushrooms balanced it. I tasted a bite of the "Croque madame" which was basically a ham sandwich with cheese melting on top of the bread, and then a sunny side egg on top of it all. It was AH-MAZE-ING! If you could only try one thing there, make it that! I promise you will not regret it! Their coffee was like any other coffee. Service here was very nice as well. They came back often to refill our coffee and checked if everything was okay. Every time any one of the wait staff noticed that we were out of baguette, they brought another one over. Endless bread? Sure!! I like that they are opened till 2am. We went for breakfast, but knowing that they were opened till late in case I wanted a late snack was nice. I really enjoyed everything here from the food to the service to the ambiance.
(5)
Naomi R.

God dammit. I fucking love this place! Whenever me and my best friend dont know where to go we always settle for cafe presse. I think we end up there most Monday's. All the salads are good and I always end up getting the croque Madame even though I always say I'm going to try something else. Mmm!! It's cheap,yummy, and a good portion with a salad or soup. The soups are a good portion too and mostly don't ever finish mine although its so good!Oysters are nice to share and so is everything else. Cafe vita coffee a plus too! The service is always nice and prompt. I love going here to catch up or for big dinners. I highly recommend this place!
(5)
Jamie B.

Oh, I want to love you Cafe Presse, I really do. But you make me feel like I'm taking up precious space in your restaurant and that I should leave so someone who wants to order more than a plate of fries (delicious with mayo, by the way) can take my place. I know that the waitstaff makes money off of tips. I am aware. It's not necessary to give me the stink-eye. The food is good and I love the space... but maybe it's best to visit when this place is not very busy. I say, take a hint from the real French cafes and let your customers relax a little bit.
(3)
Ryan E.

Came here for brunch on my last day in Seattle and all I mainly have to say is: really, really amazing food. Maybe the only minor gripe I had was the portion sizes. I'm not one who needs oversized portions (in fact, I usually have a disdain for oversized portions) but the portions did seem a little small. I really liked the vibe in here though and the staff felt friendly. Next time I'm in Seattle, I will certainly be back for a visit.
(4)
Sara H.

mmm, no nonsense french! I love that they had a hanger steak on the menu and that it was cooked so perfectly that even I thought my idea of what I wanted was off. The fries it came with were glorious and my partners trout was delicious too. Never once thought that we were being rushed and everything tasted fresh. Seee you soon
(5)
Nab T.

Food: 1/5 Service: 3/5 Atmosphere: 3/5 I think this place was extremely overrated. We went in expecting a decent meal and were severely disappointed. We ordered a couple of appetizers/small dishes, none of which were impressive. Our small salad (FrisÃ©e, betterave, chÃ¨vre et pignons) consisted of plain lettuce, bits of goat cheese sparsely scattered (this was the only redeeming quality of this so called salad) and beets (not a fan of beets). Their fried potatoes, which were recommended as one of the best options on the menu by the waitress, were greasy, average and left us feeling a little queasy. The other two appetizers were okay, definitely not impressive, but were a little more satisfying--the Casse croÃ»te de printemps was pretty good and the Croque madame was also alright. For these four small, unimpressive, average appetizers it was close to $30 before tip. I probably would not go back here again.
(2)
Stacy L.

I've wanted to go here for months and finally got around to it yesterday. Off the normal street, Cafe Presse is located just a couple blocks off Pine/Pike and 12th. It doesn't attract all the loud, annoying, capitol hill crap. It's quiet, quaint, and the food is fabulous. We were given delicious peanuts to snack on as soon as we sat down, we weren't rushed to order, and we were given as much time to sit and talk with out feeling pushed to leave. The food was fantastic. The wine the waiter recommended suited the food perfectly. And though the menu is limited, it is still delicious. I personally recommend the fish and green beans. But every thing I saw walk by looks just as good. Just to note: Save room for dessert and coffee, it's worth it.
(4)
Paul W.

Presse offers a great value and tasty food - I have been many times for breakfast, and I have never had to wait for a table. The service is fast and casual. My usual choice is the omelette and some frites. If you're by yourself, there is plenty of bar or counter seating.
(4)
Lee A.

Cafe Presse: A Love Story in One Act She: I feel like we've met somewhere before.... Cafe Presse: That would be in Paris. Around the Marais. She: Oh, right. You know, I'm not used to restaurants that are so....so.... Cafe Presse: European? Welcoming? Light-filled? With such great frites? Delicious Croque Monsieur? Incredible chocolate mousse? Magnificent soups? She: Cheap. Cafe Presse: Ah. She: There's just one little thing.... Cafe Presse: There always is. She: The waitstaff is kind of.. Cafe Presse: Young and hip and good looking and tattooed? She: Bad. Cafe Presse: You can't have everything. She: Fine. But could you turn down the damn music? And maybe play a little Edith Piaf or something? Cafe Presse: We'll consider it. She: Will you marry me? Cafe Presse: I don't think so. I'm not sure how our children would do in school. After all - they would be bricks. *Curtain*
(4)
Maddie S.

I had an awful experience at CafÃ© Presse last night. The only reason I have this place two stars is because the food is really good. But the service? Terrible. Not only is it slow, but the waitress I had was a total snob. She didn't smile once and whenever I ordered something she would pause, stare at me with a look of judgement, and then say "ok." My friend and I didn't receive a thank you anything when she were leaving. The waiters and waitresses have absolutely no reason to be snotty towards any of their customers. This place has great food but a terrible attitude. I will not be back any time soon. Their decent food is not worth the uncomfortable experience the employees make for.
(2)
Jennifer G.

I discovered this place last year when some friends dragged us there after we saw Anthony Bourdain at the Moore theater. First impression was o.k....it was really crowded w/a big wait. Once seated our waitress was unfriendly and disinterested. We ordered a bottle of Champagne (o.k. sparkeling wine) and this seemed annoying to her. why? And then the food came......Yum! Yum! oh gawd Yum....cheesey hammy eggy bready goodness. Redeemed! at the same time...I'll say-I have never been back. I'd like to go when its not so busy-which is probably never.
(4)
Jean M.

Presse has a decent coffee and a great wine selection. Can't beat cheap glasses of french wine. I also like how you can buy all sorts of magazines here. The bartenders are also usually very good, but some menu items are not worth the price. I've never gone for dinner. In all honesty, some of the servers just look dirty. I'm sure that works for some of the hipster clientele, but I prefer people serving my food to look like they bathe. Sorry. I used to like going in here for coffee, lunch, and reading, but am now sufficiently disenchanted enough by the droll energy.
(2)
F H.

Went on a Tuesday night for dinner around 8pm. Service and ambiance were good. Like the space. Food was fine, but nothing to write home about. We had the charcuterie plate (which would have been much better had it been accented by some stone-ground mustard or the like), the bibb salad, the trout entree (which was a bit bland), and the lentil and mushroom entree (which could have been soooo much better had it not been served in such a thick cream base... yikes). Wine was alright. Again, Cafe Presse is fine, but nothing to write home about. Go for a simple meal and a good conversation, or for a Lillet Blanc or two, but save your big bucks for Lark across the street.
(3)
Joanie W.

I want to like this place, I really do--because inexpensive french food is hard to come by. However.... Most of the staff here make it seem as though they're doing guests a favor simply by waiting on them; you know, doing their job? It's all more than I can handle. I spent a substantial amount of time in the service industry, and it didn't take me long to discover that treating people with respect, and toning down the attitude, makes for a far more pleasant work environment and restaurant experience. It's pretty simple, really.
(2)
A O.

I went here with my mother on a sunny afternoon. I was born and raised in Seattle, but had not been here since I moved. It's not only got a great ambiance, but it's just overall very charming and clean inside while still maintaining authenticity and character. Since it was mid-afternoon, it was pretty quiet. After settling in and looking over the menu (which had everything from savory appetizers to delicious sweet treats & choice meals that verge more on the affordable gourmet side), my mother and I ordered different coffee drinks and pastries. We received our order quickly, considering what it was, and enjoyed every bit of it and appreciating the friendly service as well. My mother got the pain au chocolat and I got the almond coffee cake. Both were delicious, even by mid-afternoon! If I lived in Seattle, I would frequent this place often. The coffee, I thought, was not over-roasted or bitter. I was very happy about this, especially considering I run into bad coffee claiming to be delicious often enough to make me skeptical. For anyone looking to enjoy a nosh and some caffeine or other specialty drinks (non-alcoholic, alcoholic, or both) and not be overwhelmed by noise during the afternoon, I would definitely suggest this place. Considering the way I felt Cafe Presse carried itself through its atmosphere and customer service, I'd imagine that this establishment is essentially good to visit anytime.
(5)
Kathy H.

This place is definitely small -- they had to move our tables so that we can sit the booth, but the service is one of the best that I've seen. The waitress came out very often to make sure we always had water and bread on the table. The bread and steak fries were very good. I ordered their pork chop, which was OK -- the side was a bit too much like mash potatoes for me. Their chicken liver was great! Overall, I had a very positive experience here...very quaint, friendly, for reasonably priced food.
(3)
Meredith K.

Cafe Presse, how do I love thee? Let me count the ways... 1. The Croque Madame, dense bread with a tender crumb, salty ham, covered in cheese then broiled to golden bubbly perfection and topped with a sunnyside up egg. 2. big bottles of H2O on the table so you never get dehydrated. 3. cool servers. 4. demi-pichets: the perfectly sized wine receptacle when you're not looking to get too schnockered, but you just want like a glass and a half. 5. nice relaxed atmosphere that makes me smile. 6. cheese plate 7. awesome prices. Last night we had a bottle of wine that was $19 and was actually good. 8. swiftness... I can manage to make it back to work within the allotted 60 minutes when I go for lunch. Done!
(5)
Michael A.

Had a reunion breakfast with an old friend and this place was perfect. Only one dish (the pate) was a big miss. This is getting a nice taste of Paris in Seattle. I wish I lived in the neighborhood as I would be hanging here every morning or late afternoon on a Friday. The eggs with ham and gruyere cheese were so amazing yet simple - I had to make them this weekend for my family. Waitress was a bit rude but the food and atmosphere overcame her negative energy.
(4)
Marina N.

Really wonderful breakfast items. Wish I lived in Seattle so I could try them all. Friendly and witty waiter. Prompt service and everything served correctly. Awesome country breakfast sandwich--onto which I added a sunny-side-up egg. If you're coming for a weekend brunch, allow some time and/or make a reservation (do they accept reservations?) bc it's quite popular. Spend some time strolling in the area afterwards bc it's a short distance to a photography museum/gallery and a fascinating (design-wise) church on the nearby campus.
(4)
Abigail H.

Um, yum. Can't go wrong with perfectly prepared French cafe food that's much better than much of what's being served in Paris today. Butter lettuce salad with just the right amount of mustard vinaigrette and crunchy hazelnuts; ouefs plat with ham; half a cold cooked chicken with mayo...scrumptious all around. You can't go wrong. Great service which includes tolerance (children) and attentiveness ("Are you leab=ving your laptop for me? Thanks!"), casual, appealing atmosphere, big back room for large groups
(5)
Nene F.

This place is usually busy and for a good reason. I once likened it to a cafeteria and I'm now forced to eat my words: it's more like a brasserie. The food is genuine and good. No messing around, you can get steak tartar here. The wine is cheap and good. The people are fun and helpful. I recommend the salade verte (simple - but just right) and the assiette de fromage. C'est chouette, non?!
(5)
Katie A.

Hey you! Yes YOU! You wanna be cool? I mean REALLY cool, as in.. 'I thought I saw her/ him in the Stranger in an ad for 'Ian' cool? Or cool as in, 'You're so cool polar bears wear sweaters around you.' ? You do? Well.. here's what you do: Hit up Cafe Presse on a Saturday or Sunday for brunch. Frites w/ mayo for breakfast? Oh, YES you can.. and you should! We both had the mushroom omelettes, the Frites (duh!) and my americano was excellent. Great space, awesome service and all around lovely.. that's what the other 116 people before me said anyway..
(5)
Sean H.

You might like it for dinner, which I do, but I love it for breakfast and afternoon snacks, pretend you're french and make a plan to enjoy your morning slowly.
(4)
Tyler J.

Croque Madame, anybody? Cafe Presse makes me jealous. Where was this fabulous lunch and late night gem when I worked at Seattle University? The seats are plenty and if you're a carb junkie start with the Pan et Buerre. The French Onion soup is delish and everything is reasonably priced. The wine list is inexpensive and I love their tiered pricing for the calculated drinker that I am! The service could be slightly more attentive, or maybe I should learn to relax and enjoy my meal as part of the dining experience and not a shovel fest! (if you know me you understand)
(4)
Devon D.

The space is really nice, the service laid back and friendly, and the menu prices totally affordable. The food and drinks, however, lack luster. The croque monsieur is a safe order, but definitely skip the steak. If you're jonzing for fries, I do recommend a basket with the blue cheese thyme butter (delish!)
(3)
David L.

Certainly the smoothest latte I've had in Seattle. I'll drop it down to a **** if I find better. ***** coconut rice pudding, **** apricot bread pudding (hard to beat my mum's), and ****** service and servers.
(5)
Ben C.

(I only visit this place in the daytime, usually on the weekends) I'm a man of routine so don't read this review if you're seeking input on a good number of plates on the menu. I've sampled just three items: 1) yaourt, noix et miel; 2) sandwich en baguette w/ jambon cru; and 3) the croque madame. I tried the croque madame once and it was good, but the stuff is just too heavy for my digestive system. If you're a typical American eater, this is good eats. It's heavy on the dairy, egg, and bread. Since that experience, I've been loyal to the yogurt with walnuts and honey in combination with a side order of baquette sandwich with proscuitto style ham. I tell them to hold the mustard and butter they spread on the bread. Plain Jane. Just like the yogurt which is plain (none of that cotton candy overly-fructosed American yogurt you find stocked on QFC shelves). Browsing through the other reviews, it looks like people find the food to be a mixed bag. I couldn't care less because I go there for the holistic value CP delivers to the consumer. The service is good enough. The food I order is fresh and light. And the best part that keeps me coming back is they have soccer on the television all weekend. I LOVE THIS. Chillin' at the bar watching an EPL match or WC qualifier is decadence to the fullest for this dude. I can't get enough of this type of relaxation. The added bonus level to this joint is that it's located next door to Stumptown Coffee (a.k.a. my fav roaster). As for the crowd & atmosphere, you got your Capitol Hill slice of Seattle in full effect but it's all good even for this straight guy from the Eastside. The room is light and airy. The seats are tight for a reason. So you can socialize and have an excuse to snuggle up. This ain't SBUX US&A. The patio is great for sunny summer days. The bar seating is the only spot for me (TV). Enjoy!
(4)
Bonnie J.

Enjoyed a delicious breakfast there consisting of a bevy of small plates. As a vegetarian, eating breakfast out is sometimes challenging, with the choices usually consisting of eggs or pancakes. What to do if I crave both the sweet and the savory? Cafe Presse handled this dilemma easily, and I enjoyed a bowl of creamy yogurt with honey, mustardy almonds, delicious coffee, and a couple bites from my companion's delectable choice (whatever that was.) Plus, the waitress smiled at me a lot.
(4)
Nicole F.

I really want to like this place. I have been several times, each time hoping against hope that it will be better than the last. It has so much potential! Anyway, though, the thing that has gotten me the past couple of times is that i cannot eat there without getting this chemical taste/smell out of my sensors. Its worse than bleach. I tasted it in the food TWICE. I freaked out the second time saying to my dinner guest that "I'M NOT CRAZY!" and made her taste/smell my food and my hands and it was totally overpowering everything. It may be what they use to clean the place but it has grossed me out twice. I suggest they dilute it more or get rid of it all together. I will never be able to eat there again. I am totally freaked.
(2)
Chase P.

This is a fun place to hang out.
(4)
Jon W.

I like the urban faux euro vibe they have here. I may be so inspired as to don a thin and curly moustache which waves in the wind while I speed down 12th avenue on my scratch built, lightweight ten speed racing bicycle. I'd ride while smoking American Spirits and never get winded. I'd have hi def earphones playing French rock you've never heard of, and when you do hear it, it's gonna be totally played out by then. But it's way more fun to be witness of such events. For now I'll stick to a half drunken saunter with visions of croque madames in my head. This particular sandwich at presse is the opitime of the parasian sandwich. It's the croque by which every other croque should judged. I will explain further, in detail- The bread is good quality. The bottom slice retains it's integrity, and is slightly crisp on the bottom. The top slice becomes part of the hot and heavy threesome action where loads of thick, white bechemel sauce and musty richly scented gruyere cheese penentrate every open orifice of the top slice. The ham inside is meaty and salty in your mouth, but is thinly sliced and slightly smoky. The sandwich arrives dark golden brown and bubbly from the broiler, and if you're really lucky, you'll get a perfectly cooked, runny egg on top that really binds the orgy of flavors as one. Don't forget the mustard. This is important. I've been to campagne- just ok for me, but I wasn't unsatisfied. I've been to belle epicurean- it was perfect (for me to poop on!) ha! I've had the croque from brouwers- snoozer. Also, I feel like the monster Grendel's going to attack that place while I'm there. I like other things at presse, but I usually go for croque.
(4)
Christopher S.

Everytime, I go to Cafe Presse, I get the same thing. I really am not a fan of french food (but the portion size is perfect) but I do love me some Croque Madame. UMMMMM good! Eggs do make it better! .
(4)
Steven B.

Yum just ate there 5 minutes ago. Super good food and Cafe vita coffee... how can you go wrong. I wish the french onion soup wasn't $11 but other than that Press is rad. And fellas... lots of cute girls hang out there. Lots.
(4)
R T.

This is my favorite place for Sunday brunch. It can get a bit crowded sometimes, but the return on the 20 minute wait is totally worth it. The prices are dirt cheap & I highly recommend the Croque monsieur & the Pommes Frites. I've never had a bad experience - EVER.
(5)
Shayna F.

Love to come here for their awesomely cheap herbes de provence and comtÃ© cheese omelettes. This is one of the few restaurants that is equally good as a place to stop and have lunch on your own and get work done as it is to go with friends. The omelette and the moules frites are incredible. This is the perfect stop for a cozy place to grab a bite on a rainy day. Also the staff are awesome and basically make me wanna work there.
(5)
Jason A.

Awesome! We love it here after one visit. Great food, very good service, nice place to kick back.
(4)
s h.

A fairly good little French-styled cafe/restaurant. Stand-outs include the roasted chicken with fries, sardine sandwich, and croque monsier/madame. So far I've had the: - Croque Monsieur/Madame - Sardine sandwich - Rilletes sandwich - Trout - Roasted chicken - Pommes frites (fries) - Salade verte (green salad) - Pain au Chocolat Croque Monsieur/Madame: I'm a sucker for these. Baked ham, gruyiere, and bechamel, with a layer of cheese (and a sunny-side up fried egg, in the case of the madame) on top. The bread is cooked until it's toasty, and the inside is always warm and gooey from the bechamel and melted cheese. On the monsieur, the layer of cheese outside on top is browned to perfection. A great combination of textures and flavors. Sardine/rilletes sandwich: I really like their sandwiches. They're relatively simple, but tasteful. Generally they come served baguette bread, with a few leaves of romaine lettuce and a filling of your choice. The sardine is a surprising stand-out. Excellent flavor without being too fishy (as sardine can often be). I didn't like the rilletes, though, possibly because it was too foreign for me, and the spices in it tasted strange to my palate. I also didn't really like the texture of the rilletes in the sandwich. Trout: Yummy, but inconsistent. (It was heavenly the first time I ordered it, and just good the second time.) A rich, buttery preparation of trout, served with broccoli and currants. Especially yummy with currants on top. Roasted chicken: Note that this takes an hour for them to prepare, so be prepared to be there for a while. A delicious chicken, though, cooked pretty damn close to perfection. The meat is tender while still having give, and the skin on the outside is crisped. Also, it comes with their very yummy fries. Pommes frites (fries): Very good fries. Made with the skin still attached to the potatoes, they have more texture than the average fries I find. Salade verte (green salad): A good green salad. It's served as a giant hunk of bibb lettuce drizzled with a hazelnut vinaigrette. I'm still undecided if I think being forced to cut my own salad lettuce is cool, or just extra work on my part. The lettuce is fresh, though, and the vinaigrette tastes light and yummy. Pain au chocolat: A baguette sliced into sandwich halves, then toasted with dark chocolate melted into the middle. Simple, but pretty yummy with the toasty bread and melted chocolate. One star off for the service on our last visit, when they forgot both our salade verte and our pain au chocolat. Overall good food for a decent price, though.
(3)
Neilson E.

The food here is fantastic. It makes me feel like I'm eating at a Brasserie in Paris...sort of. Close enough anyway. The football they have on is great, the staff is great. It gets a little crowded at times. What else is there to say other than, if you fancy some Moules Frites or generally want to pretend you're in Paris eating at the local Brasserie, head to Cafe Presse. If you're an Applebees kind of person, then you'll mostly likely hate this place. Which is fine as there will be more room for me when I go, which is often.
(4)
B W.

I would not know how the food tastes here, because the host told us that seating 5 people at 7 pm on a Wednesday night was "impossible." Well, walking a few blocks and getting good food and friendly service at any other restaurant on Capitol Hill was all too possible.
(1)
Eugene C.

I have been here on a couple of occasions, and overall it is good but still not my favorite French place in Seattle. Atmosphere is very causal and furnishings are rustic. Wait staff are very polite and helpful. They have Stella artois on tap (but nothing else on tap) which is a nice change. Their liver terrine is quite good (and filling for an appetizer). I was a little hesitant to try their steak tartar (my first ever) but it was actually very tasty. I had a bite of the roast chicken, and felt that it was a little dry but had a nice crust. The steak frites was a little chewy possibly because of how rare it was (I asked for medium rare and got what I would call rare so may want to clarify with waitress/waiter), although the blue cheese sauce that it came with was nice. Have not tried the desserts yet, but heard they are very good.
(3)
K F.

Nice, quaint French cafe. Good place to meet up with a friend and possibly a casual date. Small servings that don't stuff you.
(4)
Ashley A.

This place is on the verge of wonderful. My experience with the food has always been dreamy; the portions are well-priced, the quality is superb. My quarrel is this: there are always quite a few servers around, but they tend to behave like they're waiting for some French filmmaker to start making an abstract and sensitive portrayal of their burdensome day-to-day existence. I understand that the feel of the place is intentionally different from your basic American "can I take your order?" sort of thing. I really can. But they seem to be paid by the sigh. That said, I have had great service there are couple of times. One waitress in particular managed to be down-to-earth and charming while maintaining that European vibe. In summary, it is definitely a place worth going to. The food is simple, and done magnificently. I am always thrilled when their menu rotates through the seasons. It's a beautiful place to read a book, or chat with a friend over a plate of mussels and a baguette. If you can stand being treated like a ridiculous extra in every server's eponymous movie.
(4)
Kiki M.

CAFE DEPRESSING!! I recently went vegan. Took my Aussie friends here ( non-vegan) since I told them this was my fave restaurant. Once everyone but me had ordered, I quietly asked the waiter if the chef could modify anything on the menu for me. Turns out the chef refused to alter anything on the menu so I could have a meal. I even offered to pay extra!. While my friends dined on steak frites, I had lettuce and bread. ( they wouldn't even throw some beans on the salad!!) BTW- this was all served with a generous helping of serious attitude from the server. :-( Boo.
(1)
Jenny L.

I come here for wine. I love the ambience and the chill atmosphere. The staff is friendly and the service has always been spot on. It can get quite busy here, so it is not always easy to find a seat for groups, so I would suggest making a reservation. I can't say much about the food because I usually come for the wine. Most recently we ordered some fries and it did come out pretty quick.
(3)
Grace L.

boom noodle wasn't open yet and I was on a tight schedule. What to do, what to do? Around the corner and down the block to Cafe Presse we went. It was still early, so there were lots of places to choose from. We settled at the bar, ordered coffee (I couldn't detect the hazelnut in my hazelnut latte, and his au lait took a long time to arrive, though it had a lovely velvety foam on top), and browsed the menu. I liked the bottles of water set on the bar; a nice touch, understated but classy, though I wanted a bigger glass. And ours never actually ran dry before it was replaced. Hooray for good service! I ordered the Steak-Frites (Grilled Oregon Natural Beef hanger steak, taleggio cream, fried potatoes), medium rare. It was cooked *perfectly*, and the frites were hot and crispy on the outside. They came with a mayonnaise that I thought was delicious, so I asked the server if they make it in-house. No, she confessed, the mayo itself comes from SYSCO, but the seasonings (including paprika) are done by the chefs. Fair enough. My companion ordered something with prawns and eggs in a small cast iron skillet -- I've never been able to pronounce anything in French properly, so I couldn't tell you what it was called -- but it was pretty good, too. I'm waffling between 3.5 and 4 stars here, because of the coffee issues and the extreme noise level inside once the lunch crowd arrived. But I lean towards four stars, because the food was excellent and aside from some trouble getting them to take our card to pay the check, service was good. I'm sure I'll return. The desserts sound great and I want to try them!
(4)
Yancy D.

By far the best thing near Seattle U. Good wine, good bread, fun menu, nice space. Oh, and as of this summer falafel's back on the menu and it is awesome.
(5)
Kathleen G.

Dude. This place is AWESOME. Where else can you get a $5 goblet of excellent French wine, and lovely bistro snacks, well into the wee hours of the morning, on, say, a Thursday?! This place rocks. It read my mind. Went here twice on my last swing northward, and I adored it. Plus the coffee place next door, Stumptown, is excellent.
(5)
Lee H.

cafe presse is the closest thing i've found to an outdoor parisian cafe in seattle (i used to live in paris for 2 years). it's got a great selection of authentic french staples like croque madame and salade verte, whole uncut lettuce leaves and all (some french cafes really serve it to you that way). if you love fois gras like i do, the fois de volaille is a decent substitute and the cheese platter is consistently good. the french bread served here is quite good too - it's hard to find really fantastic french bread in america (don't know why that is though). i usually just get my staples when i come here (every weekend): salade verte, croque madame, fois de volaille and/or cheese platter. i've noticed other people getting the soups quite often, but i haven't tried them yet.
(4)
Brian M.

I was very impressed with this place for several reasons: 1) being able to get such tasty food at such a late hour - we sat down to order at about 11:45 2) The 'chocolat chaud'. This doesn't appear to be on the menu, but if you ask, they are happy to provide. It's not regular Hot Chocolate, it's basically melted dark chocolate. I'm not particularly into chocolate, but this was probably the best thing I've ever tasted. Pure bliss. 3) The rest of the food was excellent - I had a potato leek soup which was regular enough to be hearty, but had enough of a twist not to be dull. 4) The staff seem like a cool, mellow bunch 5) The whole French vibe is pretty authentic, down to the way they serve water from a wine-bottle type carafe into those little glasses. All in all, an excellent place for good quality late night food and conversation
(5)
katie s.

Oh holy bechamel! I came, I saw, I devoured. I had read cafe presse reviews for a while before i got the chance to visit. While megan s. and I were in the neighborhood we decided it was the perfect time to try it out. I got the croque monsieur and it was rich, bechamel goodness. The pommes frites were heavenly and megan s. even said her tuna and white bean salad was divine....although in my opinion it looked like cat puke.
(3)
Hailey M.

My reaction to the first bite of a croque madame from Presse is so intense that it's almost intimate - I only eat them around close friends. They just updated their menu and it's even more awesome than before - I really like the new croque item with the hard sausage and tomato. Also amazing is the tomato goat cheese salad... The waiters are attentive and nice and wildly attractive. The water comes in a lovely glass bottle and they give you bread or peanuts to munch on as you peruse the menu. Also on the table is a wee jar of spicy mustard that, when paired with the frites and the mayonnaise that comes with them, is fucking DELICIOUS. The entrees are too expensive for regular eating but if you're hoping for a snack and a good place to hang out, come here.
(4)
Keriche C.

I have been here twice now. The first time I came, I ordered the croque madame and a coffee and they were both good, although for some reason, I was expecting better. I think the croque madame might just not be my thing. I went again with a friend recently and I decided to get something light. I ordered a half baguette for us to share and an asparagus dish just for me. The baguette was great and it came with delicious apricot preserves. We gobbled it down. The Asperge, oeuf dur et aioli au safran was served with perfectly steamed (cold) asparagus, saffron aioli and an egg boiled hard. It was such a great combination! I really enjoyed this dish! My friend ordered a side of the pommes frites which I also indulged in. They were really delicious! They aren't typical fries you get in France (at least not the ones I ate there) but they're perfectly salted and served with a side of mayonnaise. All in all, this is a cute little place on the hill which serves good quality food at a decent price. Enjoy!
(4)
Silvia A.

One of the few "European" eateries that not only feels like Europe, but tastes like it too. The bread is fresh and crusty, the yogurt is thin, the coffee is delicious (they serve Cafe Vita), and the butter is unsalted. The baguette sandwich is simply dressed and the mustard is spicy. For those looking for something a little more complex, they serve a delicate chicken liver pate, mussels, and a few other fancier dishes. Simplicity and quality ingredients are the watch words here which I definitely appreciate. Now, if only simple, quality ingredients where considered a staple and not gourmet, perhaps I could find such good food at a great price, too! And, lastly, if only they had outdoor seating that wasn't on a busy street, it really would feel like Europe.
(4)
Rowena M.

I am really excited to try this place again. So much to eat, so little money to spend on it. Anyway, we started out with a baguette, olives, and spinach salad. Baguette good, olives eh, and spinach salad ok. The pickled radishes and onions that came with the spinach salad could have used a little sugar to sweeten the brine a little and make them not quite so harsh, especially since the spinach was served with a nice, light vinagrette. I guess the cheese that was served on top was supposed to calm the acidity a bit, but hey, it's just a suggestion. After many minutes of perusing the entrees, I chose the duck confit served on a bed of lentils. Fantastic! So tender, so much flavor. My friends got the roasted chicken that they warn you will take an hour, but that was fine and we were able to catch up with each other while waiting. Their chicken was served with fries that seemed a little greasy, but that may have been partly from the juices that were coming off each of their half birds. That still didn't stop me from finishing off their fries dipped in mayo. That's right--don't you dare bring ketchup to my table. Ugh. Definitely a spot that I'll be frequenting more often. Now if onIy I could find a table where the music isn't blasting in my ears so I can actually hear what the girls are actually saying.
(4)
M B.

I really love Le Pichet, and Joanne the owner is fantastic. So I thought I must like Cafe Presse because it's in a neighborhood I prefer, and it's even more casual. And for the most part, I do like Cafe Presse. This place is cool because they have good, cheap food and good, cheap wine. My one issue with it is that the staff is a bit on the "I'm too cool for school" side, which I guess can be expected, but there's one guy in particular who is a complete dick. I came by with my small, well behaved dog to sit on the patio and enjoy a carafe of wine, some olives and some snacks. He looked at me like there were laser-knives coming from his eyes and told me outright he hated dogs. He then proceeded to completely ignore me the entire time I was there and I had to actually get a different server to bring me my orders each time I wanted anything. I would have left, but I wanted to prove a point. And also annoy that asshole with my adorable dog (whom many of the other patrons were fawning over and stopped by to say hello to). So really the point of this review is that the place is A-OK, but watch out for the older male server who's apparently a dog-hater. He might spit in your food.
(3)
Brooke P.

Has a friendly, open, and casual atmosphere. The wait staff is always attentive, and the food is always delicious, well-prepared, and not fussy. They also have a great wine selection. I recommend the roasted almonds, salade verte, hangar steak and frites. The food compliments the atmosphere: bustling and energetic. The downside is that the menu is limited and it can be packed and crowded at times. To minimize the claustrophobia, ask to sit in the front of the restaurant rather than in the back.
(4)
Talisha L.

The food is delicious. My favorites are the croque madame, the omlette, frites, the steak, and the hard cooked eggs with mayo. Actually anything with eggs, they know how to cook them here! The whole roasted chicken is worth waiting an hour for if you have the time. They had this dish for a while called "raclette" which was a big pan of melted cheese served with bread , meats and pickles that was to die for... hopefully they bring it back again, as the rest of their menu gets recycled seasonally. The nicest part about Cafe Presse is that I don't feel rushed to finish my food and vacate. Sometimes we order after dinner coffee (which is always strong, delicious, and never bitter) and chat, and the staff is totally cool with it. Speaking of the staff, most are well trained to make food or wine reccomendations. Trust them. Be sure to make a reservation for friday and saturday evenings , wait times can be 45 mins+. Reservations for groups of more than 4 are also a good idea. Generally we go here on weekday evenings to avoid the crowd that is here on the weekends. Edit on 9/26: Went here tonight, it was soooo busy, waitress seemed stressed out but ending up giving us free coffee and being super nice given the circumstances. Had an AMAZING dessert called Chocolate Marquis. If they have this, order it =) It was like a giant truffle on a plate with creme anglaise and blackberries. MMMM. Also, overly loud, annoying foodies who have to say "OMG THIS IS DELICIOUS" after every bite do not make for a comfortable dining experience for me. I'm sure not for the other half the restaurant that could hear you either! My only thumbs down is for the pretenious, loud, overdressed, self-proclaimed "foodies" who are rude to the waitstaff, complain about "small portions" and are polluting my favorite neighborhood cafe. Tonight wasn't the first group I've encountered...
(5)
Matt R.

super good food, super cheap. Service can be dodgy at times but when you're lunch is less than $7- who gives a shit? it's better than the service you get at McDonald's- and you'd be pressed to get lunch for less than $7 at Mickie D's these days. House wine is good and cheap and they play a ton of soccer. If I lived closer to it- I'd be there a couple of days a week. And my buddy Kyle in Florida's Aunt co-owns the joint. This place rocks.
(5)
Chris H.

Great spot. Loved it has a coffee spot. Love it even more as a lunch spot. Croque Madame and Croque Campagne are fantastic. Great Pomme-Frites too. Another great Euro spot from our friends at Le Pichet. A little dense in the back but the food makes it worth it. Out front is a great hang out spot if you can find a spot there.
(4)
Philip L.

An awesome spot for a greyhound and brunch or an afternoon coffee and snack or a cozy late night dinner. Hard to single out a single item because everything I've had here has been excellent. Great atmosphere. I personally prefer the brighter, more open front to the dim back room.
(5)
C M.

Came here with my other half and the in-laws. Never really had French food before. The place is nice inside and the staff was nice overall. The menu is a bit limited. We ordered a few steak frites, pork confit (sp?), and croque madam. The pork was nice (and I've never had any type of pate), the bread and butter was good and the croque madam was good. The frites were good along with the mayo. The big disappointment was the steak. Each of the steaks were tough, under cooked and had huge parts that were tendons and unable to be ate. The cost was a bit costly as well. Not horrible but don't think we'll be back.
(3)
Mel G.

This is a great place -- the omelet with gruyere cheese was delicious and the coffee was strong and tasty.
(4)
Becca R.

The food was tasty and the atmosphere is fun, and they kept filling the water even after I'd finished. But, if you're looking for a lunch place, I'd go elsewhere. The food is overpriced for a lunch experience, and the tuna salad (what I ordered) was TINY. Plus, personally, I can't eat a croque monsieur for lunch and expect to get any work done in the afternoon... food coma. I'll be going back for breakfast or brunch. That seems to be their specialty.
(3)
Cyndi C.

Love or hate it you gotta admit it's a cute place! Although the front seating is for waifs w/laptops (very tight seats) There is more seating in the back room. The cafe has a fun and busy hum to it.. casual cafe, upscale dinner, Indie newstand, Euro football rally.. the place truly morphs though out the day and it really works! I stopped in with friends for a late lunch. We had Croque Madam, a Croque Monsieur, Frites w/mayo and le pitchet of French wine and spent $20 bucks ea! My pals were excited to have the 'Pastis' drink (anise drink minus the wormwood) with lil cups of ice to mix their drink as they saw fit. It is a great place to just pass time, snack, drink and chill.
(4)
Sarah M.

This place is so reasonably priced for the great food that they serve! The croque monsieurs, french onion soup, and poulet roti are amazing...and while it's very reminiscent of a small cafe in France, it's almost much trendier. I would have never expected such a cool place to be in the building that it was. I definitely need to check this place out again in the near future!
(5)
Rose S.

I always find it refreshing to go somewhere on a rainy day, and for a moment, forget you're in Seattle... on a rainy day. If you're looking for such a place, I suggest Cafe Presse. While fully focused on the perfection of your Croque Madame, sipping a cafe au lait, and popping sea salted almonds in your mouth, I guarantee you the last thought in your mind will be how much the weather sucks this "summer." It's a french getaway, on a budget.
(5)
B L.

Yum! Love this place. Simple yet consistently delicious French food that isn't overly priced.
(5)
Koriann B.

If you find yourself with an evening free and are looking for a relaxed, delicious dinner, head on over to Cafe Presse for some roast chicken. I have never had chicken as most and flavorful as the chicken at Presse. I took my boyfriend out for his birthday, and since he'd been wanting the roast chicken for awhile, Presse was his choice. We ordered a nice bottle of wine and ate some bread and butter and some cheese while we waited. It was a long wait, mind you, but perfection takes time. As soon as the chicken was laid out before us, with piles of fries, we new we'd made the right choice. They'd taken the time to take the chicken off the bone so all we needed to worry about was which condiment to use with the fries. I horded some of my chicken to have the next day and tossed in into a light salad. Delicious and totally worth it.
(4)
Kristopher J.

Perfectly Seattle: eclectic with a touch of class, great food, excellent coffee and decent wait staff. Try the croque madame and chocolate mouse when it's on the menu.
(4)
Chris B.

first visit and we decided to go based on excellent reviews for their steak tartare....we were not disappointed. Croque Madame was also very well done... pomme frites were crispy, hot, properly salted (not too light, not overwhelming). Quite authentic chocolate chaud. Great espresso. Couldn't ask for anything more. We will definitely be back.
(5)
A'son D.

Whenever I am in the mood to tickle my taste buds, I wander over to Cafe Presse! The chicken liver terrine (served with spicy mustard, dried cherry compote and tiny gherkins) is a delicious explosion of flavors. The salade verte is amazingly fresh. The croque monsieur is super tasty and comforting. In fact, every single thing I have ever tried here is fantastic...coffee, roasted chicken, pork chop, mimosas... Reasonably priced. Serves food late into the night. Highly recommended.
(5)
Bunneh L.

Wow, the French really know how to eat. I had the Croque Madam (like a Croque Monsieur but with a fried egg on top) and it was incredible. Ham and bechamel on the inside and melted Gruyere on the outside. So so good. The French onion soup was also good. I've had better, but they did a fine job. The moules frites (mussels and fries) were also great. The broth is creamy with bacon and sherry in it. And the mussels were so tender! I probably ate more than my suggested daily caloric intake in this one meal alone, but it's so worth it. It's a tiny little spot and the tables are all squeezed in together super tight, which was slightly annoying. But I dealt. I'm so fucking full right now and in a total food coma . Think I'l take a quick nap under my desk.....
(5)
Sally C.

It's what's for breakfast. At noon.
(4)
Karli T.

This is one of my favorite places in Seattle! For a while I was obsessed I hadn't been in a while but i went the other night and its still wonderful. The Croque Madame is the best. I'm a creature of habit and always order this and a side a pomme frites with mayo... but i have strayed a few times and everything else I have tried here is delicious as well. It gets packed and is tiny inside so be prepared to wait but trust me, it's worth it! I love that their menu changes seasonally and they are always consistant. Sometimes the service is a little slow and the parking is terrible but those are things I can definatly overlook!
(5)
Jennifer E.

Very good food, with a relatively friendly staff, if a bit hipstery. It's not my scene, but the croque madam was delicious, and I would recommend the place to others. The cafe au lait was great, and the Barista brought me the sugar bowl (cubes - I love that!). I also ordered the half baguette with butter and strawberry jam, as their full menu(which includes the croque madam, specifically recommended to me) doesn't start until 9 am. I'm glad I had the time to stop here before my flight - was very tasty!
(4)
James W.

Are you kidding me? Four stars is the average? Even ignoring the fact that the bathroom was horrible, the food wasn't any good. Probably the least successful french food I've ever had. Uninspired, poorly cooked, under-seasoned, and delivered with poor service. Save your pennies, Yelpers!
(1)
Sarah E.

I've been here more times than I can count, and I love how they keep their menu seasonal and fresh. They had a grilled endive salad special drenched in bacon, shallot and blue cheese dressing. If I liked bleu cheese, I'd have devoured the whole thing joyously. Since I don't, and the server neglected to tell me about the bleu cheese, she made it right and brought me a delicious green bean salad with fresh cherries, radicchio and dijon vinaigrette. They have grilled quail now too, which my dining companion loved and I savored the tiniest drumstick imaginable, served on a bed of summer squash. I nomed one of my favorite stand-bys there, too: chicken liver pate with cherry garnish. But the best part of our meal was the frozen chocolate mousse with caramel sauce and a generous quenelle of creme anglaise. Refreshing, great texture, just chocolatey enough to suit me since I'm not a total chocoholic. The tawny port I paired it with was perhaps a bit too heavy for it. Anyway, the server was super chatty and friendly and delightful, everything we had was delicious, and Cafe Presse hardly ever disappoints me. I'm looking forward to the return of the cold weather soups :-)
(4)
Diane M.

This is just like some of the cafe' we enjoyed while visiting France. Everything smelled and looked so good. I had the Croque Madame very good and a good size for me but not for anyone very hungry, they should also order soup, salad and or pomme frites. There were many good choices. The service was spot on. I would definitely go back.
(4)
Brian M.

The ladies I work with love Cafe Presse. I really think that says it all. Like romantic comedies, long walks, and even longer conversations, Cafe Presse is something that real men hate, but its secluded atmosphere, awkwardly close seating, and French menu make the ladies swoon. The croque monsieur, or as real men call it: the grilled cheese with ham, is tasty, but would be better if utensils weren't necessary to eat it. The pommes-frites, or french fries, all burnt and salty, lack the robustness of the American fries found at most bars here. The Salade Berger is for serious salad eaters only-- not real men. Its goat cheese croutons are the size of a baby's foot. The service fulfills the minimum level of aloofness expected from wait staff on Capitol Hill, but the coffee was fresh and my favorite, Caffe Vita. I won't take the guys to Cafe Presse for beers, but if the ladies from work are going, and I'm in the mood to rub knees with someone I don't know at the table over, I'll eat at Presse again. But I won't say my order in French.
(3)
Michelle Z.

Why, why, WHY would you not want a croque madame here!!!!? Get it.
(5)
Valentina V.

Ryan and I met our friends Karl and Megan at this amazing place. Ryan wanted to bring me to Presse since I am a big soccer (futbol) fan (hey, but not the yelling kind LOL!) and we always make fun of each other when it comes to baseball and football, and soccer. What can I do? I'm a hot Latina mama! But I also love baseball... Back to Presse! We arrived at least an hour before our friends (6:15 PM) as we ran out of errands to run :-) It was a good idea to get there, as the place gets really packed for dinner time. We sat on the bar, and immediately, got the bar tender to ask us for drinks. I had a delicious glass of chilly white French wine, while Ryan had beer. He was a little disappointed as he had just one option for draft beer. Then, we agreed to have a little snack while waiting. We decided on a Gruyere sandwich on baguette. It was perfect, simple and very French! After we were given our table, and yes, still with our stomachs growling, I order Rilletes de Porc (a pork confit spread) with sliced bread and two mustards (uhhh and those little French pickles that are to die for,) and Huitres la Breton (oysters SO fresh they felt almost alive, delicious!) Ryan wasn't that excited by either choice, but he tried both. I loved the face he did when sucking the smallest oyster (I gave him he the least risky, hehehehe) Well, I guess he's not into tasting the ocean! (oysters are like a little taste of ocean to me.) He relied on the delicious baguette and creamy butter...and a little more of that draft beer he was forced into! When Karl and Megan arrived, we proceed to order the dinner. We shared a Salade Alsacienne (I absolutely loved it) for a minute, and then my better half just pushed the plate towards me saying "errr, mmm, you can have it." He thought it was a warm salad and it wasn't. We also shared the Steak Frites, which was fantastic. Finally, my love loved something...phew! The meat was tender and the pomme frites were absolutely delicious. Megan had a Salade Verte, and Karl the famous Croque Madame. As many people here, our friend was delighted. It looked mmmmmmmmmmm! The ambiance is inviting, and their bar is pristine (many options of happy waters you don't see everywhere due to mainstream boooze.) They have coffee and fresh squeezed orange juice for (yikes!) $3.75 a glass...we want to go back during the day to see the light inside the place; it has skylights that surely flatter the place with the nicest light bath! We'll be back, for sure...especially during a good futbol championship :-)
(4)
Jesse W.

What a real shame that I couldn't indulge in more of the menu offerings. I met an old college friend here for coffee, she chose this place because we were closest when we studied abroad in France. All I could manage was a latte and a pain au chocalat (not quite what I expected, it was served on a baguette in lieu of a pastry croissant). Anyways, many of the other items seemed quite tasty. The carafes of house red wine also reminded me the days of prix fix menus. I've got this place tagged during our next trip to Seattle! C'est tres bien! Magnifique!
(4)
Natalie T.

We went here for dessert after eating at La Spiga up the street. It was a Monday night and the Pot de Creme of the day was salted caramel. It was so heavenly! If I had had another day in Seattle, I would have gone back for a meal. I hope to go back soon!
(4)
Sean E.

It's crowded and noisy and you will probably have to move your table so that the people next to you can get in or out. But that's the point. If you don't like crowds and noise, go for breakfast, lunch, or a weeknight midnight snack. Cafe Presse is, after all, open just about all day long. It's a coffee shop, a cafe, a restaurant, and a bar, depending on when you arrive. If you like French food and live in the area, Cafe Presse is pretty good at being all things to all people I've been pretty happy with all of my Cafe Presse experiences, which span lunch, brunch, and dinner. The first time I went I had falafel and a disgusting amount of coffee. The second time I went I had a potato salad, fries, and a disgusting amount of coffee. The third time, beet salad, broiled eggs, a baguette, and a disgusting amount of coffee. The fourth time, steak frites and a Stella (not a disgusting amount; I was driving). It's all been pretty good, even if my half-witted knowledge of French keeps leading me to order things like beets (we liked it but both agreed we'd reached our beet quota for the year) or potato salad with a side of frites. What I do need to do is try Cafe Presse as part of a larger group. It's easy to order far too much food when only two people are trying to split the smaller plates ("everything looks so good!"), but a larger group would make it easier to try everything that catches your fancy. Don't hold back on frites - they are perfectly-cooked and served with real mayonnaise. They do have full entrees for dinner, which works pretty well if you don't want to share. Expect to pay about $10 for lunch and $15-$20 for dinner, depending on how hungry you were when you read the menu. For in-city bistro fare that's not bad. Make sure you go back, because they subtly change the menu on a regular basis. The wine is dirt cheap ($4 a glass!), but the only time I was ever there with another wine-drinker (my mother), she told me I wasn't allowed wine before noon on Saturdays. Fortunately, the coffee is Cafe Vita and they charge coffee shop prices for all you care to drink. I've never been to France and wouldn't know how this compares to the real Paris experience, but I'm pretty happy to have this sort of place in Seattle. This probably isn't the best French food in town, but Cafe Presse is fun, relaxed, inexpensive, and always interesting, and that's what counts.
(4)
Carrie B.

Good coffee and good croissants. I would come back for the croissant, to go. Service was a tad snooty (warning - don't bring your small child, this is a tiny place and there are no high chairs).
(3)
b t.

Wow, fantastic pork chop! Everything was well priced below $17 an entree and drinks were well priced as well. The entrees didn't come with much as sides but appropriate given european style servings are less on the "make it a biggie" mentality. Cute small space, would definitely come again the next time I'm in Seattle.
(5)
Tony S.

Steak, frites, a bottle of intriuging bubbly Beaujolais? What could go wrong! I love French food and the addition of another establishment from the people that bought you Le Pichet was most welcome. I dined here with a couple of friends and I am happy to report that the place reeks of Francophilia. The cafe style menu won't win any innovation awards and relies on standards like Croque Monsieur, Steak-frites and the like. There is a distinct lack of choices if you are a vegetarian, even the French Onion Soup is made with chicken stock but I am a committed carnivore so no worries there. I had the hanger steak with fries and it came smothered in a thick gravy that will be one of those lasting food memories I take to the grave with me. The steak was ok, a little tough but certainly edible and excellent value at $16. The wine list is unashamedly French and they proudly featured a sparkling Beaujolais that was like drinking honey. Sweet, rich and fruity, bursting with little bubbles, it is the sort of wine that you could drink all day long without noticing just how drunk you are getting! The space is really nice, airy and reminiscent of a French railway station cafeteria right down to the enormous oversized clock hanging down from the roof.
(4)
Karen N.

I get the same thing here everytime- someday, I will venture out more. For now, I am loving the pate with some crusty baguette, green salad with hazelnuts and a croque madame. Love having brunch here. My four year old loves it here, too!
(4)
Neal S.

I've never had a bad meal here. Even the bread and butter are noteworthy. Try one of the egg dishes with gruyere, or a simple butter lettuce salad. They don't always have it, but the raclette (cheese with various vegetables, kind of a reverse fondue) is excellent, and so are the soups. The atmosphere makes you, and Seattle, feel ultra-cosmopolitan.
(5)
G P.

worst meal i've had in Seattle to date. period. The steak frittes, which should have been a total no-brainer, (it is a french bistro after all) was literally inedible. And that wasn't just my order. My boyfriend also ordered the steak frittes and his plate was equally dreadful. the meat tasted like it came off of a sick animal. i'll leave it at that. The frites were fine. nothing to write home about. For the first time in my life (30 years) i actually sent my dinner back to the kitchen. To their credit, the waitress was great and the kitchen's response was fast. She was very apologetic and helpful, and the salad I got in exchange was fine. The fish my boyfriend ordered in exchange was soggy and had little flavor. Otherwise, the atmosphere was good. Take home message: stick with their cheap wine. I've heard its great.
(1)
Mairead R.

First off, our server was divine. She was friendly and her understanding of the menu was spectacular. The chocolat chaud knocked me off my chair in a rush of shadowy cocoa and a poof of whipped cream perfection. FLASH! POOF! It was a surprise ending to an overly salty meal. For me, so much of a good French meal is good French bread and this lack brought down the meal be it spread with pate, covered with a hunk of cheese, or dipped in broth. Warted with the cheese plate, pork rillettes, and mussels. The assiette de fromage had a solid selection of cheeses, though overly chewy bread and unspectacular butter did nothing to elevate the cheese plate overall. Pork rillettes were a good consistency and a fantastic push of flavor. The moules were tender, though the broth could have been less salty. For the main event, smoked pork chop and french onion soup. Pork chop was smoked and too salty. Though the delicate texture was initially lovely, we couldn't take more than a few salty bites before stopping. The onion soup, however, promised more from the menu. I'll order that again next time, along with the beet salad and steak frites
(3)
Linda L.

So, my New Year's resolution was to focus on French Food and the language. I've been failing miserably so far. I finally decided to get started and try my first French restaurant. I was really excited to find out about this place, because it was close to my house, showed soccer games, had free wi-fi, and would help me with my resolution. I met a friend there for last minute dinner plans. We got the last table in the front of the house. I was confused on whether to seat myself or wait, but I finally was able to make eye contact with someone working there and pointed to the open table. They nodded and I sat. It's sort of pub style seating with wooden benches and chairs. The tables are really close together. A little too close. The staff were very friendly and attentive. There was a a guy that walked back and forth, checking to make sure everyone had water. I ordered Pomme Frites and the Croque Madame. My friend ordered the Poisson de jour et sa polenta grillee which was black cod. Everything was good. The frites were by far the best thing we ordered. They come with a homemade mayo that has just a little spice. I loved it. The other dishes were good, but I don't imagine myself craving them. I will definitely go back to give this place another try. I want to see what the seating in the back is like and I want to try their roasted chicken that the table next to us got. It takes an hour to make, but looked amazing. We couldn't stop staring.
(3)
Lori M.

I love, love, love this place! The atmosphere is a amazing, it's casual but great for a romantic meal, family meal, or just to hang out with friends. The food is amazing and not too pricey. I love everything I've eaten here, the salads have been amazing the croque Madame is awesome, pomme frittes amazing! Beef Tartare....oh yeah! I love that you can order wine by the glass, demi pichet, pichet and bottle! The severs have all been friendly and helpful and it's great for breakfast, lunch, dinner or even just for coffee and a snack with some wi-fi!
(5)
Mat W.

My stomach can do strange things with strange food, and this place sent my tummy-radar in warning mode. But, I played it safe and was pretty happy in the end. I just got a cabbage salad with walnuts, cheese, drizzle type dressing. But, it was very flavorful and quite a good eat for a salad. They serve luke warm water in wine glasses (which apparently is French thing?). Also hot,spicey nuts on table ...those weren't bad, but make sure luke warm water is close by Cool vibe
(4)
DeathandFood H.

This is a place I should love but found it rather bland. A dear friend who love this place took me here a busy friday night. They were able squee us in at the bar but perhaps it would have been better to just go on a quiet night. Eating french casual food on regular basis due to a french wife and a love of the food, my expectation are probably higher than most. While alot of place serve decent french bistro food, few do it well. The prices were bad although more than 3 dollars for a hard boiled egg? The oyster were disappointing too. The onion soup was interesting, not at all the way it is actually made in France but it tasted good. The good things about Cafe Presse is that it is light on the wallet and during the day and on quieter night would be a great place to hang out. so pluses for costs, minuses for taste
(3)
Kent K.

Couldn't deliver. I'd heard and read many fine things about Presse and so had relatively high expectations. We telephoned a reservation and inquired about the menu as it pertains to our dietary restrictions. Over the phone certain meals were recommended to us. At the restaurant our server told us that we were misinformed over the phone and that the preparation of the items recommended over the phone excluded them from among our choices. I suppose it a good thing that they caught this beforehand, at least. Ordered fish and found it a bit boring and poorly cooked. I'm guessing we could have a better experience at another time and diners without our dietary restrictions would do well here but for us it was a disappointment.
(2)
J. N.

I've been here several times and it has a nice, fun atmosphere (I really like the music selection). However, I wouldn't necessarily go here for a real meal. It's really more of a light lunch/late night snack sort of place. The hangar steak was really chewy and the pork belly was dry. I called ahead and tried to order the rotisserie chicken in advance (which says on their menu takes an hour), but according to the lady that answered, it's against their policy to start cooking it before we actually get there. I offered to pay for it in advance since I was going to a show right after dinner and couldn't wait an hour, but she told me to order it right when I got in the door (which would only leave me enough time to scarf it down and that's not fun at all). I just found this to be pretty stupid and unreasonable. Its saving grace is the chicken liver pate and that's basically all I would go there for. Considering I gave them 4 stars despite the other stuff... that alone should tell you how good it is. The rhubarb compote dessert thing is pretty good too.
(4)
Damon D.

This cute little French bistro is a nice change of pace. The menu is loaded with interesting and different options. From fried ham sandwiches with an over-easy egg on top to mussels the menu has you covered. I've made it a weekly brunch destination. Everything on the menu should have a side of their special mayo on the side - trust me it's tasty. Upon entering take any open table, bar stool or head down the hallway to the back dining room. The front room tables are packed in euro style and you'll have fun meeting all your neighbors as you shift tables to and fro throughout your meal to let people in and out. It's more fun than it sounds and a nice change of social interaction not easily found in Seattle. Both the food and drink menus are worthy of some experimentation on your part, there are some gems in there I had previously never heard of. This is not the place to bring a finicky eater but I do have to say things you didn't think you would like may surprise you. Squeeze in, relax and take it in - this airy, international, social gem is a hard find around these parts!
(4)
Tim R.

There are two main benefits to Cafe Presse: 1) It's somewhat affordable (in comparison to other local French places). 2) It's open late. Beyond that, I think the primary appeal is that the menu allows preening hipsters the opportunity to say "roast chicken" in French (see also: "butter bread", "hot chocolate", "grilled cheese sandwich"). Which is not to say that Cafe Presse is bad -- just tremendously overrated. I've been a few times, and while the food is decent, it's usually not worth the wait for a seat. And notice how the other reviews all tout the "simple" cuisine? Yeah...that means that you're eating a $6 grilled-cheese sandwich. My advice? Stop by if you're in the neighborhood; leave if there's a line.
(3)
Jerry L.

An oral orgasm was had last night for desert. Yes... order the Chocolate Chaud with unsweetened whip cream. ($5.00). Basically, it's melted chocolate in a coffee cup that you slurp up with a spoon! Oh.. and we ordered the Doppio to compliment the flavor. YES.. MUST HAVE!
(5)
martin p.

the place nice the food was ok but the service it was some issue with attitude I don't know how the hell they the people their on the rag or something but was not happy with this place I own a food business this is not the way it should have so sorry to go back have to think about it
(2)
carrie L. B.

Very good French cafe food down to the last authentic detail. No, I don't mean the impeccable baguette or the delicious wine. And I don't mean the various tasty croques and salads at our table either. What I do mean is the dirty over-ripe waitress who gave us excellent service but then demanded payment while we were still eating our meal so she could make out with her hairy, equally dirty boyfriend two tables away. See? Very authentic French.
(4)
Daisy B.

I love Paris in the springtime. I love Paris in the fall. I love Paris in the winter, when it drizzles. I love Cafe Presse [lick, touch] when it sizzles as it always does. Serveur: Croque Monsieur? Moi: Non! C'est Croque Madame a toi!
(5)
Tom B.

Been meaning to try this place for probably 20 years now, if I am thinking of the right one. It's clearly a well-told legend of late night dining. You learn that, you'll pass the pop quiz you're taking later. The rest is details. It's right next to the Stumptown on 12th, and can get packed or it can be very sparse. You walk in and you're confronted with a magazine rack. Buy one and it's added to your tab. Cool. The bar and dining room have that classic downtown shoebox orientation. The staff have that classic downtown facial hair orientation. The barback is all about liquor and spirits; they have a few wines but the beer list is pretty meaningless. Decent choices but unspectacular (which is fine). The menu's where it's at. The whole damn thing's in french, which is great if you read french, and sort of an adventure in maybe getting what you thought you ordered if you don't read french. Well, actually, it's pretty clear what you're ordering, to be fair. And more to the point, the food is really good. We split some frites and each had IPAs and croques madame. The sandwich here is fantastic; the egg is perfect, the sauce is tangy, the meat and smoke flavors come through, it's all goodness from top to bottom. And, despite the fact that they serve it with a steak knife, you can cut it cleanly with a fork. As the last of the other customers were leaving, the staff announced that for them, they would play a farewell tune. This turned out to be the talents of R Kelly, showering down upon us. I thought my buddy was going to have a lifelong giggle fit, and it was kind of hard to tell whether the staff was actually playing the record sincerely or not, but they left it on. Honestly, even though I was able to keep a straight face, I think some better music might make this place a five star stop on a different night.
(4)
Tom T.

yay Presse! Loved the food, loved the service, solid choice for brunch! Sunday around noon was about a 15 minute wait, no biggie! I know not a damn thing about French food, but I thought this was great! The cheezy goodness of the Croque Madame, the very sweet and creamy pumpkin apple seasonal soup, the awesome lattes. Definitely going back sometime soon! A lot of the 1 star reviews for this place seem to be before 2011.
(4)
Steve C.

Been here 5 times Overall: drinks great service great food: almost always great. Love the soups, the classic french foods, the homemade cookies...runs 80% WOW or really good Atmosphere. Pretty OK, but for some reason feels more crowded then sister Le Pichet and I could do without the wobbly tables. This place and Asado Tacoma are two places where I marvel at how skilled the staff is and how well they work together, This speaks to skilled management. I also am deeply impressed with the bar, really interesting great drinks and I have NEVER seen a bartender here send out a drink without tasting it first ( with a straw of course!)
(5)
Heidi P.

Delicious and affordable!! I've only been here once, but really enjoyed my Croque Madame. The sandwich was simply delicious. The only thing I would change, is I prefer a little dijon on mine, however they had little pots of dijon on the tables, so I just added some to my plate and dipped my sandwich in it. The sandwich was the perfect size for my lunch and at $7, the perfect price. I would love to return to try the frites, as I hear they are amazing. A nearby diner had the pate plate and it looked divine as well. Not sure how a typical wait is here, but there was no seating other than the front bar seating, but was fine by me as I was eating lunch alone. Service was prompt and friendly!
(5)
Theresa E.

If you don't like meat, bread and cheese, this is not the place for you. It is tiny, and there are quite a few "cool" people here. The service was very nice. The tables are too close together for my taste. Some doofus kept glaring at our party for having a conversation. The bread is quite tasty, so ...like I said, go there and have somel
(3)
Phil C.

This place is amazing. For breakfast I usually keep it simple with the Å’ufs plats, jambon, fromage, but you can't go wrong with any of the options. On the standard menu, I'm a sucker for the croque monsieur. Also, be sure to try the fries - right up there with Toulouse Petit as the best in Seattle. And if you go right now, the french onion soup is in season - woohoo!
(5)
Maggie D.

I love to this unpretentious hole in the wall. Obsessed with the pate. My entree of choice is the cold chicken served with the quinoa salad. So good, I'm craving it right now!
(4)
Stephen S.

Such a great spot. I am addicted to the croque madame. Love that they keep the menu simple and have perfected those items. Not a lot of places where you can get the good bar atmosphere + resto scene. Feels like youve traveled back in time...
(5)
Lou M.

Can't miss here the croque maseur was great topped off with some great coffee. If you're in the neighborhood check it out.
(4)
Beth I.

Trendy cafe with a roomy bar.... Check Friendly staff.... Check Clean bathroom (a must when you've been drinking).... Check Upbeat music.... Check Unbelievable French food (necessary when you're famished)..... CHECK!!! This high-ceiling-ed trendy cafe was just what my girls and I needed after trooping around Capital Hill. The ambiance and the food here were to die for! (Thanks Stephanie M. and Lauren F. for showing me this place!) Absolute best thing about this place was the croque madame! I don't speak an ounce of French, but I think it translates to "HEAVEN!" It's a baked ham, gruyere and bechammel sandwich with an egg on top. I had to close my eyes as I wrote that! You have know idea what heaven in a sandwich is until you taste this! Hard to explain but the bread was perfectly toasted and the flavors exploded in your mouth. Check out the pictures! Other things we had: pain au chocolate (doesn't it just sound sexy saying it!? It was a baguette filled with molten dark chocolate) and Oysters on a 1/2 shell. Very fresh, but I'm not a total fan of raw oysters. If you make a stop in Seattle, go to Cafe Presse. I beg you!
(5)
Mindy N.

our first seattle food stop! brunch at cafe presse on a Sunday morning. no wait at all & the front dining room looks smaller than it does in pictures o.O very cute and very unassuming. *face palm* I forgot to get the frites.but our shared brunch of la croque madame and liver terrine were so very filling, the frites just slipped my mind. their croque madame was definitely one of the better versions that I've had, but I have never been too much of a fan. (I know, egg on a grilled ham and cheese sandwich, what's not to love??) most places are guilty of too much bechamel and thus being too rich for my taste. while cafe presse' version was on point in terms of flavor, the overly richness of the sandwich was still there, so half a sandwich was more than sufficient for me. the liver terrine was DELICIOUS. maybe it's because I've been liver deficient since cali initiated that ban on foie, call it what you want, but I could have easily just eaten my own terrine without any bread or sides. but no! don't do that. the mustard makes it. the terrine is tasty on its own and even better with the sprinkling of salt, but the mustard makes it. it offers an acidic tang that helps to cut through the richness of the terrine and brings up flavors you never would have experienced without it. damn. terrinegasm. the gherkins and the cherry compote offer interesting alternatives. if you want it mildly sweet, go for the cherry; if you want it even more tangy, go for the gherkin. I was fully satiated without either aside from the occasional munch. yummy bread & if you ask nicely, they'll bring you a little extra for the rest of your terrine. coffee was not mindblowing which was just a touch disappointing. maybe not top 3 on my list to return to if I ever come back to seattle, but it comes high on my list of recommendations. next time though, I'd probably pass on the croque, double up on the terrine, and throw in some frites along with it.
(4)
A.J. S.

Yumm. I like to pretend to have a need to eat less bread and cheese in my life, and this is where I through that idea right out the window. I don't know why north of Madison gets more foot traffic than south of it. Stumptown, Canon, Cafe Presse, Lark, are south of 12th and Madison and some of the best spots in the city. Many 'Hill denizens pretend they're far, far away. I invite this idea to change. Cafe Presse excels in French comfort food, great wine and a chic, bistro-y feel with magazines and fun window seating great for people watching. French onion soup, steak tartare, moule frites, all well executed. I LOVE how late they serve. How do you make a croque madame/monseuir taste even better? Eat it at 11pm.
(4)
Beatrice L.

i wasnt here for food, just for dessert. Ive always wanted to try this place out as I frequent Stumptown a lot. This place feels trendy. It's a small space, but lots of staff working so service is pretty quick. Their menu is french & quite eclectic. i ordered the chocolat chaud & my friend got cookies& wine. the hot chocolate was thick & rich. I LOVED IT!!
(4)
Mark R.

Delicious!!! Great for a coffee and brunch. Get a croque madame for sure. Come to think of it, they're great for dinner too! Small atmosphere but that's kinda why it's great.
(4)
David R.

Love cafe presse - it's perfectly conceived as a place you can go frequently. Super nice place to eat and converse.
(5)
Kristin C.

Every time I go to Cafe Presse, I love it a little more. With friends to catch up over a long leisurely brunch, or to have a cozy, romantic meal with my boyfriend. It's perfect. The Croque Monsieur is my favorite, everyone else loves the Madame, which comes with a fried egg, but I don't like fried eggs. It's such a delicious sandwich though, done so well. I fell in love with the sandwich the last time I was in Paris. I haven't tried them anywhere else in Seattle, and I highly doubt I ever will. I don't want to cheat on my dear Cafe Presse. The fries? Holy mother of God. Perfect. Easily some of the best fries I have ever had. They are made even better with the mayo that Cafe Presse has. Is that paprika in there? I don't know, but it's pretty much crack. They also serve Cafe Vita, which is my favorite local coffee. If you get a latte, they will even refill it with regular coffee too. Both are fantastic. The French Baguette is fantastic too, and so is the omelet, but I am such a creature of habit. I always go for Brunch, because I love the early morning ambiance at Presse, but I really must go back for dinner to *finally* try the Steak frites. To make things even better, parking on this end of the Hill is fairly easy. Win. Win. WIN.
(5)
Chris L.

My first visit to CafÃ© Presse didn't leave me impressed although I've heard so many good things about it. The ambience was nice, most of the staff was friendly and attentive, and the food seemed interesting, but that's about it. I inquired if it was possible to leave the BÃ©chamel sauce off the croque-madame, and the waitress simply said no. A bit puzzled about this I simply ordered an omelette with mushrooms and ham. The omelette was OK-ish, but I could have sworn the mushrooms were from a can. I'm always a bit suspicious if the kitchen can't accommodate a simple thing such as leaving out an ingredient, especially if it's sauce - how much of the food is pre-prepared and simply warmed up? I can't believe that's the case though (doesn't make sense for this combination of ingredients), so was it simply a case of "don't care"? Anyway, either of those scenarios won't make me come back any time soon.
(2)
Mitch W.

Great breakfasts , great coffee, and if you like a cool atmosphere to hangout in the morning this is the place.
(4)
AndrÃ© M.

Saturday at 9am - No wait for seating, great service, and awesome food. Complimentary baguette with my ham omelette! What's not to like about this place? I will most definitely be back on my next trip to Seattle!
(5)
Justino C.

Revisit. Had to get the staple yogurt, honey & walnuts. This place still does it unlike any other. Coffee is great. Seattle is definitely the cafe Mecca. It's probably the weather that keeps folks indoors and wanting something warm, I don't know...but they just do it different up in these parts. SF, NY, LA, gots nothin' on Seatown when it comes to cafe styles (and prob football...at least for the past couple years). Presse has it all, really simple and to the point food and drink. Go there!
(4)
Bjorn F.

One of the best cafÃ©s in Seattle. The authentic laidback Parisian feeling that they're going for, complete with a wide selection of European newspapers and magazines, is completely successful. The atmosphere at Presse is so lovely it has become my favorite spot to sip a coffee and grab something light while I work on my laptop. I actually sometimes order bread and butter here for lunch and feel completely full afterwards (yummy half baguette with butter and homemade confit, $2.50). The omelettes are incredible (secret ingredient: lots of butter) and by now I think it's common Seattle knowledge that the best croque madames in the city are here. The only thing missing are a few more appealing solid lunch items on the menu besides the (admittedly delicious) omelettes, croque madames, etc. There are very few occasions when I'm in the mood for esoteric French dishes like mayonnaise eggs - a bit more variety of filling lunch dishes would go a long way.
(4)
liamrh y.

I love cafe presse! j'aime etc... I really do! The rillete is great!!! However, on the evening of Sunday April 7th, 2013..... Thank you waitperson with the amazing hipster sandy colored western stache.... Who delivered our frites and salad to the table next to use after bringing out half the meal for seven of us.... Who brought a port instead of a porter..... Who sat at the bar and ate food, off a plate, in the front of house, while we were waiting for our replacement frites/salad.....with the rest of the staff...... Weekend service needs tuning and.......
(2)
J C.

A neighborhood gem! Worth the walk from downtown Seattle.
(5)
Bamf A.

So I don't hate this place. But I definitely don't love it. I was really excited about this spot! I hate when Yelp throws me for a loop like this. I hear "best croque madame in the city" and I get a little excited. And the croque madame was pretty good. It's just my mind wasn't blown like I expected it to be. And the beef tartare was very odd.. It was really chewy & very difficult to spread on the crostini.. Also I thought the main flavor should definitely been that of delicious beef. But instead I tasted mostly citrus.. and lentils. I skipped the entrees.. I don't get what the big deal is here? Is it because the menu's in French?? I'm sick of places being more hype than quality.
(3)
Liz M.

I've shocked many people by telling them I've lived on the Hill for 4 years and had yet to set foot in Cafe Presse. Having recently remedied that oversight, I now completely understand why. My luck with French restaurants has been pretty hit and miss lately, and Cafe Presse seemed like it might be small and crowded, so I was a little nervous going in. First off, the place is FAR bigger than it seems from the outside, with a generous-sized back room and plenty of tables. Second, the menu is full of delectable sounding options, and (especially for Seattle) very low priced. The Croque Madam was delicious and I would be hard pressed (no pun intended) to select another dish on my next visit which I hope will be very soon.
(5)
Saucy B.

i think cafe presse is generally over rated. the quality of the food seems to have gone down since my previous visits, also. the french onion soup is 90% cheese and 10% onions, almost no broth. all the dishes we had at our table appeared to be put together by a short order cook who didn't really care about the presentation or quality...which would be fine at a diner for half the price, but not for what they are marketing....
(2)
Tina S.

Oh la yummyummy! The first time I came here, I ordered the grilled sardine sandwich on recommendation from my dining partner. Not AT all something I would order in my own, but hot damn! Craved that sucker all the next day. Total of three visits, all delish and paired with surprisingly inexpensive and fantastic wine.
(4)
Sam S.

CafÃ© Presse is a cute cafe on 12th Avenue with sparse modern furnishings and a nice, relaxed environment. Service was great. My brother's girlfriend recommended the Croque Madame and it was yummy! I would eat here again.
(5)
London L.

The food is really good and it's an adorable restaurant. I've gotten lattes there twice and learned my lesson, they aren't good. I stick to water. Stumptown is right next door, might as well get your coffee fix after you eat. Servers are usually really friendly and quick but I've had a couple not so great experiences here too. I love the Croque Madame, which is the reason I come back here.
(4)
Rick S.

Bottom Line - Cafe Presse is consistent. Come, sit, with friends, order some food, eat slowly and enjoy it all. I like the croque madame along with a soup. The entrees are good, too. If you like Le Pichet, I also think you'll like Cafe Presse. Came for brekky on 5 January 2011 and we ordered a yoghurt, two croque madames and pumpkin soup. Along with a soy latte, our bill came to $31.20 + 3.12 tax + 8.50 tip = $42.73 total for the 3 of us.
(4)
S Luc S.

Who would've thought that something as simple as chocolate on bread would be so delicious, so comforting, so marvelous and magnificent???? Hershey's be damned! At this very moment, I would like to shake my fist in the faces the American advertising machine who has convinced our hapless souls that Hershey's is chocolate. P-tooey. What I experienced at Cafe Presse could only be described as angel tears. That deep, rich, exquisite, velvety spread could only come from something as mythical as angels. After harvesting the cacao seeds, it must've been carried on a feather pillow and ground down in a field where unicorns frolic. Seriously people, it was ridiculously and superbly delicious and it wasn't even my dish. My eating companion ordered it and she watched as my face went from inquisitive, perplexed to all out blissful chocolaty glee!!! Who cares if the place is supremely crowded. The waitstaff were...who cares???? The cafe set up is..oh who cares. Get the pain au chocolat. I would even order this using it's correct pronunciation because it is that GOOD!!! And I don't speak French!
(4)
Peter C.

The best croque madam. Great French onion soup. Good charcuterie and caffe vita. Nice atmosphere and service.
(5)
Jen B.

I really like Le Pichet but Sweet Baby Jesus this was a great lunch. It was very busy, which is a great sign and we got a seat in the back in a cute cozy space. I went with a friend and we both got the exact same thing, so I can only review one meal. But dayum it was great! We had the fish of the day which was trout- it was cooked perfectly and melted in my mouth..*drool* We each had a beer for the hell of it & a strawberry dessert that was..interesting and tasty (can't remember the name of it but it was frozen w/ vanilla ice cream). The service was neither great or bad, just good. I live down the street so I plan on going back for some more sexy fish, and bread, and coffee...
(4)
Kyle K.

Went here with the sister to see what the hullaballoo was all about. Apparently, it's all about delicious noms. We ordered the charcuterie plate, the pommes frites and the crudite with buttermilk fried pork tongue. Holy bananiels batman, this place is straight killing it on food. I highly recommend the terrine/pate and the crudite was perfect. The fries definitely met the standard set by everyone and their mom telling me how great they are. I also ordered one of their craft cocktails (the black cat?) which was an interesting blend of bitters, bourbon and chocolate nibs of all things. This place is definitely staffed by people who run a hipster convention but overall they're quite responsive if not maybe the most knowledgeable when it comes to food. That's fine; being a guy who eats a lot the burden of knowing what I want to put in my face is mine alone. Ultimately I would highly recommend coming here for either a fancy dinner or a low key lunch; the prices are super affordable outside of their craft cocktails and the food is unreal.
(4)
Rachel A.

This is a wonderful, cozy place that serves up wonderful wine and fantastic food. I definitely recommend making a reservation, as they were extremely busy on a Saturday night. However, food still came at a reasonable pace and nobody blinked when we ordered extra chicken liver pate after polishing off our entrees (it was that good!). I loved that they served steak tartare as a main dish. It was so delicious and came with a very lovely arugula salad. I was craving tartare for days after we ate there. They also serve up a hot chocolate that is more like molten mousse, topped with a wonderful homemade whipped cream. My dad ate there twice just to get more hot chocolate. The best part is that anyone can dine here. On one end of the table we had my brother ordering bottle upon bottle of wine, and on the other we had me and my parents, trying to vacation on a budget. Everyone left satisfied and nobody's wallet felt unfairly light. This place is a true gem.
(5)
Samantha T.

Oh, croque madame... you are a little slice of Frenchie heaven. Presse's coffee is very good, and very, very strong. And when they have steak tartare on the menu, it's worth getting. The crusty baguette au chocolat seems like a good idea for dessert, but it's the kind of thing that requires the accompaniment of a lobster bib and copious wet naps, and bistros don't really think of these kinds of things. I never have any problem finding parking there, and waitstaff are low-key friendly and intelligent. Intelligence is an underrated quality in restaurant staffing. Say something that strikes a chord with one of the staff here, and wit and humor bloom like a flower. In turn, this brings out the best in you. At night, in the back room with a fancy drink and a fancy friend, you could almost pretend that it's midnight in Paris.
(4)
Jess W.

Wow. That's the one word review. To elaborate, if you want an amazing sandwich, get the croque madame. If you like chocolate, get the chocolat chaud. For a filling breakfast, the omelettes are great. Even the bread they serve before your food arrives is good. Honestly, there wasn't a thing on this table that wasn't delicious. This place is a bit hidden from the main drag of Broadway, a couple blocks up the hill. Absolutely worth the trip, though. We wandered in a cloudy, rainy day (welcome to Seattle), and found this lovely gem with its cozy music and comfortable booths and stylish decor and friendly service. It was pretty much the exact breakfast we wanted, with none of the rudeness or incomprehensibly "authentic" menus that plague so many French-inspired cafes in this town. A genuine and yet very accessible menu means you can mix it up or keep it simple, and it's all going to taste great either way.
(4)
Emma F.

This is my neighborhood cafe and because of this, I don't think I will ever move. I love their food, their servers are nice but not overly doting and they let you sit with your laptop and work on their free wifi and pugged into their outlets or sit with a friend and chat. Here's the food I have eaten and what I think of it. Rillet - This is amazing, either in sandwich or on it's own it's the best I've had in Seattle. Sardine Sandwich - This sounds like it should be disgusting, but it's amazingly delicious Baked Eggs with ham and cheese - delicious and they are smart enough to leave them runny. So good. Must get it with bread. Green Salad - So simple and yet so delis, love it Chocolate Chaud - not to be confused with their hot chocolate. This is essentially Spanish hot chocolate that you would get with your churros. It's the best hot chocolate in Seattle Squash Soup - so delish, it's not too sweet and is surprisingly filling Croque Madame- so good, so filling Tomato Salad - when this is in season it's a must Cold Chicken - I love this. It's moist, comes with an amazing grain salad and a yummy mayo. Jambon Cru Sandwich - Really yummy, mainly because of their bread. A true European Sandwich Wine - good and decent price coffee - good lattes- good Overall this is the closest thing to a french cafe that I have seen in Seattle. I love coming during the day for lunch when I work from home and having a long lunch with a couple glasses of wine and working. The only thing that would make this place better is if it had a patio with a bunch of tables that faced a pedestrian street and therefore had great people watching. I hear their sister property is worth a try too so I may have to hit them up and see. Still, this place is two blocks from my loft so I am likely to remain a frequent customer.
(5)
Flora R.

One of my faves in the late night noshing. Loved the baked eggs! I always get some bread to dip in the runny yokes. The drinking chocolate is heavenly, so rich and decadent. We always have a great time. No fuss and frills. Just easy going in a nice comfortable setting. Everyone there is always so pleasant and I believe they do last call around 130 am so perfect for me since I seem to always starve myself during my shifts and don't manage to have those hunger pains until the wee hours of the night.
(4)
Annie C.

Where do I start? The ambiance is hip and casual, the decor is modern, the staff is friendly and the customers are lively. The cafe is pretty small so all the tables are so close to each other that I can CLEARLY hear the conversations left and right (I had no intention to eavesdrop by the way). You may not want to disclose any secrets or news that will create a scene here. The food is great and the price is even better! Oeufs plat, jambon, fromage - This is too salty to be eaten alone, but it's perfect when it's used to top the complimentary baguettes (props for this too). The eggs and cheese are gooey while the ham and baguette give it texture once the chewing begins. Wonderful for breakfast. Croque Madame - This was supposed to be my dish, and I loved it, but I had to switch it with my boyfriend because I couldn't stand the wasabi taste. Could it be the BÃ©chamel sauce? The wasabi taste aside, this was fantastic. The bread was nicely grilled and it soaked up all the flavors from the cheese and egg. It's unfortunate that we are not from the area, time to look for a similar spot in the Bay Area.
(4)
Ninja S.

A nice place for brunch. It's adequate and the attitude problems with people on the hill that think that you're an asshole for being their customer are understated here. Not absent, just understated compared to other places. If you would like some bread fried and/or stuffed with fat, this is your place. Come by, have a Croque Madam and some French pressed coffee.
(3)
Kevin C.

This place was really good for breakfast! Definitely get the Croque Madame. I love sandwiches with eggs, but this one was super delicious.
(4)
Lori A.

Excellent breakfast a special treat, friendly atmosphere be sure to try the croquet Madame with Dijon mustard!
(5)
Andy A.

We arrived without a reservation on a monday night and it was pretty busy, but we got some great bar seats. The servers were very nice and polite. All three of us ordered the croque madame, which was just devine. It has a poached egg on top, a seriously fancy french "grilled cheese" as my proffesor used to describe it. The prices are excellent as well! For the croque its about 7 or 8 bucks and is very filling. It was a perfect way to end the night there with my friends. I am definitley visiting the place again.
(5)
Carlos D.

Love,love,love this place...food, service, both were great! if you get a chance check it out!!!! Yey!
(5)
Maryam N.

Yum, yum, yum. My friend and I had two croque madames and a cold aspargus salad with two butter caramels for dessert. Prices were fair and food was awesome. They lose one star because the wait staff really didn't want to be there and were a little cold. They were totally competent, however, just cold. I'll be returning.
(4)
Maria G.

About as French brasserie as I've ever seen here in the US. A small restaurant with lots of light, small tables, slightly aloof but attentive service staff, great/authentic food, amazing coffee and a sedate, artistic vibe. We started with an Americano and cafe au lait. The coffee was excellent...flavorful, rich and not bitter. For a snack, we had pain au beurre (a half or third baguette with butter and marmalade). It was a giant piece of bread (two people easily could have shared it). The baguette was not exactly French (a little denser than I remember) but still delicious. I was only going to eat half, but I ended up eating the whole serving and all the marmalade. For dinner, one person had the house special, a tuna salad with greens and vegetables. She said it was really good. Another had a beet salad type dish that was also commended. I had two eggs with ham with extra fried mushrooms, plus some brie on the side (came with a dense, delicious rustic bread). Everything was yummy. The greatest thing about this place was we arrived just after lunch to do an epic work session, and by bringing us water, coffee, tea, various small bites, the staff allowed us to be very productive and also work in a friendly, inspiring establishment. They never frowned or glared, and really just left us alone...checking in from time to time. I can imagine it would get crowded at lunch or dinner, or on weekends, but we came between busy periods, so they were quite accommodating. Parking was wretched! Be warned, there is a high school nearby and Seattle U. It took me almost twenty minutes to find a place, and then my tires were chalked. I had to move my car after two hours, but by evening, it was a lot easier to re-park. I'd go back again. I love the French atmosphere and that lazy, indulgent, timeless feel Cafe Presse has, as if it were a neighborhood cafe in Montmartre. If you go, don't expect huge portions or fawning service staff. Like these kinds of places in France, it's a great place to linger over a slightly pricey meal made with really good ingredients, and to socialize over coffee or wine.
(4)
Jordon S.

Pretty awesome breakfast. I love, love love the OEufs plats, jambon, fromage. Perfect size for a quick breakfast, followed with their great coffee.
(4)
Carly C.

I am a fan. This place has a cute atmosphere and the food is very good. At my table 2 people got the Croque Madame and 2 people got the OEufs plats, jambon, fromage (I just copied this from the menu for spelling- its a fancy name for ham, two eggs & gruyere cheese). Both were very good- full of flavor and cheesy yumminess. Both items are very rich and do not come with a side. We shared the fries and YUM- I would go back just to eat those bad boys. The menu is on the smaller side but if you're craving something extra cheesy and gooey- go here!
(4)
Gabrielle D.

Cafe Presse is one of my favorite spots on Capitol Hill. In fact, I went there last night. It is by far an excellent first date spot. Low lighting, sultry but clean atmosphere. You can meet first for that "drinks" date- where they have a full bar and an excellent and inexpensive wine menu. (My favorite is the Vinho Verde). Then, when your date happens to be going so well, you can order some snacks, a little aperitif, tapas style, like olives and bread or cheese. If your date continues to be amazing, you can continue drinking or move on to heartier food. Get the picture? Excellent date spot. Of course, sometime the servers get busy and you have to ask for a fork twice, but it is well worth it otherwise.
(5)
Alyx V.

If you're looking for an amazing, authentic French cafe, look no further. You have found it. Cafe Presse has a great atmosphere, friendly staff, and , of course, great food. It is one of my favorite places to go on a rainy day in Seattle (read: everyday) because of the relaxed and cozy atmosphere and great coffee. Perfect for breakfast, lunch, and dinner (or anything in between). It's casual, yet has some European class to it. Love it for any occasion.
(5)
Peter O.

Since this place comes with a high maintenance attitude, I thought I would leave a like minded review. I came here for breakfast the other day and ordered a ham and herb omelette. If you're going to label yourself as a French cafe, the one thing you better get right is a French omelette. What I got was a I-HOP style omelette that had large lumpy curds, totally dried out and had browned bits of egg. A French omelette has a completely different texture and should be just slightly wet from not over cooking. I've been here other times and will say their dinner items are just fine. However, if you're looking for the real deal for breakfast, look elsewhere.
(2)
Avian N.

Pros: Great selection Cozy ambiance DELICIOUS desserts Open til 2am Reasonably priced Yummy drinks Sometimes they throw on their Notorious B.I.G. playlist for the rest of the night Great customer service Cons: Hard for beginners to pick what to get. Be sure to check twice with your waiter so you know what you're actually ordering.
(5)
Kat B.

We went here for dinner. Very French, the coffee was superb. French fries were also delicious. I had cold chicken with a flavored mayonnaise that was very tasty although the chicken was basically a refrigerator to table breast/wing combo. A little unexpected, but still good.
(4)
M J.

Love this place, went with my husband and ordered Croque Madame and Monsieur, Madame has fried egg on top that gives all the flavor I think. The dishes, especially Croque Madame is unbelievably good with melted cheese and house made sauce in it. The chicken patte is also superb, served with dried cherry and a pickle as garnish and sea salt. Make sure you sprinkle the salt on the patte to get the full flavor. The french baguette has nice crust, and free refills. Home made caramels were delicious! So make sure to get some for dessert. It's very intimate place, expect to sit an elbow to elbow with your neighbor unless you ask to sit in the back which we didn't know existed. It has quickly become our favorite brunch place.
(5)
Samantha G.

I seriously ran here during my break. I ordered the croque madame (due to all the great reviews) and a mocha. The croque madame was the perfect size since I wasn't too hungry. I loved how the edges were slightly crispy and the rest of the bread was soft as well as the sauce in the sandwich. I could eat this for any meal though. I was not too impressed with the mocha. I am not the greatest coffee expert but I thought the foam had a weird texture and taste and I didn't like how there were coagulated bits of chocolate syrup during my last few sips. If you come here during your break, research what you want to order ahead of time. The service is pretty good too...sure they don't strike a conversation or suck up to you but at least I got my food and bill in a timely manner.
(4)
Jon L.

Je voudrais un steak-frites, s'il vous plait! That is the French phrase for ordering steak and fries. Sadly, I have not retained much of the French language since my high school days. But this is one that stuck due to repetition. Baffling since I earned high grades for two years worth of French classes, yet am likely to respond je ne comprend pas (I don't understand) to most French you spit my way. I have had CafÃ© Presse on my list to try for a while. While there is no shortage of chances to try French boulangeries and patisseries, I have not had a proper French meal in a long time. That said, CafÃ© Presse is not a place to go if you are looking for a fine dining French restaurant with table service. This is more of a casual cafe which offers basic French food fare. No lobster thermidor found here, rather items like steak-frites, croque madame/monsieur and charcuterie. Comparable to the food found at Le Pichet near the Market. The interior of the restaurant is broken up into two dining areas. One in front where the bar is with soccer playing on the tele and a dining area in back. There is an outdoor dining area right in front as well. This is one of those thin horizontal, but long vertical spaces. Also of note is the high ceilings and sunroof. I had dinner here choosing off the regular menu which practically runs all day, except for the early morning in which there is a different menu. Given my referencing at the beginning of the review, the obvious menu choice was the steak-frites ($17) and pared with a champagne cocktail ($5.50). While steak and fries sounds decidedly American, the preparation is decidedly French as it has a white wine cream sauce with corn, bacon and tarragon. And I must say this is the best version of this dish that I have had. I loved the hanger steak in particular. Even more delicious when dipped in the wine sauce. The frites were good too. They gave me some mayo to use with it. I was skeptical about this, but surprisingly this taste combo works. The champagne was nice top off to this meal. It had some bitters in it that were quite refreshing and nice end to a rather enjoyable dining experience. I have not retained much of the French language, but I know good food when I eat it. And the steak-frites at CafÃ© Presse are trÃ¨s bien (very good).
(4)
Sara D.

I'm not a huge coffee fan in general but they do it RIGHT! I have to get a cup every time I go, and it really pairs perfectly with the Croque Madame and the super tasty pom frites! YUMM! The only thing that brings it down to 4 stars is the tight space and sometimes pretentious servers.
(4)
Rainie G.

Everything here is to die for, even the butter. I can't wait until I have tried everything on the menu! I am giving Five stars for quality and consistency, this place never leaves me disappointed or unsatisfied. Servers are friendly and great baristas (: I personally don't think you can get better French food at such reasonable prices anywhere else. This place has quickly become a favorite of mine, my mom, and all my friends. Great atmosphere from morning 'til late night with French magazines to browse through AND a full bar. You can't go wrong!!!!!
(5)
Barbara O.

Steak frites, pate, pickled watermelon salad thing, bread and butter, caramels...just o-m-g.
(5)
Sharon F.

At first when I heard of CafÃ© Presse, I thought it was a franchise of the Presse CafÃ© from MontrÃ©al, with locations in Paris and Australia. Instead, it's a totally authentic French experience, with magazine racks by the door, staying true to the "Presse" feature that the name likely originated from. After several visits, I've decided that it's the only place in the city to get a decent Croque Madame, although the runniness of the sunny side up egg varies from visit to visit. The attitude of the staff can vary from hipster standoffish, to incredibly friendly, although when it gets busy, everyone is always on guard. To avoid a wait, I would show up before 11am for brunch and before 7pm for dinner. Of course the fact that it's open late is great. A steak frites never tastes better than at midnight! Their pain au chocolate, is disputably better than half the "French" bakeries in town. And with an ever changing menu, seasonal items (like pear for winter) always pop up, which makes repeat visits all the more interesting. I can always count on a great charcuterie plate, for a reasonable price. My ultimate FAVOURITE dessert in Capitol Hill is also here: the Marquis au chocolat. Not too sweet, but incredibly dense chocolate mousse with a pumpkin creme anglaise to contrast the sweetness. Other than the occasional inconsistencies, which are endearing and charming, I can't praise CafÃ© Presse enough. It's a little slice of France in our backyard.
(4)
Sam T.

Not a place to go for a meal... But definite place to go to snack and drink... After going many times...I've come to realize this... Always get the chicken liver terrine...always...
(4)
Courtnee P.

Want to post an update, as I've returned to Cafe Presse a few times since my original review and am pleased to report that there has been some improvement here! The staff seems to have turned over, the service is faster and more friendly. Now they seem more busy and brief than entrenched in misery, and I even occasionally see a smile and a sentence or two of conversation from my servers here. The middle aged guy in glasses is the only one that seems to be consistently sour and aggressive, and I just try to avoid him. It's much easier when the rest of the staff no longer appears to be following his example. The food is still amazing and at a great price, which was the part that didn't need a tune up in the first place. Sometimes, you can even hear yourself think over the music, too! Thanks for getting your shit together, Cafe Presse. Woohoo!
(4)
T C.

Try thier croque madame. You'll thank me later! ;) The wait staff was nice when I went. Seating took 30 minutes, but it would be typical during weekend brunch.
(3)
Grace N.

This place is super cute! The frites were my favorite for a late night snack. Coffee was also tasty. Its laI'd back with industrial decore. Seating is limited. Breakfast can be great for a baguette and hot chocolate!
(3)
J K.

Wonderful food! Terrible service.
(3)
Rebecca C.

cute vibey atmosphere... perfect for college students and a place to have some coffee and chit chat. heard the coffee here is supposed to be french pressed but i think it was regular. in any case coffee did its job. first place i been to that also serves sugar cubes. =). ordered the croque madame and boy was it yummy. i was satisfied after eating half but can't waste the yumminess.
(4)
Graves R.

Delicious food and aesthetically very interesting. Unfortunately, the service leaves a lot to be desired. The bartender, Will K, was blatantly unfriendly and seemingly much more interested in conversing with coworkers than providing professional customer service. I won't be returning.
(1)
Aubrey T.

Came here for lunch while visiting a friend in Seattle. This is one of her favorite lunch spots, and I can see why! I ordered a baguette to split (not realizing they give you bread anyway), but it was worth it just for the amazing jam that came with the larger baguette I ordered. I think it was strawberry rhubarb, and I don't even like rhubarb, but it was divine. For lunch I had the quinoa salad. It was a fantastic light lunch with the freshest flavors. Loved the dressing and combination of the orange citrus, creamy avo, fresh seafood, salty olives... YUM. I wish I could recreate this, but know I will never be able to match it.
(4)
Alice T.

I'm a huge croque madame fan, but unfortunately theirs is not up-to-par. If you're looking for croque madame, a better alternative in Seattle is Cafe Campagne (or if you're in NYC, you must try Pastis). The ham and cheese were sandwiched between two pieces of bread, making the dish breadier than it need be. The egg was overcooked. We tried their fois spread, which was delicious and a generous portion. I would order this again if I came back. The service was very pleasant. I took my dog and we dined on their porch; the waitress brought a doggy bowl of water, which I thought was very thoughtful.
(3)
Carson T.

I went to Paris last summer and had an amazing time at the French cafes there. I've been looking for something similar here in the States, and CafÃ© Presse comes close. I ordered the Croque Madame, which I had heard so much about, for brunch. It looked simple to make, but it tasted delicious. Every bite was enjoyable, and it was at the perfect size where I wouldn't get sick of eating more. Highly recommend coming here on a lazy Sunday afternoon.
(5)
Candace W.

Tried this place for the first time today, and it is great! It is French to a T, but unpretentious, casual and welcoming. There is ample street parking, outdoor seating, and a great ambience inside. They were pretty busy, but the servers were quick, friendly and attentive. I got my order to go (which is VERY un-French of me)--an iced latte and a croque madame with no ham. Got everything within about 7-10 min, and it was all delicious!! Definitely not the cheapest option, but oh-so-worth it. I would love to go back and dine in for the full experience.
(5)
Gordon H.

This place will complement my downtown favorite La Pichet when I want to avoid the parking hassle and bustle of downtown. Both are as good as it gets outside of France. My only complaint with Cafe Presse is that they don't provide enough bread for the Oaufs Plat and it wasn't toasted. A toasty and crusty baguette is required for this luscious egg, ham and gruyere cheese concoction. The French onion soup comes in a huge serving that the croquet madam resulted in food overload.
(5)
Jamie J.

After a much deserved second chance, I'm happy to say that Cafe Presse totally rocks. I won't dwell on my past with Presse. But, this morning I enjoyed a great little brunch. Rainy Sundays really put me in a brunch mood and Presse really hit the spot. The croque madame is good, as always. But I really enjoyed the frisee salade, which was just wonderful; it was light, savory, and sweet all in one. It even includes aged goat cheese... thank you! For some reason the US is so behind on the amazingness of aged goat. Anyway, I also ordered a nice baguette served with vanilla rhubarb spread and a coffee (which actually lead me to consumer 4 whole coffees before leaving). Sounds like a great morning, huh? The service was spot on this morning! I was very impressed and rally appreciated such great service. We relaxed over our casual brunch for about 2 hours, while watching some EU football, of course engaging in some people watching, and sipping on our Vita coffee. Paradise.
(5)
Patrick L.

Cafe Presse is great! Despite all the cooking shows I watch featuring clasically trained chefs that infused the French influence into all their dishes, I've never been that into French cuisine. Enter the laid-back atmosphere of a cafe like this one, and I'm fully on board. I really enjoy the casual dining experience here where everything goes perfectly with a glass of wine or cup of Caffe Vita coffee. One of these days I need to visit Cafe Presse's big brother Le Pichet.
(4)
Chris A.

One of the best meals I've had in a long time. Literally savored every morsel, including the coffee and the bloody Mary. Came here for brunch on one of the few sunny days we've had this year. Sat outside in 60 degree weather and was amazed at the meal that ensued. In full disclosure, I was hungover from a night of dining/drinking at Tavern Law and La Spiga. My head was still spinning from the wine and waking up was tough..... but SO glad I made to CafÃ© Presse. Ordered the ouf plats and the pomme frites. So rich, perfectly salted, eggs just right, and mixed in the bread and butter. Went perfect with the drip coffee. Ordered a perfectly constructed bloody Mary for dessert. I've been dreaming of coming back since.
(5)
Albert L.

Came to this place around noon to for a quick bite. At first the menu was a bit confusing since it was in French but I quickly realized there was English underneath haha. It was pretty hard for me to decide between the omelette and the croque madame but I ended up getting the omelette and it was "tres bon" and I thought it was really good. I also had a quick bite of the "croque madame" that my mom ordered and it was delicious. This place is really trendy/hipster and has this kind of relaxed, nonchalant feel to it. I would definitely recommend this place whether its a quick bite or somewhere to eat.
(4)
Leah B.

I plan to c heck out Cafe Presse again in hopes to give them more stars. I liked my expereince, don't get me wrong, there were just some issues here and there. I was able to make a reservation for 9 people no problem :) Sadly only 5 of us showed up. I didn't realize how roomy the back area was or that they even had a back area! I had the tuna salad. I was alittle saddened by the portion size though. Just a scoop of tuna sitting on sliced tomatoes. Still yummy though. I also had the frites. Now there's a dish with enough to share :) some of the issues: my friends ordered a baquette sandwich to share. They tried to cut it in half and had a bit of a mess on their hands. So they asked the waitress if she could have the kitchen cut it, and she said they wouldn't :( for dessert we had options of chocolate mousse or raspberries with creme. One friend wanted the mousse with some raspberries on top, once again, the waitiress said the kitchen wouldn't do that. (WTF?!) oh well, the troubles didn't outweigh the fun we had. I'll go back and know not to make special requests.
(3)
Phuong P.

Reasonable prices for the food that you get in first hill/ Capitol Hill I love the breakfast croque madame and almond cake.
(5)
Andrew K.

If San Francisco's Tartine served meat galore it would be this. My half chicken was HUGE and sort of awkward to eat. Loved the soup though.
(3)
Amy G.

I'm basically going to echo everything K.T. said because I went with her! :) Stepping into this spot I immediately enjoyed the decor. It has high ceilings and is laid out quite well. At first I was concerned because the front was completely full (not realizing there was a back). We were quickly led to the equally nice back section of the restaurant. Sweet! Our waiter was friendly enough and basically moved like an antelope jumping here and there getting water, coffee and food to his customers. I think this is definitely the right approach for a mid-morning rush at a popular coffee/brunch cafe. I agree with what K T. says about their coffee. It's really fresh and delicious. I had an omelet with ham and comte. It was SO GOOD. My mouth is watering now thinking about it. The prices are very reasonable and the amount of food you get is PERFECT. Usually places that serve breakfast overload the plate with food. Not here, correct serving sizes and you leave feeling full but not disgustingly full. Lovin' that. I can't wait to go back. .... One request though, PLEASE bring back your creamy tomato soup! I never tried it but see the photos of it on other peoples' yelp pages. I'm guessing the pumpkin soup took its place... which in general is awesome because it means you guys are being fresh but bring it back as soon as freshly possible (probably not for a while).
(4)
Chris O.

I sit down and immediately get served water. 10 minutes go by, I look around, a lady gets seated after me and her order is taken, a couple more minutes go by and I stand up ask one of the servers, "do you mind if I order?" *polite no sarcasm voice* she, "oh, I didn't even see you sitting there" *insert The People's Eye Brow* After ordering, my Croque Madam ($7.50) came out relatively quick and was just the right amount for a small breakfast. The bread was toasted nicely and the bits of melted cheese, ham and over easy egg went nicely with each other. What I really came here for was the french onion soup, but I realized was $11..0_o perhaps one day I'll order it.
(3)
Anuj K.

A nice cafe that reminds me of France, especially with the bread and better breakfast option. It was tasty, simple, and went well with a cup of coffee. I arrived around 7:30 am and had plenty of seating options, so I sat at the window and enjoyed one of the few sunny mornings here. I initially decided to come here because I just finished a 5.5 week trip to Europe and I was craving a real cappuccino - and Cafe Presse delivered - a shot of espresso dolloped with some creamy foam. It was all that I expected and more, and if I ever need to satiate that craving I'll likely return here. The rest of the food menu looked interesting, however I don't think I would pay anything beyond the $2.50 the Pane e Burro breakfast. Maybe i'll return some time for dinner.
(4)
Rachel K.

If I lived in Seattle, this would definitely be my go-to place for breakfast and lunch! It was a great find while I was prowling the Capitol Hill area yesterday--totally cool ambiance (great music) and the food was incredible. I tried seasonal dishes as well as a bite of my boyfriend's French Onion Soup and Croque Monsieur, all fantastic. What really killed me was the special pear sorbet that tasted so natural. I'm going back tonight just for drinks and dessert!
(5)
Brian S.

The Coffee we drank was fine we pastry had wonderful flavors loved the dark chocolate on bread. Its the space in the cafe with is soft light and relaxing vibe that makes this cafe special.
(5)
Serena G.

This place is fantastic , if you like hipster ambiance and great french food, you are in luck. I would highly recommend their Pate and their breakfast sandwiches. Their cocktails are pretty good as well.
(5)
Kristin S.

I've waited years to review this place, I think mostly because I didn't want to jinx it. But after our most recent dinner here, my family and I all agreed that CafÃ© Presse never disappoints. They are the most consistent restaurant we have found when it comes to delivering excellent service and food. And I have been going here at least monthly for about 6 years. So, yes, I waited awhile to give it 5 stars, but they have earned it!
(5)
Jennifer C.

probably won't come back to this place again, ever! it was one of my favorite places in Seattle two years back. every time I travel through seattle, i'd make a special trip just to come here. but for my most recent experiences, it was more of the disappointment than anything else. the food was really just okay, and oh, gosh, talking about the waitress's attitude. after all, bye bye Cafe Presse. bookmark, removed!
(2)
Jared W.

Croquet Madame is the reason to go here. It was amazing. It made my weekend, and that is saying a lot as I had some amazing food that weekend. And as always, the people-watching was top-notch. You might even make some friends, as long as you speak loudly, authoritatively (regardless of accuracy or relevance to...anything at all), and have a friend in your group with oddly styled (or colored) hair.
(4)
Wendy W.

Wow. When we arrived in Seattle, we met up here with my friend (who lives in Seattle). There's apparently not many places open late in Seattle and this was one of the few (we arrive and picked up our rental car from the airport around 930ish). It looks like a small place... and I thought the tables were very close together... as when I tried to move into the booth, I had to really squeeze.. and bothered the people next to us (sooo sorry!).... I was pleasantly surprised with the food. I had the Croque madame, which was pretty good. I don't typically like my eggs sunnyside up.. but the texture and tastes of the dish was very light and pleasant (I don't like the yolk.. so most of it was eaten by my better half)... We also had the Steak-frites, which was good. The sauce was the best part. :) Overall, a cute, quaint cafe. A nice first stop/dinner experience. :)
(4)
Tim C.

I remember my first time here being a lot better than my most recent visit. Maybe many people are in the same boat because this time around there was no wait while last time the place was completely full. And I almost feel like outside of the Croque Madame/Monsieur there isn't really anything that exceptional. Well I guess the fries are good too, fried to perfection. But the other dishes my family had ordered were basic, bland, and almost boring.
(3)
Hai Yen N.

Je voudrais un croque madame s'il vous-plaÃ®t. Do not actually order in French or you'll just look like an asshat. The croque madame is a favorite for good reason. It is indulgently rich and satisfying: ham and cheese between two slices of thick bread grilled in butter and topped with bÃ©chamel and a sunny side-up egg. The bread is at once crispy and chewy, the cheese meltingly perfect and the salt from the ham and the richness of the egg yolk coalesce to create the perfect combination of flavors in your mouth. Just try and resist. Other dishes here are equally delicious in the simple, French country style. I've enjoyed a lovely warm cheese and tomato on baguette, hard-boiled eggs served with aioli and cornichons and a refreshing hazelnut and butter lettuce salad. It's just too bad that Stumptown is next door and they serve Caffe Vita here.
(4)
Lisa R.

Funny to read about the "snotty" servers. Yes! Totally! The only one that has manners is Marcel. The rest seem irritated about being there. I like the concept of the place so much, live in the neighborhood, and like the challenge of finding out what the waitstaff is so irritated about. Good, icy vodka martini, lackluster wines, a little dish of spicy peanuts with your drink are a nice touch. I come here often, but I do wonder why the waitstaff is so rude. Yesterday I sat at the bar, and the bar tender was like a non entity. Not nice, non emotive, non verbal, no hello, thank you, nothing. Typical. All the bartenders are like that there. I go there because I like to look out the window or sit on the deck. I will not sit at a table, because I don't like the possibility of my butt sweeping the condiments off the table next to mine getting up or down, and I don't have a big butt. What if you were a large person? Impossible!
(2)
Angela C.

This is a french cafe and they do like the french do - simple but delicious! It looks smaller than it seems because there's an entire seating area in the very back of the restaurant, past the bar area. They start you off with half a baguette and a pat of butter for the table. This baguette was very tough to eat and I could barely chew through it. The butter was also ice cold, making it difficult to spread. For our actual entrees, my husband and I got two different things and shared. Of course we had to get the croque madame ($7.25) based on all the rave reviews. It's a ham and gruyere sandwich that's topped with bechamel sauce and baked. Then they top the final product with a beautifully fried egg. This was really good, but the taste of the mustard was a bit strong because I kept getting a sour aftertaste in my mouth. Our next item was the oeufs plats, jambon, fromage ($7.50). Basically, it's two eggs broiled with ham and gruyere. This was simple but so delicious! The components worked well together and I don't know how they make such perfect eggs here, it's definitely an art form! Our table got the pommes-frites to share - nice and crispy with the skin still on the fries. Comes with a side of paprika mayo. Delicious!
(4)
James F.

When in doubt, i go to cafe presse. Everything is wonderful, from the rich pork loin on potato au gratin, to the croque madame and french onion soup. I was even content by just getting their fresh baguette with rubarb jelly and fresh butter! The ambiance is great... a mix between coffee shop and restaurant and bar. Never disappoints
(5)
Jennifer B.

Oui Oui mademoiselle! I can't count how many times I've been here but it's been for breakfast, lunch, dinner, and drinks for dates and with friends. The little sister restaurant to Le Pichet downtown. It's a small restaurant and when you enter you make think it is teeny tiny but there's a back to the restaurant too. What I usually order: GÃ¢teau au foie de volaille "Smooth chicken liver terrine, dried cherry compote" Rillettes de porc "Confit pork spread" Steak-frites, jus Ã la moutarde Ã l'ancienne "Pan roasted Oregon Natural Beef hanger steak, with fried potatoes and grain mustard-rosemary jus" And one of the salads and a pichet of wine or beer. They use to have other items but now I'm noticing the menu changes from time to time. I swear they use to have mussels but they aren't there anymore. The steak-frites use to be killer but now it's just good. Parking is tough stuff.
(4)
Sophie A.

Awesome for breakfasts! The food is great, staff are wonderful. You definitely need to get a side of pomme Frits with whatever you order!
(5)
Suzy K.

I love the atmosphere and the staff! Slim non-meat options unless you ask your server for recommendations/substitutions. Will definitely return. I hear we need to check out the back room although we enjoyed sitting at the bar.
(4)
Kate S.

I am a notorious ham hater. Try as I might, it just ain't the thing for me. Sure, other pork offerings are finding themselves more and more on my table -- but not ham. I have to say, for disliking it so much, I really really liked my Croque Madam here. Did I pick out half the ham? Yes. But I did also eat half of it as well with no complaints. How could I when I have a THICK piece of toasty bread full of ooey-gooey cheese, topped with more slightly charred cheese and a fabulously runny egg on top? Even with ham, this thing was divine. Add the ambrosial shot of espresso I had here and I have a fabulous late night or Sunday brunch meal. Service last time was spot on. That waitress with the cute short blonde hair is great. Layout is a bit weird to me, but both the front and back areas are nice -- humming with conversation and the sounds of silverware and glasses clinking. Atmosphere is relaxing -- which is appreciated after a night out with the usual suspects. I need a place like Cafe Presse and I am so glad it is there.
(4)
Crystle W.

My favorite place for breakfast and I'm not even a breakfast fan. What changed my mind was the croque madame! So delicious!! My other favorite is their BLOODY MARY!!!! I put that in caps because if you are a bloody mary fan I highly suggest theirs!! Well measured vodka to mix ratio meaning you know theres alcohol in it without making the yuck face!! Their mix is light and not thick (just to describe it, Ive had really good thick BM's) with just the right amount of spice!! To literally top it off they include a skewer with a tiny pickle and pearl onion! The menu for size I would say is decent. Not too small not too big. What it isnt is basic, this is a french place so the menu is in french describe in english. The only grand slam you'll find here are the prices!! Staff is friendly and this place is usually packed everytime I've been so I would say they do a pretty good job at being attentive to your needs without being a babysitter. Closes parking Ive ever found was street parking sometimes a block or two away, and I'm not saying that its a hastle because I keep in mind that it is Seattle!!!
(4)
Lou G.

Croque Madame at it's best and an outstanding value. Thank you Cafe Presse!
(5)
Elizabeth L.

Cozy cafe with savory bistro menu - versatile, perfect for snacking, easy weekend brunch, or a laidback dinner. Snacks: Baguettes are crusty - pairs well with olives (yum), charcuterie and fromage selections. Main dishes carry themselves well across a range of tastes: - Carlton pork chop, brined, smoked and grilled, on polenta with a creamy red grape, sage and celery ragoÃ»t - solid presentation - French onion soup with Comte cheese is a meal unto itself. - Baby spinach salad is well-constructed with scallions and dried cherries, served with a petit terrine, chestnut butter, dried sausage - satisfying, complex combination. - for the more traditional, croque madame is delish, served on thick brioche. Hanger steak & frites is done well and the heartiest entree. - for the more adventurous - Raclette Savoyarde ou VÃ©gÃ©tarienne (broiled mountain cheese served with steamed yellow potatoes, and apples/pears/walnuts or cold cuts and pickles)
(4)
Catie B.

One of my favorite restaurants in Seattle! Excellent coffee and Pomme-Frites. Always great service, very accommodating and patient with my three year old niece. Cozy atmosphere. Lots of good memories :)
(5)
Danielle G.

Can't get enough of this place. When I'm having a bad day nothing tops a Parisian style hot chocolate, side of creme and biscuits.
(5)
Christine K.

Best Croque Madame! They even serve up grilled sardine sandwich on a baguette with bib lettuce! (It's a Ggong-chi sw for the Koreans!) Even the small salad verte was delicious! I love bib lettuce. The setting is very SF like, small, clean, mod. It's weird how this place can transform from a great brunch place during the day into a bar/lounge at night. I saved room for a great cup of joe next door at Stumptown.
(4)
Irene S.

I'm in love with this place. Perfect food (Yum.. the quail was sooo good), mouthwatering desserts and those alone would make Cafe Press an already a must-frequent spot.. but then there are the drinks that are so reasonably priced, and the selection is great. I absolutely love the Champaign cocktail. Also, not to mention that the location on 12th, a bit away from the party scene makes it a perfect relaxing spot to grab a bite with some drinks- !
(5)
Melissa T.

I just went to Napa and paid for a croque madame at twice the price and it did not compare at all to the one I had here. Presentation and taste here were AMAZING. So glad I came here on a friend's recommendation. The outdoor seating is ok, but I loved the bar counter seating overlooking the street. There is tons of space in the restaurant, as there is a large back room perfect for bigger parties who just want to sit and talk (ambiance is not quite as nice as the front room, which is very well decorated). This would probably become one of my favorite places to meet up with friends or do some work alone
(5)
K F.

This is out first time at Cafe Presse. Very nice French / European atmosphere. The menu is French but they include English descriptions for those of us who don't know the language. Our wait person was very helpful and attentive, even though it was busy. My wife ordered a baguette with butter and jam. Having been to France before she said the baguette wasn't truly French but it was still good. I ordered the ham, eggs, and cheese broil. It was very good as well. They didn't have much of a pastry selection at noon, so if you're looking for that, come early. My other nit is that they wouldn't put the Seahawks game on because they're a soccer bar. Not a big deal, but Seattle was doing so well it would've been nice to watch it. Overall a great experience and great food!
(5)
Alexi A.

Went with Little Sister for a brunchtime meal. Food- 4 Stars Amazing breakfast croque madame was spectacular. Ridiculous omelet but a little too much oil/butter (it was basically floating). Service- 4 Stars Good friendly service. Value- 3 Stars Priced about where it should have been. Drinks- 5 Stars Awesome coffee. Atmosphere- 4 Stars Nice inside, sit in backroom with huge windows if you can.
(4)
Alisa B.

This review is WAY over due! Peter took me here for my birthday and then I came back (again with Peter) for a UYE. I have to say the food is awesome! The atmosphere is also awesome and the people as well are awesome! First time I went with Peter he had the Steak and Frites and it was amazing! Trully great deep rich sauce and perfectly done steak.... yeah hard to go wrong. I had the pate which was lovely smooth and decadent (hey it was my bday if i want to eat a whole block of pate damit i'm gonna do it!) it was accompanied by mustard, brandied cherries and coarse salt. Fabulous. The second time I went with a large group and sadly didn't have a ton of time so i just ordered the charcouterie plate which was again divine! It had a great assortment of cured meats from salami to prosciutto and tongue (which I utterly adore) again served with mustard and salt. I cleaned that plate and even took a few pictures it was so pretty! Overall i have to say for what you get the prices are totally reasonable and the wine selection is lovely so trully there is no reason to not go here!
(5)
Sarah L.

You know, it's places like Cafe Presse that makes me jealous. Jealous that I'm not French. Jealous I don't live closer by. Jealous that I haven't been back. My visit here was on a cold and rainy (surprise surprise) Friday night. Just me, myself, and I, Oh and the latest issue of The Economist. I was seated quickly by the window facing the 12th Ave and all its Seattle gloomy gloriousness. Its nights like this that continue my love for the Emerald City. Now on to the food. Which is what this place is all about. I had the buttermilk soaked fried quail on giant cranberry beans and runner beans with a cranberry vinaigrette. I'm not a big fried food fan, but this was an exception. Delicate and tender, juicy and fall off the bone. Good thing I was not on a date, cause I was having a moment with that quail. Top it off with a $3.75 glass of wine and my night was perfection. Cafe Presse is the kind of restaurant where your eyes and your nose follow the parade of dishes as they march from the kitchen to the diners table. The kind of place where you take pleasure in other people enjoying the meals they have ordered. The type of place where you can get caught staring at your fellow diners meals followed by a moment of awkward eye contact. A gal next to me, with the same mission as myself, an independent diner with an appetite for quality food, ordered the steak frites. I got jealous again. Jealous I didn't order the steak frites. Jealous that I can't replicate these meals at home. Jealous couldn't eat here everyday.
(5)
Fidel P.

Had a mocha there, crafted just right. The barista takes his coffee skills seriously. Good!
(4)
Scott W.

So I have to say that the product and price was amazing. My food was five stars, my glass of rose was only 4.25 and location with outdoor seating was great. So, why three stars you ask. Well I felt pretty much the whole time that I was inconveniencing the staff. They were passive yet snotty. I am not going to recap everything but to me service with a smile is just as important as the product and this place has a major disconnect between the two. I will go back but will go to the bar since the only person who smiled and interacted with the customers was the bartender.
(3)
Emmy R.

Who knew a simple bread, cheese, and ham sammy could be so divine? I've had many croque madame sandwiches, but this is, by far, the best (in this city anyway). I could eat one of these every day and never get sick of it. The only downside is that it's so delicious, I can never bring myself to order anything else off the menu. Pain au chocolat, croque madame, and a simple vanilla latte and I am in Parisian heaven. The ambiance is pretty casual and chill. It's probably one of the few places I'd feel comfortable dining solo. Even though it's highly rated and pretty popular, I've never had to wait too long to be seated. I can't wait to try the steak frites that everyone raves about...maaaybe with a side of croque madame. I can't help it, I'm in love!
(5)
Adrian S.

My favorite French bistro in Seattle. Our dinner at Cafe Presse this evening reaffirmed my undying love for their hot roast chicken. Perfectly cooked meat that's very juicy, beautifully-browned crisp salty skin, delicious fries, yum! It's too bad that they don't take pre-orders for the chicken because the 1-hour wait can be a killer when you're hungry. But trust me on this one -- it's worth every second. What, you can't wait an hour? Other terrific items on the menu: the ham and comte omelet, croque monsieur/madame (both are great, myself, I prefer the version w/ the egg), the salads. Stick with something that's a regular, as the special features can be a miss sometimes. Other than the chicken, which is roast to order, everything comes out pretty fast. Or you could just nosh on the bread and butter while you wait, secure in the knowledge that your patience will be amply rewarded.
(5)
Kay Y.

Cafe Presse is C'est Magnifique! When I visit Seattle, Cafe Presse is one of the first places I go to for breakfast. But buyer be warned, it is very French and this place is not for everyone as the menu is limited with mostly egg offerings. I always order the oeufs plats with jambon and fromage $7.50. It is delicious! Serving sizes are also a bit small so keep this in mind when ordering. I usually order two or three things, which makes the price quickly rise, but then I remember the quality and uniqueness of the food and calm down. I also recommend going during off-peak hours as the place gets jammed. On other lunch time visits, I've had the roast quail and chicken, which are very tasty, but see the quail isn't offered presently. The hangar steak, unfortunately, is not as good as the chicken. I don't know why they offer it. I think they should serve a better cut of beef, in my humble opinion. There is a full bar and the place is open from 7 a.m. to 2 a.m. and offers many, many magazines and newspapers, hence the Presse part of the name. Enjoy, Seattle! i wish we had Cafe Presse in LA!
(5)
Kirstin H.

Cafe Presse is a fun French bistro on Cap Hill. They offer simple fare such as pommes frites, croque madame/monsieur, onion soup, charcuterie, as well as larger entrees such as steak, quail, hot/cold chicken, fish, and raclette. All very tasty, seasonal, and their prices are not offensive. Catering to a hipster/intellectual/college crowd (since it's next to Seattle U), you'll find students and professors at lunch, and a more bourgeois scene at dinner. Waitstaff are not always the most attentive, but I think the food makes up for the handful of I'm-too-good-to-refill-your-coffee waiters. Must Try: Pommes Frites Croque Madame Chocolat Chaud (mad love!!)
(4)
Rosie W.

I've been here twice for late night dinners. I really like that they open til 2am since I usually get off work around 10 or 11pm. The place is really small and seating is very intimate. It does remind of a small Parisian cafe. The lighting is dim and the music was very un-Parisian (i.e. Salt-n-Pepa, Biggie, En Vogue). The two times I was there, I tried the: Caille rÃ´ti, lÃ©gumes Ã l'anchois et croutons aux Piment d'Espelette "Roasted quail, sautÃ©ed Walla Walla onions, summer squash, garlic, basil and anchovy butter, Piment d'Espelette croutons" and Steak-frites, beurre aux Ã©chalotes rÃ´tis au vin rouge "NW Grass Fed Beef petit New York strip, topped with roasted shallot-rosemary-pine nut butter and pommes frites" The steak was a little tough, but everything else tasted great. The baguette and butter that came with the meal was really good. Makes me want to go to Paris again.
(4)
Aly M.

I loved how there were so many menu options! I had trouble picking, but settled on the demi-poulet (half chicken), shared the steak frites with my friend, and got the haricot verde salad dish. We loved everything. The chicken is literally half a chicken. It doesn't look like much, and it was a little hard to carve on the plate, but it was so yummy! Super moist meat. I wish it was easier to eat because I ended up not getting to most of it (did not want to tear into it with my hands). The steak was cooked just how we asked, and the fries were nicely seasoned. They paired perfectly with the mayo that clearly was made there with some extra spices in it. The green beans are paired with cherries, so it was a unique side dish with a fresh flavor. We would have ordered dessert but were actually going somewhere specifically for ice cream, so we had to leave room *sigh*. I want to return and try other foods--especially dessert! Service was decent. Not the best I've had, but definitely not the worst. The prices are super reasonable for the portions and quality.
(4)
Beau R.

My wife and I stopped here for a happy hour dinner one evening. In some sort of sexual role reversal, she ate the croque madame and I ate the croque monsieur. My wife has more eggs than me. On a serious note, the food was good. The bread was light and fluffy, nicely done. The bechemel was saucy and smooth. Her fried egg was runny when you cut into it with a fork, but cooked on the top. We had an asparagus salad, which I liked quite a bit (I'm a big fan of asaparagus), but my wife did not like the dressing as she found it a little bit soapy. We had intended to go there to get dinner and use the wifi, but we never tried out the wifi. We enjoyed our dinner out (not too many without the kids) and it turned into a date. The conversation was nice and we got plenty of time to converse as the service (to place an order and deliver our food) was a little bit slow. I really enjoyed that the menu items were all written in French (with descriptions in English for the non-French reading crowd). The price is on the lower end of the two dollar sign range and we could very well end up here again. We're often in the First Hill area around dinner time, though the competition is fierce and there are lots of restaurants to try!
(4)
Greg D.

Cafe Presse is a fantastic, value-minded place serving modern, French-inspired fare. Anyone who loves food and is in the area absolutely must stop here. The value is amazing with a complete meal not breaking the bank but the food still managing to be wildly delicious in addition to creatively inspired and interesting. Simply put, if you are looking for a slightly upscale meal with great food and at a good value, Presse is the whole package. Diving into things, the decor is modern with warm lighting, wooden floors, exposed pipes and fixtures and a firm dedication to adding energy instead of stifling diners. The restaurant is laid out with a front and back room sandwiching the kitchen that at first hides the fairly large capacity of the restaurant. The high ceilings and warm lighting give a sense of openness to the space that adds a sense of the casual to what might be perceived as a formal, serious dining experience. And that just mildly spruced up casual feeling is just what Cafe Presse is about. The menu is littered with French classics and new, French-inspired creations. Both the meat and cheese platters are absolutely fantastic. The variety on each platter delights and educates the palate and could easily constitute a whole meal. The sandwiches are delicious as are the much raved-about steak frites. But where the restaurant shines, in this diner's opinion, are in their more creative menu items. I had a dish (the name of which escapes me) that is no longer on the menu, but it was basically French-inspired sloppy joe and oh it was good. There was a classic play of sweet and savory, but much to my delight there was a pleasant heat to the dish as well, something unusual in French cooking. I expected classic French and I got innovation that still was a success. Quickly touching on wine, the selection is small, but what they do offer is good and fairly priced. We had a French red that while not particularly remarkable was very drinkable and pleasant. Wine aficionados will be satisfied. Presse scores highly with me because it successfully innovates in the dining scene. I am the kind of person that is always trying new places and seeking out true, authentic restaurant gems. I highly recommend Presse and if I lived in Seattle I would eat there as often as I could!
(5)
Autumn M.

We happened upon this place because it was close to Swedish hospital where we spent the day waiting for my mom to come out of surgery. The food is so wonderful. I dont get a ton of chances to make it into the city to eat due to a crazy busy life. I am so happy I found this place. The food was excellent! It is not easy for me to find a french style restaurant in my neighborhood. We all got something different and everyone just loved there food! The only thing I would say that was odd was the decor.... It was European inspired in the sense of Soccer Jersey's on the walls. In my opinion it could use a change. It made me feel like I was in a sports bar.
(5)
Angie C.

Omnomnom It was super busy, but service was fast, and the coffee and food I had was delicious. The only tip I would offer the server, is don't bring me my check before I ask for it. I was going to order desert, upping my tab, and therefore your tip, but was asked to pay before I got a chance to order that course. Was alright, walked around the corner to get a cup cake.
(4)
Taylor C.

A great little hole in the wall breakfast spot tucked away next to Stumptown. There is a bit of seating out on the front patio and a small seating section/bar in the front of the restaurant. There is a narrow hallway that leads to a surprising amount of dining area in the back as well. The menu itself is not particularly robust, and if you are in the mood for Breakfast, there are not limitless options to choose from. That being said, I can highly recommend the croque madam I ordered. It was a good size for the price and tasted great. We had the fries on the side, and although they were solid, they failed to live up to the hype we had read. Overall, if you want a fairly quick, cozy breakfast that isn't going to break the bank, Cafe Presse is an excellent option
(4)
Mark P.

A good place for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. Been here a few times and haven't ever been disappointed. In addition to the great food and atmosphere they also have European sports on the TVs.
(5)
Ha T.

Is the baguette suppose to rock hard it hurts to chew? Is the croque madame suppose to be dry and barely warm? Maybe the French like jaw-breaking breads. Or maybe they gave us whatever was sitting on the counter for God knows how long. Other than the horrific bread, CafÃ© Presse has great flavors (try the chicken liver terrine) and is relatively affordable. Personally I'm willing to splurge for a more well-rounded experience at Boat Street or Le Pichet.
(3)
Jess H.

Lovely place to stop in for some breakfast baguettes, mushroom omelets, and pain au chocolat. The space has a nice, European, relaxed feel to it. Great way to start off your morning right!
(3)
Evegenia Z.

My friends and I used to go to this place whenever we had birthdays and anniversary to celebrate, and we always always tipped well because we're in the restaurant business. There used to be bartender there (he left in April of 2014) on the weekend that was really cool and nice. We knew to pay our bill by closing time so that he could do the books and clean up around us. Since he left, there is a different bartender, and on one occasion, this guy kicked us out RIGHT at 2am, as if it was a dance club. The business' posted closing time is 2am, but it is a sit down restaurant, which means customers could still be eating their food at closing. It's a restaurant that serves food until late, and it's not okay to kick your customers out right at closing. The very least he could have done was to turn off the music to send the signal that he needed us to vacate the premises,, but to yell out that it is time to go home is not a form of good customer service in a sit-down restaurant. He didn't know what kind of a crowd he just lost when he rudely told us it's time to go home. There are different standards for clubs and restaurants. He treated us like we were drunk clubbers. I regret having tipped so well, and my friends and I will find a new place to spend our money when we have birthdays and anniversary. Moreover, the server we had was neglectful, he dropped silverware on multiple occasions, didn't bring share plates, didn't ask new arrivals if they wanted food and drinks, didn't ask us if we wanted more to eat and drink...had to flag him down each time even though the restaurant wasn't busy.
(1)
Steph C.

Wait. This place is a restaurant? Half a dozen trips to the Stumptown Coffee next door, and I thought this place was just a competing coffee shop I never got around to. Thanks Yelp for introducing me to CafÃ© Presse! Walked through the deceivingly small entrance, past the narrow bar, down a dark hallway to the backroom, squeezing into the narrow gaps between the tiny square top tables. (We eventually commandeered two tables because we ordered so much food) But the FOOD! When I saw the menu was in French, I think I may have wriggled in excitement and clapped my hands together. Several squeals may have been emitted. Charcuterie assortment! Silky mousse PatÃ©s, salami, rilletes with tiny crystals of salt sprinkled throughout, thinly sliced tongue (don't be scared....) French Onion soup - Thank you CafÃ© Presse, for knowing that salty does NOT flavorful make. Huge portion of this, btw, and Delicious. Mussels in a creamy slightly lemony broth perfectly offset by pine nuts and spinach. French fries and mayo! Real baguettes! Free WiFi? Open till 2am? To Go Menu until 1:45am? I want to GO to there! Now! And service was cool, slightly friendly if not enthused. Vive la France!
(4)
Elyse L.

We were lucky enough to find a seat outside on the patio on a lovely summer day... Try the croque madame! Great coffee, as well.
(5)
Peggy R.

I have read so fabulous many reviews on this cafe that I decided I needed to give it a try. At first, we thought the place was rather small, but when they seated us, they took us back to a lovely and open dining area in the back. The atmosphere was welcoming, and the staff friendly. Our waitress was so sweet and helpful. None of us knew a word of French, and she was so patient in explaining what things were. We ordered the Almonds, and the Pain et beurre for starters. OMG, the Confiture (orange marmalade) was so tasty on the bread. I don't think I've ever tasted anything like it - I've had a lot of Orange Marmalade that is bitter from the peels, but this was not. The baguette was crispy on the outside and soft on the inside - just like it should be. The almonds were tasty, also - my friend was sort of expecting a bit more seasoning on them, but they were good nonetheless. I ordered the Croque madame, which was wonderful. The flavor of the ham and bechamel was fabulous, and the egg was perfectly cooked! You MUST try this! We also ordered the Pommes-frites with ketchup. These are unlike any other fries I've ever eaten. They are very crispy yet tender, and the potatoes have exceptional flavor! My friend ordered the French Onion Soup and said it was the best she'd ever eaten. The price was a bit daunting ($11.00), but the serving was HUGE, and the cheese was so fun. So, great food and wonderful atmosphere was all topped off by the soda they served. Not Coke or Pepsi - but Jones Soda, with free refills. I had Diet Soda with my Croque Madame and was surprised at what an awesome pairing that was. The flavors intermingled, and created taste sensations I'd only dreamed about before. I highly recommend this place - service is fast and very friendly. If you are into people-watching, this is an excellent place to go. All in all, this place fully earns its 5 stars!
(5)
abigail b.

spent a day in the city and was feeling peckish, but i can only drag people to eat vietnamese with me x amount of times before being abandoned. we split a few things: cured ham plate, a croque monsieur, pommes frites with mayo. they were all a+(+++) of course. the steak tartare is still my favorite entree. have you tried the roasted, cold chicken during the summer? that shit will change your life. my opinions haven't changed. i still would lick the walls of this place; i am just a little picky about the hours i prefer to eat at cafe presse because i hate people. sometimes there are four people in there and sometimes it's an hour wait for the bar.
(5)
Krisa S.

AMAZING coffee! Wonderful Madame croque! I always love coming here and the atmosphere is very chill and laid back. Definitely check it out!
(5)
Dan H.

I liked this place as soon as I walked in the door. It has a nice feel to it, relaxed, casual but not sloppy. The magazine selection up front along with the open space adds to the welcoming feel even more. My omelet was on the small side, but it was not very expensive, so I guess that comes out all right. And it was pretty good. The service was attentive. Cafe Presse has a decent beer selection and I enjoyed a nice porter with my breakfast. If I lived in Seattle, I would come here fairly regularly.
(4)
Laleh J.

This is a cute coffee shop...
(4)
Christopher S.

"Try this Croque before you croak" I am going to have to wax poetic in regards to the croque madame, which has made the cut on my sandwich bucket list. Let's start from the top and work our way down to the bottom of the plate. They must have NASA engineers preparing the fried egg in the kitchen since I have never witnessed such perfect yolk viscosity and uniform thickness draping over the sandwich like a fitted satin sheet. The yolk is smooth enough where you can break it with a fork and let the love run all across the bread or you can work your way from the outside towards the middle and even after biting into the yolk, there is minimal ooze (I've eaten one of these on the run with my bare hands so I should know). Next is the gruyere cheese, which is nutty, salty, and creamy and baked to the consistency of the crunchy goodness plastered along the sides of a boiling cauldron of french onion soup. Moving further down, one encounters the bechamel sauce, which adds a component of velvety unctuousness and a hint of nutmeg that is just downright sexy. This serves as a wonderful binder that allows the other ingredients to swirl around longer along your tongue before having to make their dreaded descent away from your taste buds. The bread is perfectly toasted where it makes that whispering crackle sound when your fork tries to cut through it and is infused with butter and a sharp bite of Dijon mustard to cut through the richness and add yet another dimension of flavor. Finally, there is the thinly sliced black forest ham that adds the perfect note of saltiness to balance out all the flavors above. I'm gonna have to get a towel to wipe down the keyboard since I'm drooling just thinking about my next trip there.
(5)
Anthony L.

I've never been to France but Cafe Presse is exactly how i would picture it to be. I had my first Croque Madame, i can't believe i went so long with out them! I'm not a breakfast person, but i had to have these in the morning the whole time i was in Seattle! And the Salade Verte! The simplest of all recipes yet so perfect. Greens/light mustard-vinegar dressing/almonds. Everything there is done with quality. On top of that, the service is outstanding and the ambiance was friendly and welcoming.
(4)
Brett J.

I've only been here 3 times but the service and food quality is consistent. If I only lived in the neighborhood I would probably think about going more. The menu delivers food options in french and english and I always feel like I struggle my way through the menu because of the heavy french influence. Is this my problem? I don't think so, I think the restaraunt could do a little better at translating their menu for their customer base. My last visit for lunch I had the hanger steak and fries. both were impeccably cooked served with a delicious crusty bread on the side with creamy cool butter. Yum! Good spot to grab breakfast and read the newspaper or one of there many magazines. Great spot for a drink. an even better spot for a date.
(4)
Steve L.

OK, so I enjoy rich foods with lots of flavor. Cafe Presse gives me exactly what I need when I want a good quality meal. You can tell the quality of a place when the bread is perfect (baguette that's always crispy on the outside but soft on the inside) and the butter is delicious (salty and spreadable). Their wine selection is great, although I have been leaning more towards having a few glasses of Stella with my meal. I am a creature of habit so I like to get the Croque Madame (delicious) and the frites (wonderful balance of crispiness and potato). Yet, I can always be satisfied with any of the items on the menu. The only disappointment that I have ever had with Presse is that they took my favorite dish off of the menu a while ago. It was the juicy, tender pork belly with flavorful root vegetables. It was so delicious. Please bring it back!!
(5)
Erik B.

I love Cafe Presse! This is my favorite brunch spot in Seattle that's a darn good French Restaurant to boot. Here's what I nearly always order: Cafe Vita coffee, baguette with butter and confiture, croque madame, & frites. All of it is fantastic. The perfectly brewed coffee goes great with their special baguette recipe (a lovely balance between crunchy crust and a moist and creamy interior) and the high quality of the butter is evident. And don't forget the frites. Fries are just fries... but these frites always have us competing for the last few pieces in the bowl. Yum! But the coup de grace (for me... and pretty much everyone else since they're all ordering it, too) is the croque madame. Its creamy richness balances with salty ham and a schmear of dijon mustard to create a wonderfully unctuous highlight of the meal. Definitely not to be missed. This place is nearly always busy but I've found that if you show up before 11:00 AM you can get a seat immediately (we've even seated 8 people this way). Special Treat: Chocolat Chaud (much like spanish "drinking chocolate" this seems to be nearly pure melted chocolate, likely with cream in it, and has whipped cream on the side to cleanse your palate). Its so rich that I suggest sharing it.
(5)
Sasan A.

Tried it for breakfast. The coffee was OK, chocolate croissant was very fresh and tasty. The broiled eggs with gruyere cheese was very good as well.
(4)
Arry Y.

I heart Cafe Presse. This place almost feels like a place you'd hang out in France... but it's not. Definitely a like for me. Might even push 4.5 stars. Might. I love the liver terrine (has cherry compote and cornichon's), the eggs with mayonnaise (with cornichon's), my go-to item there is the mushroom omelet. Mushroom omelet is 5 bucks! Cooked in butter, of course. Had their fish dish before and we devoured it - so fish = delicious. Oh, and yes, again, they serve cornichon's with their dishes ---- HEART! Simple food - done well. I sat there for 5 hours this past Saturday conducting all of my business meetings there ordering a drink, a little omelet, a little liver terrine, a coffee, guzzling 2 bottles of their water, ... and they never made me feel unwelcome. It was a fun filled, productive!, and good afternoon for me. It can get really noisy during peak hours there - so I usually opt for unpeak hours (pre 10am, post 130pm I'd say). LOVE IT!
(4)
Nicole M.

I was just walking past this place after I visited stumptown and it stopped me in my tracks. As soon as my eyes fell upon the croque madame that someone was eating on their outdoor patio, I had to try it for myself. As delicious as it looked. Breakfast, lunch, dinner... it would be delicious whenever. Great service.
(5)
Sarah K.

Sigh. Went back this afternoon, and, even in the presence of the owners, the service was unbelievably terrible. And the owners themselves not only seemed indifferent but downright sour. The waitress I have had before, who was really nice before refused to even make eye contact. And then for the third time going there - after the waitress re-carded our party after switching servers (odd) - she tried to over charge me...3 TIMES this has happened! This time it was the worst though---added almost double everything to my tab! Good thing I looked over it, I saved myself nearly $30.00! I am beyond disappointed. The owners OBVIOUSLY don't care so I don't know why I am even taking time to re-review this place, except to spare someone else their shitty attitude. But hey, if you like being ignored, scowled at, overcharged, and rushed PLEASE go to Cafe Presse. This is your spot, grungy residents of capitol hill! They LOOOOOVE treating you like crap. One silver lining to the horrid service - food and drink. The drinks are always strong and generously sized. The guy with the glasses and choke collar necklace is a great bartender who actually seems to kind of care about guest satisfaction. The food is delicious always and comes out quickly. Yet again, after spending a considerable amount of my hard-earned money on their product, and introducing friends and family to their establishment, I was shafted big time. So frustrating. And to the owners - shame on you both, letting your surly waitstaff let their trendiness and grunge get the better of your customers. My friend had to get up out of her seat to order us another round of drinks and dessert after being ignored for 20 minutes. Unacceptable. I am so embarrassed to have taken people I cared about to your establishment.
(1)
Oanh L.

Yum went here for a late night dinner. Ordered the steak frites and croque madame on the first visit. The fries were delicious, the texture is great. The steak is perfectly seasoned and is juicy. The croque is good. On the seconds visit we ordered steak frites again, eggs with ham and gruyere. We finished dinner with a nougat glace, it was fluffy and crunchy at the same time. It had a bit of tartness from the cherry which was balanced out with the sweet honey ice cream and dark chocolate sauce.
(4)
Christine C.

Authentic (recommended to me by someone from France). Small portions enough for one but savory, don't think you'd want more. Dessert was delicious. Decadent chocolate tart, mmmmmm! I got the pork cheeks dish which I would only recommend to someone who wants a hearty meal in the winter. Ya feel me? ;) my bf got the steak which was cooked perfectly, no need for dipping sauce or added seasonings. The server was attentive, knowledgeable, and pronounced everything correctly. Way to be! :) We were tucked away in a corner which was nice since we were on a date. The table was reserved for us when we came in, felt special. Great food, great service, great ambience. Sardine salad was delish! Steak frite. Um chocolate tart. All their wines are amazing!
(5)
Alex L.

This place is timeless. Whenever I come to Seattle I have to come here. Most everything on the menu is so good! I really loved the rillettes and the endive salad. They are also pretty quick with food even when they are busy. Great atmosphere and servers. Rachael is the best!
(5)
ramiro t.

Really like it :) Its a nice simple cafe. It has the same menu than le Pichet. Food its tasty. I had several dishes here are all of them were pretty good. I was expecting more for the Steak and frites.
(4)
Danna K.

The onion soup was to die for but after waiting an hour for the roasted chicken (menu warns that it takes an hour) I found a hair on the chicken. The waitress indifferently asked me what was wrong and I told her. She dismissively said sorry and walked away before I could even respond. How rude.
(2)
Uhura J.

If you know me, you know I love France and French culture. So it should be no surprise that I enjoyed Cafe Presse. I would hang out here more often if it weren't stupid packed all the time because of its delicious food, solid service, and little slice of French culture on the hill - but apparently the late night scene is where to begin. I like that the food is simple and good, with traditional items described on the menu and that the staff is always ready with a suggestion or opinion if you're unsure. I went with friends and was immediately jealous that I didn't order the Croque Monsieur even though our cheese plate was complete perfection. In general I'm a fan of any place with a slower, leisurely pace; where you share a meal with friends over conversation - not shovel endless piles of food down your gullet in a rush.
(4)
Jill S.

Cafe Presse is my new girlfriend. Just don't tell my girlfriend. I love love LOVE this place. Tucked away from the main haunts on Capitol Hill. Light and airy inside. Intimate without feeling too claustrophobic (and some of those tables are super close together). Actually, I'm convinced there is some social engineering going on - one evening I went to the cafe with a friend and we ended up chatting it up with one of the tables next to us! I love the french fries, the baked egg with cheese dish, the chicken liver terrine, the sandwiches, etc. In other words, every thing I've eaten here I adore. Can a girl marry a restaurant? No. Okay then. The prices hit the sweet spot, and there is never any pressure to vacate a seat. I've been for breakfast, lunch and dinner as well as afternoon snacks. I only hope this doesn't become even MORE popular, or I will never get a damned seat when I go. So go, just not when I want to go.
(5)
Frankie O.

Cafe Presse is a Capitol Hill go to. I usually come here if i'm not particularly hungry and just looking for some charcuterie items and wine. This might be the only restaurant i'll go to and pay for baguette and butter. Not because they have amazing bread and butter, but because its so inexpensive and you can never go wrong with this combination for a snack. If you come here, no matter what you must order the french fries. Oh my goodness, they are the perfect french fry! If you find a better fry in Seattle, please let me know. If you've already enjoyed dinner elsewhere, but are looking for dessert and an after dinner drink. Come here. It is so low-key, the desserts are very simple, like a chocolate tart or pear and walnut cake. They are very tasty, well done desserts. A couple other cool things about Cafe Presse: Most political events are aired on tv here There is a near-endless rack of great magazines The wines are very inexpensive, and can be purchased for take-out
(4)
Melissa F.

I first heard of a Croque Monsieur in 7th grade French class. It's easy to imagine things when you're 11 and the Internet isn't popular yet, so it was a wonderful surprise for me to see it on a menu in a cafe. You know what else? IT WAS DELICIOUS. It was everything I dreamed of and more. I have been to Cafe Presse and its sister Le Pichet many times and it has always been delicious. The baquettes, I believe, are from Le Panier, and they've always got some sort of amazing preserve or apple/pear butter to spread on it. I highly recommend the charcuterie, the sandwiches, THE CROQUE MADAME, and the soups. Note that the soups are a bit heavy on the sodium. I think maybe next time I'll mention it to them. Also, go for the chocolat chaud. It takes a little while for them to make (since it's real chocolate and not some powdered crap), but it's well worth the wait.
(5)
Daren D.

Duuude, that Coin Toss cocktail made me pucker up so strongly, even from just sipping. :-| It was a neat experience to try, though, and looked pretty. =P The steak tartare was tasty with subtly overpowering kicks to it. Good fries. I enjoyed the overhead music and dim atmosphere. The window bar seats would seem relaxing at night when it's snowing outside.
(4)
Chanele B.

If there weren't already enough fabulous reviews, I have to join the chorus. Cafe Presse has become a regular place for me because they have a nice atmosphere, really friendly staff, and great food. I first came to Cafe Presse because I've yet to find many good breakfast options in the vicinity. Aside from the fantastic Croque that everyone has discussed, I have to give some love to the simple egg plate with gruyere and ham. Amazing! And the baguettes are served with jam made in house! You can't go wrong. I've had peach, strawberry, cranberry... it's never been bad. It's a cozy little corner for lunch, too, with affordable glasses of wine or strong coffee, depending on how your day is going. The only thing I haven't yet experienced at Cafe Presse is dinner, and that is only my fault because I'm sure that would be just as good as breakfast and lunch!
(4)
Melissa L.

here or le pichet are my go to's for french cuisine. the foods are relatively the same and everything is so affordable it really can't get much better than this. i do like cafe presse a little better just bc it's bigger. all the bartenders and wait staff are super cool and are more than happy to help with any questions or suggestions. i love coming here on the weekends for a glass of wine or champagne, pomme frites and their divine foie.
(5)
Tory T.

No words can describe. You must get the La Croque madame. I'm writing this a week later and its making me so hungry again! Parking was easy (street parking). There was no wait, although it was a little crowded. The restaurant set-up is unique. Again, if its your first time.. La Croque madame is a must have! Enjoy!
(5)
Mary N.

great offerings, cool atmosphere, and the tunes? it's staff choice so roll on in and take in the 90s RnB. Definitely enhances the food!
(4)
Ane P.

This is the kind of cafe you want to sit down at with a book, a friend or a newspaper. Lovely soups and salads, and a thorough bar. I love the fact that they serve elderflower liquor in the bar--and they even play around with it until they can create a mid-day drink with it! More seating (a bit more private as well) in the back, and the servers are very friendly and helpful.
(5)
Heather H.

Second time proves its charm again! Came here on Sunday night for a quick drink and soak up some ambiance. Crazy busy but the wait staff again were amazing! Ours gave us a nice little corner spot in the back. Fabulous!!!
(5)
Judy Y.

I feel torn about this place. I like that it opens early if you need to meet someone for a breakfast date, and they serve good coffee and breakfast items. However, the chocolate croissant was a disaster. The server said its one the most popular item and sells out everyday, but really it is to be avoided because the texture is all wrong: thick and dense, instead of airy and springy (See my other reviews for chocolate croissants). Otherwise, this is a nice cafe.
(3)
Mark M.

Food for brunch is so-so, service was slow and part of order forgotten. It was nice that our server took part of the cost off, but not enticed to go back.
(2)
Shannon L.

Cafe by day, restaurant & bar by night. This place almost looks like it should be in LA except when you look at all the employees who dress very grunge and then you know that Seattle it is! I've been to a French food cafe in the past and the food definitely wasn't as light and simple as it is here. I had the jambon/gruyere baguette sandwich & the mushroom omelette. If you're going to get a baguette, make sure your teeth are ready to chomp through a brick. And also get the grilled sardines sandwich instead... it's much tastier. The mushroom omelettte was very simple... it's literally just mushrooms in it, not even cheese. My friend got the Croque Madame (with a sunny side egg) and it looked so good. Now my favorite item here was the Pommes-Frites (fried potatoes with mustard, ketchup or mayonnaise). Get it with mayonnaise because there's a little paprika mixed in and it goes quite well with the fries. On the outside, they look like sweet potato fries but they are just very lovely toasted potato fries. SO GOOD! You can share this with someone. To drink, I had a mocha which I highly recommend to lovers of dark chocolate. Service was pretty good... they never let us have empty water jugs but the food takes a while to come out if it's busy. I would love to come back to try the dinner plates!
(4)
Jasmin S.

You walk in and at first glance there is a very pretentious feel about this place.. Nobody greets you at the door- almost as if you have to fight for attention. After standing there for a few moments feeling helpless a server usually comes by and asks if you've been helped. I always think to myself, "No, obviously I haven't been helped- I'm standing here like a moron aren't I?". Anyway- enough about the service- the food is outstanding. Their croque madam and croque monsieur are to die for. The coffee is great as well. If you like Le Pichet- you will love this place. Cheers.
(4)
Hayley V.

Presse this food right into my pie hole! I like Le Pichet so I'm not surprised I dig CafÃ© Presse. This place is paradisaical for drinks (tons of obscure liquors and liqueurs) and they get bonus points for making me a spot on corpse reviver aka my "adult lemon drop": refreshing, with that subtle nuttiness that hits you at the very end. I really think the key to enjoying french restaurants lies in knowing how to order. A cheese and meat plate (fromage and charcuterie assortments) with their baguette makes for several appetizing mini dijon sandwiches (perfect for 2) and the pommes frites are a good group schnack. I also love the fact that their menu is served all day (7am - 1:30am) so I'm sure they'll be seeing a lot more of me in the future for late night eatz on the hill. The one thing I must warn (for people who take these sort of things very seriously) is that their bloody marys are weak sauce. Watery (yes watery vs. strong) and destitute of any infamous "fixins" that make marys bloody fantastic. There was honestly ONE olive afloat in the barren pint sea- no bueno Presse! Also, mimosas served in champagne flutes are totally smirkable. It tells me you think I am an amateur brunch-goer that doesn't know there is only a smidge of alcohol in a glass like that. If you want to impress me hook it up in the white wine glass and do some work on your mary. It is only until these basic needs are met that you will be upgraded to 5 star status. mwah hahaha!
(4)
Neil W.

I did not feel as if I were transported to France at Cafe Presse, but this is a great casual place to grab goof non-frilly French food. The menu is a great size. It's not too bi, but there is something for just about anyone. We started with the pork belly special. It was crispy with a stew of tomatoes, peppers, and greens. I shared it, but did not want to. The fries with seasoned mayo were really tasty (I really hat this sharing thing.) The Salade Vert is so simple and refreshingly tasty, one of my favorite salads in the city. I was disappointed in the Croque Madame. It was good, but not great. The egg was a little overcooked and wasn't a saucy as I thought it would be. I would order it again, but not go out of my way for. The service was not all that warm, but she was quick and attentive and as my wife said I am not looking for a friend.
(4)
Brian H.

Fretfully protesting (but craving a delicious croque madame), I recently returned to Presse and was pleased that the service issues had been (mostly) resolved. Now I just have to re-train myself to visit them regularly.
(4)
Michelle L.

I love the food and drink here... and I love that I can bring my dog to the outside deck. Only think I don't love is the volume. Otherwise, it would get 5 stars for sure.
(4)
Kate C.

5 stars for the chicken pate. Favorite snack and it's only $6! The waiters were friendly. Cozy environment and music not too loud.
(5)
Julie K.

Best coffee hands down. And I don't really drink actual black coffee. But I do at Cafe Presse. Something that goes with your coffee or any one of their awesome wines is the croque-monsieur (grilled ham and egg but not your mom's grilled ham-and-egg. Or Denny's.) it's a little greasy/buttery but rightfully so. It's French comfort food to me. But above all else, you MUST order the pommes frites. And dip them in the MAYO. Don't ask for ketchup. Just try the fries with the mayo. It's really good.
(4)
Dana D.

A wonderful French restaurant/bar scene on 12th Ave. The architecture of the building is completely exposed inside (steel beams, concrete slabs, etc). A great place to go for breakfast or late food and drinks. Caution, the food is very French style, so if you're looking for a cheeseburger, this is not the place for you. MY FAVORITE: order the Croque Madame ($7) -Great anytime of the day, whether it's 10AM or 1AM, you can't go wrong with this choice. *AFFORDABLE, DELICIOUS FRENCH FOOD.
(4)
Jessica F.

I love this place. 1. The servers are always very friendly. 2. They have the most awesome food! My favorite (along with probably almost everyone else) is the Croque Madame. They also have delicious peanuts and bread, and just about everything else on the menu. Lastly it is very reasonably priced, which makes everything taste a little better. :)
(5)
Andrew T.

Ooh, steak-frites? I love steak-frites. I did my homework, and read a lot of reviews for the steak before I decided to take the plunge, and saw lots of positive press for the steak tartare, but that's not what I was really in the mood for. The steak-frites, however, has its detractors. Tough, oddly cooked, chopped small, leaking juice, etc, etc...there was complaints. But for some reason, I was drawn to try it. The Cafe itself is pretty cool. A little outdoor seating, a room with a bar, and a back room as well (which I didn't see). all in all, there is a good amount of seating. They also have a pretty large selection of newspapers and magazines, which are tempting to leaf through, but clearly labeled as for purchase - billed to your table if you take them. I suppose no one wants bits of croque madame gluing together the pages of the magazines. I ordered the steak-frites, and it come out promptly. A nice helping of fresh french fries (although calling them french fries is insulting them - more on that later), and a nice big serving of hanger steak, cut in to 4 medallions. All of this was nicely placed on a puddle of chunky bleu cheese cream sauce, as advertised. Looked amazing. So let's talk about what worked. The frites...were...AMAZING. Piping hot, skin on, with a crispy-chewy outside and a soft tender inside, with coarse salt sprinkled on. They came with a side of a horseradish-y mayonnaise, which, as much as I'm not a big mayo guy, was good. But they were even better when used to sop up that bleu cheese sauce. Man, oh man. Unfortunately, the steak was lacking, and that's why we have three stars. Had an OK crust on it, a little salt and pepper, but the steak itself was very tough - to the point where I had to work on it quite a bit with my serrated knife. It had good flavor, but just way too much tooth. I ordered medium rare, and it was closer to rare, but that's OK. If this had been a good piece of beef, the meal would be have been outstanding, and I'd be telling you how rapidly I'd be back for more. But it was iffy enough that I might think "do I want to hack through that again?" Coupled with other reviews commenting on meat quality makes me think it's no fluke, and that's enough to make me think twice. But remember, the steak-frites is only $16. If the steak was as good as I had hoped, I'd be telling you it was the deal of the century. As it is, it's still reasonable. And service was pleasantly quick. Maybe they should source some better beef and bump the price - I'd still pay it. One last thing to note, they were pumping some really bass heavy...ambient techno junk through some powerful wall mounted speakers. Now, I'm not asking for the cheesy stereotypical French street cafe music, but this just didn't fit.
(3)
Billy D.

My friend brought a group of us to Cafe Presse last winter and we all had a grand time. I love the casual-but-still-nice feel that they have with the interior and even the menu. Very reasonably priced too! The almonds are absolutely killer - so don't miss those. The butter and bread are top notch as well. The espresso was great. I remember trying a lot of food, and impressed by it all, so I'm sure you can't go wrong.
(4)
Fred G.

I was here last week and the food is amazing, the group of friend i was with we had a good time, i have the Croque Madam, we ent on a Sunday and there was a crowd but not too bad of a wait 5 min.. the service was good and food was yummy. The atmosphere is great here.
(4)
Jeanny M.

Extremely. Salty. Very. We decided to go here because the hub had two great experiences here. Unfortunately their menu revolves, so his preferred dish was no longer available. The four of us showed up and were seated immediately. The restaurant is long, narrow, with high ceilings. The seating was tight. You had to move the table in order to sit at the bench and then move it back. We were given a small dish of peanuts to eat and room-temperature water. I really hate room temp water, where's the ice? Give me some ice, please. I don't need my water super ice cold, but something above tepid would be great. We ordered some fries to start and then the current fish dish, pork chops (with bacon and zucchini), a meat plate, and some soup. The food came out all at once though. The fries were nice. The fish was apparently 'ok' but not as good as the previous month's offering. But the pork was SO salty. And I'm a fan of salt. I will lick salt when I feel like it. I eat Tim's chips or sunflower seeds until my lips and tongue are sore. I do not shy away from salt. But this, was just beyond. It was incredibly over-seasoned. Bacon is salty on its own and pork has its own natural saltiness..so it should have been minimally worked on, but no.......I should have complained, and I very nearly did..but I was too hungry and tired to deal with it. The others seemed to enjoy the soup and meat platter, which came with all sorts of interesting cuts of meat and tiny tiny pickles (I love tiny tiny pickles). We split the check and it was about $15/pp, which is just okay. We left in the search of something to ice down my tongue. Immediately. Gonna pass on this one next time!
(2)
Laura T.

I had been here once before for drinks and looked forward to returning for dinner. The space and atmosphere were lovely and the food decent (yes, just decent), however, both the environment and the food were destroyed by the service. I cannot remember a time when I was treated so miserably while dining out. And, the bartender, who happened to also be our waiter, prepared a terrible Manhattan to boot. I will not return, and something tells me the staff/owners here couldn't care less.
(2)
Matthew M.

This is a small restaurant that is tucked closed by to Seattle University. The food is great and is something that you would expect in a small French cafe. The French Onion soup and salads are great for a lighter meal. The Steak and Frites is great for those who have a large appetite. For being a French restaurant the prices are reasonably priced. The atmosphere is cozy and it gets pretty loud in there as the place starts to fill up with patrons. All the cocktails were great, but the best part of the meal was the desserts, coffee, and the freshly baked bread. Something that I thought was pretty neat is that they hold conversational French lessons during the week...and the are FREE! I will definitely be going back soon!
(5)
Amanda M.

The place is really cute and located in my favorite part of Seattle. It screams french bistro with the loaves of bread and the glass bottles filled with water. However, If you don't want to wait, never go for Sunday brunch or during soccer games. It is a madhouse!!! I LOVE their fries and the Croque Madame. It screams home and is the only dish I've had that NEVER fails to be delicious. The fries come with a side of mayo, but if that is not your scene, they also have brown mustard and ketchup. I've never been the biggest fan of french food but this place is good. One draw back is that depending on who is cooking it can be hit or miss. Also, service there is spotty. I've had servers who have made me fall in love with the restaurant and I've also had servers who were more interested in checking their phone rather than take my order. If you have a bad experience, give it another shot. This is one of those restaurants that deserves another chance.
(3)
Evelyn F.

This is my favorite place to have lunch in Seattle, hands-down. The food is always delicious, and the service is great. I just love me a divine bowl of soup and sandwich from here that won't break the bank, and maybe splurge on a glass of very good wine. It is perfectly cozy for a mid-day date that will have you in full-blown foodgasm mode. Most recently I had an open-faced pear/meat/cheese sandwich and pumpkin soup, both were incredible.
(5)
Jessy S.

Dont worry about not being able to read the menu, order anything and you will be happy. I go here about 2x a month for a cafe madam even though its about a 30 minute drive. The food here has been constantly goos and their coffee is also amazing.
(5)
Mia R.

In a world of breakfast places that serve watered down drip, heaping piles of flavorless eggs (from a bag...that should be against the law!) and partially cooked bacon, Cafe Presse is a very welcome break from the usual American greasy spoon. Have been here multiple times (it's open 7a-2a), but it's best experienced for breakfast. Before 9a it's a shortened menu, half baguettes with butter and jam, pastries, etc. After 9a it's the full menu (the infamous Croque Madame, etc.). This morning I got the half baguette, a latte, and the egg, gruyere and ham that is deliciously baked and served hot. That with a drip for the bf was $17, and so damn worth it. I love a greasy spoon as much as the next fat American, but seriously, its so nice to get a nice authentic French breakfast. The baguette is generous, our server gave up some extra slices too to eat with the ham and egg dish as we ran low. The food is well portioned, and coffee is strong, as it should be. You won't be disappointed in anything you get from Presse.
(5)
Chi D.

Consistently topnotch. Tried different dishes the last 2 times and I was a happy camper. Mushroom omelet was delicious and the sardines celery salad was a surprisingly good. And of course it wouldn't be complete without ordering the 'frites' here. Note to self - I like to seat in the back area, much roomier. I had to squeeze to get through whenever I got seated in the front, always felt like I was part of the neighbor's table.
(5)
Katy B.

Frites with mayo! Delicious latte. Soccer on the tv. Fresh bread and butter. Go there. Now.
(4)
Amanda B.

Woah nelly, what was I thinking. I chock that last review up to bad service, I think the restaurant had just opened. I love this place. Love love love. The Croque Madame, French onion soup (actually all of their soups), sandwich en baguette and salade verte are my staples. And I don't know what kind of magical ju ju they put in their butter but it's seriously amazing.
(5)
Kristen B.

Cafe Presse is a frequented lunch spot as I work nearby. It is a great place for a quick and tasty bite without huge portion sizes. They have seasonal soups, of which the pumpkin in the fall is my favorite. They are based on French cuisine with many options to choose for lunch at reasonable prices, as well as larger meals if you're looking to spend a bit more. I enjoy the yogurt with honey and walnuts, the frisee salad, and the croque madam. The service is always friendly and great at keeping a bottle of water on the table. Visit for a meal or just coffee and a brioche. I love Cafe Presse.
(5)
Andrew L.

A lively and fun place to go. I guess when you go to a restaurant; it's a place that you have good conversations, accompanied by good food. CafÃ© Presse is such a place. The Menu is full of interesting combinations, with a purely French affair. The atmosphere is cozy, with a feel of a European alley way cafÃ©, water is served in long bottles, and cans of soda are served alongside a glass of ice. The menu has the traditional breakfast type cafÃ© foods, with a few solid entrÃ©e options. If you are going, get there early, it fills up quickly after 8pm, with a good wait time. The tables are simple, and the style of the restaurant is that way also, a nice brick wall, with metal gives it a modern yet classic motif. The food there is purely French, with a northwest twist. Each item includes a bit of the northwest, for example, the Steak-Frites, which I had, included Natural fed Beef from Oregon. The sauces which they used are sometimes a bit too subtle for me, but complement the flavorful meats perfectly. Portions are perfect, not overly huge, and are paired with a very reasonable price. You will leave there, satisfied, not weighted down, which is perfect, since you'll most likely head into Downtown or Capitol Hill. If you grab a magazine from the front, and take it back to your table, be prepared to pay for each one taken. (Not a bad thing, just their method of being a newsstand also, a bit of a take back to the many cafÃ©s in Europe, which are also places where people gather to share in the town's going-ons.) It's a great date night place, get some wine, and enjoy in some solidly good French CafÃ© Style foods.
(4)
Myra A.

This place makes me want to learn French. We came to CafÃ© Presse one Saturday evening to meet up with my co-worker from LA. She was staying in the area so my fiancÃ© suggested this spot. I had a champagne cocktail - I can't remember the name - that was absolutely delicious. I was still nursing a hangover from my first night out in Capitol Hill the night before and the drink was light enough for me to enjoy twice. We ordered a couple of pommes frites to munch on with our drinks. They were satisfactory. We arrived at around 10pm and stayed until closing - the ambiance was casual, relaxing and perfect for chatter amongst strangers. I loved the French vibe at this place. They hold French round tables for anyone who wishes to practice their franÃ§ais - even the "All Employees should wash their hands" sign is completely in French so you can practice your French while you - you know - wash your hands. I'm not sure if I'd ever return just for this place, but if I find myself in the area, I would be happy to stroll in to try their entrÃ©es.
(3)
Amanda D.

Went here after it was recommended to me by a friend who considers himself a food connoisseur of sorts. Delicious croque madame, though it did feel like a cholesterol carnival in my arteries. Pommes frites can be served with mayo, which I haven't had since I was in Europe.... but when in Rome! Figured I was already on a roll with the croque madame so why not add to the heart attack on my plate. :) I'd definitely love come back and try something else since I originally had a hard time deciding among about 4 different things on the menu.
(4)
roxshan l.

It's my first time here, love the environment that you can sit at the bar and looking out to the street. Staff are very friendly n nice. I ordered a cappuccino n mushroom omelet- I'm a strong coffee lover, the one i ordered tends to a bit light for me but still good. The omelet is tasty n stuff with lots of mushrooms.^^ It also come with bread for no extra charge!! The interior is nicely designed. I enjoyed my relaxing morning breakfast n people watching.
(4)
Tommy K.

I love coming here for breakfast. In fact, the only regret I have about this place is that it's not closer to where I live so I could come here more often. The service is excellent and in the mornings it's a place quiet enough to read a paper while eating but with enough going on that it doesn't feel dead. The food is fairly simple. It's a French bistro style menu so don't expect American breakfasts (or American portions).
(5)
Sonali R.

Presse is our go-to place for bistro lunches and dinners. The bartender and hostess is always nice to us and the waitstaff, equally so- even when it's busy. Our favorite reasons to go is to watch soccer. It reminds me of being back in the 16th in Paris-- there's a nice community of people who come here from our neighborhood, and it feels like our really it's our neighborhood bistro. One of the best reasons to come here is quite simply for the reliably good food at great prices. Steak Frites , Croque-Monsieur and their seasonal tuna salad are the 3 things I usually choose from-and I'm never disappointed.
(5)
Lilly T.

I don't get the hype! We came here at around 10pm on a Sunday for a late snack. We heard their croque Monsieur was the best so we ordered that to share and just weren't impressed. The sandwich wasn't as dense as we like it and I think it was because of the bread. Service was ok. A little on the cold side but they have a friendly bartender. Atmosphere was very cute & romantic. I'd like to go back and try other items on the menu though.
(3)
riika C.

Yeah, I love their ham baguette sandwich. But why so expensive?? It used to be $5.25, now it's over $6.50. Plus it's 2/3 of the size it used to be. I hate when places do that to you. Also bring back the falafel!!
(4)
Jennifer P.

Great place to stop in for a tasty snack. A big fan of the cold chicken and lentil salad. Enough leftovers to keep me from being hungry for the next two days.
(4)
Whitney k.

I LOVE THIS PLACE! The food is so good i love getting the pome frites with the garlic alioli and the croque madame and a bottle of sparkling water. The service is always good. I really enjoy sitting outside. I only wish they served stump town coffee as it is right next door. I like this place better then cafe champagne i find it easier to eat and enjoy as it is not as rich. I can not ask for a better little cafe to eat at. This guy walked in last time i was there and seemed shocked this place served food made me laugh a little. Love it can always count on Cafe Presse to satisfy my french food craving. So good!
(5)
Suzanne M.

Great food served late. Affordable. Yummy desserts, unless they sell out ;) and always delicious soup. I have to admit, I often forget how crowded it gets in the morning and at lunch, as I usually go later at night, after work. Friends, family and out of town guests have all been pleased with Presse, for which I usually go for lunch or dinner. The staff are neither rude nor surly, but they are also not slavish lap-dogs either, and thank goodness. Parts of the menu is also rotated, maybe quarterly?, while keeping favorites and adding in new seasonal items. I cannot figure out the review below where the woman said she was charged $15 for a GLASS of wine? They have wines by the glass for as little as $3.75, and they are tasty. (and to that same person, the croque madame is $7.25, not $10, please be truthful, you can look at the menu online) If you actually read the menu, its very easy to eat a great meal here on a budget. The omelet - yummy and filling - is $5.00. The corporate chain restaurant crowd will not be happy here, and the tables are probably too close together for you to fit anyway.
(5)
Kari R.

Ahhh La croque madame et des pommes-frites...so yummy. Great atmosphere, great people, awesome food, right next door to my university. Yes ma'am! Just dont speak French to these people, they're All American. :3
(5)
Rachel A.

Fabulous ambience, dim lit, cool crowd, laid back europeanesque staff. As many have pointed out delicious Croque Madame! Whether sipping champagne in celebration or having morning after breakfast with friends you can't go wrong with Presse.
(5)
Patrick H.

Great place! I love the real baguette sandwiches - no frills.
(4)
Irwan N.

Unprententious, European-style cafe. I love the atmosphere and the food. Their popular which we love are Croque Monsieur, chicken liver pate, and pork loin. I took out of town guests there and they asked to go back to Cafe Presse again when returned a few months later.
(4)
Susie N.

My husband and I regularly come here for soccer games, and since having a little one, I wasn't sure how we would fit in such a small space to catch the US Women's games. The staff were fantastic, accommodated our needs with an infant and car seat with a smile, and never made us feel rushed or nervous about having a baby there. For new parents, that kind of help and kindness is priceless. Great place with a small but well executed menu, great coffee, and helpful staff.
(4)
Agnus R.

I can't eat here. Tried it once and knocked into people on both sides of me both getting in and getting out. And, both of those people knocked into me doing the same thing. I can't have that. Seriously. It's an exercise in claustrophobia to try and eat here. I can't even remember what I ate...other than I paid too much for it. No. The place is a cattle car. No.
(1)
Sarah G.

Because one more review can't hurt... The perfect mid-afternoon snack, just to hold me over for dinner. For the price, this is about as good as it gets! I split the gÃ¢teau au foie de volaille and *loved* the cherry compote addition! I don't eat chicken liver pate everyday, not because I don't want to but because good, affordable options aren't always accessible! Here it is and for under $7! The bread is delicious, crusty, and bottomless. The pate portion is impressive and spiked with sea salt. Looking forward to many mid-afternoon snacks here!
(5)
Amy C.

I've been here twice, and both time had a fantastic time. The coffee was good. The service was alright. The croque madame? Amazing. Seriously. Amazing. I am drooling right now thinking about it, and mourning the fact that it's a 3+ hour drive. So freaking good. My husband had the omelet (with herbs, I think) and also enjoyed his food, and the three of us brunchers shared a plate of pommes frites, but nothing tops the croque madame.
(5)
Tet W.

My friend and I came here for Sunday breakfast and we loved their croquet madame. It was filling, tasty and the egg was cooked perfectly. The baguette with their house made strawberry and rhubarb jam and fresh OJ was the best appetizer. Our waiter was very nice and attentive. The cafe looks small when you first walk in but it does have extra seating in the back of the cafe. I would recommend this place for a great breakfast or brunch with family and friends. We came here around 10am and it wasn't too busy. It's a fairly quiet place which is nice when sparking up an early morning conversation.
(5)
Paula F.

I came here on a sunny Saturday morning for breakfast while visiting my brother in Seattle. The whole restaurant was filled with a lovely natural light and we sat along the wall where we could look up at the towering wall of European liquor. We had coffee and croque-monsieurs. (Well, had had a croque-madame). The croque was a perfect little pocket of cheesy-creamy-wonderfulness and I finished mine and the rest of his. It was the first time I've been confronted with the croque outside the context of a French textbook (aside from an ill-fated attempt at home baking). If it were geographically possible, I would probably go back again and again for more and more. Overall, a delightful experience. And cute waitresses.
(4)
Winona R.

I wasn't sure what to expect of Cafe Presse, having heard mixed reviews, but after last night... I'm in love. Their wine by the glass is affordable and delicious. I tried about three different wines and they were all lovely. The Cotes du Rhone was a favorite. We had their assiette de fromage, and I enjoyed all of the cheses on the plate, which I feel is not always the case with cheese plates. Next, we had their gÃ¢teau au foie de volaille with cherry compote... oh my god. SO good. The cherries were perfect. The terrine was smooth and creamy and the best I've ever had. Then, for the main course, we had the quail.... and we weren't disappointed. The quail is nearly boneless (save for the leg and wing) and served with sautÃ©ed potatoes, apples, sweet onions and a creamy sage-white wine sauce. I read that on the menu, thought it sounded good, but then was totally blown away by how delicious it was. It was an explosion of flavor. They truly did an excellent job on this dish. To finish the meal, I had an aperitif-- a glass of their tawny port. It was the perfect end to the meal, and left me feeling warm and happy. Cafe Presse is a really cute little space. You will be close to your neighbors, but it wasn't something that bothered me or that I really noticed much. The service was friendly, informative (we got some good recommendations on wines) and quite pleasant. On a rainy winter evening, the cozy, muted lighting lent a good atmosphere to the room. I wold love to return for a coffee and breakfast sometime, but I know I will be back soon for dinner or drinks!
(5)
candace m.

If I lived back on Capitol Hill, I doubt I would go anywhere else for weekend breakfast than Cafe Presse. Unfortunately for me, many other diners feel this way. Cafe Presse does really well handling this crowd, however. I never have waited longer than 15 minutes and since it's prime people watching (though somewhat lacking in variety - it IS Capitol Hill after all - standard uniform of arm sleeves, skinny jeans, TOMS, and greasy-chic hair), it's never felt like too tedious a wait. Not to mention their AWESOME magazine rack in the front really helps you swallow the wait time. I have never been for anything other than breakfast, but I've always loved what I ordered. I typically stick with the eggs broiled with ham and GruyÃ¨re, but have occasionally ordered the croque madame. Joel recently tried some interesting trout dish that was a bit off-putting at first, but what ended up being delicious after a few bites). Bloody Mary - num. Coffee - num. Baguette and jams - num. It's perfect food snobbery at it's non-pretentious finest. Bottom Line Eat here every day, for every meal, si possible.
(5)
Maria C.

We had the oeuf plate witch was really nice. Croque Madame was the best thing we had. The frites were bad... But the soup was amazing too, really! Des appointed with the bread, but better then most places...
(4)
Jim D.

Service was alright, but the coffee was great, and the food super solid. I would totally recommend the Croque Madame I thought for the price we had a great meal. My mom, wife, and I all had lunch, coffee, and desert for under $60. Only thing I would change was i needed some salt/pepper, and there was none to be found on the table
(5)
Kelly D.

I have a nagging suspicion that they put crack in the mushroom soup. enough said.
(5)
Ryan C.

come in during school breaks and it's quiet! oh, coming in the morning helps too in parking... had the croque monsieur.. it's the madame without the egg.. yumss... had it with the dijon mustard and ketchup... well, i don't think it's french if you have ketchup right? oh what the heck, i like my food flavorful! as some reviews said, get the breakfast/brunch/lunch.. dinner kind of dissapointing? btws seattle mag voted it's frites as the best in 2012.. i missed it when my friend ordered his steak and frites... so no help here! ahhaha! service was... so-so, i think my guy server was having his period. when we gave cards for our bill (4 ppl), he grabbed the initial combined bill and tossed it in the trash. i'm sort of offended? oh well, people have their days right?
(4)
Arnold W.

The restaurant is so french, the menu is slightly french. It's quite good I must add. I'm not the biggest fan of french food, but since this is a french cafe, the frittes were perfect. The sauce to accompany it is pretty good as well. I also ordered the french onion soup, you can't really good wrong with french onion soup as long as it has a cheesy topping and crouton-like cover. This place does both well, in fact you get a huge piece of toast on top. Delish! The other dishes my friends ordered like the croque madame was pretty good as well. Perfectly cooked with a slight mustard flavor. The prices are very reasonable considering it's a french cafe brunch place.
(4)
Sarah B.

I think I found my new favorite breakfast in Seattle: -2 broiled eggs with ham and gruyere. This consists of: Ham on the bottom of a dish with 2 eggs on top then topped with gruyere cheese which is then put under the broiler to both cook the eggs and melt the cheese. The egg yolks remain slightly runny which is perfect for dipping their wonderful baguette bread in. Share some fries with your dining companion and you have yourself one heck of a fantastic breakfast.
(5)
Yvonne D.

ehhhh...So I heard that this place have the same menu as Le Pitchet downtown and I love Le pitchet. So I took a couple of my friends here this morning...the food was very good, just like Le Pitchet, however, the service was lacking....we were ignored a lot, when we needed something we had to hunt our waitress down...it was painful especially my friend had to work right after breakfast...needless to say I was embarrassed for taking my friends here and I definitely won't come back.
(2)
Adam H.

Great brunch. Dishes are small and mostly a la carte, but at about $5 each, you can order two. Omelette was fresh and tasty, and the fries (with mayo, French style of course) were perfect. Service was great, and there's a nice open, lofty dining space in the back, shortening the amount of time it takes to get a table. The diverse rack of magazines for sale in the waiting area's also a nice touch. I'm only so-so- on the taste of the coffee brought in from Caffe Vita.. but I'll chalk it up to personal preference.
(4)
Mindy K.

Mood was eclectic, the food was okay, service was okay. Overall it was OK.
(3)
Tatiana S.

Stoped by this past weekend for a late night snack. So happy to have found another late night spot serving fantasitc food where there is a relaxed vibe. Bartender was fantastic, and he gave us a tutorial on bitters...I had totally wrote off fernet after a not so good exeprience drinking it warm in coke while in Argentina, but I am now have a new taste for it. Good prices, great atmospehere, I love that you can pick up almost any periodical while there. Only reason why not 5 stars is due to the cheese plate not meshing that well with my palate. They also have a fantastic brunch I had a croque or some sort...very good.
(4)
Loy B.

It had been a while since my last visit, I used to be a regular. A friend and I came here a few days ago, a weekday breakfast. It was just like I recalled - good stuff. I always have the cheese plate, a latte, and Mmmm mayonnaise eggs. I made my friend get a croque monsieur ;-) It's a laid back joint during the week - no wait, no nonsense, no rush. It's really not like that on the weekends, but it is worth it. My only sigh, they dont serve french press coffee. Dont you find that strange? At Cafe Presse? Hmmmmm....
(4)
Christine Y.

i get a little nervous when i go to a place i've never been before, where i don't know the culture nor can i pronounce the names of the items on the menu... actually, a lot nervous. but our server was really friendly and not pretentious, which is my impression of french establishments. or is that french people? hmm anyway, loved loved LOVED the Croque Campagnard. "hard sausage, gruyere and tomato, hot on country bread" hot, melty, gooey, deliciousness on a fine piece of bread. i liked how everything was cut thin for the texture and ease of eating. at the same time, i wish there was MORE. the penn cove mussels were great as well. i usually get sick of anything after a few bites if it's in a butter-based sauce, but the leeks and raisins were a nice touch. it was $13, large portions, and ultimately, i did get mussel-ed out. will definitely return in the future. maybe with a larger crowd, so i can try more items =p
(4)
Brian E.

The ambiance and decor is excellent. It reminds me of being back in London; all the brick and the metal, soft Velvet Underground playing in the background. The coffee is delicious and the food is artistry. It's a time machine and geo-relocator directly to the European class and feel. Loved it.
(4)
Jen L.

Great food, great hot chocolate, friendly staff, and cool music. I loved the croque madame; I almost started to lick the plate but stopped myself when I realized that I would actually like to return to this eating establishment. Wish there were one of these in Denver!
(5)
Brad P.

This rating makes my other 5 ratings look like 4's. This place could not be better. Get the Croque Madame and the fries. Also, coffee is great.
(5)
Stacy E.

Wow. What an awkward experience Cafe Presse is. Holy. They closed down my favorite brunch place, so I'm looking for a new one. Cafe Press will not be it, but at least I tried, right? I am unfortunate enough to be blessed with food allergies. Luckily, they're not severe--if a little bit of soybean oil slips into something I won't die. But, I really try to avoid the foods I'm allergic to as much as possible so my feet don't break out in hives. Understandable, right? That being said, I try not to be one of those whiny, food-allergic bitches who complains about everything and makes a fuss. I try to be extremely polite and even apologetic sometimes (even though I really shouldn't have to be, I'm just trying to make up for the whiny people who aren't.) So, you can imagine my delight when I saw something at the bottom of the Cafe Presse menu acknowledging food allergies and saying that you should alert your server of them so that they can make accommodations (or something like that.) Really, all I wanted was some bread with eggs and ham or meat of some sort. I'm not allowed to have cheese cause I'm dairy free. A little butter is fine, although I should avoid that if possibly. So, when the waitress came to take my order, I mentioned my dairy allergy, as that seemed like the only thing that might interfere with my meal. I was hoping to get a Croque Madam but without the cheese. That would definitely fufill my egg, meat and bread requirement for the day. When I asked if she could have the cheese omitted and maybe add tomato or something, the waitress just said "Sorry. No substitutions." Okay. Okay. Good. Great. But now what? I feel like normally in this situation, really great servers will make suggestions. Which she did! She said I could get the baquette sandwich. I mentioned that I would really love some bread, egg and meat, but she didn't really say anything to that, and it was so awkward that I decided not to press the issue that egg on that baguette sandwich would be GREAT. (And hopefully easy, even though they "don't do substituions" ?) I told her we needed a couple more minutes, and she took our drink orders. I ordered some Chinese Breakfast tea, which is soooooo good. I was impressed that they had it, cause no one ever does. She came back to take our order and because it was awkward I just went with it and ordered the baguette sandwich, which later came to me. It was dry bread, meat and mustard. Woo. Woo. Yes. YES! I totally could have made it myself at home for $2. I mean, in all reality, I probably should have researched beforehand to see if they could have accommodated my allergies, but I didn't. Honestly, though, most places I go don't have a problem switching things around a little bit. Really, they don't. But, maybe I would've been more specific about it if the interaction wouldn't have been so incredibly awkward. Oh, and then they brought my my tea, which was EARL GREY, not Chinese Breakfast. FML!!!! Again, I was too much of a pussy to say anything so I wouldn't have to endure any more awkwardness or be seen as whiny. But still. On a good note, the waitress took some dollars off my sandwich. I'm guessing she felt bad about being awkward and not accommodating, or she could tell that I was super uncomfortable and kind of appalled by her lack of effort, or whatever. I'm sure she's a really great person, and it wasn't that she was a bad waitress at all, it was just a really really weird meal in general and I was kind of put off by it. I will probably never come back here again.
(2)
Lisa C.

I love this place. I even love the fact that everyone in there is way cooler than me. I love a well made bowl of french onion soup, and frankly I can't find anywhere that does it better than Cafe Presse. I've also had the bibb lettuce salad with hazelnuts - really refreshing and light - and some bites of the roasted chicken - uber flavorful and not too dry. I've been told the cocktails are good, so I need to make it back here at a time when I'm not on my way to work or on my work lunch break.
(5)
Caylee B.

I realize now that I didn't update this review. I've really enjoyed multiple meals here. Service is usually better than my first time. I guess I can't be taken seriously when I wear jeans, tennis shoes and a sweatshirt to grab dinner :)
(4)
Alison V.

I don't know if I just had higher expectations or if it was just a mediocre experience, but I felt just eh about my trip to Cafe Presse. I go to Seattle U and just ventured in for the first time last week. A friend wanted to grab some drinks and snacks in the afternoon. The place was pretty full and we grabbed a small, slightly cramped, table in the front room. They had Stella on tap, which my friend was happy to see, but I didn't think was that impressive. Maybe I just seem to find it easier. He ordered a cod spread thingy and I just got the frites. He loved his cod spread (I tried it, but not being a fan of cod, was not impressed in any way, but I'm not one to judge it). My frites were decent enough, but not worth what I paid really. My food just made me miss Frites that used to be open on the hill. Your only options were ketchup, mustard, or mayo. For the $4 (I believe) for a bowl of fries, pretty much, I would have at least liked some unique dipping sauces. I will probably go back, but judging from their menu and my tastes, it probably won't be to experiment with food. I think the next trip will require a cup of espresso or cofee.
(3)
Juan C.

Ok I'm giving this place a 5 star rating... BUT!!!! Today I almost have it a 1 star. Seeing how we love this place and the ambiance and the food and the drinks. We don't want to say anything negative about our fav spot. We come 3-4 times a week and often recommend it to friends visiting Seattle, but today was a weird experience... We always see our favorite bartender (we don't know his name) around Caphill and he always asks if we will be heading there later. He is GREAT and is a master drink maker... He knows his stuff and is very customer service oriented... HOWEVER!!! Today we just left there without drinking or eating anything as it took almost 30 minutes for the waitress to acknowledge us as we were already set on moving on to another restaurant. The waitresses, NOT THE WAITER, were too busy chatting behind the bar and exchanging stories that they forgot we existed... Shame... We will continue to go there as usual but we will go with our favorite waiter/bartender... Love this place but some of the employees need to prioritize customers over meaningless conversation.
(5)
Kira A.

Honestly, the thing that made me fall in love with this place was the color of the tables. But that was years ago, before I truly understood the goodness of a cheap french restaurant and bar. The concept of Presse is a soccer-loving, quirky french cafe selling worldly periodicals. The walls are wallpapered in a powder blue damask and the tables pop in a glossy chartreuse. The place just looks super cute! If you're feeling french, and want a down to earth vibe, delicious food and great wine, come to Presse. I've never been less than delighted with any fish dish I've ordered. When felafel and melon is on the menu, get it, and always order a plate of frites. And if you like a good terrine, this is the place to be. If it's nice outside, grab a seat on the patio, otherwise dining at the bar is always my first choice, especially if you're in the mood to zone out and watch a 90 minute soccer game - there is almost always one playing on the little TV hanging in the bar.
(4)
Sara D.

This place is becoming one of my go-to spots in Seattle for a nice, inexpensive and Delicious french dinner. The ambiance. music and lighting is great--the service is very good, and the food is wonderful. I have yet to be disappointed with anything I've ordered there from baguette to aperitif. A nice date spot, pretty hip atmosphere. Also, love the periodicals, magazines and news papers on the walls.
(4)
Diana L.

Mai oui!!!!!!! Man, I really love a snobby little french bistro. Paying out the ass for fries and getting to call them sissy names like frites makes me super happy. Cafe Presse provides that opportunity and the opportunity to mangle the French language with some purpose for mine own amusement - "I would like the Croak Monsewer see voo plate!" I have yet to get the sissy fries, but thoroughly enjoyed my Croque Monsieur yesterday, avec salade of arugula with a nicey, nice little crouton topped with goat cheese. Regardless of the caloric intake I risk - I will be back as soon as I am able for the tomato soup topped with same crouton. If one does find themselves on a diet (ahem - c'est moi), it is still quite worth your time to go in for an Americano, a little browsing of the publications for sale and the free WiFi. The high ceilings, simple furnishings and amazing light will lift your spirits on the dankest of days this coming winter. ---------------------------- UPDATE: I had the Mussels today and I was happier than a cochon en merde.
(5)
Honey R.

I've always had great experiences here - high quality food, good service, a lot to choose from. It can be a bit loud, but it's a lively, interesting place. Recommended: Croque Madame, any soup, omelet with Gruyere cheese and mushrooms or ham, fries Absolutely Recommended: their Hot Chocolate with Cream There is always something affordable, delicious, and intriguing on the menu!
(5)
DM W.

Great service! Walked in without a reservation and they found us a table for 7! The service and food were great. Bring your French dictionary!
(4)
Sean B.

Much love for Cafe Presse! My boyfriend and I decided to venture out for dinner the other night, and this place did not dissapoint! Our waitress was super speedy, drinks were strongs, food was delish, and the menu was impressively extensive for a small bisto. It's just down the street too, so we will be back soon!!
(5)
Gary Y.

Cafe Presse is a great place to go for watching the Tour de France early in the morning. Bar spots go quick and the room is loud, so make sure that the captions are on if you want to hear/read the commentary. I wish they'd have their brunch selections (e.g., croque monsieur) available at an earlier hour for the tour watching -- they start showing the tour at 7am, but the brunch options don't start until 9am, when I need to be heading to work. Internet access is great there. Cafe Presse is also home to one of the cool "bike corrals" that have been recently installed in Seattle. (The Wallingford Essential Baking is another such location.)
(4)
Natalie W.

Wonderful space, open seating for Brunch at the bar around 10am, futbol on tv, bistro atmosphere, good hearty full flavor food... my friend said it reminded her of the Paris of her travels. The menu is a basic French bistro list of offerings. My friend selected the yogurt with honey and nuts after seeing someone else order it, and I selected a omelet with mushrooms (my options were mushrooms, herbs, or ham). Both of us sipped on coffee and split a fresh chocolate croissant while we waited on our entrees. The croissant was flavorful and delicious, but lacked the layers I am use to in amazing versions of the item. When the food arrived we found it to be rich and filling. Our bill (split down the middle) was $9 each. FYI's~ * The coffee is Cafe Vita coffee * They post which futbol games they will be showing on the mounted tv over the bar on their website * They have a small patio adjacent to the front of the building * In the front of the house- there really isn't space to fit in a large party * There are many magazines and newspapers lining the entry for purchase- many are very obscure titles * Open until 2am! * The Croque Madam looked so good with a sunny side up egg on top- I am ordering that next time... they bread they use for it is porous, fluffy, and light- totally the opposite then what I would have thought*
(4)
Thomas J.

Croque Madame and a Stella. What could be more civilized? Nothing like a perfectly cooked sunny-side up egg on a sandwich. Excellent! High quality, served simply, and you have a winner. A great place for a brunch, a beer, and a sunny Seattle day. Made me want to discuss philosophy and sneak off for a nooner with my skinny mistress.
(5)
Joshua L.

This place is fantastic. I love soccer so it helps that they always have the big game on. I have tried almost everything and have never been disappointed. Wait times are a bit hectic sometimes, but never more than 15-20 minutes. I love the fact that they are open until 2am. A great place to get a late night snack while I finish doing school work. The place is small and I can see how you wouldn't like being so close to other people while you eat, but I've never been so squished that it ruined my experience at all. I wouldn't go here if was REALLY hungry as I could easily down 2-3 croque madames with some pomme frites if I was starving. It's great though.
(5)
Mrs. E.

Wish I had known this was the same owners as le pichet because I probably would not have gone to cafe presse knowing that. The service was pleasant but the food is probably not as good as le pichet, and I wasn't even impressed with le pichet's food. The highlight of the meal was the croque Madame and the pomme frites. My husband wasn't too fond of his peolom Breton at all. He ended up ordering the rillette as well and said it was so so.
(2)
Linda J.

I don't remember what I ordered when I went there, but it involved porkchops and way too much kalamata olive mixture. I actually got sick after I got home. Now, I can't blame this on what I ate... but I really can't rule it out either. It was really pricey, but I was hungry and sans coffee... My friend also told me that their sandwiches were just okay, and the bread was kinda hard... so porkchops it was. I love porkchops... but it was very difficult to finish my meal. I love kalamata olives, but when it overpowers the meal and makes my stomach do the dirty bird (a touchdown celebration created by Jamal Anderson for the 1998 Atlanta Falcons), I feel stupid for spending my money there.
(1)
Evan M.

With 311 other reviews, there's probably not much more to be said. I found the service attentive and pleasant. The food wonderfully on point (Croque Madame was not greasy or heavy). And the location was awesomely close (as compared to Le Pichet). Plus, it was super fun to sit next to a group of young girls gossiping and eating their salad only lunch. I really want to return and try out their super impressive towering alcohol wall which looks to have some very off-the-beaten-path spirits. I do wish they'd serve Stumptown coffee since they are right next door and Stumptown kicks ass, but eh.
(4)
Alison T.

3.5 stahzs for Cafe Presse ... I love zee French but I do not like zee following: 1) Charging for the "presse", I would like to read a newspaper for free please 2) The hot chocolate was not as chocolaty as I had hoped ... though I appreciate the use of actual an house made recipe instead of zee old American Carnation packet 3) Our standoffish waitress ... I know it was late, but I was trying to be nice asking how you were ... But I definitely liked: 1) Zee deelicious pomme frites with simple mayo ... mmmm yumm. Crispy and covered in salt, with a lemony mayo - divine! 2) Zee atmosphere was kind of, how do you say? "Cool" ... with lots of rohmanteek candlelight, a great spot for hanging out late at night.
(4)
Helen N.

Cafe Presse makes a special kind of crack for me, it is called chicken liver terrine. I actually NEED to order it whenever I go; it is the perfect savory dish (there are cherries and mustard seeds that come with). This sounds bad, but after trying the "crack" I am willing to try anything there and I have never been disappointed. The food is light, but filling, and the terrine has become one of the items on my deathbed menu.
(5)
Vanessa D.

I have mixed feelings about Presse. The service was sub par, but not terrible. The food was ok, but not great, the fries were great but the rest of our food was not very good. The atmosphere is kind of fun... i guess. I dont know if i would go back with so many other options in the area but perhaps I just came on an off day. alas, i was still disappointed
(3)
Cameron B.

I'm surprised I missed reviewing Presse earlier because I've been here quite a few times and have thoroughly enjoyed each visit. Coming on a late Sunday is definitely the most popular time, but I've always been able to get a table or a seat at the bar within 10 min of my arrival. Every time after my meal at Presse, I've always wanted to become an artisan baker to bake the baguettes like they do here. I then want to buy a Holstein cow and hand churn butter like they have at Presse because it is SO delicious and puts any butter available at the supermarket to shame. For brunch entrees, I usually end up getting the Å’ufs plats, jambon, fromage (Two eggs broiled with ham and gruyere). It is a perfect size and also is a good topping on a slice on one of those baguettes that I have been raving about. Of course when you do late morning brunch there is always wine involved too. Presse offers their wines in bottles, pichet, or half pichets, which are convenient if you don't want to drink a whole bottle. They also have beer, champagne, coffee available too. I wish more cafÃ©'s were like Presse. Go in, chill for a few hours with some snacks and watch the futball game on tv. (They show a lot of European Premier League games on their TV) Go Presse!
(5)
Wesh W.

Delicious food in a charming, well-thought-out environment. The cunningly-designed menu at Presse is curiously able to satisfy your need for both a quick, light meal and a more substantial repast. It is easy for vegetarians to put together a breakfast of small plates, which is in itself kind of fun and a treat for the whole table (if you're a vegetarian who doesn't mind sharing). Everything on your table -from the bread to the butter to the cheese to the coffee- is of excellent quality and is certain to satisfy.
(5)
Dee C.

i came at the recommendation of a friend (who I really need to thank) and left with fond, fond memories. So much that I had a dream I went with three other friends about two nights ago! My boyfriend and i the Pain au Chocolat Ã l'ancienne (oh so French! it was so commonplace in Paris, people walking home and ripping a bite out of their baguettes), Omelette au choix (with everything, mushroom, ham, herbs and ComtÃ©), Croque madame and a side of country bread. It was SO delicious. Because my subconscious knows best, I was eating the omelette in my dream...and so disappointed to wake up..
(4)
Joyce J.

This place appears to be owned by the same owner as Le Pichet. The coffee is from Cafe Vita. If you get the omelette, it starts at 5 dollars, but for any additional item it's a dollar. So if you order everything (ham, herb, cheese) then it ends up being 8 dollars. The waitress only refilled my coffee once, which I was a bit annoyed.
(3)
Jeremy B.

Do NOT... I repeat, do NOT think about having a friend's birthday there and bringing your own cake or something... We brought cupcakes and we were charged $3 per person for bringing in outside food... $24 for cupcakes. Jesus H. Christ. They were homemade and the bill would have been over $200 even without the cupcake charge so it's not like we weren't spending money there. Won't be going back.
(1)
Michelle B.

I have a secret, and no I won't tell you what it is because I could get fired if my boss found out that I really don't drink that much...oh, oops, damn. But just because I don't want to drink all the time doesn't mean that I want to become a house-bound hermit. Often I want to go out and often my friends are at some dingy bar that I don't want to hang out at unless I'm pounding back a few myself. What to do...what to do... In walks Cafe Presse! The perfect place to chill out, grab a pint of beer or a glass of wine, or ya know, a hot chocolate if that's your thing (their whip cream is delicious!) and hang out with your friends. The atmosphere is fantastic and works both during the day when the sun is streaming through the sky light and during the evening when their absolutely amazing light fixtures (seriously, I'm obsessed with their pendent lights) give the whole place a warm glow. The french fries are covered in coarse sea salt and are simply to die for and I am ridiculously excited to try their croque madame. This is not to say that this place is without flaw. It's a bit spendy and the service has been some of the most haphazard that I have ever encountered but to be honest I didn't care because I was just so happy with the surroundings that I stared patiently at their gorgeous wall paper for 15 minutes before I received my latte...damn, good thing it wasn't morning or it would have been ugly. I have a feeling that the folks at Cafe Presse will be seeing me morning, noon, and night. Ok, not morning. Update: Don't go when they are busy. If you ask for something that was supposed to come with your dessert like whip cream they will tell you that they are too busy to make any...uhhh ok.
(4)
M G.

Went here for the first time a couple weeks ago for my birthday breakfast. When my boyfriend and I first walked in we thought that we would have to wait for a table since it looked really busy, little did we know there is more seating towards the back, so we were seated right away. I had the Croque monsieur, which was yummy yummy yummy! I would definitely get it again, though I want to try other things on the menu. My boyfriend had the Liver terrine en baguette, he thought it was the best liver he ever had. I don't normally eat liver but since he said it was so good I had to try it, he was right. It was good.. even for liver. My boyfriend also tried the Rillettes de porc which he also was in love with. It came with stone mustard and cornichons, he said that everything combined with the rillette was the perfect bite. Everything on the menu was decently priced. I definitely can't wait to go back to Cafe Presse! I'm in love!
(4)
Paul B.

I have to update my review after going here a few more times. To jump from a 3 to a 5, there most have been something phenomenal. And, yes, there was! Geez, last time I just really ordered the wrong things. This time around, my new favorite item is the Croque Madame. It's simple to make at home but oh so delicious when you can order it at a restaurant. Another plus is the ambiance in the daytime. Sky lights make the place bright and inviting, but I am still a bit apprehensive about the size of the place...wish it were bigger, but it was cozy. Another big plus is that every time I come here, there's always interesting people to people watch. So hipster, so popular this place is.
(5)
Eric H.

I've been to CafÃ© Presse three times - it's a good approximation of a Parisian bistro. I say Parisian, rather than French, purposefully: for one thing, the food prices are over-inflated; for another, most of the dishes are inflected by other traditions (European and otherwise), rather than traditional French classics. The menu is pretty brief - there is not a lot of choice on any given day. What is there, however, is generally good. The last time I went, we started with a charcuterie plate and some hard-boiled eggs with mayonnaise. The meats included a delicious smooth pÃ¢tÃ©, thinly sliced ham, cured tongue, and some acceptable rillettes. The eggs were quite bland (not farm eggs!) but properly cooked. For main courses, we had steak tartare and shrimp with asparagus in curried cream. The steak tartare was excellent - two generous quenelles of meat, heavily flavored with thyme - but the accompanying fries were horrifically over-salted and the watercress "salad" was a heap of soggy stems. The latter dish was tasty but really paltry - about five spears of asparagus and three shrimps. Only the steak tartare could count as a real meal; the others were small plates. The food plus a total of three inexpensive drinks was $57 before tip. Yikes! Because of the high prices, I'd say that this is a place that is better for a snack and a drink than a full meal. Service here is mixed. I've had good enough experiences in the past, but last time it was definitely poor. Our surly waiter seemed to dislike us on sight, never asked us how our food was, took our dishes before we were done, and was almost impossible to flag down so that we could get more bread or the bill. It is definitely NOT child-friendly...there is not a single high chair, for example.
(3)
Jen P.

First off, I have to say this is a great little date night spot. I didn't really get it when they first opened. Bread, cheese, and butter, with some pork in the mix, wines I didn't recognize. I spent one day in France back in 2001, so what did I know? I love different types of cuisines, but for some reason it felt like really foreign territory. This time, with a little Yelp coaching, I felt more like a pro when placing our order. It helped lessen the pressure of ordering unfamiliar food. We started with the olives, I had the Croque Monsieur and endive salad, he had the pork chop. I loved the spicy sauce with the olives and used it as a bread dip as well (do the French allow this?). The sandwich was really tasty, but I think I'd recommend the Madame over the Monsieur, just because the egg would have added a little moisture and some more flavor. The crispy cheese topping was awesome. The best thing was that pork chop. I definitely had entree envy. First of all, it came WITH BACON. I love the pork-on-pork action. The chop itself was moist and flavorful, and the accompanying squash had a great basil flavor to it. Nice portion size, not too much, not too little. Our meal with two glasses of wine came to $40. Totally reasonable for a satisfying Seattle dinner. We've spent more at pubs on lesser quality food. My only complaint was that the outdoor patio was extremely snug. With my back against my neighbor, and knees against the table, it was a tight fit. But a nice warm evening and a glass of Bordeaux kept me from noticing *too* much.
(4)
Sarah G.

BEST BRUNCH ON THE WEST COAST. Seriously, order the croque madame and the pain au chocolat and tell me you've ever had better! Love it here--wish I lived in Seattle!!!
(5)
Aaron E.

For some reason I've always had this weird aversion of ordering the same item as someone else at my table. Unless it's an item that I absolutely love, if someone orders it before me, my palms get sweaty, the blood flows from my brain and I go into panic mode, trying to figure out what the f I should order. Weird, since I'm usually the follower. At any rate, someone at my table ordered the Steak Frites and I had to quickly decide what to order..... verdict: Steak Tartare. Risky, but a winner. We started off ordering the fromage, which was a selection of 5 different cheeses. There was a Manchego (YUM!), a blue cheese, sheep's cheese, triple cream and slightly dry, crumbly, cheese. The triple cream and sheep's cheese were all extremely pungent, but I enjoyed them. The Manchego was a clear winner and the other two were pretty decent. I wasn't a huge fan of the Country Bread that was served with the cheese, but the crusty, fresh baguette was a perfect accompaniment. The Long Island Ice Tea I had probably wasn't the best beverage to have with a platter of fromage, but it was citrusy and strong (although it tasted slightly like ammonia). The Steak Tartare was a pretty large serving! It had a great bite to it and was citrusy, slightly vinegar tasting and appeared to have capers. There was a slightly briny taste to it as well. All the flavors blended well together and it was an enjoyable dish. The salad it came with was dressed well and had fresh greens, but the fries...... oh la la! The fries were probably the best part of the meal. Freshly cooked, nice and soft and amazing when dipped in their aoli. Overall my dish was a winner as was the experience. Check it out kids!
(4)
Xander S.

With a name like Cafe Presse, I was expecting a coffeehouse. To my surprise, inside, it's more bar/restaurant than coffee (do they even serve coffee here?). It's very French-themed, with French bites, French wines, French cheese, and even a map of France by the cash register. Want to know the difference between a croque monsieur and a croque madame? Take French 2, or come here and try it yourself! Even the menu is in French first, then English second. I love that they're open till 2 AM, and have a chill, happy crowd. There's nothing French about the decor though, the walls are old looking brick that looks more like it belongs in Little Italy in Chicago than Europe, and they have a BIG clock above the bar that looks like it came from an old train station. Regardless, it has character; and I was very enjoyable. It attracted an interesting crowd too, from singletons on laptops to couples to small groups of eclectic individuals. If you enjoy people watching, this isn't a bad place to do it. My only complaint was that their servers seemed very distant, almost as if they couldn't care less about us being there, but they were friendly enough when talked to. I'll reupdate when I try their food.
(4)
Darcy H.

Simple, inexpensive food done well. They serve Ricard, it's a nice atmosphere, reliably wonderful and low-key each time I go. Even though it's not in my part of town, Cafe Presse is a great score when I'm over there on business or errands.
(4)
Ling B.

Simply outstanding. Very very good food at amazing prices with a great ambiance. We got some pate, a sandwich, and stuffed toast w/ egg on top. Everything tasted fresh and flavorful. The food came out fast and we enjoyed the well-lit, cozy, and friendly environment. My new favorite French cafe. Pics of our meal: ling.swingvine.com/view?â€¦
(5)
Subspace E.

Really, really disappointed in their Croque Madame - it used to be so good! The best, really moist and rich and over the top. In the last year or so the Madames have become quite dry; it must be the result of complaints or a cut back on costs, but there is no longer much bechamel sauce on them at all. They're basically just very expensive ham sandwiches with fried eggs on top. It may not seem like a big deal to others, but it was without question my favorite breakfast in Seattle, and now it's gone. To make it worse, we were a party of four that each ordered a Madame and two eggs were perfect, one was badly overcooked and one was badly undercooked with a thick layer of visible clear uncooked egg on top. It was so undercooked that when the sandwich was tilted, the whites and yolk just separated from the rest of the cooked egg. This is just sloppy cooking to have such a range of eggs in a single table. On the other hand, everything else is still the same. Oh! Except last time I went I ordered radishes with butter and the radishes were gorgeous but I actually had to move them around to find the butter. It was a piece smaller than a kidney bean to be spread equally between like 12 radish halves. It was bizarre that both the chef and the waiter would see it and think that was normal. When I asked for more butter, the waiter was very friendly and prompt, but again - really? It's "radishes with butter" not "11 plain radishes and one with butter."
(2)
Amy M.

Food really good, atmosphere crowded. We felt like we were sitting on top of the people next to us. Parking was a little tricky in this area too.
(3)
Julian H.

Four stars for the food only, service was only so-so. The back room is great for casual meetings.
(4)
Paula K.

I have been craving Pommes Frites and mayo since my dinner Cafe Presse. They take reservations (and I would recommend calling ahead for weekend dining). I had the Fillet de poisson marinÃ© au chermoula sur lit de fenouil = pan roasted fish fillet with fennel and tomato broth, very tasty. Cafe Presse looks small when you enter but they have another dining area around back behind the kitchen. The service was great, the atmosphere fantastic. Sit back, relax and enjoy the evening.
(4)
Stephanie T.

The food here is excellent. You can't get a better butter leaf salad, french onion soup, or croque madame (I might now be slightly obsessed) in Seattle. (If you go, make sure you order at least one of these.) This, and they're extremely affordably priced - wine/beer is under $5 a glass, and you can easily get by with a food bill of $10 or less. As chronicled, however, I've definitely been more impressed with service. It's like they are paid to ignore you! It took several pretty intense looks toward the waitstaff to get anyone's attention, and this was starting dinner prior to 5pm on a weekday.
(4)
Alex S.

I met a friend here for coffee and a dessert - which were both okay, but our waitress was rude and inattentive. Basically she seemed annoyed that we were even there. I'd like to give it another try, since the restaurant has received so many positive reviews, but when I do I will definitely avoid being served again by this unpleasant waitress. Perhaps the best place to sit is at the bar, since others have made negative comments about the waitstaff as well.
(2)
Chris O.

Though I've never been to France, or off this continent for that matter, Cafe Presse helps get me that much closer. The atmosphere is so nice and casual. It's a laid back environment where you can sit back, enjoy a bottle of wine and a multitude of savory and sweet delicacies. And from what I'm told, as we did, you can even talk with your neighbor and share stories of your travels. On this trip we did it up in style. First off, they serve wonderful Cafe Vita coffee which I ordered. My friend ordered the demi-pichet of a crisp white wine which was easily 2 glasses worth for $7. For dinner we all shared a few treats: 2 orders of the Pommes-Frites with their tasty home made mayonnaise, a croque monsieur which is a baked ham, gruyere and bÃ©chamel sandwich which has the most amazing layers of crispy toast and cheese that falls apart in your mouth. Danelle ordered an amazing potage maÃ¯s-pommes de terre which is a purÃ©ed sweet corn and potato soup, roasted shallot cream that was so light and creamy that you just wanted to lick the bowl. Adrian P had a pork rillettes sandwich on a baguette which he said was quite yummy. All in all a great visit. The service was perfect and the company delightful. You know you're in a good relaxed place when the host asks, "I have a table in the back but it has a reservation in 2 hours. Is that going to be enough time?" :-) Love it!
(5)
Contact C.

OMG....you need to try the chocolate mousse. I've had chocolate mousse in 3 continents and as my standard dessert for about 20 years. I would recomend the mousse at Cafe Presse. I skipped the breakfast shenanigans and went to the desert first. I did take a few bites of my gf and friend's breakfast and I enjoyed it. I just wished someone would have bought me an adult beverage. I would make reservations.
(4)
Quynh-An P.

The boyfriend is in love with the grilled sardine sandwich. It's taken me a while to realize that it doesn't pose a threat to our relationship (I don't eat seafood) and that he will never leave me for this tasty, salty fish. Our compromise? We come here so he can get his grilled sardine sandwich and I can have some crusty baguette and jamon cru. It's a simple but peaceful compromise we've come to amongst ourselves. We've been here only for lunch and have only had the sandwiches, so I can't attest to any of the entree dishes...but what we have tried has been divine. We'll be back again to make some peace.
(4)
Derek J.

Recently went here with my roommates to try out the small plates I have been hearing about. For a Sunday afternoon they were busy but we snagged a table easily. I instantly recognized the cafe vita coffee and ordered to lattes. The waitress was prompt but not overbearing. She even offered suggestions and explained what options could be made. First round was the chicken pate and French onion soup. I'm a huge beef and pork fan but I wanted to see how good the chicken version of the pate would be. Let me say it was amazing! Definitely would have that again. The soup was great too! Big portion size as well. Easily serves 2. Second round of food was the crouque madame(sp?) and the eufs plat jambon fromage. Both dishes were amazing as well. We thought we wanted to try something else after but were too full. I left satisfied and would for sure return again!
(4)
Jeremy C.

This place is awesome! After biking around in the latest 95 degree heat wave, I desired a shaded patio where I could unwind with a glass of wine and read a book. I came to the right place. Cafe Presse has a small patio, which almost forces you to become intimate with your neighbors--since the tables are crammed so closely together. I, however, did not find this to be a problem. On the contrary, it actually fostered an environment where people seem to actually chat across the patio to other tables. I assume that the couple glasses of wine that we were all drinking certainly helped us all pull off our anti-social veils as well. Overall, I felt so comfortable here, that I kicked my feet up on the patio drinking wine, reading and fraternizing with amiable strangers for almost 4 hours! So, the place clearly scores well for the inviting, pleasant ambiance of its patio. What else do I like about Cafe Presse? I love the bottles of water sans ice that they place on each table. I actually dislike water with ice, so I love that they refrain from the American standard in this case. After a few hours of reading, relaxing and slowly indulging in red wine, I eventually developed an appetite for some food. I ordered the French Baguette sandwich with liver; it was delicious! If you have never indulged in liver before, you should try it at Cafe Presse on a French Baguette. You don't know what you're missing out on!
(5)
Joysha F.

I've only been here for lunch and dinner but have heard so much raves about the breakfast so I can only imagine how a french breakfast is going to taste! I can never remember the name because the name is in french but the soup I had for lunch was yummy. I think it was sweet corn and potato soup. So rich and decadent! For dinner, I had the fish of the day and my fish was cooked perfectly :) My bf ordered the bloody mary and since we were sitting on the bar for dinner, we watched the bartender make the whole drink from scratch! It tasted like fresh vegetables in your mouth! His favorite bloody mary place since! I need to go back for breakfast!!!
(4)
Tony R.

The only decently priced French food in the city. The place really does capture the decor and demeanor of a French bistro you'd find in any city in all of France. I am skeptical of most French restaurants, as most people think serving french food means they have to charge 3 times what its worth. After studying abroad in France, I can say, most French restaurants are not fancy, they serve good, hearty, no frills food. From the clay pitchers to the decently priced staple cuisine, Cafe Presse fits the bill of a real french bistro. No glass wine is ever that expensive and the food items are so decently priced you can end up spending a pretty penny trying everything. Cafe Presse has delicious fries (sometimes hit or miss, but lately seems like they corrected the problem.) The menu rotates, but when available, get the falafel, Olives a l'Harissa, or whatever mussel dish they are serving. Plan for a wait if you go late night on weekends or for lunch any day.
(5)
John E.

Went here for brunch and was very impressed! The croque madame is a must try and the cappuccino is just as good, if not better than any local coffee shop. Not to mention the prices for brunch are very reasonable and the ambience is great. Highly recommended.
(5)
Katie P.

Have loved, will love, can't stop loving Presse. I started going here when I lived just a few blocks away and went to school next door at SU. Presse is one of my favorite places to go later in the evening. It is great to take someone you have a crush on who hasn't been there before. You just casually mention frites to the crush and then give a wink to someone in the waitstaff who recognizes you and all of a sudden you're in that corner table, in flattering candlelight, drinking strong cocktails and acting casually seductive. The corner table makes for the perfect "accidental" knee graze. Frites, Croque Madame, Ouefs Mayonnaise, and cheese plates are all good regular choices on the menu. Any of the soups, salads or fish specials are usually delicious. If you can get what I refer to as the "secret peanuts" you should. Even after coming here for the past 2-3 years since the place opened, I still do not understand the rhyme or reasons of getting those delicious seasoned peanuts. Sometimes they end up on the table with the baguette, sometimes not. But I always get them when I ask. Also, I have been known to grab a half empty wine bottle off another patron's table when they leave, and everyone seems to look the other way. I appreciate this, as no one wants a nice CÃ´tes du RhÃ´ne to go to waste. My only partial con is that if you sit outside on the patio you occasionally will be forgotten. This really depends on who is working that day.
(5)
JT D.

Madamnnnnnn. And the verte salad. This place is also sort of awkward if you haven't been a few times, but it gets easier, I promise.
(4)
Lori M.

umm... what happened? I came here last night and everything was sooo salty! And the fries must have gone down hill since other reviewers commented, because my order of pomme frites came out kind of limp! Salad Verte was very unremarkable, and the grilled bread with ham and cheese was overly salty. Service was friendly and nice, and I enjoyed sitting in the back room (which I didn't even know existed!). But the food was so disappointing :(
(2)
Rey D.

i went for the first time on a very busy morning--to watch "el clÃ¡sico," the spanish la liga soccer match between real madrid and barcelona. cafÃ© presse was recommended by another yelper after i'd posted a question about where i might be able to catch la liga games in seattle. thanks again for the tip! the hostess was very welcoming and accommodating. i was alone but she asked if it would be okay to share a table. i said sure, so she seated me at a comfortable table. being bistro-style, of course, you can't expect the place to be very roomy. i had the jamon cru sandwich. it was different--it's french, after all!--but tasty. i also had a half-pichet of gascogne and later a cup of drip coffee. all outstanding and reasonably priced. as an aside ... as it turned out, a friendly couple from spain shared my table. the guy was from madrid and a real madrid fan. his girlfriend was from bilbao and was a barcelona fan. but it was all cordial. :)
(5)
Kevin C.

Visiting from Portland, a friend who lives in Seattle recommended this place for us to have dinner at. I had asked her for a place that was nice but not exorbitant and Caf Presse certainly delivered. I had heard that it was difficult to grab a table here but we had no problems with that. The food itself was good, even though the moules part of the moules-frites was rather small but I understand that that is subject to what seafood is available durring certain times of the year. The frites were great and the rillette du porc that I had was also very good and I appreciated the fact that the waiter instantly brought over more baguette the moment we had finished ours. I enjoyed the atmosphere and while it got crowded as we were finishing our meal, we enjoyed interacting with our neighbours and wondering out loud where the strong scent of garlic came from. In the end, I think the tab came out to about $65 for two people who split a bottle of wine, had an appetiser and a main course each. Not bad at all. PS -- The sports geek in me appreciated the framed PSG, L'OM and Saint-Etienne kits hanging on the wall.
(4)
Tony L.

I've been here a few times since its inception, and have enjoyed it here. It doesn't quite live up to the hype, or the reputation of its sister, Le Pichet. The food here is (has gotten?) a bit sloppy and oily. Taste is okay, if a little one note-ish. This weekend, we ordered the charcuterie (bland meats and dried out cornichons), an extremely oily and salty french onion soup, and a mayo-laden endive salad with no acid balance.
(3)
Briana K.

Great food, great service, hostess too cool to care.
(4)
Michael M.

Not much has changed since my last review, at least quantity wise. The food is still good to great, I still enjoy coming here, and drinks are always tasty. What have I noticed that's better? The service. I was a bit harsh in my last review, and, in my opinion, with good cause. I have since been back enough times, and at enough different times of day, to conclude that the staff has really put in work to be good to the customer, even if they're not a regular. And did I mention the food?
(4)
Victor H.

I can't fully describe how much I like this place. The food, the coffee, the atmosphere.... the only thing I want to do when I'm here is not rush and just enjoy the moment. If that's not France than I don't know what is. My favorites: Oleuf Plats, jambon, guyere Pomme Frites (my favorite pomme frites thus far when they cook it right, once in awhile... it's not as crispy as I would like but for the most part they do a good job) Chocolate Baguette Their Sardine Sandwich (not sure what the name is) is also one of my favorites. Just come and enjoy yourself. Maybe even turn off that cell phone and enjoy a good book or a good conversation. Whatever you do, take your time and enjoy what this place has to offer.
(5)
Cleo J.

I love you Cafe Presse! Ambience, waitstaff, great business hours, sibling to one of my other favorite Seattle restaurants (Le Pichet)...I can't eat most of the food here due to Celiac...but the coffee, drinks, salads I've had here have all been wonderful and I always just feel happy to be here and give them my money. Love!
(4)
Julian V.

Super good. Awesome awesome atmosphere. I know it sounds girly, but I had the Croque Madame which was really awesome. The bechamel was good. The kicker about this place is that it's pricy. Definitely a two-dollar sign kind of place, but it's a really cool place to enjoy. They even have a newstand with magazines for purchase.
(4)
jean L.

Good, solid French bar food. It would be pretty standard food in France, but it's really nice to have a place like this in Seattle. Great for lunch or dinner. Better than le Pichet in Belltown in my opinion. Their standard drip coffee is not great however. Maybe the espresso is better.
(4)
Brian M.

After seeing all the great reviews I had to step into Paris at Cafe Press. A very laid back vibe at this cozy cafe that gives a parisian experience that lets you slow down and enjoy your great but simple meal as it compliments the conversation with your dining partner. While we waited for our food they brought out a bottle of water, Peanuts with a coating of season that had a kick but good, great crusty french bread and of coarse butter on the side. It took me a while to go over the menu, being unfamiliar with the food and even more unfamiliar with the French language that populated the menu which I did like seeing French words but it made it (obviously) difficult for me to understand the selections. just reading the English description it left a lot to the imagination but being a Yelper I went with the experience. I ordered the Å’ufs plats, jambon, fromage, It's a thin long slice of Baked Ham with boiled sunnyside up eggs placed on top with melted gruyere cheese. It was very flavorful but simple with every bite that was incredibly fantastic as the first bite. After reading good reviews of there Chocolate Chaude and Coffee ,We tried to hit two birds with one stone so we ordered Mocha's. They were terrible! at least for my/our taste. There was no taste of Mocha and it tasted like pure bitter dark espresso with a acidic taste as if it came from the depths of my bile. We commented the issue to the waitress and even before we said why the waitress asked "are they too bitter?" seems like it was a common complaint or she knew the barista made it too strong but she gladly took them from us and personally brewed us new Mocha's. They were Much better a tad stronger then I personally like but it was good and very tolerable then the previous one but I am a light wight as I am not a Seattle Coffee-aholic. I also noticed if you order what you know it's actually not going to be something you know, a little different. I don't know if it's there style or If I just know the U.S version of some items but go with the flow and the experience. My Dining and I talk and lounge even after we paid which was very affordable. No rush as they replenish a bottle of water for us to enjoy. The sun was fading into dusk as candles start to appear.. We strolled out back into the fanatic world with a slower pace. Over all good experience and there is so much more I want to try.I'll differently will take another trip to Cafe Press.
(4)
Mimi L.

This is my second time at Cafe Presse. My first impression of this place was that it seems like a great neighborhood cafe. I've only been here for dinner but would love to come here for breakfast on the weekend. The food: simple, good French food at a decent price. I liked my duck confit with lentils. So much flavor in that little dish. The charcuterie was also good to share. My bf had the steak frites and we thought the steak was too chewy. Other things on their menu worth trying are the eggs with mayonaise (like a French version of devil eggs) and the Croque Madame which my friend really liked. The wines here are decent and price is fair. Oh, I also like that they serve real French butter. Still need to try their crepes.
(4)
Damien H.

I can't think of a single thing to change here, besides moving it closer to my neighborhood! There are many French places around, but this is something special, because it's comfortable. Sure I still can barely understand the menu, but it doesn't matter here. The hipster servers are attentive with the perfect amount of friendly. Everything I've had here has been perfect, came out quickly, and they probably didn't even need to clean my dish after I was done. A nice wine selection, and newsstand give you the idea that you won't be rushed out, so it's a great place to sit, chat, drink, and nosh.
(5)
Mr. Met s.

BEST french breakfast EVER Croque Madame and Monsieur were MADE TO PERFECTION. The Madame has it's egg perfectly meshed in with the melted high quality cheese on it's toasty yet soft bread. It was ultimate PLEASURE. The frites were pretty good too. Nuff said' with 400+ reviews
(5)
Marie L.

My husband and I tried out this place on Thursday night around 8:30pm. We had been here once before and I thouroughly enjoyed my wine, cheese plate, and dinner but my husband's experience was tarnished by the fact that he didn't realize he ordered the "cold" chicken dinner plate and didn't understand why it needed to be cold. Needless to say I had the steak tartar and my husband had the clams. I had the red Beaujolais which was smooth and yummy. We startered out with the rillettes de porc and were both a little hesitant to add in the solidified fat placed on the side but it was actually quite good. I would recommend adding a small amount at a time to determine what you like. The steak was delicious and considering it was a pretty heavy helping I still ate a good majority of it which would explain the number it did on my body over the next week; good probiotics. The salad was different but complimented the flavors from the steak such as the various herbs and capers. The fries were too much and were given to the other mouth at the table. Although I have been thoroughly impressed by the food and atmosphere on more than one occasion it is quite spendy and that's with no dessert and one drink a piece.
(4)
Mike B.

Their menu is up and down, but honestly, whose is perfect across the board? And the best things there - they're incredible: the tissue thin tongue on the charcuterie plate [they could stand to give you a bit more], the foie [when ordered on its own, served with cornichon, cherries, mustard and baguette, it's a great value], the steak frites [or just the frites, dipped in mayonnaise of course], and the croque madame [always madame - who wouldn't want the egg] - I find that I don't stray too far from my usual order, but it always satisfies.
(4)
Sara L.

Right - everyone else talks about the food, or the drinks, or the waitstaff, or the 'ambience', etc. Let's talk about what's truly important here - soccer. I come here to watch The Beautiful Game. This place gets 5 stars alone for reliably showing international matches of all different leagues in a decent place. That this restaurant serves good food and great coffee is just icing on the cake. It's great to find a place to watch matches from England, France, Spain, Italy, South America - as well as our own beloved MLS - without it being filled with drunk 'SOCCER - SERIOUS BUSINESS' jock brutes, or the holier-than-thou 'I have been following Real Madrid before you were born; you are not worthy to talk to me' types. Just happy people eating good food and watching soccer being played half a planet away and enjoying it all. (However, for the record, I had the Baguette with Melted Bittersweet Chocolate, and Drip Coffee. Both were excellent, especially the baguette.)
(5)
Carly L.

This place? Awesomeness! After finally relenting in the war of parking on Cap Hill and paying in a lot, I hurried down 12th as it was FREEZING, and into the warmth of Cafe Presse to meet my date. It was packed, as it was a Saturday night, but our server was always making sure we were taken care of. I spent a long time looking at the menu and decided on the French Onion Soup. Cheesy goodness, mouthgasm good. I was a little too excited to eat it, and burnt my tongue, but I persevered and enjoyed every last bit of it. My date got the cauliflower soup, which he enjoyed, but we both liked my soup better. They have a fantastic menu, and our delightful server told us the desserts, and they all sounded divine, but the soup made little Miss Carly full. Also, they have a great wine menu, and drink menu as well. It would be a great spot to have some breakfast. I will be back and maybe this time I can sit next to the guy in the Chewbaca jacket again. And no, that wasn't my date.
(4)
Brad H.

The waiter was on top of the water, which I am a big fan of. The gin and tonic was very average, but I ordered the well gin. The salad with hazelnuts was good, if a bit bitter for my taste, but my friend's salad had a bug crawling in there: they apologized and replaced it pronto. My guess from the high-quality of the lettuce is that it is local and the restaurant did not do a good enough job washing the salad this time. I had the clams with chorizo in a clam broth for my main course ($13 or $14). It was very interesting, the clams were well-cleaned and well-cooked. It was filling enough when added to the peanuts and bread that it came with (he may have ordered the peanuts before I got there; I did not ask my friend and he paid.) I don't freak out about a bug crawling in the salad, not a big deal and things happen; I hope they comped it but again I didn't pay so I did not see the receipt. BUT this is my second time here and I think that it is overrated. I had a croque monsieur in August and it WAS very good, but skimpy on the meat and more expensive compared to other french/belgian croque-style sandwiches (Brouwers), and not enough better in quality to top others. I hate to rate them a "2" star and was leaning towards three, but I was open to going again tonight after a "so-so" experience last time and if the company had not been someone I had not seen in a long time and was really happy to catch up with, I would have been a bit disappointed in the evening. So "Meh. I've experienced better."
(2)
E A.

I'm glad to see so many positive reviews of Cafe Presse because they deserve it much more than the one they got from my fellow Yelper who went on and on about how "awkward" her experience there was. There's plenty to enjoy at Presse. It's the consummate Capitol Hill restaurant, cramped and fun. It has a certain charm ... the elegant dÃ©cor contrasts the simple menu that looks and tastes just like what I ate during the six months I lived in France. It may be annoying that they don't do substitutions, but it was pretty awesome when the waitress let me commandeer an extra table for more space when I was there for lunch recently. I just about died when I say Stacy E's comment on Presse: "Oh, and then they brought my tea, which was EARL GREY, not Chinese Breakfast. FML!!!! Again, I was too much of a pussy to say anything so I wouldn't have to endure any more awkwardness or be seen as whiny. But still." "But still" what? If they give you the wrong tea, say so! The greatest frustration for restaurant professionals is seeing scathing reviews from people who openly admit they had a problem with their meal but didn't address it in the moment. If there's a mistake, let someone know! Otherwise the restaurant has no opportunity to correct it. Ms. E is not the first person to criticize service at CafÃ© Presse. I've been there many times; I've had great service and I've had not-so-great service. But I like the place and I hate to see it dragged down by someone who doesn't have the cojones to say, "Hey, you gave me the wrong kind of tea."
(4)
Adam V.

If this place was not only a few blocks from the apartment building where my husband and I reside I would still venture there almost daily to feast on the gruyere sandwich and a corpse reviver #2 to wash it down with. Best Meal EVER!
(5)
Dennis B.

It is my opinion that Seattle, and specifically Capitol Hill, has become homogenized in the 2000s. Stepping into Cafe Presse is like stepping into Seattle 15 years ago. There is an edge that is part leftover grunge, part French feeling: heavy on the ambiance. I had lunch there and NOBODY looked "attractive" or suburban. Tattoos, piercing, bad hair bad hygiene and a lot of hard looking staff and customers.....and I loved it! Even the baby in a stroller a few tables away had a cool edge. The food, service and price were great, to boot! I will go back in a Paris minute.
(4)
Andy F.

I am a big fan of Presse for brunch, although I go elsewhere for lunch and dinner. The rillettes is thick and country style, the coffee always arrives quickly, and the staff are adept at seating my regular party of four. Space gets tight when the SU campus is full of students and visiting friends and family members, and when there is European soccer (I think they call it football) is on the TV the best seating is found in the back room if you're aiming to have a conversation.
(4)
Kevin W.

The menu did say it would take an hour.... A very good friend took me here for dinner, and I found this place pretty interesting. Perhaps it was because it was pride weekend, but there seemed to be a definite divide between yuppie gay men and self-righteous hipsters. I was expecting an epic battle, but only a contained argument matured. I could see this being a great brunch/lunch spot, or place to relax out on the patio, but for dinner, I don't think I'd return. The food here is fine, but not exceptional or memorable. The atmopshere is fine- could be better, but not bad. The thing that sort of puts the nail in the coffin for me with this place is the seating proximity. Accoustics make the place loud, and having the tables arranged with barely enough room for a tiny little asian girl to squeeze through is silly.
(3)
Hilary P.

One of my favorite spots in Cap Hill. I can't get enough of their white bean soup with prawns. Seriously- party in ya mouth. They could be a little less stingy with the succulent prawns tho, and perhaps add more than two to the equation. Plus don't they know the odd numbers rule??? haha Also, the pate/bing cherry app is pretty dope. Service is pretty good, but can lack late at night when people get a little bitchy and just want to go home already. The crowd is funny. It's like yuppy meets hipster. A good place to people watch and eavesdrop if you're into that sort of thing (who me?? Nahhh!) Go here- iz good.
(4)
Veronica W.

Perfect for breakfast and brunch, not a ton of options for dinner, but you can never go wrong with their steak tartar.
(4)
Brent E.

This place is expensive. Unfortunately, a majority of your bill is probably going towards rent. I tried to get an affordable lunch here, but failed miserably, ending up with a cheese sandwich on baguette, fries, and a sparkling water. $16 later, I felt hosed. The thinly sliced GruyÃ¨re cheese on my 'wich may have been authentic, but I paid way too much for way too little. Have fun eating that duck, rich folks! I'm outta here.
(2)
Kathryn C.

We didn't get a chance to dine in - we only had time to order take out and so of course, we ordered croque madames. Duhhh! It smelled so good, we just HAD to eat in the car. Greasy, rich and oh so satisfying!!! The only thing that makes me sad is that we didn't get to try the other items on the menu.
(4)
Andrea J.

Brunch at Presse has the power to start my day off on the right foot. Likewise, late night dinner has salvaged dissapointing nights out. They serve what my battered copy of Joy of Cooking, describes as a "delicate french sauce" (hint, hint begins with an "m") with french fries. Their omelettes are cooked with loads of butter until they are perfectly done. The croques are the standard by which I measure all other croques. Salads are heavenly - light and refreshing and flavorful. I'm going to Paris in a couple of weeks and I'll see how Presse measures up.
(5)
Nathan T.

This is absolutely the epitome of the modern French bistro ideal. A lot of places try so hard to be perfectly French with the right turn of the century look and feel and all of the classic dishes, but Cafe Presse just takes its French roots for granted and is moving forward with the times. There is great energy here and the food is really good. Some quick comments on individual dishes: - Pain au Chocolat- Very simple, very nice. - Yogurt with Honey & Walnuts- This is a really simple dish, and it offers great flavor and texture. Something nice and light for breakfast or a late night snack. - Asparagus Salad- Served with a light vinaigrette this is just phenomenal in season. - Steak tartare- nice classic preparation. - Steak frites- I think the frites are pretty good; not knockout, but solid. The steak is fairly traditional, being a bit tough, and they always serve it the right temperature. However, I don't much care for the red pepper sauce they provide...I would prefer perhaps beurre rouge instead. This place is loud and boisterous and can feel a bit cramped, but that's exactly what a bistro should be! I find the service to be efficient and mature, although certainly not opulent. The never-ending water bottles on the table are much appreciated too. I do think there are other bistros in town that probably put a bit more care into their food, but I find it hard to fault Cafe Presse given how comfortable an experience they have crafted around the food. I look forward to working my way through the rest of the menu.
(5)
Ken E.

The main draw for me to visit Cafe Presse was that I could watch soccer during the day while drinking coffee and eating French cafe food. Fado and George & the Dragon are also good but the well-lit space was a nice change. There were plenty of open stools at the bar in front of the TV and the servers were friendly and very observant, especially the woman with the short hair. An added bonus was that they were playing New Order songs. I had the ham and beschamel sandwich with broiled gruyere on top. It was good. Next time I want to try the baguette sandwich.
(5)
Patrick K.

This place is great for breakfast, and I love the taste value of the food. Definitely going to keep coming here. One nit, I had the Raclette last night and it was a mess. I wouldn't order it. For those of you not familiar with Raclette, it usually is little sandwiches with cheese you put in an oven. At Cafe Press, its a pan of cheese that you are supposed to put on the plate of sides. The execution, frankly speaking, sucks, there is no good way to enjoy this interpretation of the dish. I hope they fix it, because i was pretty disappointed.
(4)
Michael E.

Indeed, it is Le Pichet's little sibling and they do it so well. Great french cafe food in a modern atmosphere. Value Added: Magazines and Papers for purchase, it makes it a great place to pop into solo, or to chill and read with someone. Simple Fair: A friend and I were full of Skillet Street Breakfast down the hill in South Lake Union but felt like some desert. We did a Pain au Chocolate (french bread toasted with thick chocolate sauce in the middle) and a brioche that remind us of a Smurf's House. Very good and very french. BUT! Just next door, our next destination, Stumptown Coffee puts the Cafe Press Coffee Vita to shame, and I like Vita. You can't get a french press at Cafe Presse, isn't that counterintuitive? So, get your coffee next door and your french on at Cafe Presse.
(4)
candice s.

HORRIBLE - a place where policy trumps service A friend wanted brunch at Presse with friends for her birthday so I was to make it happen. First, I call and say we have 15-20 for brunch at 9am on Saturday, April X - can we make a reservation? No - we don't do AM reservations. OK, I reply but FYI - there will be 15-20 of us for brunch at 9am on Saturday, April X; NP there are no reservations. I'm told the manager will call me back. The manager calls me back. She lets me know they don't take reservations for the AM but they will do what they care for us. Good enough for me. I am told about the tip policy, no sep checks, and that if we need 'em, they have candles. Great! I order a $50 cake from Macrina and picked-it-up at 8am the day of. We get there a little early, cake and presents in hand. Immediately, we're asked if we're the large party. I tell them yes and I'm told, "You're in the back." I pause. Where is the back? I've never been here before. I ask if it's obvious where we are and if I head this way, as I pass our "greeter." I'm told it's to the left. We find it - not like it's a big place; and not like it's a warm welcome... We're early so we hang-out, awaiting guest. The "greeter" notices our cake box and informs me there's a $3 per person charge for "outside food." What? I tell her that we weren't told of this charge and that there must be some mistake. She tells me she'll call the manager. I say, "Great!" At some point the server (who is OK but not good), the "greeter"/manager caller never returns, tells us that the manager told whomever Why would I pay $100 to serve cake?! ($50 for cake, $3pp * 15-20 people.) His reply? Nothing. Not an, "I'm sorry." No negotiation. NOTHING. My bf kindly takes the cake to the car. I am steamed. I don't say a word to the birthday girl and we proceed to have a mediocre meal that was not served well. HALF our group, who ordered at the same time as the rest - didn't get their food until the other half was finished! What a horrible experience at a place I will NEVER, EVER go to again and neither will many of the other 11 people who were there. And for what? Their policy, the one they didn't tell me about? We could've gotten over the OK service and given a pass or second-try on the food but ruining a birthday deserves no do-over.
(1)
Mikiko T.

Cannot start a meal without their fantastic chicken liver pÃ¢tÃ©! It is comes with cherry compote, stone ground mustard and some cornichions. Everything they serve is really tasty and honestly, I think they are quite reasonable! Friendly staff, great service, I highly recommend Cafe Press!
(5)
Frances T.

Ouch! I hate to be the one to write a bad review on a place with such great reviews. After a long flight, and with an open-minded empty stomach, I came here with high hopes. With help from a friendly waitress, a friend and I decided to go with the Croque monsieur (Baked ham, gruyere and bÃ©chamel sandwich) and the Steak-Frites (Pan roasted Oregon Natural Beef hanger steak, with fried potatoes, roasted sweet pepper sauce). Maybe my taste buds do not tango with French food very well, but the unfamiliar sauce that came with the Steak-Frites did not hit the spot. We asked for medium-well, and it was served rare. I did not find anything special about the Croque monsieur other than I've never had a ham sandwich with a cheese pizza topping? I was really hungry, and I usually get full easily, but the small portions were just not enough. Sorry.
(2)
Doug C.

Cafe Presse was a little hard to find. It has the small yellow sign and it's right next to Stumptown. I've been by here a number of times, but always thought it was part of Stumptown. The interior is fairly dark and I was sitting near the front, so I can't comment about all of the place. Service was prompt and I was greeted even before I'd sat down. The waiter came by numerous times without being terribly intrusive. I had a latte and what essentially translated into a ham and cheese omelet. The latte was good and would measure up to the Seattle standards of coffee. The omelet was a bit lacking, although certainly reasonable. Portions were a little small. I think I finished the omelet in 60 seconds or less. Although I was here in the morning, the late operating hours (2 am) are a bonus. I saw some laptop workers, so I'm going to assume free WiFi here.
(4)
Steven F.

I didn't realize this place attracted so many soccer fans!! Awesome!! Breakfast: Broiled eggs with ham. Great way to start the day. My next visit I'll have to try the egg over the sandwich. That looked even better! Friendly, nice staff. Busy joint with open seats.
(4)
Kevin A.

This place looks like a small cafe from the outside, but once I walked inside and went into the main dining area, I realized how much of full restaurant it is. Our group shared many of the entrees. The roasted chicken was delicious: the skin was crispy, and the meat really tender and juicy. There's a lot to be said about something so simple and delicious. We also shared the steak tartar, which was also really fresh and tasty. At the conclusion of the meal we shared several some chocolate bread, which was sliced French bread with a rich, thick chocolate sauce in between. Overall, a really great dining experience with friendly service and great food.
(5)
Eugene C.

This place is as schizophrenic as they come. Sometimes I come here and they have great food and service. Other times I come, the food and drinks are good, but the service is crap. Other times I come there is a trifecta of badness (drinks, food and service). Overall I have to give this place a solid 3. I don't rate any of the small dishes very highly, except for the fries (frites) which are very good and the bread with butter. I think the bread is free though. The rest of the small dishes are pretty much a waste of money, you can spend that money better elsewhere like IHOP down the street. However, their $3.50 glasses of wine counter balance the not-so-good food. One of the last times I went, I had to deal with the most pretentious bartender. All I asked was a strong drink for me and my friend, and I got the most full-of-himself bullshit answer. He rambled on about how "cafe presse isn't a place to get trash" if I wanted to I should go elsewhere. There are plenty of times in a man's life where he just wants a strong drink to either jar him from reality or to reality. It's no big deal, but this guy made it into something far greater than it should have been. Another bartender played nice when the punk wasn't looking. Water under the bridge. It doesn't change the fact that everything material about Cafe Presse like the decor, space and customers seem very well mannered and nice. Even the ambiance is pretty darn good. However, the place starts lacking when it comes to atleast the smaller dishes of the place. Eh... to sum it up quickly, grab a couple small dishes to nibble on, I fully recommend the frites. Then grab a few cheap glasses of wine then move along to the next place. =)
(3)
Will L.

I joined a group for a bday. And yes I knew them this time. I wasn't just pretending to know someone, trying to get free cake like all those other bdays I've joined. At first it took a while for me to get noticed, as my companions must have just ordered and the servers probably didn't notice one extra body in a mass of revelers. Once I did get the server's attention, it never was a problem again. Also, it turns out that one of the gals has performed in a venue with some friends of mine. Always fun to run into other entertainers. I had house wine. Ordered something french, and hoped and prayed I wouldn't be disappointed. Or disgusted. Whatever it was called, it was a thin sliced ham with pickles, and pretty tasty. My companions all ordered random items, including a ham sandwich that had an egg on top, a fish plate, bread, oysters, baked chicken and frites. I tried all save the fish plate, and all was good. We then ordered everything on the dessert menu: pistacchio ice cream, apple sorbet, a hot liquid chocolate with whipped cream, ginger bread. Again, all was delicious. I was ready down the liquid chocolate, guzzle it like a light beer on a hot day after mowing an acre of lawn, but I had a feeling I'd get chocolate all over my face and require wet naps and a nanny. Well, if they could get me someone in a french maid outfit, that would be pretty swell. Ooo lala! Nice little spot, servers did their best to keep up with our group. Great buzz in the place.
(4)
Jeannette G.

The Dish: * Simple, very Parisian cafÃ© vibe. You can even grab your favorite magazine or newspaper for purchase right at the door. * Reasonable prices * Fun, hipster crowd * I recommend the Croque madame and wine selection * It can get very busy on the weekends so plan ahead
(3)
Paul M.

Wow, they have some unbelievable French Onion Soup here. I think this should pretty much be the the definition. Very rich, but delicious, I couldn't even imagine the calories in it, but it was awesome. It's a nice spot for brunch or even a late night snack/drink. I enjoy the atmosphere and the food is really good as well. Good french bread and fresh butter. I like the water in the bottles, a nice touch, although dislike the city-water taste and that it isn't quite cold water. We also tried the pomme frittes which were overdone, although still good. Our waiter was a bit snobby, but hey it's a french restaurant right?
(4)
Amanda L.

I go here once a week for lunch. I'm a vegetarian so I can't eat a lot of stuff on the menu, but they're very accomodating about fixing it for you. The omelette is amazing, the frites and home doctored mayo are delicious, and the hazelnut vinagrette is probably the best salad dressing I've ever had. There are delicious delicious ever changing desserts that aren't on the menu, just make sure to ask your server what they are. And it doesn't hurt the place that everyone that works there is ridiculously good looking... even the cooks. You want some good food, good wine, and a room full of eye candy pretending they like you to get a tip... Presse. Go to Presse.
(5)
Justin B.

I hope that Seattleites who frequent this joint really appreciate what they have here. It is little wonder to me why middle America was caught up in Franco-phobia in the recent past. For us poorly traveled Americans, our primary exposure to their culture, as with others, is with their food. Here in the midwest those few French restaurants to be found are of the haute cuisine variety. All feature the same aloof waiters, dress codes, infinitesimal portions of food barely recognizable from its natural state, sauces served from squeeze bottles, truffle oil, etc. Sure, there is a time and a place for this: twice a year. Given this, is it any surprise that a rancher in Kansas figures the French are all prissy elitists? However, it must be that even in the ElysÃ©e Palace, they aren't eating like this three times a day. I've never been Jacques Q Public in Paris before...but I imagine CafÃ© Presse gave me a good feel for it. This my friends, is how it's done. The food at CafÃ© Presse is elegant by our standards, yet it's real and approachable. The croque madame is terrific. To my fellow Ohioans, that would be a fried egg sammich. It's a damned good one. Amazing also was the "crispy preserved duck leg on lentils simmered with bacon, watercress and shallot butter". Ham, bacon, duck, butter, eggs, cheese...see a trend? This is how someone who works with their hands wants to eat... one with high standards. The assiette de charcuterie was great, the terrine and rillette were standouts. I envy you Seattleites. This restaurant, like your town is casual, unpretentious, earthy, and a great place to find yourself...but first you're going to be searching for parking.
(5)
Patrick C.

Fun environment and delicious albeit limited menu. If you like eggs and cheese this is your place. Right next to stumptown for great coffee while you wait.
(4)
chris m.

THE place for late night non-fried food. The croque madame is superb, coffee is decent (doesn't compare to neighboring stumptown - but stumptown closes stupid early). The other food I've had there falls in the ok category - the omelette's are very yummy at 1am, but have a harder time competing during the day, especially considering the price point. Service can be annoyingly slow, but open till 2 am is saving grace!
(4)
Olive G.

I'll have to confess I am little puzzled by all the people that love this place. The coffee and pastries are good, but beyond that I haven't been impressed. The soup was pricey, but not very good. I've had a few other things that were lackluster as well. I went there with a friend who had just come back from spending a few years in France, and the waiter was sort of pompously trying to tell him about how the French do things, until of course my friend mentioned he was living there and called him on his b.s.
(2)
Dylan M.

I might be in the minority here. I got the steak and it was nothing but fat and gristle. For a $17 meal I was expecting a little better.
(2)
Josh P.

I've gone to Cafe Presse countless times over the last couple years. I live only 5 or so blocks away, and even if it was 10 times more distant, I probably would have told you that it was worth the trip. The croque madame, french fries, and Stella Artois triple threat is unbeatable, especially when you're taking in a World Cup game. That being said, one should note that I never felt compelled to write a review of this place. The same cannot be said anymore. The last 5 times I've visited, I've been with my girlfriend. Each time has been a disappointment for one reason or another, and I feel like it's getting worse every time. In order of least to most important: 1. The croque madame has been routinely burnt. 2. When it's not scorched, there's something else wrong with it, like the meat going south, for instance. 3. Most importantly, the service is dreadful. I'm not usually one to be demanding customer, but at a certain point, my reluctance to be seen as needy is overcome by their loathsome behavior. a) To specifically point out people, the two gray haired folks (one woman, one man) always seem to be carrying a tremendous amount of resentment towards anyone that makes a request. One time I asked very politely if I could have more aioli and ketchup because I knew I'd want it, and I'd save them the later request. The guy didn't even nod to me. No verbal or non verbal signals were transmitted to me saying "yes I heard you paying customer. I will get that for you." b) The saga of rudeness continues in "The gray haired manager strikes back." He walks around with this air of smugness/aloofness that is incredibly off-putting, at least to most human beings. I know other reviewers have noted this. He does realize he's not actually in france, right? I guess they have clout to burn, as Presse is seen as the ****. Well, keep on burning. Eventually there won't be customers, much less a 40 minute wait for a carafe of refined tap water and some mayo with paprika. c) They do realize it's a restaurant, right? They can't be bothered with a few harmless questions. Catering to the reasonable needs of their customers isn't just one of the things they're charged with doing, it's pretty much the ONLY job they have. That being said, a lot of the servers are very nice sweet people, but I think the people running the show have grown tired and bitter. Time for regime change.
(2)
Jeremiah J.

Great low key brunch spot! I love the atmosphere, french food offerings and drinks. They often are playing soccer games and the staff is always friendly- Definitely a good go-to place to have under your belt
(4)
Jaclyn B.

Absolutely perfect every time I come in. Food is always great, and the cocktails are always amazing. The perfect place to take out-of-towners, friends, anyone!!!
(5)
E. P.

I ditto much of what has already been said about Cafe Presse - excellent wine selection, value priced, lovely fresh menu, customer -friendly with their reservation system and flexible seating options, well located, and comfortable to dine in. And the chocolate mousse. My lord. What I will add to the ongoing praise of Presse is the incredible service I have received from the owners in planning a special event at the restaurant. Not only have they provided creative suggestions and menu options, they have also been consistently professional with their outstanding communication and organization. Working with Presse is a breath of fresh air. You can just relax and know that you and your party will have a great time and will be happy and well fed. Bravo Presse.
(5)
Bev L.

A little slice of Paris in Seattle. From the moment we entered, we felt transported back to a cafe in St. Germain. We ordered the croque madame and croque monsieur with a side of pomme frites and onion soup. Excellent! I love it that the food was so wonderful, yet reasonably priced. We'll definitely be back. If I could give 4.5 stars, I would. The only little criticism I have is that our server had a bit of an attitude. Maybe the food isn't the only thing French... C'est la vie!
(4)
Reese C.

A friend and her boyfriend came into town from San Francisco and we were looking for a little breakfast spot....We drove past Cafe Presse and it turned out to be a great idea. We sat in the back which has such high ceilings and tons of natural light. You can stare at the trees through the windows while you sip their delicious coffee, eat croque monsieur, pomme frites and anything else that floats your french boat. :)
(4)
Shari d.

A quaint eatery located in Capitol Hill that in my mind was just OK. I wished I could rate it higher because I really wanted to love this place. Went for dinner and made reservations for 7pm. We were promptly seated and after scanning the menu decided to order the French Onion Soup, Croque Madame, Hangar Steak, and the pate for a starter. Overall the tastes were good and simple...flavors were what we expected and generally speaking we were happy with the taste. I wish I could say the same for the price. The French Onion Soup was $11 and it was just OK. For $11 we expected it to be a WOW...but it was just OK. It was served with what looked like wonder bread with melted cheese. The sandwich was decent but not worth $8 and the steak was prematurely cut causing the wonderful juices to flow out onto the plate. I will come back and on the recommendation of a friend try to share the smaller plates rather than the entree plates.
(3)
Colleen W.

About 50% of this morning's clientele ordered the croque monsieur or madame. I now know why...it's tres magnifique.
(3)
Yuliana A.

I'm a huge fan of simple French bistro food, and boy does Cafe Presse deliver! Going to Cafe Presse reminds me of Paris' many bistro and the food doesn't disappoint either. I usually go there for brunch - Croque Madame or the broiled ham, cheese, and egg with a cup of cappuccino. The atmosphere is also great...cute place really. However, I'm not a huge fan of their dinner menu. I think it's slightly overpriced and unmemorable. So skip the dinner crowd and come here on weekend mornings! And if you're not a fan of simple food, beware...Cafe Presse might not be your cup of tea :)
(4)
Sarah H.

Exactly what I want in a neighborhood French bistro, perfection! The food is delicious, drinks are plentiful and atmosphere is casual yet cosmopolitan. I think I've tried just about everything on the menu. I love the sardine sandwich and the chicken liver terrine... yum!! Omelets and salads are also delicious. Coupled with a glass of wine or a pastis pretty much makes a perfect meal day or night (even late night!).
(5)
Angie B.

I've been here twice & can say it's one of my all time favorites. The true french menu, flavors & bistro feel scream Paris. But the friendly, quick service & reasonable prices are the OPPOSITE of Paris, which is a great thing. You have to love anywhere you can purchase a glass, demi-pichet, pichet or bottle of wine. So many choices! The charcuterie & cheese options are great & both times I have had the poisson du jour (fish of the day) - both very tasty. And it is walking distance to the Garage, which can make for a fun little night out.
(5)
Gene B.

Cafe Presse isn't what I expected it to be, more coffee house than cafe, but the menu reminds me of a lot of places I've been to in Paris, if the building itself doesn't. I had a croque madame (grilled ham sandwich topped with a white sauce, Gruyere and an egg sunny side up), which I'm quite fond of and they do them right here! The frites, while all right, would not pass muster in France. They must be some of those freedom fries I heard so much about during the Bush administration. All in all, for the same price you'd pay for a dried out turkey and Havarti sandwich at Starbuck's you can have something truly delicious at Cafe Presse.
(3)
Shannon W.

A great place for dinner before going out on the hill. It's small but I had my birthday dinner here a couple months ago and they handled my group of 20ish very well (they have a back room too which is not immediately apparent). Our server was nice and prompt but not attentive to the annoying point (good news). Croque Madame! Oh delicious croque madame! Cheese browned just right, eggy goodness, delicious bread, reasonable price, what more could I ask for? Drinks are strong enough, fairly priced, and they also have a couple decent beers on tap. The vibe and decor is sort of dark and sexy, which I just happen to enjoy.
(5)
Jennifer M.

Cafe Presse is wonderful! Definitely a "The Spot" hitter. If you're planning to do brunch here, make sure you here early. I usually have to wait 20+ minutes for a table for 4 if I show up at 10AM. Double that if there's a match on. If you do happen to get there when there is a long wait, I highly suggest you stick around. You won't be sorry! The food is delish (love the cheese platter), there is a great selection of spirits, and the atmosphere is very friendly.
(5)
Safa S.

Authentic... like eating in Paris again! Only thing they could improve is to make brie sandwiches... TiP: ask to eat in the back, so you can see the windows with the trees.... more pretty than the front. Ordered: - Fomage plate from france...(9 out of 10) - Poison du jour: with gren beans, hazelnuts and candied lemon brown butter..an amazing dish...buttery and unhealthy but gets a 9 out 10 - Poelon aux crevettes, pastis et sauce tomate: 2 egs broiled in skilet with prawns, herbs, tom sauce...(8.5 out of 10) - Rubarb cream pie... (9.5 out of 10) - Drinking chocolate...(9.5 out of 10)
(5)
Amber P.

The food was awesome, the service was OK, but THEY CHARGED FOR "JUICE" IN MY COCKTAIL!!!!!!! What the heck is that? Quinn does it too and it's the biggest load of crap I've ever heard of. $7 for Maker's PLUS .75 for Ginger Ale, you've gotta be kidding me. I'll go back for the food, but I absolutely refuse to ever order alcohol again. Sorry Cafe Presse, this English girl can hold her booze, and she'll be holding it elsewhere!
(2)
Erika A.

I'm so happy Presse is open! As far as I know, this space was previously empty and it (along with Stumptown coffee next door) has turned this area into a little but more happenin' place. It is very reasonably priced, and the food is quality and unique. I have gotten the baguette and wine on a couple occasions and I left satisfied for under 7$! It is Delicious and the portions are the perfect size. It actually reminded me of being in France.
(4)
Rachelle F.

nice atmosphere. i wish they served nutella on their baguette instead of dark chocolate.
(3)
Ann M.

simple and good
(3)
Mayann A.

I have loved this place since the day it opened & I would give this place five stars but Its gotten so hyped up recently that you cant just drop-in to dine or have a drink on the weekend eves anymore. Not anyone's fault in the least (congrats to them!) but needing to have a reservation on a Sat. night was pretty dissappointing to my sister and I after I picked her up fr a long day of work one night. It used to be more sanctimoniously casual- in fact it was cap hill's best kept secret for a short while- with a great Parisian-inspired menu at a fabulous price... those frites and lil salads are divine! Just be aware, the way "IT" spots go, you'll have to call in ahead during high time if you dont want to wait for a long while. That's my only "complaint". AND HEY, cut the staff a little slack on their service, the volume has been more than expected and they work their asses off. I've always had friendly service and small mistakes are FORGIVABLE.
(4)
Caitlin B.

this is one of my favorite restaurants in seattle. it's like happy hour all day long! the wine is very cheap, and very good. the food is thoughtful, and also inexpensive. i have only had one thing that i didn't like in the many times i have eaten here (the tuna salad). and i love their new outdoor patio.
(4)
ham a.

one of my favorite places! wish this was closer to my neighborhood. great charcuterie....mmmm, chicken liver pate
(5)
Sally T.

I've read too many good reviews of this place. The idea is nice: an authentic French bistro. But, I've tried it twice and it isn't even close to the real thing. The food varies between mediocre and downright bad. I wouldn't waste my time there again (and I'm a Le Pichet fan). Last time we ate there we have oeufs mayonaisse and onion soup. I've been to France many times and I've never had anything close to the versions they served at Cafe Presse. The oeufs mayonaisse consisted of an egg that was suffocated in about a cup of something that could not have been homemade mayo. It tasted exactly like Best Foods. The onion soup from Juia Child, an easy recipe, is ten times richer with a hint of wine, small garlicky round of baguette and good gruyere. The Cafe Presse soup consisted of a huge saturated piece of brown bread with a little soup and a lot of cheese. The steak I had the first time I went there was just okay. The wine was drinkable. Both times the waitresses were slow. The music was too loud to comfortably talk and the backroom was cold. Sorry but those of you who rave about this place need to get back on a plane to France and re-adjust your taste buds.
(2)
Carol P.

I love this place. It's a true French Bistro open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Simple, but wonderful and inexpensive food. I drop in often. Also, they have a full-service bar.
(5)
Sarah S.

This is a fabulous restaurant to pop into for a taste of French cuisine without some of the jellied mystery meats and high prices that might accompany the same dish on the other side of the Atlantic. I've experienced less than exemplary service 2 out of 5 times I've visited but it's still worth giving it a try.
(4)
Derek R.

Went here one night cause it was a little later and my bro and I were lookin for some good food...strolled into presse...Ambiance was really cool...almost like being in France...The food...I dunno...coulda been better...We got the pate to start and it was a little overwhelming...they came with the cloves...me not being a big clove fan was blown away by it...we also got beef tartare and an order of frites to accompany... the bartender failed to tell us the tartare came with frites also...so now we're sittin with a shit ton of frites in front of us....we ate them with glee...cause they were damn good... and then proceeded to look over the menu...nothin really jumped out....nor sounded in the least bit interesting...and we like to eat sooooo.....we end up cruisin to some pizza join around the block and gettin a pie....EHH maybe We hit it on a bad night...I dunno....I'll stroll in again if the stars align...
(3)
Formica D.

Inexpensive and tasty food, nice atmosphere, great service. My friend and I sat at the bar facing the front window because we didn't know about the seating area in back. We had dinner and shared a croque monsieur and pommes frites and each had two glasses of wine, all for $30. Even though we sat for two hours and didn't order a ton of food or drinks, the service was attentive without feeling rushed.
(5)
Fuzzy P.

This place takes me back to the little bistros/cafes in Paris but with more modern decor. The food is good French bistro simplicity. Nothing gets better than this: a simple good baguette bread with good butter. Omelettes & Croque madames. And the frites - with mayo!!! The hours are fabulous and so are the prices. I have to say our experience with their service has been pretty good - one crazy Sunday morning they were able to fit 10 of us in a matter of minutes for brunch!
(4)
G S.

We went there recently - super crowded, so thank goodness we had a reservation. I had the raclette and my husband had the steak. We split a delicious salad and didn't have dessert as none sounded so good. I would go back to this place to try other dishes. You have to like being squeezed in amongst tons of other people - a bit clausterphobic. We were in the back room - exposed pipes, things being stored next to our table, etc. Wait staff didn't seem to thrilled to be there. We saw Kathy Goertzen eating at the bar - guess not much happening between the 6 and 11pm news.
(4)
super a.

i love this place. it is withing walking distance and next door to one of the best espresso shops in seattle. the menu is great and they have excellent service. the liquor is top shelf. it is a great place to take lovers for lunch or an excellent and affordable way to impress your out of town friends with international cuisine. again, cafe presse is a magnificent place to go.
(5)
Pieter A.

pretty cool place. well done interior. cool menu. good prices. super friendly staff. and my salad kicked ass along with the drinking chocolate (not as good as sweet and savory, but good)...i also like the fact that its open late... finally this city is getting some decent late night places to eat and such... ill be back soon.
(4)
Savory S.

i can't say enough good things about this place. having lived in paris, cafe presse is better than most parisian cafe's by a long shot. however, as i've only ever been here for brunch and snacks, my review is only half complete. first, the room is great (i've only sat in the front room): lots of light, good decor, nice long bar. the chairs and banquets are all hard wood, but somehow comfortable enough. the service is cheerful and attentive (last time i must have had my coffee cup refilled 12 times, and free bread, butter and jam brought out as well). and the food is a really fine rendition of french cafe staples: super creamy croque monsieurs, great egg dishes, fine butter lettuce w/ hazelnut salad. i think it's the staples that make a good dining experience, and at cafe presse they all succeed: great caffe vita coffee, perhaps the best baguette in seattle (grand central rustic: chewy, tangy, crusty), fine unsalted butter, decent house red. the gruyere and french ham are the real deal as well. plus, you can buy a newspaper or magazine from their stand and put it on your bill. overall, a great france fix when you need one.
(4)
Daniel Y.

you all know how hip this place is. but did you know that their free wifi is SOLID? never a dropped connection, 6mbps down 1mbps up, separate router for customers. this is the best wifi in capitol hill for a place that doesn't specialize in online access. they have plugs in the back room. update on the wifi: now they give you three options. Open (no encryption), WPA, or WPA2. this is unheard of!
(5)
Sharon O.

I had heard such great things about this restaurant from friends who had tried it so I decided to have my birthday dinner there. We had a party of nine. Out of the nine, five ordered the Steak Frites. The first couple bites were good but then my knife would not cut through the meat. So, I tried another spot...same thing. Another spot...same thing. This tough piece was through the rest of the steak. I asked my friends what they thought and it was unanimous that it was a bad cut of steak and that I should sent it back since I had only had 3 bites. I told the waitress and she said she'd have the cook fire up another steak for me. I told her I'd just eat the frites until my new steak was done. Minutes later, she returned saying that she was told the white, tough, tendonous ribbon throughout my steak was common for hanger steak and that the cook would not give me another one. That if I wanted, they would cook my current piece a little more like that would make a difference. A friend of mine, told her that it was my birthday and asked if they could please cook me another steak and she said they wouldn't. Mind you that the other four steaks at the table did not have the same problem as mine. I told her not to bother with putting mine back on the grill. I had completely lost my appetite for it. My group of friends told me they would buy me another dinner but I also told them not to bother because a) I didn't want it anymore (no appetite) and b) I didn't want this establishment with the worst service I had in a long time to get anymore of our money. The waitress came to tell me that she had talked to the manager and that they weren't going to charge me for my dinner...like we would've expected to see it on the bill in the first place. Then, she came back again and had the nerve to ask if we wanted to see a dessert menu. We probably wouldn't have even left a tip if it wasn't already included due to our large party. We left and had dessert elsewhere to try to the salvage the evening. For a restaurant with reputable management serving a young group of professionals, who likely dine out frequently and were celebrating a birthday no less, I was astonished by this horrendous service and I will not return.
(1)
Luke N.

Besides the cheap wine, ambiance, and their fries...there's really not much to rave about. The menu is convoluted and and the wait staffs have short term memory issues- came back 3 times to ask what i had ordered! Also, what;s the deal with the tiny newsstand? If there were more french or international mags then yeah i can picture the idea but there's hardly anything! Oh well....a good place to meet friends for a glass of wine but go somewhere for the rest. But if you must eat...AVOID the steak-frites!
(1)
Nikki S.

I'd been waiting for this place to open after seeing it advertised on the web site of the owners' other restaurant, Le Pichet. I thought, yay, another venture by these folks but closer to home with better parking, more space and an international news rack! When I did make my first visit I already knew I'd be making frequent future visits to Presse. It has many of the same great things about Le Pichet including good, authentic but simple food and drinks at reasonable prices. But this place has about 5 times the number of seats and parking is much less of a pain in the ass. The decor is sweet; though not as typically French, it is a nice mixture of modern and classic, with a great skylight and wood ceilings. Soccer matches are on TV in the background. I could definitely see myself here for coffee, lunch, casual dinner or drinks, and will definitely be doing all of these things here at regular intervals. The one disappointment was the anticipated newsstand. Upon opening, there were just a few magazines, with not a single one in a foreign language. They've promised about 50 international newspapers int he near future, which will be cool. OK, first time editing a review and adding new comments. Went back to this place for the third time today. It was packed again as usual. This time, however, the service was much worse. We had to ask multiple times to get a coffee refill. After 40 minutes of waiting for food we politely asked about it, and were given some bread and a "They're working on it." After an hour we just left some money on the counter for the coffee and gave up. (And we didn't order the chicken; just a simple steak frites and salad.) This place was designed to be a machine, which is fine, but it's not exactly well oiled yet. I'll go back in several months to see if they've got things up to speed by then.
(3)
Blake D.

Cafe Presse is now one of my favorite weekend brunch spots. Really, what is more delicious that baked eggs for breakfast!? For dinner, a friend and I had a great piche of the house red and the whole chicken with pom fritees as well as the French onion soup for an appetizer. All turned out to be delicious! For brunch, I've had the pair de chocolat, Vita coffee, and the two egg omelet. All were superb! I can't wait to go back!
(4)
Ray I.

Brioche, bechamel, Gruyere & ham, all done with french inspiration & flair makes for a helluva sandwich. Steak & frites. All done in a posh little spot serving Cafe Vita. I will order anything off of there menu without reservation.
(4)
Emily T.

Love it. Last stop on an intense Capitol Hill barhopping rampage this weekend... it's 1:25, we need a glass of wine before last call, we're drunk-hungry, and we don't want to waste any more money than we already did... Presse was perfect on all counts. Server was super chill (even though we barged in right before closing!), gave good wine recommendations, and the food was phenomenal. We shared an awesome cheese plate and the falafel (which we agreed was the best falafel we've ever had, even though we weren't sure if falafel is technically French food.. who cares!) and not to mention the perfect baguette. The portions were smallish, but filling, we were completely satisfied. All for under $30! The decor is industrial loft meets cute Parisian cafe.... which maybe shouldn't work... but totally does. Also, they were playing Wu Tang Clan the whole time, so OBVIOUSLY Presse gets maximum stars. You can't go wrong.
(5)
Kimberley D.

Yum! This does remind me of food I ate while in Paris. The cheapest wine on the menu was still tastier than expensive wine at other local restaurants. I don't eat meat, so I had a baguette w/cheese sandwich that was tasty and the tomato soup w/croutons. I was completely stuffed by the end of the meal. My companion had the half chicken and thought it was great. I liked the magazines for sale concept since I often enjoy reading when dining alone. I didn't try the frites, but this might be a good place to fulfill some of the empty place in my heart that craves the former frites next to Neumo's. I live close enough to bike, but for those who must car commute parking in this area is pretty easy. The prices were reasonable, too. I look forward to returning for brunch. EDIT: After brunch, upping to 5 stars. I don't often give 5 stars on yelp, but the truly delicious bittersweet chocolate on a baguette sandwich, bloody mary, and omelette have propelled them up to the favorites list.
(5)
Jeff G.

In my most mediocre High School French: Cafe Press est Tres Bien. Le Crogque Monsieur C'est magnifique. Les Vins Tres Merveilleuse. Le potage a l'onion C'est bon. In my better American English: This place is very nice! Good food, good drinks and wine. Really nice staff! And so far unlike in Paris, I've seen no little old dowager ladies feeding their dogs cafe au lait at the table, which is a plus.
(4)
Danielle B.

Cafe Presse is awesome -- another exciting place in Seattle with a great atmosphere, delicious food, and perfect portion sizes (*read* don't come here if you're a typical overweight American who needs to eat 2 Denny's-sized portions to be full). My top recommendations are the Chinese breakfast tea, croque madame and their chocolate chox (ok, so I'm no expert in French spelling). Seriously, though -- the food is AMAZING. Oh, and they're open pretty late, too.
(4)
Gail A.

Love Le Pichet, now love Cafe Presse. The menu's are similiar (both have favorites like French onion soup, the mussels, and pate'), but the vibe is different. Cafe Presse feels more trendy and modern that Le Pichet. Both have amazing food, wines and coffee. Le Pichet is like my favorite pair of ballet flats. Cafe Presse is like my pointy toed high heels. Can't wait to go back and try more of the menu....
(4)
Coleen H.

For what it is, it does. It is possible for a vegan to have a cheap and fulfilling experience at a french bistro! The fries and butter lettuce salad with vinegar are both surprisingly satisfying and great with...you guessed it, my favorite way to enjoy the bitter bean...a nice french press pot 'o joe. Portions are generous for the price, perfect for a snack or light lunch. I love my coffee black and my food simple and this place delivers. For all you cream and egg eaters it looks like a more complicated paradise. A plus plus on the decor and the fact that they rep the footy regularly now too! A classed up place to view my Liverpool matches...
(5)
Lisa S.

So just after returning from Italy, I read that Cafe Presse had just opened, and, as it's now officially the closest cafe to my house, I went immediately. Oh, the glory -- an Italian-style bar in my neighborhood (okay, it's actually French-style, but it reminds me of Italy, too). Open in the morning for coffee and terrific brioche to go, or to stay if I want to work before going downtown for a meeting (did I mention free wi-fi? Ahh...) Open during the day for light plates. Great Nicoise salad for a light dinner in late afternoon. Cheap, but good wine -- probably the cheapest wine on Capitol Hill -- $3.50 for a glass of Les Heretiques, which I first found recommended at the McCarthy & Schering wine store up on Queen Anne a few years back. Open at night for a bar. Just the right bar -- not foo-foo, just what you'd need for a good drink. Ah, Italy. Ah, Europe. How I miss you so. How glorious to have a little bit of Europe here in ever-so-un-European Seattle. Only minor complaints: 1) the tables are very, very close together. 2) the waitstaff is clearly still learning. 3) they do have foreign newspapers to read, but they're about a month old. The "press" concept is clearly a bit of a conceit. But the idea of a European bar, open all day, is terrific and well executed. Update, 1/1/08: Presse has gotten just too popular for itself, which is good for them, not so good for me. Went for lunch there a few days before Christmas, and was confronted with a mob of people inside the front door and a surly older woman / owner / waitress / maitre d' (not sure what she was but she worked there and was taking names) who wasn't dealing very well with the lineup. After she took another party of the same size that was in line after us and then growled at me when I pointed it out, we left. That many people in that small a space doesn't work. Go in off hours. Like the idea, like the food, like the prices, don't like the small space with hordes of people in it.
(3)
Helen K.

What happened to Presse?!! I stopped by the other day with a girlfriend and I'm soooo depressed- it's sucky now! The menu seems smaller, and I'm just not as impressed as before. Maybe it was a bad day, but I sure miss the old Presse.
(2)
Nina L.

Exhausted after an overnight trip to Seattle - in search of a place open early enough to catch an early flight. Just my luck, CafÃ© Presse opens at 7am! FOOD: I wish we had been around later in the day because I don't eat eggs and this is pretty much what they serve for brekkie. In any case, I had the a brioche and the cheese plate. The brioche is gigantic and oh-so-perfect. Served with butter and jam (but no spoon). Having passed over said eggs, I got the cheese plate - you can chooses between having smaller portions of different kinds of cheese but I opted for an ounce of goat cheese and it was SO. GOOD. The best thing, though, was of course the coffee. I ordered a macchiato that was pretty much heaven in a tiny espresso cup. AMBIENCE: Cute and French. There was no one around since we were there super early on a weekday, but people were rolling in as we left. I'm pretty sure it gets busy. Our waiter was very knowledgeable and very nice. If I lived in Seattle I would definitely park it here to get some work done.
(5)
Zebarina H.

The sister restaurant to Pichet is a slightly improved version of the latter. Although, I do love Pichet going to Cafe Presse is warmer, friendlier, and generally more fun. The food is consistently delicious and a continual favorite of mine. It is rustic French food with out any fussiness. It is also my favorite place to take out of town guests who are always charmed by the place. Make sure to check out the back room! It definitely has the best seats in the house. You can see large windy poplars from the windows and it is a cozier area than the front. And where else can you go and enjoy a delightful breakfast at 9 in the morning with a bottle of Rose and not raise an eyebrow? Suggestions for food: Ouef Plat (mmm, baked eggs with ham and gruyere), the steak tartar was sublime, the house salad always good, petite omelette a winner with vegetarians, and if they have it you must try the chickpea fritters- they will rock your box!
(4)
Adam B.

My friends all love this place so I've been there several times, but I'm not too impressed. I find it rather overblown and pretentious. The food is fine, but not a good deal for the high prices and small portions. The lunch and dinner menus are also fairly limited.
(2)
Sage S.

Presse is one of the best French restaurants in Seattle. I lived in Paris for a while and it totally reminds me of those little neighborhood cafes everywhere. When I went back to Paris a few months ago, I was shocked to discover that none of the croque madames there compared to the one at presse. So, as others have noted, it's truly great - not only for Seattle, but even for Paris! I've spent more weekends here than I can count, and my bank account isn't too sad about that (or my stomach).
(4)
Theo S.

I really wanted to like this place after hearing such great things, but unfortunately it just didn't live up to expectations for us. We had a very mediocre meal with a waitress who seemed uninterested in answering even the most basic questions about the menu for a PREMIUM price. Sadly, I think this is another example of a restaurant that has grown to the point where it can rely on the name alone to wow. My advice save your $80 for two, buy some nice organic beef from your local farmer's market and grill it yourself. To be fair I only visited this place once and am sure they have some great things on the menu, but will not be going back.
(2)
M B.

Cafe Presse is great any time of day. Breakfast, lunch, dinner, after dinner. It's all great.
(4)
Eliana M.

There are so many things about this place I like. The onion soup, the frites, the croques, the REAL futbol matches on TV but there are two major things that prevent me loving this place. 1. Every time I go there, they're playing annoyingly loud rock music. It's so incongruous with the place I find it jarring. I like rock. But not here. Not in this place! 2. The coffee. Meh. It's borderline bad - and with Stumptown next door too. Otherwise, I really like this place. But I really want to love it.
(3)
Patrick M.

The service... Several attractive young women, friendly, smiling, moderately attentive, a bartender who seemed fine enough, a waiter who I think spent most of his time in the back seating area... and then our waiter... He had all the character and pizzazz of a tan office cubicle. We could barely hear his passionless monotone voice as he recited the specials like an IRS agent reading tax codes. First we ordered wine.. twenty minutes later we told another server that we had in fact ordered wine. (My date saw it sitting at the end of the bar.) Then a few minutes later our waiter delivered our wine, to the table next to us. They already had wine, and were half way through their meal. They told him they thought it might be ours and pointed to our empty table and its two parched occupants. He mumbled something about his "math being off today", presumably referring to the complex mathematical equation that separates table 4 from table 5. This may explain his perma-glazed facial expression, his monotone mumbling and his half awake pace. It got me thinking, perhaps he doesn't see the world as you or I see it, but rather through a mass of complex equations, charts and graphs superimposed over his field of vision, monitoring everything from ambient sound levels and room temperature, to his distance from the moon. The only problem being, he doesn't understand any of it. A Steven Hawkings knowledge trove bestowed upon the intellect of a Cocker Spaniel. In short, maybe he sees pretty pie charts everywhere and forgets that he's a waiter. The atmosphere... Is curious. I'm not sure about the empty cornice above the bar. I liked the wallpaper but my date and I agreed it should have been on the far wall, not the long wall. I can't say much about the lighting as it was daylight when we were there, but the main fixtures have a textured diffuser under the shade that almost give them a bathroom feel. The first thing that struck me was the salt-pepper-mustard set up on every table.. very Korean restaurant - orange plastic in a formed orange plastic tray. It's not that I didn't like them but thought they were an odd choice. There is no privacy, you're basically elbow to elbow with the people next to you, which I don't so much mind, unless it's the hottest day of the year as it was when we went. The newsstand... Other than it being the namesake, I can't figure out WHY it's there. It almost seems like they had an idea for a Parisian newsstand bistro, but forgot about the newsstand angle until the last day of construction. Hardly a "newsstand" it's more a diminutive rack of mags just inside the door. I anticipated it being more substantial than it was. The food... The food was great, my date and I split a Nicoise Salad (which was awesome) and each had a small sandwich.. Everything was very tasty... but was it worth the trip? The wait? The crowd? The idiot savant waiter? Well, it's cheaper than Sambar, but more crammed in than Pair.. Sure, I'd go back, but frankly I think I prefer Pair.
(3)
Lynn C.

I love the atmosphere here. The Euf Plats are fantastic! Sometimes it takes forever to be served. However, it is worth the wait.
(4)
jm k.

Oh my goodness! I finally found a place that serves a hot chocolate that is similar to what I had all over Italy! Cafe Presse's hot chocolate was rich and wonderful. Served with a huge dallop of whip cream (not that it neeeded it), Cafe Presse 's hot chocolate was heaven in a cup! Never leave this place with out trying it! The Moules et frites (Muscles and fries) were excellent as well. The broth was flavorful but not salty at all. The "Frites" (french fries) were crispy without being too greasy! This meal is perfect for all season!
(5)
Christy A.

This is without a doubt my favorite Seattle discovery of 2009. I'm a huge fan of Stumptown next door, and had heard great things about Presse, so I was excited when my BFF Linda L and her sister suggested going here for a late lunch this past summer. I had a nicoise salad, which was incredible, and kept sneaking bites of my dining companions' food, which included a ham baguette and divine frites with mayo. Amazing. The espresso was also top-notch, and a perfect glass of rose completed a perfect summer meal. Fast forward to this winter, insomnia, and stress...it happens to all of us at some point. I learned that Presse is indeed open until 2AM every day, which made it the perfect alternative to an IHOP gut bomb. I've been there about 4 times in the last 2 weeks between the hours of 10 and 2. One evening, I wrote a rough draft for a research proposal while drinking a perfect capuccino and enjoying a perfectly sized omelette with mushrooms, herbs and ham. On another occasion, I ordered the divine salad verte with a glass of the bartender's recommended red wine (4 dollars!!!) with some bread, butter and another capuccino. Most recently, last night in fact, I was out with BFFs Adam C and Linda L and found myself hungry and decidedly un-tired at 11:30PM. Presse delivered once again, with another amazing omelette, beet salad that I will be craving like crazy, capuccino, and some of the most adorable bartenders and servers known to man. Plus, when I walked in they were playing Prince's "Pink Cashmere" and when I left it was Beyonce. So fun. I always feel sexy and cool here, and the service is just my style-- attentive but not overly chatty. The staff has always been super adorable and good about suggestions. The atmosphere is spot-on and the price is right. What's not to love? Now, I just need to get some sleep and try Presse for brunch...
(5)
Mary H.

Delicious and resonable french food in the heart of capitol hill! We will definitely be back.
(4)
Eli K.

"Home of the best Egg McMuffin." Does that degrade the restaurant? I think its a compliment. They had a gruyere ham egg sandwich that's broiled and will definitely make you smile after you take a bite into it. A few sips of beer following and you'll be thinking, "Yes, I've had my break today." Simple French fare done very well. The Pom Frittes are delicious, I like to use the mustard on the table. Soups have always delighted me in their richness but simplicity (think great bowl of tomato soup and grilled cheese). The ambience is great for what it is, a sit down place to have a beer and snack or a small meal jam packed full of conversation. I would almost qualify it as a French pub, being as its much too lively to be a cafe in my mind. I wish I could give rave reviews but the food is just simply a complement to a good beer or wine in a clean and lively place to have a date or regular place to meet up with friends before a more lively night of drinking. The restaurant offers a ton of magazines for the single diner to enjoy, awesome music playing overhead (Stevie Wonder last time I went), a polite but energetic crowd, soccer games playing on tvs. and just fyi, le pichet and cafe presse are sister restaurants.
(4)
Tonya N.

Im so glad a friend recommended this place, bc its great. Consistently good breakfast food w/ a french flair. Not the healthiest place for breakfast bc its rich and buttery which is what makes it good. Portions are perfectly sized...not too much. Has a very edgy feel, service has all been good not overly friendly but not bad either. Very affordable as well. Looking forward to trying the sister restaurant le pichet. Definitely a place to recommend!
(4)
Ken N.

The baked trout was amazing and the wine was perfect. They had live music the night I visited which was a nice touch too. It was crowded but the crowd was nice so that was a +. The waitress was great and didn't hesitate to suggest a wine and the trout. The trout was so good. It had the perfect amount of flavor. This would be a fun place to meet a friend for dinner or to chill out by yourself on a weeknight. Hey free wifi.
(4)
Eugene O.

This place is fantastic. After reading the reviews (including Yelp and Seattle Magazine) I had to come here on a Thursday night with five other friends. The downside was that we didn't make reservations (and this place is very cozy and small) but we ordered drinks at the bar and got seated under 20 minutes. The food? So reasonably priced that I had sticker shock from it being too cheap for what you get. I had the pommes frites with mayo and ketchup for $4 and it's probably the best thing I had in my life. They were literally melting on my face. My friend had a yummy omelette and it tasted very good. The water is served in clear wine-type bottles. It does get quite loud here and the ambience suggested that it wouldn't, so I had to knock one star off. I wouldn't recommend going on a first date here but if you're settled or want something fun with friends, this is THE place.
(4)
Adam W.

Cafe Presse opened a couple of months ago, but this was my first time there in hopes of avoiding the opening crowds. The attempt was in vain. There was a 45 minute line for a table on Friday night, so make sure you are prepared for that. The food was good and I grew up in French Canada so had high expectations. The wine list also had lots of options that were affordable.
(4)
Cori R.

I absolutely love this place. Great food at low cost. Wonderful atmosphere. And the best of all, it closes at 2 am and opens at 7 am! Beers then breakfast! Count me in! My business partner and I took our intern there today for lunch and we were proud to introduce someone who hadn't yet been to Cafe Presse to their adorable accoutrement and delicious baguette sammies. Friendly and helpful staff are such a plus!
(5)
Angela W.

It's exactly what I'm looking for at about 4:30 in the afternoon on a 'meh' kind of Seattle day, when I need just a bit of a boost. Wine with a ham sandwich and maybe some frites avec mayonaise? Bien, oui! The food is simple but delicious french fare, there's something tasty to get no matter what time you're there, and the bar is beautiful to look at, not to mention to drink. Fantastique!
(4)
Lynn D.

Amazing food, coffee and ambiance...one of my favorite places in Seattle
(5)
Ric D.

Feels like I'm in Paris for the afternoon.
(4)
Elaine S.

I went here with a party of eight with no reservations at 5:30 prior to attending a Burlesque show. A table would have been a 45 minute wait even at this early hour, but we lucked out and took over the six bar stools facing the window to the street. The ladies ordered French 75's while the men stuck with beer. I am incredibly choosy about my French 75's and my ultimate (thus far) is Chez Chex lounge, however, our drinks were perfect...so perfect we enjoyed another round of the same! The spicy nuts were perfect for staving off hunger till the appetizers rolled around which included pate, cheeses and some type of bread...honestly, I was chatting and enjoying my drink and the ambience so much I failed to really concentrate on the apps. Now my main course, Crouque Madame, is another story. After sharing a pleasant salad with my husband, I offered him only a small tidbit of my divine sandwich. Sandwich is such a poor description of the heavenly, warm, satisfying creation of the Crouque Madame, but I am not sure how to classify such a stomach and soul happiness drenching experience. Waiter was kind, efficient, available and I am sad I don't remember his name. Cafe Presse is confident and successful in exactly who it wants to be....a reasonably priced, great food, eclectic crowd, warm and busy atmosphere, casual and welcoming. I will choose to spend my dining dollars here anytime !
(5)
Noel Z.

Really fresh, really simple, really delicious food! The atmosphere is airy and modernistic, without feeling sterile. Yes, the servers are a little hipster and aloof, but I guess that's the tradeoff for getting to eat in a hip little French cafe. I always seem to end up getting the Salade Verte (butter lettuce with hazelnuts and hazelnut vinagrette), the yogurt with honey and walnuts, and/or the salted almonds. My boyfriend is a fan of the bread with chocolate. The curried yam soup was delightful too. Their espresso is top notch, but watch out if you're getting anything from the bar besides wine- I ended up paying $8 for a sidecar, and they don't seem to have any happy hour specials for cocktails. It IS a little on the pricey side, but if you want to treat yourself, this is the place to do it.
(4)
Alina M.

Excellent pommes frites! I also had the sandwich en baguette with liver terrine. The liver terrine was pretty good, but the baguette was at least two days old.. I would try something different next time.
(4)
A. B.

Went there first time finally. food was good but not great. not sure its a place i'd crave to go back to...
(3)
noell b.

love to come here for breakfast and coffee. the things i like here are the simple ones-- delicious cafe latte and pain au chocolat. i like to come here because it reminds me of being in europe--that is, it is one of those kinds of places, which are rare in seattle, where you can go to a "real" cafe--that is, not a starbucks, but a place that serves food and coffee, where you can just relax and do your thing, watch soccer, read the paper, enjoy your morning, without being ushered out by the servers.
(5)
Jesse S.

As a francophile with zero linguistic ability, Cafe Press enables me to soak it all while only moderately mispronouncing my order. The green bean salad and afternoon house wine specials are to die for. The pommes frites are delicious to share. Bring a friend or two and live the good life.
(5)
dana s.

eating at Presse makes me want a fantasy life. a life where i eat hard cooked eggs simply served with homemade mayo or fresh yogurt with honey for breakfast. then i go for a relaxing bike ride, on my vintage cruiser with a basket, in a dress and big sunglasses. after a nap in the park, i sip some crisp white wine and enjoy some baguette, perhaps some cheese. later i will have half a rotisserie chicken. i will lick my fingers a lot. i will drink more wine and laugh with my lover. this is the kind of place that makes me want to live in Paris. or it makes me want to enjoy espresso after dinner more often. it makes me truly appreciate the beautiful and simple things in life.
(4)
Andy K.

Four star food and three star service. Nothing inherently wrong with the food but it did lack a certain pizazz in presentation and flavor that would have helped it live up the expectations created by the association with Le Pichet. The service was just unimpressive as a whole. It had an overall air of disinterest, like maybe customers weren't supposed to actually show up. Then our credit card got confused with that of the table next to us. Smooth. So overall it's nice enough, but there's plenty in this neighborhood to recommend. Edit to add: oh, and salted peanuts as an app? Is this Fox's sports bar?
(3)
Pui L.

I came with a couple of friends a couple of months ago. It was to meet about our Europe trip together so we're like hey, French cafe would be fun and they have free wifi. The wifi was slower than dial up. The food was OK. The server was actually really nice and suggested some food for us to try. I'm looking forward to try some real French bistro food in Paris because I really hope it's better than this. Parking is hit or miss and you might get something within a block if you're lucky. The experience and food was underwhelming and we were all still hungry after plunking down $90.
(2)
James F.

Delicious. The Croque Madame is terrific, but the oefs plat is my favorite.
(4)
Mario S.

The food here is just awesome. Get one of the Croques. Get the olives. Dig the frites with mayo. Spinach salad rips. The vibe, decor is pretty harmless. Not sure why, but something is missing from the atmosphere. But whatever. Servers are super cool.
(3)
Elizabeth M.

I love CafÃ© Presse. The steak frites are great. The place is very French. It's like you're transported out of Seattle. If you linger over dinner and hang out, not a problem. That's what the French do. Buy a magazine and drink a Calvados at the bar. A fantastic place for a date or even eating by yourself.
(5)
Sylvia W.

I am a happy camper each time there's an opportunity to eat here! Cousin came home from grad school for vacation and our group of friends came together for a leisurely meal, Cafe Presse style. We immediately put in 3 orders of the roast chicken even before everyone sat down (this time it took 1h10 BUT well worth the wait!). Occupied ourselves w/their new sides. I personally had the tomato soup and grilled shrimp in Moroccan style couscous salad. Oh so yummy! I'd never thought cantoloupe chunks would work with shrimp and cucumber... quite a good combo! Out of our group, only one gal, Michelle, had never been there. Suffice to say, she is now a convert. Yeah!
(4)
Kimberly B.

Oh my goodness. So tasty. Just go.
(5)
Naurry K.

This place never disappoints! It's been a while since my last visit but I've never had a bad experience here... Friday night, 10 o'clock and it was packed with people and took a while to get a table for five. Reservations they ask... (What?!? A restaurant in Seattle that actually takes reservations!) After waiting 30 minutes or so, we had our table; surrounded by everyone eating, drinking, socializing, enjoying life, we ordered the pommes-frites, which were devoured immediately. (Please, please, please, please, please try the mayonnaise!) I had my standard croque madame and a couple beers. (Yum!) The quality of service and food hasn't suffered the test of time. And I'm still amazed they can pull off the cafÃ©, restaurant, bar (with soccer on the TV) so elegantly. Bravo Cafe Presse!
(5)
Lo L.

Croque Monsieur was one of the first foods that I learned about in my middle school French class. I remember my teacher telling us that it's like a French-style grilled cheese, a sandwich that I am a huge fan of. Even after drooling about it in French class, and having gone to France in 8th grade, I had yet to try one... And then I went to Cafe Presse for brunch. The little cafe does have a French-esque ambiance, and the staff were taught how to pronounce every dish correctly which made me want to sharpen up my very rusty French. Anyway, the food is delicious- rich and creamy dishes served in moderate portion sizes, it's so, well, French. The croque monsieur was better than I'd imagined- slightly crispy bread that when cut, every bite oozed with cheese and was enhanced with the salty-sweet flavors of the ham...Mmmmm Since my wallet won't allow for a trip back to France anytime soon, I'll settle for a visit to Cafe Presse for now.
(4)
Nina N.

I feel sooooo cool coming into cafe presse. So hipster, I feel like I am in portland hahahahhaa. With that said, POMME FRITES!!! oh dear sweet potato goodness melting in my very mouth :) happy morning nina :) happy happy morning. croque madame - holy macaroni with a fried egg on top! heck yes. The goodness of the cheese, and the grease of the ham. I am totally in love. I would say that heaven has crawled in my mouth and just said HELLO :) To top that off, the cup of coffee was oh dear god good.
(5)
Patrick S.

We came here purely by accident given that Skillet Diner's wait was over an hour long. After realizing that, yes, people like to go out to eat on Fathers Day, I pulled up the trusty Yelp App on my phone and it pointed me straight here as an alternative. Honestly I was a bit skeptical. This place sounded like a fancy cafe that would be too fancy for a sunday lunch with friends. but sometimes... and by sometimes i mean seemingly always, our stomachs were growling and in we went. thankfully we were seated right away (+1), and treated to some cafe vita coffee. Now, i'm not going to go and compare this to my time in France, because i don't have any. What I can say, is that everything that was ordered looked delicious and not pretentious at all, which can be a stigma when people hear "french food." We ordered their pain au chocolat, some deviled egg dish i can't pronounce, and some steak tartare. there were other dishes too.. but i don't remember them :). can there ever be TOO much steak tartare? but it was a good thing, cuz it was quite tasty. i'm not really one to seek out raw meat to eat, but if the situation presents itself i'm always willing, and this was one of those times. It came with some frites and a salad that i felt i was obligated to eat given the amount of raw meat on my dish. Overall the tartare was good, a little bit strong given the capers used, and could also use a soft boiled egg, but i did like it, and would definitely get it again. given how unexpectedly great everything was, i'd highly recommend it!
(4)
Gene D.

So I'm running with a new late night group of young people who know so much more than I ever will about important things like.. where the best cab francs are and how to pronounce words such as Croix, who's making the best syrah right now out of their garage on Queen Anne Hill and how we must head over to this place called Presse, after blowing out a few bottles that have just been added at our weekly wine notes meeting. 1:00 AM may not be the best time to shovel down french onion soup, a rillette, grilled sardine baquette and a few drinks, but dawg, feel me on this one, I was dying to eat. And our server couldn't be more charming and fun, especially dealing with eight buzzed Industry pros and the old guy with the most plates sitting in front of him. There is no doubt about returning.
(4)
Sherry V.

My sister wanted to try a nice coffee/brunch joint that was not Starbucks affiliated. We made the trek from dtown Seattle to here. I had the croque monsieur and she-- the croque madame. The only difference is that the madame has a sunny side egg on top-- nothing to do with a sexist sandwich. This was my first time trying a croque, and it was certainly heavy /cheesy but simple & delicious. I take comfort in the fact that we walked 3 miles after consuming this breakfast. We also shared pommes-frites which were fried to a nice crispness. I still haven't caught on with the whole mayo and fries thing-- even though I've tried Pommes Frites in NY. Ketchup all day errday! I also had a cafe mocha which was made from in-house chocolate.. pretty good! Nice dining experience here. There's plenty of room in the back, which you wouldn't be able to tell from the front of the restaurant. The service is attentive/fast and the rest of the menu looks legit and tasty.
(5)
Travis S.

Food is great here and its a cute space but unfortunately the service sucks.....bunch of hipsters who think, and i emphasize THINK, that they are cool. blah.
(3)
Stephy W.

When I miss Paris, all I want to do is sit in a cute cafe, have a glass of wine, and chew away on a baguette smothered with good butter. This is the place to do just that. DRINKS: Great wine and cafe-au-laits. FOOD: The menu is pretty authentic with the food being simple and delicious. I love a chewy baguette and the jambon cru and pate sandwiches are perfectly satisfying. I'm not a huge fan of steak or giant slabs of meat in general, but my friend's steak-frites was delicious. The croissants and the pain au chocolats were small, dense, and not very flaky so I won't be ordering those again, but everything else on the menu makes up for the sub par croissants! ATMOSPHERE: Casual and laid back. Indie-dressed waitors/waittresses. PRICE: Not expensive at all.
(4)
Alex S.

I really enjoy the atmosphere of this cafe. it is laid back but still pretty trendy (warning sometimes waiters can be stuck up and preoccupied) but the quality of the food and drinks can make up for their service. Their mixed drinks are fairly priced for the labor put into it and their chicken liver patte is to die for! Their baguettes are fresh (like any French restaurant should) and they have a very reasonable wine selection. This is a great spot to bring a casual to nice date or someplace to treat yourself to a glass of wine and an entree. Lastly, I would consider portions as small American or average European.
(4)
Dan T.

I was excited about my visit to CafÃ© dePresse. I read the glowing Yelp reviews and they were open late (2am on weekdays). Now that got my expectations high (like going to high school prom) which was probably the worst thing that could have happened (I didn't get lucky at both). I was really excited about visiting CafÃ© not imPresse as I was starving after a long day in Portland. We ordered two large plates and drinks. The first thing that we noticed was the food was not good. When I say not good, I mean that it was slightly better than the crappy IHOP pancakes but not by much. This wasn't like any description I read in the previous Yelp reviews. Maybe it was because we ordered our plates past midnight or that we weren't drunk off our asses, but the food was really disappointing. I'm usually really lenient about service but the person serving was unfriendly and rushed. I think this was the final straw that made us regret our visit. I do have to say that the interior was dark and cozy. Maybe it would have been a better plan to eat mediocre food at IHOP then get drinks at CafÃ© rePresse. I haven't been this disappointed since I saw Weekend at Bernies II.
(3)
David L.

There are lots of cafe/eateries like this in NYC, where you can get good solid eats any time of day. We went there on a Saturday night after a movie and it totally brought back memories of when we lived in New York - lots of couples, small groups, and singles dining at the bar. Lots of noisy conversation and occasional laughing (well, except from the solo's). My Steak Frites was well cooked, juicy and delicious, and the fries are really good - some of the best I've had. My wife's daily fish special was also very good - rich sauces and tastes in typical French fashion. Too bad we don't live in Seattle, otherwise it would be the type of place we'd go to often.
(4)
Joshua B.

"I've got some news for you, you've already eaten the tongue" I'll get back to that in a second. First, I had a fantastic meal at Cafe Presse last night. My wife had been there a couple of times and said that I, lover of french cuisine, had to go. So, finally, the occasion presented itself and we headed over to Cafe Presse for dinner on a Sunday night. Perhaps owing to the fact that we got there at 5:30 we had no problem finding a table (in the back, which I didn't even know existed). I can imagine it would totally suck to wait for a table in the tiny front area if the bar was already full, but after eating here, it might even be worth the wait. To start with we shared a charcuterie of mixed meats, which included a couple of pates. The cinammon-spiced pork pate (sounds odd, but was good) we liked, the other, was both bland and oddly textured - so we left it on the plate (more on that at the end of the review). We also got a couple of really yummy soft cheeses to go along with it. The pichet of wine was the perfect size for wine lovers not trying to get stinking drunk and there were at least a few reasonably priced options (as restaurant wine prices go). For the main course we shared a breaded rockfish, which was perfectly cooked, and served in a white wine sauce swirled with green lentils, bacon (!), cabbage & mushrooms. When I saw it on the menu I thought all the accoutrements sounded great, and the dish did not disappoint. One of the best fish-based meals I've had in a long time, and definitely big enough to share if you add an appetizer and/or a salad. Back to the tongue - towards the end of the meal the waitress asked how everything was. We indicated it was all great, but we didn't like the tongue-pate. At which point she pointed out that pate was chicken, and we'd eaten the sliced tongue already. So we were more adventurous than we thought - next up, head cheese! (kidding). The waitress also mentioned the menu would be changing starting the next day (which would be the day I'm writing this review) - so I'll definitely plan to go back soon and sample something else.
(5)
Adryan F.

Great cafe/bar. Good place to grab a quick bite or drink before heading out for your day/evening. Stopped here twice while visiting some friends. Drinks well balanced, good music, good food.
(3)
Clarissa O.

Yes. Best hangover brunch ever. I love the Croque Madame [minus ham of course]. It's SO TASTY. I find myself craving it on a regular basis. Plus they have fresh squeezed juice. Yu-to-the-ms. They also serve food late night, which is awesome since about a year ago I thought the only option was IHOP. Phew! I will be returning over and over again like a bad cold sore.
(5)
Sarah M.

I think most of the mediocre reviews of this place are hilarious because you can tell none of those people have EVER been to France or have EVER tasted French food in a real French cafe. 1. The fries are not like american fries because they are FRITES and double fried like frites are supposed to be cooked. So if you are expecting McDonald'esque fries go somewhere else. 2. Water is not iced because NO WHERE in France do they put ice in the water served at restaurants. 3. The tables are close together and its loud because THAT IS HOW FRENCH CAFES ARE! Oh my gosh people. These comments totally irritate. If you like french food and want to enjoy the cafe culture, Cafe Presse is very similar to what you would find at a corner cafe in Paris. I love it here :)
(5)
Cole P.

You simply will not find French food this delicious and cheap anywhere. This is my first recommendation to anyone looking for casual dining on the hill. French food for the masses, yall. Things that are delicious/fabulous: -great atmosphere. Welcoming and laid back. -Good service -roast chicken (allow 45 mins) -Croque Madam -Frites -Coffee -The Chocolate Chau. OH GOD THE CHOCOLATE CHAU! Things that are less than optimal: -It can be crowded and seating is a little "cozy". Read: you might be all up in the laps of the table next to you. -Service can be a little slow. -Menu items that include steak can be a little hit or miss. Overall, remember that--considering what you are getting--this place is very reasonably priced. It doesn't have the feel of a fussy French bistro because it's not one. If that's what you're looking for then there are plenty of options available. What they have though, is pretty unique. A little French soccer pub that is suitable for everyday dining. The trade off is a couple (in complarison with other French resturants) rough edges, but its well worth it.
(4)
Lisa O.

This is my default destination for a great meal in my neighborhood. Sure bets are the Croque Madame, seasonal salads, and hanger steak. Great friendly staff as well as a wonderful ambiance. Never been disappointed!
(5)
Vicky L.

I am disappointed that when I was attending Seattle U, I didn't know about this place. I would have come here everyday for a cup of coffee and study or a late night meal. Coffee served here is not bad. As for the food...I am not too fond of them. The baguette sandwich I got once, was really hard to chew. It gave my jaw quite the workout. Maybe they're supposed to be hard? And another time I was there, I ordered the omelet with mushrooms and it was so-so. Mushrooms tasted great but the egg part lacked flavor. The best food item I did enjoyed was a plate of assorted cookies. Pretty tasty. This place deserved 4-stars mainly because I adore the environment of the place. I've been here 4 or 5 times and I always feel relax here. There are seating by a big window that you can enjoy a cup of coffee and people watch. And did I mentioned, they open til 2am?! Awesome for a night owl like moi.
(4)
Angelina V.

The food is delicious in moderation. The staff are very good looking, but skimpy on the service. I think they should send their staff to the training school the Denny's on 4th ave in Sodo go to. They would learn how to make tips by making their customers happy with their service. I would recommend this place a very Dim Sum atmosphere. Order the small portions and share with friends. This is a very awesome place to socialize and hang out.
(3)
Lili T.

I don't know much about French food but I do love what they offer here. Dishes that I can't pronounce (I took Spanish in high school) at prices that I can afford. The Croque madame is seriously yummy. Ham. Cheese. Topped off with a sunnyside up egg. Simple. Yet delicious. We also tried the Sandwich en baguette with pork rillettes (similar to pate). The actual baguette was a bit on the crunchy/hard side but besides that, it was pretty good. Oh and the soup. Soupe aux poireaux - pommes de terre...long and overly complicated name for "creamy potato-leek soup" was a miss for me. It reminds me too much of baby food.
(4)
Maria N.

I love the ambiance of this place. It's much more casual and urban than a lot of the other French restaurants in Seattle. The servers are very friendly and offer great advice on menu items, and especially the wine list. I don't know that much about wine, so I'm the person who always asks "What would pair well with my ___" and they always have an excellent suggestion. However, I feel like the food has just gone downhill in the past couple years. They used to have the best steak frites in town, but during my most recent visit, the steak was extremely fibrous, tough, and rather dry, and the frites were just filler--nothing to rave about. They also must have changed the recipe for the steak, because it came with a different sauce that was too overpowering with the herbs. My boyfriend's cold chicken with mayonnaise had great flavor, but was also a little dry. Next time I go, I'll ask the waiter what they'd recommend to order. My old standby just isn't doing it for me anymore.
(3)
Mindy T.

It's been a couple years since my first visit to Cafe Presse. Great hours, great french food, great ambiance. Okay service. It's French, what do you expect? I've been here at all times of the day.. During lunch, I am happy with a coffee and a sandwich en baguette with jambon cru (Pretty much a simple but high quality ham sandwich) In the evenings, I dine on whatever beautiful seafood (I've had clams and a ling cod filet, both delicious) or the seasonal soup. If they have the onion soup available, NO HESITATION: order that bowl of gold. To be fair though, I am a self-described onion fanatic (I have not ruled out getting an onion tattoo) Then there are those nights that I elegantly stumble in at one in the morning.... "Water.... and a croque monsier with frites please!" Those frites. The perfect cut that pleases the softer fry fans like me, but still crisp on the outside to appease the fans of the crunch.. dipped in sinly mayo. Then the croque monsieur.. Creamy, cheesy, and HAM.... but not heavy. How do they do it?!
(4)
Brittany N.

I'm still sitting here eating, and I have got to give this place a great review. Super simple interior with a small outdoor patio and a long bar. Internet is fast, reliable and free. Service is great - super friendly and very fast to attend to your needs. I started with the baguette smeared with bittersweet chocolate - it was sooo soooo tasty (and VERY messy). My server brought me like 3 extra napkins :] Then I ended up wanting to try more so I got a baguette with butter and their homemade fig jam. I didn't know how I would feel about the jam, but it is SO delicious! The baguettes are so tasty and fresh. I love this place. Super chill.
(5)
Matt E.

The most amazing cafe in all of Seattle! Reasonable prices, amazing atmosphere, delicious food (the Croque Madame is to die for), fantastic desserts (their hot chocolate is phenomenal), and the staff is all very friendly! I do not have enough great things to say about Presse. I highly recommend this place to anyone and I will happily come back many times in the future!
(5)
Alice C.

We tourists only stopped in for a pre-karaoke drink (for non-pregnant husband), and french fries/dessert (for pregnant me). But all were tasty, served by a very pleasant and kind waitress, and in a nice environment (the bar by the window). I love the concept of selling rare magazines at a place like this too -- would love to try it for breakfast one day!
(4)
Lisa N.

OHHH. MYYY. GODDD. Cafe Presse croque madame, where have you been all my life? Something to know about me is that gruyere and eggs are at the top of my weakness list. Their croque madame is DIVINE. The thick bread, the ooey gooey cheese, the savory ham, and the sunny side up egg. I love sunny side up. It's so happy and bright. I almost don't want to cut into it and make it ooze, but do it anyway because the result is DELICIOUS. I'm usually not into super heavy, creamy breakfasts but I would eat this any time of any day. And people are right: the fries are SO GOOD. I love fries always and these are the right amount of potato-to-fried ratio. Yumm! They serve Caffe Vita coffee here and also offer freshly squeezed orange and grapefruit juice as well as pretty much ANYTHING from their full bar. I can't cheat on Stumptown next door, so I didn't order coffee, but my dining partner Nina H. said her latte was good. I'll be back... plenty of times... you'll be able to tell when I've gained 25 pounds from eating breakfast here on a regular basis! It'll all be worth it. Like Jennifer L. would say... just wear black! ;)
(5)
Joe B.

Ah, Paris! Yep, this is the real deal. Chomping down on baguette while sipping my crisp Muscadet, my thoughts definitely drifted to Paris. Some things don't quite work but I can overlook them. The music was a bit "American" to pull off the illusion but the menu pulls you right back. I had the mussels which were tender and lovely with a fennel and tomato broth that screamed for more baguette. The Wife had the fish of the day which was True Cod perfectly oven roasted on white beans and escarole in a creamy broth with a hint of, what? Pernod maybe? Lovely. All the dishes spread out on the tables around me made me want more. Lightly cooked eggs sitting on bubbling Jamon and Gruyere was on the left of me. To the right was a serving of crispy frites and a lovely looking omelet. All of it made me want to go back very soon. Complaints besides the music? The butter wasn't that beautiful deep yellow European, high fat butter that I love so much. The mussels I had were a bit scarce for the $14 price tag. Parking is a bitch. Other than that, I could learn to love this place...all day long.
(4)
Bob D.

First time I've been there - a delightful, funky place. Food was outstanding - I had the 'Madame', a sort of battered sandwich with a sunny-side egg on top. I followed the advice of other Yelpers and ordered the hot chocolate (chaud?), something which I normally never would do. It was a transformational experience - something my mind keeps coming back to. I highly recommend it, but be forewarned that it's very, very rich. Order some bread (extraordinary bread, BTW) for dipping in it. Service was perfect - just enough, just engaged enough, but not pestering. Speed was not rapid - the place was packed - but it was adequate. This isn't a place to go for fast food.
(5)
Anna W.

The attitude of a Michelin-starred restaurant accompanied by food quality that is more appropriate for a Chili's.
(2)
M. K.

Cafe Presse is one of the few places in town where I can bring a book, order a glass of great inexpensive wine, and sit for hours without being disturbed, hit on*, or having the noise level raised as the lights are lowered for sub-optimal reading. My favorite cozy nook in the winter time for solo date-nights, my favorite sunny chatty spot in the summertime to hang with friends over a pitcher of wine and generous plate of fries. (*but if you DO want to get hit on, Presse will provide some snappy options if you sidle up to the bar) My regular order: Frites with mayo, Salade Verte, and a demi-pichet of the spicy, christmasy Galliac. This demi-pichet has a tendency to become a full pichet by the end of the night : ) Cocktails are great, wine is cheap, service is friendly, and I love the small dishes at the top of the menu -- chicken liver pate, croque madame & monsieur, baked eggs -- all are wonderful. I haven't had great luck with the entrees, but since Presse is my casual hangout and not my date-night menu, I'm fine with that. Lovely atmostphere in the front room and deck, a bit dark in the back for my taste, a true European cafe in the sense that it exists provides solid food at a reasonable price, and a place to meet, chat, and hang in my neighborhood. I never feel rushed or judged for keeping my order light or my seat too long. I used to go to Le Pichet pretty regularly, and am thrilled that Presse is just as good and within walking distance of my apartment. J'adore.
(4)
Amara P.

Cute little spot for breakfast. Coffee was a bit bitter but the mushroom and herb omelette was great. Definitely try to eat the chocolate baguette with one hand or you'll end up wearing it.
(4)
Kate B.

Get the Croque Madam and get a carafe of wine. And the frites with mayo. Do it? You still only spent about $20 but you got to hang out in one of the coolest spots in Seattle and eat some of the best food you can get. I am drooling just thinking about it. Me and my friend sat in the back room (I didn't even see it from the street) and it was super cozy, with excellent warm service and I had a hard time leaving. The crowd was crazy eclectic - families, beautiful young couples, single girls with mohawks. I loved it. Our waiter was in a band, provided excellent service and was totally friendly. Loved it, loved it. That Cafe Presse is on the same block as Lark and Licorous, well, just doesn't surprise me. Excellence knows excellence.
(5)
Sean W.

Tasty sandwiches, minimal food menu. Great coffee, cozy place to sit or meeting spot.
(3)
Kara C.

I could live in Cafe Presse for the following reasons: #1 - The croque madame at Cafe Presse is the only item of food I could eat every single day for the rest of my life and die happy. It is so delicious. #2 - The interior of the restaurant is so cozy and cool. From the exposed brick and beams and beautiful. I wish my house looked the inside of Cafe Presse. #3 - The vibe of the whole restaurant is pretty cool. The music and people are both very eclectic. My only complaint about Cafe Presse is the service. While they are all cool, hip, and young, they are a little cold. I sort of feel like an inconvenience to them while I am there. Maybe it's because I am not 21 so I am not ordering drinks. Regardless, I wish they were a bit more friendly. But nothing can keep me away from that croque madame...
(4)
Richard U.

Oh joy! A place open fairly late that is close to home! After reading the many reviews of this place, I knew I had to check it out. Yes, it is in First Hill/Capitol Hill so you might get some of 'hipster' crowd if thats not your thing. But I am here for the food baby so that's no bother to me! First off, the interior has a stylish unfinished look to it. It is dimily lit and is pretty small so it can get a bit intimate w/ your neighbors. I really enjoyed the food here. Kind of stuff you would get in a cafe in France (pomme frites, steak frites etc.). I went with the Steak tartare w/ water cress salad and pomme frites w/mayo. Very, very yummy and of decent size and I think the only item I could confidently pronounce on the menu! It has been a while since my last French class! Anyhow, it was great. The pomme frites were very good and crispy and the tartare was spiced very nicely with capers. They do play the music a bit on the loud side here so having that intimate conversation here may end up being a shouting match. On the other had, the music they play is my kind of music. I think while dining here I heard, The Ramones, Fugazi, The Pixies, Mission of Burma, The Clash, X, The Jam and a few others that although did not recognize really liked. Who's Ipod or I Tunes playlist was providing the tunes anyways and can I copy it? I got some work done on my laptap and didn't have to plug into my own tunes because I was enjoying their playlist so much! They do have a small but nice outdoor seating are that I might try next time. They serve food until 145 am and close at 2 am which is marvellous for me and my ridiculous sleep schedule. I would add a half star to this place for its great hours and tunes alone (4.5 stars out of 5) I might up grade to 5 stars the more I come here.
(4)
Lulu L.

Some truly wonderful egg dishes at breakfast and a salad w/ hazelnuts and mustard vinegarette that's a perfect starter. Wonderful yogurt and coffee, too. Only took a star off b/c the layout in the larger, back room is almost like eating in a very large closet: b/c it's long and vertical, you only see walls and the tables are scrunched together. If you come in off-hours and get a table in front, it's a bit more enjoyable. Either way, though, the food and service are great.
(4)
Bye Y.

Yeah, their roast chicken was pretty darn good. A smidge on the salty side, but very well seasoned, crispy, and juicy. I still don't understand my friends' desire to spend a good hunk of money on eggs and mayo or their pate. It's fairly casual cafe fare at restaurant prices.
(4)
Elaine K.

One of the best brunch places to go to in Seattle! The atmosphere is laid back and chilled out; perfect for a Sunday brunch with a girlfriend. We strolled in closer to 1 p.m. so we had a table right away. We both ordered the croque madame and it was definitely the highlight! We shared an endive and avocado salad which was refreshing. Oh, and the bagette was perfectly crunchy on the outside, soft on the inside. Divine! Can't wait to go back!
(5)
Anastasia W.

All in all a great place to grab something light to eat - brunch perhaps? The mood is very chill, as is the music. I could see myself sitting on the patio with a book/newspaper eating something delicious to relax part of the day away. I've tried quite a few things on the menu (I feel bad about not knowing the names so I wont even try to butcher them here) Soups and ham and cheese sandwhich are FAB. Salads were just Meh, okay. The olives - bad. I'm not sure if it was just the one time we got it there or not, but they were rancid. We didn't eat them and our waiter asked how they were. I explained that they tasted off and he was quick to take them away, and they didn't end up on my bill either! It was nice to know he was listening. So extra points for good waitstaff! Please note though that this place is usually crowded at night and on weekends, and you will usually have to wait to get a table unless you are a single/2 person party who can squish in somewhere. Unfortunately because they are so busy I've found that the hostess to seat you might not come over right away. Key Points: Staff: Busy, so they can be slow, but they are friendly Food: Pretty good, small portions Drinks: Good yummy coffee Atmosphere: Laid back, calm, chill Great for: brunch with the boyfriend, brunch with the girls
(3)
Peter L.

After spending over $20 for 3 potatoes and a glass of wine for lunch at Sitka & Spruce, I was still hungry. Actually, I could still eat another meal, so I trekked down to Cafe Presse to give it a try, as I had the day off. It's been long on my lists of places to try, but working in Bothell makes it difficult to try lunch places in Seattle. Anyway, I ordered a Croque Monsieur and coffee, which was less than my 3 potatoes, and it totally hit the spot! The combination of baked ham, gruyere cheese and bechamel was rich, satisfying, and comforting on a cold rainy day. Next time, I would upgrade to a Croque Madame and throw on a runny egg. Feeling full, I still had room for dessert so I ordered a pear tart, which would have been better with a caramel sauce. But when I told the bartender so, he offered to drizzle some caramel syrup, which wasn't the same, but helped!
(5)
Mariana B.

I came here for brunch and was not disappointed. My only regret was passing on a morning apÃ©ritif. I had the croque madame and it did not disappoint. In fact, my friend had brought along her Seattle Magazine for me and it had the top 10 sandwiches in the city, and guess who was eating one of em?! Moi! This place is intimate and cozy, probably great at any time of day.
(4)
Nerick M.

I finally got to try this place after driving by so many times. You can spot this little space right next door to a well known coffee house in Cap Hill. Just look for the bright yellow sign. The inside is well decorated but a little small. I love the fact that this is also a newsstand, complete with magazine racks for all your periodical needs. The atmosphere is pretty amazing. I really like the outdoor dining area out front. It can get a little cramped if you have a big party or if the deck is full, but it's nice, nevertheless. The best thing to do is order a bunch of small plates and taste the variety. I like the prosciutto sandwich and the bread with butter and apple spread (so simple but delicious). This is a great hang out spot for just sitting, chatting and passing the time on a nice day.
(4)
Lily H.

I know this cafe-restaurant is extremely popular in the now very hip Pike-Pine/12th Avenue corridor, but I'm not following the crowd on this one. We went to Cafe Presse on a Thursday evening at around 6:30 p.m. when the place was packed, especially in the back where we had a table for four. The steak-frites, which two of us ordered, was mediocre at best. I ordered medium, and the steak was tough and had a weird flavor. Even the French Fries were not extraordinary (go to Dick's if you really want tastier fries). The salad with hazel-nuts was fine. The bread, as well as all the baked goods, are from Grand Central Bakery, so you know where to go if you really like them. The best thing about the place is that you can order items from the menu any time of the day or evening, this being a cafe-brasserie, which includes, so I am told, all the breakfast menu, which apparently made its name. Though the service was fine, it could not--of course, make up for the mediocre food. The worst thing about the experience was the rock music being blasted loud in every room, making it difficult to carry on a conversation without shouting and asking the person across from the table, "What did you say again?" I know that many, if not most, Americans think themselves quite interesting, but do they have to insist upon it so by talking loudly in public? Which also brings up the point that Cafe Presse is undoubtedly more enjoyable as a place to go for an early or late breakfast. How authentically "French" is Cafe Presse? The men's restroom had a notice in French encouraging patrons to not only thoroughly wash their hands but also to use towels to wipe down the faucet-heads as well.
(2)
Janny W.

I've only been here once so far, but I had a good experience. A friend took me to Cafe Presse for a late lunch one day and introduced me to the Croque Monsieur. I love ham & cheese sandwiches, so a hot and crunchy ham & cheese sandwich sounded awesome! I was delighted when I bit into my Croque Monsieur--the outside was a bit crunchy, the inside was ham and gooey cheese goodness. The frites were good as well. The next time I visit, I want to try the Croque Campagnard.
(4)
Wendy L.

I love this place at all kinds of the day. I love it for lunch or breakfast when I get coffee and the croque madam. I love that I get a great quality tasting, cheesy, eggy, thing for 6.95. I love that the pork rilletttes is huge and affordable. I love that it's open till 2 am and I love coming with my friends to catch up over bottles of wine at 11:00pm at night. The atmosphere is great...chill relaxed...and I love that I can get a croque madam at 11:30 after my bottle of wine coz I have an appetite. I love that i can buy magazines and get stumptown coffee there whenever I want. I love that the service is great....the waitresses there are all SO nice and attentive...but not so much that you get annoyed. Cafe Presse is everything I love about Seattle- great food, great coffee, great price, great atmosphere, and laid back staff
(5)
Kendrick R.

although, i had my heart broken in this place, i really liked the food! When she said, 'if the world ended now, you are not the one i want to be with', tears filled my eyes, but damn, how's that croque monsieur??? Such a simple premise: chesse, ham, bread and an egg! rich and utterly delish! then she said, 'out of all the boyfriends i've had, you were the least sexually attractive' and felt my heart liquify and dribbled out of my butt. but holy macaroni, have you tried the pain au chocolat??? chocolate smeared between a rustic baguette. it was a little crowded and the two couples surrounding us must've felt terrible for me (or laughed) but did you know that if you want more than a glass of wine, you can get a demi-pichet or a pichet! god, those memories are painful but if you're going to have your heart broken somewhere, cafe presse is a great place. good food, nice atmosphere, just ignore the sound of hiccuping of a man who's trying to choke his tears down.
(4)
Whitney W.

Wow. Quaint, cozy & comfortable - perfect for good conversation over warm delicious food and drink. Friendly & chill servers. A place where you'd easily become a regular, especially with their hours. Croque Monsieur is impeccable. Steak-frites, medium rare - good seasoning, nicely cooked & topped w/ a delicious enhanced jus, pomme frites crispy good but a pinch too much salt. juicy & very fresh pork chop w/ yummy polenta. Paired w/ bottle of red at a great price.
(4)
Rrr V.

Host/ess: n/a Wait Person: 2.8 Food: Taste, Presentation: 2.8 Property: Ambiance, Style, Decor: 2.7 I was hoping that this place would serve baguette that would knock my socks off...
(3)
Rebekah J.

I don't know if last night was just an off-night? For years this has been our favorite place for a night out... The entire experience was terrible... Service: usually poor, but this was an extra dose. Our waiter forgot what he was saying mid-sentence several times, came to our table once to take our order and interrupted himself in the middle as if he had just come back from an unconscious mental break- and left to go help someone else. Weird... Drinks: Rose Verte and Pimm's Cup. Both watery, unimpressive, small, and expensive. Salads: excellent! Thank the baby jeebus that there was one shred of salvation. Food: God awful. My usual steak-frites was now downsized to a new smaller plate (so small it is difficult to actually cut your food- so strange) and the meat was pale gray with a very light pink center (ordered medium). Half of the serving was gristle and tasted as if it was brined in salt. How is it possible that the kitchen can let something like this be served? It was painfully obvious that it was barely edible from the amount of hard gristle and the color (akin to what might be a sick elephant). I should have sent it back, but we brought a friend here from out of town for dinner and didn't want to make a scene. Fries were beautiful... another saving grace. There is now a little cream and corn with bacon side next to the beef that had some nice flavor, but was too rich. So embarrassed that we took our friend here- even more embarrassed that he picked up the tab to be nice. I am so sad about losing my favorite restaurant...
(1)
J. P. K.

Craving some Continental comfort food? Look no further. i usually get the croque monsieur with pommes frites and sometimes a plate of the oeufs mayonnaise. I often pair a meal here with a trip next door (Stumptown roaster) to get my espresso fix.
(5)
Guy S.

Cafe Presse is definitely one of my favorite places to get a good French breakfast or brunch on the Hill. The Croque Madame here is one of the best I've had. Everything is just perfectly combined to make a mouthful of delicious filling food. Baked ham, gruyere and bÃ©chamel sandwich, and a sunny side up egg. And if you don't want the egg you can just get the Croque Monsieur which is exactly the same minus the egg. Also the pommes-frites are some of the best I've had. Served with ketchup or mayo or mustard or all three. I've also been here for dinner and had the demi-poulet which is a half chicken served cold with mayo on the side and comes with a couple sides that are changed frequently. Service here has usually been pretty good. Water is always filled and food comes out at a pretty reasonable time.
(4)
Stas G.

Probably my favorite restaurant in Seattle right now! The pate is smooth, flavorful, and comes in a large portion with all the baguette you need. It is a perfect starter! I could go into how delicious all of the other menu items are but it may be easier to say that I've tried almost everything on the menu and have never been disappointed. Get a coffee, it is excellent.
(5)
Amado L.

I can't give this place five stars. At least not yet. Although if I ever do make it back to Seattle some time soon, I would definitely be making a return visit to this joint. In contrast to my experience at Black Bottle [ yelp.com/biz/black-bottlâ€¦ , Cafe Presse had the service part right. It was inviting, friendly, and there seemed to be about twenty people serving us. I swear. Sadly, we were only there for dessert. I would've loved to have gotten the full experience. But, speaking of dessert...Okay, from now on, my sweet cravings will be fulfilled simply with two ramekins. One would contain a heaping serving of freshly whipped cream; the other would be filled with carefully melted semi-sweet chocolate shavings. Bathing your spoonful of whipped cream in the pool of chocolaty goodness on its sojourn to your waiting mouth is poetry in motion. Man, I wish I knew how to melt chocolate without using a microwave. Anyone care to volunteer? Their Fromage Blanc was also quite good. A denser version of cream cheese, coupled with dehydrated cranberries, it was divine. The place was chill without being boring. And the exposed brick married with steel and wood gave it a relaxed industrial feel. Very nice. We had our 'druthers when selecting a place that night, and I wish we had more of a consensus and ended up at this place first instead of Black Bottle. Thankfully, there's always a next time.
(4)
John J.

This place is an absolute gem. The best fries (frites) I've had in Seattle, and I want to say by far. They keep their menu fresh and interesting, and nail the casual french cafÃ© vibe. Their onion soup in the winter: omg!
(5)
Robyn S.

Parking in Capital Hill SUCKS! But as it turns out, the 15 minutes it took to find a parking spot and the 3 blocks I had to walk (in heels, mind you) to get there was all worth it. The Croque Madame, as everyone has already mentioned, is in one word - amazing. I loved everything about it: ham - good; gruyere chese - good; bechamel sauce, um...YEAH! Even the bread was good! Then put an egg on it...come on, really? Yes, it was one delicious dish! Calling it a sandwich would be a complete understatement. Paired with a heaping bowl of pomme frites and a glass of wine equates to a wonderful meal. There were several other things on the menu that caught me eye (steak frites and the baguette w/ figs, honey & cheese) but honestly, I don't know if I could order anything other than the croque madame on future visits. It was THAT good...!
(4)
Michael A.

The croque madam is edible for breakfast, lunch, and/or dinner. I have once eaten it twice in one day. The front bar is great, as is the more quiet/intimate back of the restaurant. Coffee is good, fries and potato salad are bomb. Great place for breakfast!
(4)
Lauren V.

WOW doesn't even begin to describe how wonderful this place was. My friend convinced me to come here and told me that we had to order the whole chicken. I was a skeptic but an hour later I was convinced that it was the best chicken I've ever had. In addition to outstanding food, I was extremely impressed with the service. They were extremely friendly and helpful with picking out good wine choices. Would strongly recommend to others in the area.
(5)
Becky W.

I haven't been here since I moved, but I remember it from a couple of previous visits. I love it, but oh how I could never be a regular... the cheeses would end me. We dropped in on a beautiful day for some Frenchifying food love, sharing the baguettes, beet salad with blue cheese and pears and the riclette with various charcuterie. The wine selection is great AND they make a great martini, too. Tight quarters here, be prepared to eavesdrop and also be heard. All of it has an edge, inviting - but with some serious moxie, too.
(4)
Elyse K.

CafÃ© Presse is where you go when you want to go somewhere with a classy ambiance, but want to keep things casual at the same time. The menu has enough variety of courses, ranging from snacky/appetizer-like items (les casse-croÃ»tes) to full meals, depending on how big your appetite is. The kitchen is open late, so it's a great place to go between bar hopping on Capitol Hill. I highly recommend the Croque Madame, the most delicious sandwich ever invented. Reservations can be made for the back room for parties up to 20 (all ages welcome). Every once in a while they host French conversations nights and pre-fixed three course meals made up of dishes you would typically be served in a French person's home (believe it or not, we don't eat escargot and foie gras every day in France!).
(5)
Cee M.

Just thinking about writing a review about this place wants me to get up and walk down there to eat. This is one of my favorite places to come. I love everything about it. The fact that the place is cute, the waiters are amazing and the food is incredible! The waiters are helpful, I'm not a Cafe Presse novice so I do need help with figuring out what I want to order time to time. I do, however have my go tos that I could indulge in everyday and become 800 lbs. The foods so good, I eat it wanting more.
(5)
Ann M.

I love this place! Delicious bistro food at great pricers. it's hard to find a more satisfying 3-course meal for two, with a bottle of wine, for under $80. The wait is never long; the atmosphere is cute enough for a date, but chill enough for any ol' night out; and there are a few great cocktail places in the neighborhood for pre- or post-dinner drinks. Some great dishes include: French onion soup, salade verte, goat cheese salad, Croque monsieur, cold roasted chicken with mayonnaise, pommes frites, and chocolate mousse. I'm getting hungry just thinking about Presse...
(5)
Jun W.

There's always a crowd here! and with good reason! The service here is good. Everyone's friendly. The atmosphere is casual and relaxed despite it being busy. The food is good. love that they have petit wine pours Croque madam is delish. Chicken served cold. I was a little reluctant to order this since i usually enjoy my dinners hot. And I'm also not sure how long the chicken's been hiding out in the cold room. With all worries set aside, the chicken was pretty good. served with mayo. If you like mayo it can't go wrong. This is a very simple entree. Pan roasted trout was good but overly greasy. by the end of the meal my lips were well moistened with omega3s and more. dense vanilla custard wit rhubarb was okay. it was very dense with the texture being more of mochi than pudding. more rhubarb would've been nice.
(4)
Amy X.

Not exactly how I picture a cute French cafe, but several things make it very French (and awesome): - The Croque Madame is indeed delicious. As are the pomme frites (not your regular French fries, and not just because the name is in French). - The yogurt with honey and walnuts comes in a cute creme brulee dish. - The friendly wait stuff constantly changes out your carafe of water, which you can pour for yourself into cute French bistro glasses (it made me especially happy because I have larger versions of these Picardie tumblers from Williams-Sonoma). - The small cafe tables that allow you to be close enough to your companion(s) to actually hear them. Or play footsie, if you so choose. ;)
(4)
susan w.

We came here late at night on recommendation of a local, and everyone's food was amazing. When we got the bill, I was surprised how inexpensive our meal was. Excellent food, open late, and an inexpensive tab. Add on that the staff here is so welcoming and nice. I love it!
(5)
Shasta L.

Really, really good French, comfort food in a very comfortable atmosphere. I have been meaning to go here for AGES (that's always the story with me...) and finally stepped in the other day. It was a weekday around lunch time, and it was super crowded. Even still, the service was attentive, if a little on the hipster side. I had the Croque Monsieur (grilled/broiled ham and cheese sandwich with a crusty, cheesy roux sauce on top) and it was divine! Just as good as homemade if not a bit better! The fries with fresh mayonnaise were also delicious. My meal definitely hit the spot, and I look forward to dropping by another time for lunch.
(4)
Shekinah S.

Putting in my deux francs cause I'm not as enamored as everyone else is with this place. Desole! I've been to Cafe Presse twice and don't think I'll be running back anytime soon. I don't really like eggs, cheese, liver, or weird animal parts, so I guess French cuisine isn't for me. A few months ago my boyfriend and I wanted some food after we left a concert. His car happened to be parked near Cafe Presse and we hadn't been there in a couple years so we decided to lui donner un aller. I had a glass of wine and he probably had a Stella. We ordered a half baguette ($2.50) and a falafel dish I don't see on the online menu, but it involved cucumbers and melon. The bread was way too hard and not warm (a pet peeve of mine when served with cold butter) and overpriced considering most restaurants give it to you for free. A La Brea demi baguette is some of the most delicious bread I've ever eaten and costs about $1 at most stores. The falafel was decent but I don't understand the inclusion of melon. I hate hate hate melon and it makes everything else taste like melon and I've never seen falafel paired with fruit before. En general the food was OK. Small portions, not small prices. Frenchy. The service was fine and this is a relaxed and cozy atmosphere. There are tons of magazines, the back room is surprisingly spacious, and the adorable salt and pepper shakers are photo - worthy. Plus it's cool to have an alternative to hot dogs and pizza if you want food at 1am on the Hill. I was gonna say I'd think about coming here again for the pastries, but looks like they only serve breakfast from 7 - 9am, which means that will never happen. I'd like perhaps to try the desserts or the hot chocolate (Chocolat Chaud) but someone else would have to suggest coming back to Cafe Presse. Too French for me. Donnez-moi une pizza!
(3)
Adam M.

The whole roasted chicken is really good. Surely worth the wait, and believe me an hour goes by fast enough with a few drinks and an app or two. Bon Appetit! (Please read my original review)
(5)
Jayme D.

This place is perfect for someone like me who doesn't want to be suffocated by the Capitol Hill party crowd but still wants to go out on a Saturday night. They add tea candles all around the restaurant at night to give it a casual, intimate ambiance. The music isn't too loud so it is a great place to converse. I would call it the perfect first date spot or a great place to catch up with a friend. The prices are decent, the food is good, and the ambiance is cute. I'm so glad I decided to try this spot. I will definitely be back with my boyfriend. This place as a great balance of a full service restaurant and laid back vibe.
(5)
John S.

The first time here, I was underwhelmed, the food seemed salty, like it had cooked too long. Since then, I've eaten several more times here at the urging of friends. Each time, I've enjoyed my experience more. The bread is above average and the real butter from France is very good. The mussels and duck leg are fantastic main dishes. I always love sharing the fois gras and the cheese plate. Very reasonable, yet nice wine list. Great ambience, feels like you're in France, including authentic tight seatings. Wonderful place to spend a long evening with friends at very reasonable costs.
(4)
Zynn T.

I love coming here with friends for a quick lunch. The menu selection is simple basic French bistro. My go to item is the sardine on baguette with a hearty bowl of soup. I love the lively atmosphere and modern decor. Really wish there's one on the Eastside!
(4)
Sausages A.

Service is a whole hell of a lot better
(5)
Chani J.

So darn good. We usually get a seat right away when we go late afternoon. I haven't had anything yet that didn't just blow me away with deliciousness. Last time I had the Croque Madam, a regular green salad, and the frites, and I literally wanted to order the same thing and eat it all over again when I had finished.
(5)
Laura P.

I love this place for late night eats. I love the sardine sandwich, the chicken liver pate is lovely, and the fries are delicious. The wine service is great in all different sizes (glass, demi pichet, pichet, and bottle) so you can try a couple. Sometimes I feel silly sitting among the "too cool for school" hipsters of Capital Hill, but I'm happy to brave the crowd for the food.
(4)
Angela M.

Pluses: everything that we ordered was eyes-rolling-into-back-of-head delicious. I'm dying to go back so I can have an order of rillettes de porc all to myself! (we all shared our various dishes) The roasted beet salad was fantastic - the earthiness of the beets was perfectly married to the creamy musk of a french bleu cheese. The smoked pork chop (a special that night) was...oh...basically orgasmic. More like a delicately smoked slab of ham, but juicier and better. Cafe Presse is retardedly affordable. Seriously. Three people for dinner, each with 3 drinks and so much food we could not actually consume it all...for $85 + tip. The minus, as there is only one: it was quite crowded and the acoustics suck. Even though we were seated at a small, intimate table, we still had to nearly shout at each other. All told - who cares? A strained larynx is a small price to pay for amazing food at amazing prices.
(4)
Bridget L.

The ambience at Cafe Presse is wonderful. Easy going and a little dressy at the same time. Plus football in the front room. I'm giving 3 stars based on my friend's duck leg being dry and my fish of the day was not seasoned at all, leaving my dish totally bland and tasteless. On the other hand, it wasn't overcooked so I will give them that. The other 2 ordered the steak frites, French onion soup, and the butter lettuce salad. All were good. The other reason for 3 stars was our server. Each sentence began with "Um, I'm not sure" as he asked us what we'd like to drink, describing the dishes, dessert, etc. He needs a little more training and/or self-confidence. We're friendly people! The chocolate gateau, chocolate and whipped cream, and the fromage cake were super yummy. I love the magazine rack up front. I will definitely want to try this place again.
(3)
Murat S.

Tasty food, not perfect service. Items in their menu changes quite frequuently. Their mussels, croque monsieur and omelettes are pretty good.
(4)
Kim V.

Love this place! Just got back from dinner and had to write a review. I've been to this place several and I always leave happy and with a full stomach. I've only tried a few things on their menu, so this review may a bit biased. I usually get the croque madame and some wine. The fries and bibb salad are great too! The price is pretty awesome too. It's great place to people watch and relax. The ambience/atmosphere is very relaxing and calming. My friend and I love dining at the place and just catching up. LOVE it!
(4)
Jacob C.

Cafe Presse is the best spot for lunch or dinner in the CBD and First/Capitol Hill area. We go there quite often to get great food at a good price. Their desserts (namely the chocolate mousse) are always excellent. Dinner is good, with a (small) selection of different French entrees. The kinds of food you can only get at authentic French restaurants in Seattle. The 'frites' are the best fries I've ever had, with their lemon-mayonnaise it is perfection. The meat in my favorite 'steak-frites' isn't always the best of cuts, but the benefits of this classy and cute cafe outweigh the occasional downsides.
(4)
Katy B.

Reasonably priced and reasonably tasty. And the wait staff that will not make eye contact and the cramped seating makes it feel almost like Paris! But I really like this place because after a lifetime of french lessons, basic food phrases are some of the only things that I can pronounce well. Who doesn't like to say soupe aux carottes in front of friends (or fans)? I feel - as the french would say - super-cool.
(4)
Timothy I.

I enjoyed the food. It was very bon. I had the duck liver pate. It was very Grande. I then ate quail. It was salty, but good. The sauce was fat-ty, dec-a-dent and....enorme bon. My girlfriend had steak; I had some steak; thank you girlfriend. It was also good. Service was OK, but food, price, France, is tres bon!
(4)
Sally P.

Yum! Yum! I went here Friday night with a couple of girl friends and we had some seriously delicious food! I had the quail, the actual quail was pretty small but the meat was good and the sauce/apple/potato mixture that came with was surprisingly light and sweet and yummy. My friend had the fish, Cod I think, and it was the fluffiest fish I ever had. And they are pretty friendly which never hurts!
(4)
F K.

i liked this place -- pretty good food, pretty good service, pretty good atmosphere. a friend brought me here while i was in seattle. i had the french onion soup, which i thought was good, and we also split the fries, which were great. prices were reasonable, and the menu seemed to have a good selection. service was good, and we were able to get a table right away. they had european soccer on the TV, which was also cool, and didn't seem to mind that the people at the table next to us were just hanging out watching the game long after they'd finished eating.
(4)
David R.

I certainly haven't been here as often as some people I know, but it's on the list of places I like if only because of their reasonable prices and overall quality. I would steer clear of the steak frites. First time I was terribly disappointed with the piece of meat that was delivered to my table. It was cooked fine but was overridden with inedible gristle. I decided it might have been a fluke, so I ordered it another time. Although it was a little better, I would not say that I came close to enjoying it. Maybe I shouldn't get medium rare steak. There are several other items on the menu I'm looking forward to trying, and I do intend to go back (and order something other than steak).
(3)
Jason L.

I ordered the Pomme-Frites as an appetizer. Approximately 60% of them were crispy. I also had Steak-Frites (didn't look at the whole menu before ordering frites). The medium well done steak I ordered came out medium (about 40% of the cross section was red/dark pink). The meat was slightly tough. Roasted sweet pepper sauce was interesting. Overall the meal wasn't bad, but not anything I would go back for.
(2)
Shelly D.

Yum! I dined here alone, sat at the bar overlooking the street, and felt totally comfortable. I ate the liver terrine with cherries with fresh baguette which hit the spot. Would make a great appetizer for 2-4 people as I brought half home with me. The waitress recommended sparkling wine with Saint Germain and I am glad she did...it was delicious. The perfect foam decaf latte capped off my evening. Thank you yelpers for the great recommendation.
(4)
Alysia A.

hey hey. my my. rock and roll will never die. and presse better not either. i've impressed a few dates with presse. it's delicious and affordable with a bunch of fancy french on the menu to make me look like i know a few things about a few things. the staff is attractive, mildly aloof, with a wicked sense of humor, and always spot on order wise. while having dinner saturday night, a bee decided to harass us during our whole meal, circling our demi poulet, snacking on it so much that we were reluctant to even finish it, sensing victory, it settled on down to the side of the chicken and full on gorged. i have never heard of a bee eating flesh. tell me friends, are we next? thank god our curly headed full lipped angelic looking server was willing to slay the bee dragon had the word yes left our lips. oh ferocious little tiger server, you nearly made this gay girl straight.
(5)
Amelia D.

Food: **** Atmosphere: **** Service ** Value:***** Highlights: -Divine olives steeped in harisa -Crusty french loaf -Healthy portion of creamy white bean soup with shrimp au pistou Great french staples for a reasonable price. My boyfriend had a croque au campagnard which he loved. My green salad was watery and so-so. The service was slow, and we sat on the patio, which was cramped, but it was a beautiful day outside, so we really did not mind. This would be a great place to go with an old friend and wax poetic over a leisurely lunch. It may not be the best place for a quick business luncheon or somewhere to go if you're in a hurry. If only for those amazing olives, I will be back next time I am in Seatte.
(4)
Emily C.

It's difficult for me to write a review of this place because I can't seem to get myself to order anything but the Croque Monsieur. Well technically I've ordered the Poulet rÃ´ti Ã votre commande, pommes frites, GÃ¢teau au foie de volaille, Å’ufs plats, jambon, fromage, Croque Campagnard, Rillettes de porc, Salade verte and more and I'm sure they were all delicious but the Croque Monsieur always occupies my mind in times such as this. Until I remember that - oh my gosh - the wine was so reasonably priced! I should eat here more often.
(5)
Henry L.

I'm still looking for a neighborhood French bistro to fill the gap that XO Bistro left behind. Some good food at a decent price and a well stocked bar is my goal. Decided to try out CafÃ© Presse on Capitol Hill and I was thoroughly mediocred. CafÃ© Presse is a cute little spot outside of the main drag so it means parking is a little easier -- which is a big plus. The availability of magazines and newspapers are convenient for when you're dining alone or when you don't want to talk to the people you're eating with. Combine that with the TV and the inherent entertainment of people watching, you're not going to run out of conversation topics. Until you get to the food. Then it's just blah de blah blah blah blah blah. I'm not saying it's bad. I'm just saying it's not good. Had the steak frites. Frites were pretty decent, but not particularly interesting. The steak (tasted like a hanger steak) was over salted and the outside was a little too tough. Then the entire dish was soaked in some tomato based sauce. Just my personal preference, but I like to be able to taste my meat rather than sauce. The clam dish was just so so as well. What was weird was the raisins that were sprinkled on top. Didn't fit in with the dish so much. But I guess I could see the approach since the clam sauce was mostly coconut milk and maybe they were doing something curry-esque? Dunno, just seemed a little out of place. The dish was fine without it. But my whole problem with the food was that it wasn't particularly interesting. You've got a cool spot. You've got entertainment. And then you got blah food. I guess that still gives you something to talk about. The blahs.
(3)
alexander s.

great little french gastropub. They have football (that's soccer) matches on the tele, and some decent french bistro fare. Great soups, hanger steak, frites, croque monsieur. I loved their brandade, but I don't see it on the menu anymore. Nice atmosphere. I believe they have free wireless. A great place to just hangout and read or do some work during the day time.
(5)
Amanda C.

It's the simple things in life, really. This cafe makes French cuisine seem like a cinch. Perfect eggs, great baguettes (actually they're amazing, especially with butter and their freshly made jams) tasty coffee and more! I would have to say that my favorite is their croque monsieur; baked ham, gruyere, bechamel sandwich with a sunny side up egg. With the salad verte; bibb lettuce with hazelnut vinaigrette, which is more unique than most of the salads i've had, and very light. You can either sit at the bar or at a booth or table or even outside on the deck. I usually like to sit at the bar :) The parking however is a little annoying since it's right on a corner of a main street where parking can be pretty hard to find :/ but if you live on capitol hill it's only a walk away! Prices are very reasonable for the quality of food. You will walk away feeling very satisfied indeed...
(4)
Janine D.

cute little date place with good food and coffee
(4)
chris h.

i really, really did enjoy this place for late night cheese & whiskey. two of my favorite things. they're one of the few bars in town that carries red breast. so delicious. but, i feel i need to let you seattlites know... i wont be going back. i've been sick with food poisoning twice from here. the first time was god awful. three long, hellish days.. i was in and out of the bathroom 70 something times (not exaggerating) with a fever, chills & severe stomach cramps. all from eating a small dish of white fish confit, aioli & bread. the second time i went back.. i just had cheese. so there must've been some cross contamination because the cheese didn't taste soured or bad. luckily, it wasn't as excruciating as the first.. but it still kept me home for a day with bad stomach cramps. i'm actually scared to go back. i don't wish that pain on my worst enemy. full menu til 1 am. if you dare....
(2)
Graham C.

Ok, the wine shortage is over and they're getting better at making fries. Now I'm hoping for some more variety on the menu...
(4)
kat s.

Relaxed atmosphere, tasty food. I come here all the time, for brunch, dinner or to split a bottle of wine. Wait staff is always on the ball, and food is made simply with high quality ingredients. Both a great place to meet friends, or enjoy a book or soccer match at the bar.
(5)
Josh F.

French place with Soccer on the TV? Good coffee, nice drinks, decent eclectic menu.
(4)
Anna M.

J'adore Cafe Presse! I went there two days in a row last week and was tres happy with my selections..at first I was pretty mad about having to pay for bread..normally a restaurant gives you bread for free before your meal..but in the end I was okay with paying $2.50 for a baguette and a pat of butter..for some reason it was just more delicious than regular bread. The omelette was yum, mushrooms, some cheese I forgot, spinache, and ham..and the fries are just lethal..all for a decent price and attentive service. I felt like I was back in France at some cafe, and I'm guessing that's what they were going for. Tres bon!!
(4)
Christina M.

Cafe Presse is one of my neighborhood hang outs. My family ends up there at least once a month, and the remarkable thing is that we've never had a bad experience at this place. Cafe Presse is a sure thing: good to great food, sweet, laid back staff and warm ambience. It's kind of perfect. And thank you for never taking the Salade Verte off the menu!
(5)
Amy C.

i crave for their sardine sandwich everyday... and croque madame... mmmmmmm...... everything else on their menu is just as amazing. love this place. too bad everyone else seems to love it too, so at standard meel times there will be a wait.
(5)
Alex W.

My first trip to Cafe Presse was pretty amazing. It was part of a birthday party and all I ordered was the Soupe aux haricots blancs (pureed white bean soup with grilled prawns). It was possibly one of the best bowls of soup I have ever had, and I'm not even a soup guy -- wonderfully hearty bouquet, depth of flavor, and two perfectly grilled, smoky shrimp. Second trip, however, was mediocre. I ordered the croque madame, my fiance the croque monsieur. Both were constructed from square pieces of white bread, which made them seem like fancy ham and cheese sandwiches. They just looked cheap. Croques should be on quality rustic bread; it's the foundation of that dish. The space feels schizophrenic as well, with a nice, fleur de lys-like wallpaper but a television above the bar. I understand they're going for the cafe-by-day, restaurant-by-night thing, but I'd say it misses the mark here. Le Pichet (same owners) accomplishes this much more successfully.
(3)
Aimee Z.

First, can i just say that the prices are amazing? and second, i'd like to say that all the staff are not only good looking but extremely well mannered. I liked it so much I went there 2 weekends in a row for brunch, a big no-no in our brunch circle because we're supposed to try everything once. However, the coffee is delicious, the croque madams and croque monsieur's and egg omelets are all so good. The atmosphere is so perfectly Capitol Hill - chic, cozy, hipster, dorky, and filled with partiers and urban mommies alike. It's like the servers have a timer when your coffee cup is empty - before you even blink and push your cup to the side as a polite reminder for a refill, they've got you covered and your morning buzz continues without missing a beat! So, any time I am in the neighborhood we'll be going there again for brunch and lunch. As a last note: we sat next to a cranky lady who never should have left her house because she was displeased with everything. I'm sorry, did she mean to go somewhere more pretentious? Because she obviously wandered into the wrong place. However, it didn't matter how I felt about the situation because the servers were professional, tolerant, and extremely nice about the whole thing. We left before her, but I'm pretty sure despite the impossibility to please her, she still left a happy customer!
(5)
Julie A.

I heart Cafe Presse and it's sister restaurant Le Pichet. I'm a sucker for smooth creamy liver terrine, and sister, these two joints serve up the creamiest, fattiest, tastiest pate this side of Lake Washington. The frites are almost as delicious as the frites I used to get at Cafe Belgique in D.C. Ask for the dipping mayo; go on, be French! I love Presse's European energy, jovial waitstaff, crusty baguettes, and did I mention the liver terrine? The new patio is fabulous and I always seem to run into a friendly face here. My only complaint is not having a larger beer selection. But, hey, if you're only going to serve one beer Stella is a great choice. Magnifique, Cafe Presse!
(5)
Michelle Z.

My Croque Madame was, in a word...dÃ©licieux! While it could never parallel the ambiance or certain je n'est ce qois of a true Parisian cafe, Cafe Presse is as close as it gets in Seattle. Menu items listed in French first, and English second, quintessential Parisian fare, champagne, the list goes on. Definitely the ideal hangout for the Francophile trapped in Seattle. An added perk is that it's that the servers are wonderfully un-French in demeanor, friendly, and (gasp) even known to smile every once in a while!
(5)
Joey Y.

this is a pretty sweet place. nice to take a date to. as a matter of fact, i just had a date there. go me. moving on, if you couldn't tell by the name, this place is french cuisine. the kitchen is bustling whenever i'm there and the crowd is a bit older, middle-aged, chattering with their wine-soaked teeth. the winner here for me is the crouque madame. if you've never had this bombastic, fucking-retarded-good sandwich, you are doing yourself a great injustice. it's basically guaranteed to land you in some sort of triple bypass surgery; a ham and cheese sandwich that is smothered in cheese, pan-fried, then topped with a small, sunny-side-up egg. what the christ? you should be pounding your chest and heaving heavily by just listening to the description. they also have pomme frites [fresh-cut french fries, for you uncultured swine], which is a good substitute for the long-missed "POMME FRITES" abode, which i still get teary-eyed about when thinking of my old after-hours eatery. the meat there is cooked fairly well, much to my surprise. the steak frites plate is pretty good and they have all the pretentious-sounding dishes that a french eatery is bound to have. you can even order a half-chicken, if you don't mind waiting around for an hour. i do wish they had a wider selection of beer, although their current selection is pretty good, but i demand more beer in every facet of my life. also, the seating can be slightly awkward, especially since the place is packed during busy hours and i usually end up touching elbows or knees with the random person next to me. which is perfectly fine if they're sexy, but it's awfully hard to be sexy when you're middle-aged. [what? are you british or some shit?] finally, the wait staff is pretty keen. they like to answer questions you have about the menu and aren't as pretentious or snooty as you'd expect.
(4)
S And A D.

Small menu well executed, chartucerie plate by far the most interesting. Croque Madame sandwich was excellent. Fries disappointing for the price, but the overall bill was reasonable.
(3)
Kirk S.

Great value for french bistro cuisine. I strongly recommend the frites and croque's as well as some of the house red wine they have in 1/2 and full carafes. Not the best french food i have ever had, but damn good and one of the better values in seattle.
(4)
Marlyn C.

This is one of my favorite places to spend a weekend morning. great food, great service, and you can catch soccer matches here. Food is simple and delicious. The space is cozy but small- not for groups.
(5)
Chanda I.

why did i never stop in before? i couldn't tell what it was. coffee? bar? restaurant? it's all 3 and so much more. the same menu all day with breakfast, lunch, and dinner options. coffee, wine, or beer options. some cheap tasty wine too. you can come to sit alone with a computer or bring a date. today i got a slab of bittersweet on french bread. that's right! i had the onion soup. so delicious! the tables are quite small so i think it's best for 2 people for a little intimate meal or to chat.
(5)
Patty S.

My husband and I just returned from Paris and wanted an authentic Parisien cafe experience. I found Cafe Presse online with raves so we went for lunch. We were greeted with a pleasant outdoor patio -- and it was a sunny day. I sat down at the patio table. Just like in Paris, seat yourself. Oops. No I must go inside first and have a host seat us. Inside we went only to be stared at by 4 or 5 employees like we were from outer space. The host asked us, Can we help you? Not Hello, will you be having lunch with us today? I piped up and said "we will be having lunch.". They were not busy but were staffed with about 5 people. In Paris there would have been maybe 3 employees for a cafe this size. We ordered for starters two espressos. They were brought to our table in large coffe cups, not demitasse. The waiter was Ok friendly but had no bonvivant to his stride. My husband ordered a crocque monsieur that was decent. Loud rock music was playing ( not French) so we had to shout to each other. InParis we noticed 95 percent of the cafes we were in had no loud music. It was so nice to talk! The only Frenchiness about the cafe were the magazine's on the rack and the copy of Le Monde. I had great hopes since this a spawn of Le Pichet.
(2)
Kim P.

All's I have to say is cla-FOU-tis! yum-may.
(5)
Katie R.

Loved everything about my visit. Couldn't have asked for more on a snowy April afternoon. We sat at the window stools, read the paper, watched the snow fall to the ground and enjoyed 2 americanos, a plate of frites, and a couple of delicious ham sammies. Service was friendly and prompt and the bottles of water on each table was a nice touch. If only Cafe Presse would open a sister cafe in Ballard. Oh what a happy day that would be.
(5)
Peter C.

If there was just one all-in-one restaurant/lounge/reading room/coffee shop/bar in Seattle that I could be super enthusiastic about, it would be Cafe Presse. First of all, they are always open. By always I mean 7am-2am which pretty much covers all the time I am awake anyway. In the morning they bake their own croissants and brioches which are among the best in Seattle. (Unfortunately not the best. That honor goes to Besalu). Nonetheless, there are few places I prefer to stop at on the way to work or on a weekend morning. There is something quite civilized about sitting down for a cafe-au-lait and a croissant before the day gets going at full-bore. The evening menu closely mimics Le Pichet's, its sister restaurant near Pike Place Market, though Presse's price points are a little lower. Dinner there the other evening was delicious and I almost forgot I was not at Pichet. Like Pichet, their wine list leaves something to be desired. I am not sure why this is and hope they move to address it. At their price-point there are plenty of great French wines that taste better than the ones they have. This is my main reason for 4-stars vs. 5. For the night owls, the kitchen takes last order at 1:35am which means that even after a hard night of clubbing and drinking you can still get a plate of tasty pommes-frites to satisfy the oily-salty-starchy cravings one has at that time of night.
(4)
Scott E.

I found this place through the 36 Hours in Seattle article in the NY Times and walked from downtown to give it a try. The food was great, loved the atmosphere and I was shocked when the check came - because it was so reasonable! You can easily spend more in a Starbucks for worse food and a standardized experience. Definitely check this place out!
(5)
Christine B.

I'm new to Seattle and I've already been here three times!! I love the food and the service!!! I generally come during lunch and always get the croque monsieur and pommes-frites!! It's just the right amount of food and also very flavorful!!
(5)
Evan O.

OMG. I'm not joking when I say I had the best meal ever at Cafe Presse. Go there. Now.
(5)
Jay C.

Cafe Presse for brunch is delightful. The pommes frites are perfect. I don't really dig the football fans yelling at the bar during breakfast, but that won't keep me from coming back.
(5)
Lily K.

two words: croque madame. we love.. oh, cafe presse, you rock my world. this is an awesome place to go, indulge in yuuuuuuummy food, yack about all of your troubles or just listen to others yack about theirs ;) and then your bill comes and you can really walk out with a smile! yaaaaay. please check out my food blog for a full review with photos!
(5)
Julia C.

Other than the sometimes petulant servers, Presse is practically perfect. The food here is simple in a fantastic way -- always on point with delicate yet affirmative flavors. I love that a place as sophisticated as Presse offers a glorified grilled cheese sandwich right along side dishes like mussels ProvenÃ§al. What's more is I can enjoy a glass of wine with either at 11 am or 11 pm. But who am I kidding, Presse is wonderful at any hour.
(4)
Maria M.

sit at the bar for the BEST service. Delicious coffee, friendly staff, and my butter was soft for my bread. Thank you Cam, you made my lunch hour last for 120 minutes.
(5)
TaDao V.

Finally! A French bistro I can afford to go to. I went during lunch with a friend and it was crowded but we got seated right away. We each ordered a sandwich and a soup, that is, if you can call the world's best croque madame a sandwich and a big ole bowl of French onion just a soup. Man, it was a LOT of food, but we didn't know because the French are skinny for a reason, right? Well, at least now we know the French would not last a skinny minute in this establishment. Good. Reasonable. Memorable. Try it.
(4)
Jennilee B.

My boyfriend and a 4 other friends of mine decided to have a late night dinner here, and I must admit they were very accommodating considering that we've changed the reservation once before. BUT our server was a little frazzled and irritated. I'm assuming because it was a Friday and the place was PACKED. But, needless to say, the food and atmosphere was awesome. The potatoes and onion soup was good, but the chocolate mint ice cream was insane! Yummy!!!
(4)
joe b.

wow, my review for presse has been long overdue! my visit last night cemented my love for the place; i love presse, i love it- it is easily one of my favorite casual joints in the city. first, it's pretty small and tastefully designed. parisain cafe with some industrial touches- nice. They sell lots of really cool magazines, and feature euro rugby games on the flat screen tv. subtle touches, but it says a lot about who they are appealing to and the kind of place it is. they also throw on really fun and random music. good french food at 2 a.m. while listening to wu-tang clan? yes please! thank you presse. the food is great, and it's cheap. i'm a big fan of their cheese plate, but everything i've had at presse is so good. a good portion of their food has meat in there somewhere, but it is a french place so that's totally expected. wine, beer, and cocktails are readily available as well- if you like that sort of thing. and considering that it 's nowhere near any other bars/nightlife, it gets pretty jumpin' on the weekends. (god, did i just say 'jumpin'?) the crowd is young, friendly, and good looking, which is a plus- if you like that sort of thing. it's a great place to start or finish your night, have lunch, even read the paper and drink coffee on a slow afternoon. ahhh. and any place where the bartenders smoke outside the front door is a winner in my book. presse. legit.
(5)
Rachael L.

Innovative menu, funky atmosphere and great espresso drinks!! The staff is always super friendly and willing to offer a recommendation off the menu.
(4)
Yell P.

Cafe Presse is one of my favorite standbys. It's right on my walk home from work and sometimes the call of the croque is too strong to resist. Good solid food for a decent price.
(4)
Paul D.

Consistently great simple French bistro fare at great prices.
(5)
J T.

I totally have a crush on CafÃ© Presse. Since my last review I've become a regular and have eaten here dozens and dozens of times. I guess this is what generally happens when regulars but the staff just keeps getting friendlier and the service is quite attentive and competent (in comparison, I cannot say the same for a particular Ballard French Cafe who's name rhymes with "a bill..." as in the big bill you'll get for subpar food and service.) Anyhow, I digress... Back to CafÃ© Presse: I've tried more dishes since my early days (like their steak frites) and they fail to disappoint. Plus I think they've improved on some of the dishes. Can this place get any better?!
(5)
Sanaz A.

j'adore cafe presse! the second you walk in, you know this place is a keeper. A wide selection of magazines, great music, and just an overall addictive french vibe.. and then there's the food... the omelette with comte cheese is absolutely to die for and I love the frites. actually i've yet to try something i don't like.
(5)
mrs and mrs d.

This is one of our very favorites in the city. The Croque Madame is on my death-row meal list and the mustard in those tiny jars on each table is full of wine and spice - perfect. The wait staff is awesome, the place is adorable and the mimosa's rock.
(5)
Sarah E.

I love Cafe Presse. Ambiance is cute, warm, friendly, and a little french - you can hang out for hours over brunch with your friends and never feel rushed to leave. The coffee is amazing, and all the food I've tried is delicious. So I'm definitely a fan, but there's one big negative that I just have to comment on. The service sucks. I've been there two times now, and both times they've screwed up my order. They don't bring enough plates for the table to share the bread. It's hard to get your coffee refilled. And once a mistake is made you have to be ready to instantly GRAB the server or you will be waiting for 30 minutes for a correction. On one of my visits, I was meeting up with a group of people and was seated to wait for them in the back room. Both the server & host said they'd keep an eye out for my friends and bring them back when they arrived. They arrived 5 minutes later, were seated in the front of the restaurant, and I was left to sit & wait in the back for 15 minutes until my friends & I figured out, via texting, that we were all there & waiting for each other. Oh brother!
(4)
Jenny S.

I love this cafe, they have good priced wine and yummy food. Don't try to go on a Friday or Saturday night too busy. Weekdays seem to be better. Everytime I have gone there staff has been friendly and when I sit at the bar the bartenders help you decide on a good choice for drinks.
(5)
Dandelion F.

I love this place any time of day. The gaillac is a nice red wine by the glass or carafe, and the espresso drinks (Vita) are superb. I adore the chicken liver pate, served with cranberries, cornichons and mustard. Waitstaff is fantastic, knowledgeable and friendly. Often peanuts are served w/drinks in the evening. Nice sandwiches, but don't expect substitutions. Overall a delightful brasserie vibe without pretense.
(4)
Jinny K.

I find it difficult in Seattle to find an out-of-the-ordinary breakfast menu and even more difficult to find it executed well--Cafe Presse delivers on both fronts. Pomme frites with their seasoned mayo were tasty. Even the hard-boiled eggs were done right (soft yolks). Plus, how can you go wrong with adding mayo to everything? No scrimping and saving on calories here...hooray! They serve Vita coffee, which is nice, but I prefer coffee at the adjacent Stumptown. And, if I've failed to regale and convince you with my sumptuous stories of mayo...they have an endless supply of yummy baguettes. Go, immediately.
(4)
Dan P.

the place is know for its french food and it does not disappoint.
(4)
A B.

Always really busy, but the wait staff is always courteous and attentive. Everything is really delicious on their menu and so is the coffee. I also agree with Lisa C, I feel that I'm never quite cool enough to come here, but they're always very welcoming and if you have any questions on their menu, they are very helpful.
(4)
NW D.

I love this place. Esp the fries - so uniquely tasty.
(5)
herf j.

I love this place! I should really get here more. Good music, fun staff and the food reminds me of the 2 years I lived in Paris except the food is better!
(5)
Sandra S.

I remembered reading about Cafe Presse, as I was (and am!) a big fan of Le Pichet. At least of their delicious quiche, salad and pichets of wine (never made it past these items, they are so delicious!)! I had read that they served food (gasp!) until 2am... and after a late movie, instead of the de riguer Taco Bell run, we decided to descend upon Cafe Presse. I was absolutely delighted with the choice! It was about 12:30am, and the place was comfortably packed with folks of all ages and distinctions. There were some well heeled folks, as well as the obligatory hipsters sitting at the bar. We sat down at the bar and the exceedingly nice bartender (owner?) not only took care of us with some wine, but we watched him efficiently mix up any number of simple yet wonderful looking concoctions. I loved looking behind the bar and NOT seeing the normal obnoxious mix of five different kinds of Stoli. The liquor at this bar is what you need to make the basics, and the classics. And the clientele reflects this! I can't imagine someone getting too upset because they couldn't get their washington apple shot here. Now... the food. I ordered their tomato soup after a bit of hesitation... not normally being one to order tomato soup at a restaurant. This tomato soup was divine... not cream based, but fruity and peppery spicy! Two little slices of goat cheese compliment it wonderfully... I can't recommend it enough. Even the people sitting on the other side of me wanted to know what I had that looked so good and begged for a bit. I poked them with my spoon and told them to stay back. :) All I can say is that this place is comfortable, tasteful, and I only hope that it doesn't get too busy for my liking! I am excited to come back for coffee and perhaps a pastry... and read one of their awesome selection of magazines and newspapers. They have the magazine Bitch, which just makes them all the more wonderful! Merveilleux!
(5)
Susie Serious E.

Not the best food I have had in my life. Service is so/so. But they are open real late and they have WIFI. The salads and desserts are yummy. Good place to go if you have a hangover or work to do.
(4)
Stephen T.

Paris' culinary reputation certainly precedes itself, and while I've never actually set foot in 'The City of Light', my expectations of what it should be like were set well before this place opened its doors. Not only did it live up to all of my expectations, it surpassed each and every one of them. The ambience was perfect - despite the fact that it was so busy my friend and I had to sit in the back room - and the food was just the right amount of filling. We we were able to order several courses, thereby treating ourselves to a large variety, but we didn't feel at all guilty afterwards. I definitely recommend the 'Oefs plat, jambon, fromage' and the 'Gateau au foie de volaille', and can't wait to try so many of the other items that we were drooling over the entire time. I will be returning very soon - and often!
(4)
Aaron L.

Totally adorable little euro-cafe. What they can do with butter in their cooking will make your arteriosclerosis seem totally worth it. Great for a quick brunch with one eye open, or just to have a quick tet-a-tet over some pomme frites and a croque monsieur.
(4)
Diana N.

My oh my! =) Cafe Presse is nicely tucked away in the Capitol Hill neighborhood, it's on the smaller side but very quaint and cozy inside. I love that they're open early & late every day of the week, and for sure it'll be #1 on my list of late night eats! I was very impressed by the offerings and was delighted to try the croque madame which so many raved about! I was afraid that it might give me a heart attack with all the gruyere cheese but to my surprise, it was crisp & the cheese was just right! The shrimp cous cous salad was a perfect harmony between the sweetness of the melon, fresh mint leaves, and saltiness of the olives! I also have not tasted shrimp so plump & tender! The pomme frites are as french as the fries can get, perfect to dip with some mustard! The seating arrangements are a bit odd but I think it's what makes it a unique place to eat & relax with friends and I cannot wait to find an excuse to come back =)
(4)
Jessica R.

I celebrated the return of my children to school by having a grown up lunch at Cafe Presse. At first I was concerned that there were no available seats. We were then directed to the back room. The seating was very, very, verrrrrry cramped. The service was very, very, verrrrry slow. But the food was so yummy and so very, very, verrrrry French that I can forgive and try again another day.
(3)
William S.

This cute french bistro is by far one of my favorite places to eat. I have tried just about everything on the menu and found each dish to be amazing. The modern atmosphere is cozy. The charcuterie plates with some wine are great to share with a date! The servers are nice, attentive, but not overbearing and are knowledgeable with the menu. I love that it's open daily from 7am to 2am with the same menu. The wine list is simple and reasonably priced with options of by the glass, pitcher or bottle.
(5)
Heather F.

I am a big fan of egg sandwiches. I make them all the time at home, maybe too much. The Croque Madame at Cafe Presse was the egg sandwich of my dreams. It's a beautiful baked ham, gruyere and bÃ©chamel sandwich with a sunny side egg resting on top. The perfect breakfast. The coffee was great. The waiter was lovely and attentive. There were at least two older, vaguely European-looking couples eating their breakfast and reading the paper in different corners of the dining room. There is a back room with plenty of space and high windows looking out onto a few tall trees and exposed brick walls. Granted, I've only been there once, but it's my new favorite place.
(5)
Laura K.

I love the hours of operation. I think it is brilliant and I wish I had a place like this in my neighborhood. The staff can be a bit cold. The food is very french, maybe too french for this type of business and this location. I'll put this place on my Capitol Hill rotation.
(3)
Thanya S.

The only other place I can find a sardine sandwich is at Le Pichet...no surprise. I wish this place was in San Francisco. Totally cute, very french, very seattle, laid back and not pretentious at all.
(5)
Chris F.

Quite enjoyable! Excellent place for breakfast if you are tired of the generic breakfast fare served everywhere else. Very french, and very delicious. I usually don't like ham as a breakfast food item (I prefer bacon because come on, it's bacon.) but their broiled egg, ham and greuyere dish was incredible. Even the bread served before hand was awesome. Great pomme frites as well. Yeah, definitely a place I'm going to go back to. A lot.
(4)
Amy K.

Excellent addition to the Hill's eateries! Had reservations at 9 last night and were seated promptly in the back. Very casual place with paper menus. Our server Zach was good without being overbearing. Ordered a great bottle of red he recommended and started with the cheese plate...3 out of the 5 were to die for! Wine list isn't huge, but also not going to break the bank, they had about 5 reds to choose from. For entrees we did the steak frites and the fish of the day (which was ling cod), both were extremely delicious. Atmosphere was very lively and rather loud, difficult to have an intimate conversation, but great for groups. Can't wait to go back and try more of the menu!
(4)
a a.

good food, good atmosphere and decent service. Go there if you haven't.
(4)
donut h.

I can't believe I'm first to review... I am in love and practically speechless! GO!
(5)
Vanessa W.

Went to cafe presse tonight with my sister and her boyfriend. Been here once before for my birthday and didn't really have the best experience but that could have been more about the lame birthday than the restaurant. Tonight i had some white wine that i can't actually recall the name of, but it was good and cheap like most of their bevies! I love that they serve late night since i had just got off work and was starving. We all shared the fries with mayo, frisee salad with Bing cherries and the charcuterie plate. The fries were good but i still don't really understand mayo as a sauce. Sort of gross to me but i realize its classic french. The frisee salad was good but strange as they only used the bitter green part of the plant which is usually discarded. The charcuterie was actually pretty nice. A lovely variety of 5 different preparations. The beef tongue was not the best tongue i have had and the pork rillette was just ok but the chicken liver pate was excellent and the ham and salami were wonderful! Will probably visit again at some point. Surprisingly decent service as well!
(3)
Eric F.

Decent food, nothing outstanding, though. The fries are quite good, but I must concur with other reviews here that the food seems a bit overseasoned: pretty much everything I had was too salty. The hanger steak had an enormous piece of inedible connective tissue running through its end (this was the case for both of us that ordered it). This was clearly visible on both as the steak was pre-sliced for presentation, yet sent out anyway. Would perhaps try them again for brunch/lunch, but wouldn't go off the casse croute menu.
(3)
Henry G.

where can i begin. i really liked this place. so much so, i went there a second time with friends to spread the word.. the oysters were good, with an un-expected crunch of sea salt in the shell(in a good way), steak frites, amazing. the wine was good and the atmosphere great. only complaint, the first night i was there the music was a bit loud. and for me being as old as i am, that is saying alot. would have given five, but the music was kinda drowning out conversation. oh..p.s. if you don't like being close to other you don't know, i don't suggest this place for you. get cozy with your neighbor, cause you are right by em'.
(4)
Joanne L.

My husband and I ate here on 2/8/12 for brunch and it was absolutely the worst service we've ever had. I never yelp but the service was so bad that I just had to post about it. Firstly, when we entered and were told to seat ourselves, a table was being cleaned and so we stepped back to the front to wait and not crowd the tight area. The presumed manager then annoyingly calls one of her staff over to seat us, and we told her that we had a table and we were just waiting for it to be cleaned. Secondly, we order and I order a croissant. Our waitress brings out the croissant to put it on a plate at the bar area. One of her coworkers then comes over to her and then GRABS THE CROISSANT WITH HER BARE HAND AND WAVES IT IN THE AIR and puts it back on the plate. What kind of behavior is that?! And then our waitress and another coworker all laugh at the situation before she brings over the croissant to me. I was fuming. I was just completely in shock that this just happened BEFORE MY OWN EYES. It all happened right in front of me and my husband. I've never been so disrespected or had such horrible service at any eating establishment before. I get upset just passing by this place now and I can't get over how incredibly rude the staff is there. The food was only mediocre at best to make the experience all the more insulting. I will never return to Cafe Presse. I would give this plate a negative 5 stars if I could. Unfortunately, I could not post without giving at least one star.
(1)
Artie W.

The ambiance is nice, because thats what you're paying for. This is the place to go if you want to impress someone while on a diet. The food is nothing to complain about, but you would be just as well assembling random food items from your neighbors fridge... that is if your neighbor likes a lot of olives and couscous. Go for a drink and chill!! But you'll definitely hit the fridge up when you get back home whilst you gawk at your receipt!
(2)
Mark V.

The steak was really good. I loved the French bread served before dinner, and the wine was really tasty. I like the layout of the bistro too. I'll definitely be going back for another visit.
(5)
Azar K.

This place is great; the food is tasty and the atmosphere is quite French, but without the pretense or the prices that usually accompany such eateries. Speaking of French, they carry magazines and newspapers from all over the world, so you jet setters out there will feel right at home. All in all, a great lunch or early drinks type of establishment, though not exactly a late night watering hole.
(4)
Julian d.

Excellent breakfast. (keep in mind they have a limited menu until I believe 11:00 in the morning.) I had the mussels (I eat like a frenchman :P ) and then the chicken foi pate with cornichons which was really great spread over baguette. All in all an excellent breakfast and I'd recommend it. I think I have found the perfect 'seattle foodie' route: 1 - presse for breakfast 2 - salumi for lunch 3 - Zoe for dinner Awesome.
(4)
BettyNEithon T.

Betty and I went here with a couple friends who kept raving about how awesome this place was and how much better it was than Le Pichet (despite being owned by the same people). Walking in, it's very hipster-ish; one would feel out of place if one was not wearing either (a) a pair of worn out Chuck Taylor's, or (b) something from American Apparel. Owning none of these articles of clothing, I did feel slightly out of place. Sartorial vibe notwithstanding, the food was fairly inexpensive (well, as inexpensive as fancy-shmancy French food gets) and pretty good. I make it a point to get duck whenever I see it on the menu, and the duck confit here wasn't bad at all (though Betty says to pass on the French onion soup). Service was pleasant, as well. Overall, I'd like to come back and try some of the other things here. CONTEXT: Date: February 2008 Time: Weekend brunch
(4)
Joe S.

The food was good. You would expect that from the sister restaurant of the great "Le Pichet". The service was really lacking though. I really wanted to love this place because I loved every experience at Le Pichet but service goes a long long way for me. Maybe it was a bad night (I'm in the industry so I know how it can be) but some of the things that went on with our service just wasn't right. At the very least if things are going bad just be nice and 90 percent of the time things are forgiven. I really want to come back but I think I'll wait til I hear that service has become at least a little friendly. I gave it a lower rating because of the service not the food.
(2)
Stephanie H.

I daydreamed about Cafe Presse this morning when I woke up. I can't remember much about the food that I have eaten there, but I remember how very nice the people were about handling a group of friends arriving at different times, pushing tables together for us, bringing chairs, bringing separate checks without us asking. All this and everything was delicious. Whatever it was... I'm sure that there was a Croque Madame or something very much like it. I remember cheese and eggs and even some french fries, and definitely some strong coffee and fresh fruit preserves.
(4)
Emily F.

I love Cafe Presse. Have only been for late-night munchies, but every time it is delicious. I also love the intimacy of the cafe. So far we've tried the Assiette du Fromage, Pommes Frites, and Brandade de morue. Petrus is a delicious beer I was unfamiliar with. I ordered the Pain et Beurre and did not receive it, but I wasn't too upset. The server took it off of the bill. The Brandade was EXCELLENT. The first visit we had excellent service, while the second visit the girl was not so personable. Cafe Presse is open late, which is a definite plus. Overall, I love this place, and can expect great French food, cooked to perfection, in a great cafe environment.
(4)
Lorna D.

Driving by this cafe every Sunday after services at Seattle U, I knew that I had to try this place. Plus there has been so much said about this cafe. I finally had the opportunity with 2 friends in tow. We were originally seated outside on the deck, but they quickly brought us inside to the back room since there were some raindrops. They had given us the option initially, but I love sittiing outside. Oh well. The service was speedy. They brought the vat of water and cups to our table within a minute. I loved that the water was served in an open bottle and not just a pitcher. Once they took our order of 2 Madame Croques, boiled eggs with ham, and pomme frites, they brought my cup of Caffe Vita coffee and a baguette and butter appetizer. Okay, 5-stars for the coffee. I had 3 cups. Strong and not harsh on the stomach. The baguette wasn't too hard on the outside that you couldn't chew it and the inside was soft and moist enough that the butter didn't have to be there. Finally our order arrived and we all dug in. The Madame Croque was very good (a ham and cheese sandwich baked or deep fried? with toasted gruyere cheese layered on top of the sandwich and topped with a sunny-side up egg). The dish was not salty and was easy to chew and swallow. The dish was also not greasy considering the cheese and the ham. The Pomme Frites were not over cooked, but the side sauces could be better. The ketchup-mayo sauce didn't have a taste of ketchup in it. I liked that the dijon mustard has it's own little container. The service was fast, considerate and friendly. Our initial waiter before moving to the back was handsome and gorgeous. The posters on the wall adds to the ambience of the cafe. A definite return place for me
(4)
Sarah S.

I'm a fan. The waiter helped us pick a wine. The food was good, well executed and well priced. And we made reservations for a Friday (so didn't have to wait in the cold with the crowd outside). I thought the onion soup was a bit overpriced ($11?! come on!).
(4)
Suzanne W.

As of right now, my favorite french bistro on the west coast, maybe my favorite in les etats unis. Oysters were perfect, but the highlights were the croque monsieur, so soft and crispy at the same time, covered in a thick layer of bechamel sauce, and this amazing Noisette de porc grillÃ©e sur chou-fleur en gratin, a pork loin on the cheesy, buttery cauliflower and potato gratin. I'm drooling thinking about it.
(5)
kristine J.

James Drohman, the owner and mastermind behind Cafe Presse, lives in my building and everytime I go there for dinner or a quick bite to eat I'm impressed at the shear brillance of the place. I love the atmosphere, even though it can be a bit loud, it is still intimate and has such a cozy feel. I feel like it's that real neighborhood get away that we've all been waiting for....it transports you straight to Paris the minute you walk in. The staff, the food, the atmosphere are all magnifique! From the small bites to the full dinner, Cafe Presse always delivers.
(5)
Katie R.

the croque madame is unbelievable. yum! the wines here are pretty tasty also. the atmosphere is a little crowded, but once you settle in to your little table, you'll be a happy camper.
(4)
Kristin S.

I've waited years to review this place, I think mostly because I didn't want to jinx it. But after our most recent dinner here, my family and I all agreed that CafÃ© Presse never disappoints. They are the most consistent restaurant we have found when it comes to delivering excellent service and food. And I have been going here at least monthly for about 6 years. So, yes, I waited awhile to give it 5 stars, but they have earned it!
(5)
Jennifer C.

probably won't come back to this place again, ever! it was one of my favorite places in Seattle two years back. every time I travel through seattle, i'd make a special trip just to come here. but for my most recent experiences, it was more of the disappointment than anything else. the food was really just okay, and oh, gosh, talking about the waitress's attitude. after all, bye bye Cafe Presse. bookmark, removed!
(2)
Jared W.

Croquet Madame is the reason to go here. It was amazing. It made my weekend, and that is saying a lot as I had some amazing food that weekend. And as always, the people-watching was top-notch. You might even make some friends, as long as you speak loudly, authoritatively (regardless of accuracy or relevance to...anything at all), and have a friend in your group with oddly styled (or colored) hair.
(4)
Albert L.

Came to this place around noon to for a quick bite. At first the menu was a bit confusing since it was in French but I quickly realized there was English underneath haha. It was pretty hard for me to decide between the omelette and the croque madame but I ended up getting the omelette and it was "tres bon" and I thought it was really good. I also had a quick bite of the "croque madame" that my mom ordered and it was delicious. This place is really trendy/hipster and has this kind of relaxed, nonchalant feel to it. I would definitely recommend this place whether its a quick bite or somewhere to eat.
(4)
Wendy W.

Wow. When we arrived in Seattle, we met up here with my friend (who lives in Seattle). There's apparently not many places open late in Seattle and this was one of the few (we arrive and picked up our rental car from the airport around 930ish). It looks like a small place... and I thought the tables were very close together... as when I tried to move into the booth, I had to really squeeze.. and bothered the people next to us (sooo sorry!).... I was pleasantly surprised with the food. I had the Croque madame, which was pretty good. I don't typically like my eggs sunnyside up.. but the texture and tastes of the dish was very light and pleasant (I don't like the yolk.. so most of it was eaten by my better half)... We also had the Steak-frites, which was good. The sauce was the best part. :) Overall, a cute, quaint cafe. A nice first stop/dinner experience. :)
(4)
Tim C.

I remember my first time here being a lot better than my most recent visit. Maybe many people are in the same boat because this time around there was no wait while last time the place was completely full. And I almost feel like outside of the Croque Madame/Monsieur there isn't really anything that exceptional. Well I guess the fries are good too, fried to perfection. But the other dishes my family had ordered were basic, bland, and almost boring.
(3)
Hai Yen N.

Je voudrais un croque madame s'il vous-plaÃ®t. Do not actually order in French or you'll just look like an asshat. The croque madame is a favorite for good reason. It is indulgently rich and satisfying: ham and cheese between two slices of thick bread grilled in butter and topped with bÃ©chamel and a sunny side-up egg. The bread is at once crispy and chewy, the cheese meltingly perfect and the salt from the ham and the richness of the egg yolk coalesce to create the perfect combination of flavors in your mouth. Just try and resist. Other dishes here are equally delicious in the simple, French country style. I've enjoyed a lovely warm cheese and tomato on baguette, hard-boiled eggs served with aioli and cornichons and a refreshing hazelnut and butter lettuce salad. It's just too bad that Stumptown is next door and they serve Caffe Vita here.
(4)
Gabrielle D.

Cafe Presse is one of my favorite spots on Capitol Hill. In fact, I went there last night. It is by far an excellent first date spot. Low lighting, sultry but clean atmosphere. You can meet first for that "drinks" date- where they have a full bar and an excellent and inexpensive wine menu. (My favorite is the Vinho Verde). Then, when your date happens to be going so well, you can order some snacks, a little aperitif, tapas style, like olives and bread or cheese. If your date continues to be amazing, you can continue drinking or move on to heartier food. Get the picture? Excellent date spot. Of course, sometime the servers get busy and you have to ask for a fork twice, but it is well worth it otherwise.
(5)
Carlos D.

Love,love,love this place...food, service, both were great! if you get a chance check it out!!!! Yey!
(5)
Maryam N.

Yum, yum, yum. My friend and I had two croque madames and a cold aspargus salad with two butter caramels for dessert. Prices were fair and food was awesome. They lose one star because the wait staff really didn't want to be there and were a little cold. They were totally competent, however, just cold. I'll be returning.
(4)
Alyx V.

If you're looking for an amazing, authentic French cafe, look no further. You have found it. Cafe Presse has a great atmosphere, friendly staff, and , of course, great food. It is one of my favorite places to go on a rainy day in Seattle (read: everyday) because of the relaxed and cozy atmosphere and great coffee. Perfect for breakfast, lunch, and dinner (or anything in between). It's casual, yet has some European class to it. Love it for any occasion.
(5)
Peter O.

Since this place comes with a high maintenance attitude, I thought I would leave a like minded review. I came here for breakfast the other day and ordered a ham and herb omelette. If you're going to label yourself as a French cafe, the one thing you better get right is a French omelette. What I got was a I-HOP style omelette that had large lumpy curds, totally dried out and had browned bits of egg. A French omelette has a completely different texture and should be just slightly wet from not over cooking. I've been here other times and will say their dinner items are just fine. However, if you're looking for the real deal for breakfast, look elsewhere.
(2)
Lisa R.

Funny to read about the "snotty" servers. Yes! Totally! The only one that has manners is Marcel. The rest seem irritated about being there. I like the concept of the place so much, live in the neighborhood, and like the challenge of finding out what the waitstaff is so irritated about. Good, icy vodka martini, lackluster wines, a little dish of spicy peanuts with your drink are a nice touch. I come here often, but I do wonder why the waitstaff is so rude. Yesterday I sat at the bar, and the bar tender was like a non entity. Not nice, non emotive, non verbal, no hello, thank you, nothing. Typical. All the bartenders are like that there. I go there because I like to look out the window or sit on the deck. I will not sit at a table, because I don't like the possibility of my butt sweeping the condiments off the table next to mine getting up or down, and I don't have a big butt. What if you were a large person? Impossible!
(2)
Angela C.

This is a french cafe and they do like the french do - simple but delicious! It looks smaller than it seems because there's an entire seating area in the very back of the restaurant, past the bar area. They start you off with half a baguette and a pat of butter for the table. This baguette was very tough to eat and I could barely chew through it. The butter was also ice cold, making it difficult to spread. For our actual entrees, my husband and I got two different things and shared. Of course we had to get the croque madame ($7.25) based on all the rave reviews. It's a ham and gruyere sandwich that's topped with bechamel sauce and baked. Then they top the final product with a beautifully fried egg. This was really good, but the taste of the mustard was a bit strong because I kept getting a sour aftertaste in my mouth. Our next item was the oeufs plats, jambon, fromage ($7.50). Basically, it's two eggs broiled with ham and gruyere. This was simple but so delicious! The components worked well together and I don't know how they make such perfect eggs here, it's definitely an art form! Our table got the pommes-frites to share - nice and crispy with the skin still on the fries. Comes with a side of paprika mayo. Delicious!
(4)
James F.

When in doubt, i go to cafe presse. Everything is wonderful, from the rich pork loin on potato au gratin, to the croque madame and french onion soup. I was even content by just getting their fresh baguette with rubarb jelly and fresh butter! The ambiance is great... a mix between coffee shop and restaurant and bar. Never disappoints
(5)
Jennifer B.

Oui Oui mademoiselle! I can't count how many times I've been here but it's been for breakfast, lunch, dinner, and drinks for dates and with friends. The little sister restaurant to Le Pichet downtown. It's a small restaurant and when you enter you make think it is teeny tiny but there's a back to the restaurant too. What I usually order: GÃ¢teau au foie de volaille "Smooth chicken liver terrine, dried cherry compote" Rillettes de porc "Confit pork spread" Steak-frites, jus Ã la moutarde Ã l'ancienne "Pan roasted Oregon Natural Beef hanger steak, with fried potatoes and grain mustard-rosemary jus" And one of the salads and a pichet of wine or beer. They use to have other items but now I'm noticing the menu changes from time to time. I swear they use to have mussels but they aren't there anymore. The steak-frites use to be killer but now it's just good. Parking is tough stuff.
(4)
Sophie A.

Awesome for breakfasts! The food is great, staff are wonderful. You definitely need to get a side of pomme Frits with whatever you order!
(5)
Suzy K.

I love the atmosphere and the staff! Slim non-meat options unless you ask your server for recommendations/substitutions. Will definitely return. I hear we need to check out the back room although we enjoyed sitting at the bar.
(4)
Kate S.

I am a notorious ham hater. Try as I might, it just ain't the thing for me. Sure, other pork offerings are finding themselves more and more on my table -- but not ham. I have to say, for disliking it so much, I really really liked my Croque Madam here. Did I pick out half the ham? Yes. But I did also eat half of it as well with no complaints. How could I when I have a THICK piece of toasty bread full of ooey-gooey cheese, topped with more slightly charred cheese and a fabulously runny egg on top? Even with ham, this thing was divine. Add the ambrosial shot of espresso I had here and I have a fabulous late night or Sunday brunch meal. Service last time was spot on. That waitress with the cute short blonde hair is great. Layout is a bit weird to me, but both the front and back areas are nice -- humming with conversation and the sounds of silverware and glasses clinking. Atmosphere is relaxing -- which is appreciated after a night out with the usual suspects. I need a place like Cafe Presse and I am so glad it is there.
(4)
Crystle W.

My favorite place for breakfast and I'm not even a breakfast fan. What changed my mind was the croque madame! So delicious!! My other favorite is their BLOODY MARY!!!! I put that in caps because if you are a bloody mary fan I highly suggest theirs!! Well measured vodka to mix ratio meaning you know theres alcohol in it without making the yuck face!! Their mix is light and not thick (just to describe it, Ive had really good thick BM's) with just the right amount of spice!! To literally top it off they include a skewer with a tiny pickle and pearl onion! The menu for size I would say is decent. Not too small not too big. What it isnt is basic, this is a french place so the menu is in french describe in english. The only grand slam you'll find here are the prices!! Staff is friendly and this place is usually packed everytime I've been so I would say they do a pretty good job at being attentive to your needs without being a babysitter. Closes parking Ive ever found was street parking sometimes a block or two away, and I'm not saying that its a hastle because I keep in mind that it is Seattle!!!
(4)
Lou G.

Croque Madame at it's best and an outstanding value. Thank you Cafe Presse!
(5)
Scott W.

So I have to say that the product and price was amazing. My food was five stars, my glass of rose was only 4.25 and location with outdoor seating was great. So, why three stars you ask. Well I felt pretty much the whole time that I was inconveniencing the staff. They were passive yet snotty. I am not going to recap everything but to me service with a smile is just as important as the product and this place has a major disconnect between the two. I will go back but will go to the bar since the only person who smiled and interacted with the customers was the bartender.
(3)
Elizabeth L.

Cozy cafe with savory bistro menu - versatile, perfect for snacking, easy weekend brunch, or a laidback dinner. Snacks: Baguettes are crusty - pairs well with olives (yum), charcuterie and fromage selections. Main dishes carry themselves well across a range of tastes: - Carlton pork chop, brined, smoked and grilled, on polenta with a creamy red grape, sage and celery ragoÃ»t - solid presentation - French onion soup with Comte cheese is a meal unto itself. - Baby spinach salad is well-constructed with scallions and dried cherries, served with a petit terrine, chestnut butter, dried sausage - satisfying, complex combination. - for the more traditional, croque madame is delish, served on thick brioche. Hanger steak & frites is done well and the heartiest entree. - for the more adventurous - Raclette Savoyarde ou VÃ©gÃ©tarienne (broiled mountain cheese served with steamed yellow potatoes, and apples/pears/walnuts or cold cuts and pickles)
(4)
Catie B.

One of my favorite restaurants in Seattle! Excellent coffee and Pomme-Frites. Always great service, very accommodating and patient with my three year old niece. Cozy atmosphere. Lots of good memories :)
(5)
Danielle G.

Can't get enough of this place. When I'm having a bad day nothing tops a Parisian style hot chocolate, side of creme and biscuits.
(5)
Christine K.

Best Croque Madame! They even serve up grilled sardine sandwich on a baguette with bib lettuce! (It's a Ggong-chi sw for the Koreans!) Even the small salad verte was delicious! I love bib lettuce. The setting is very SF like, small, clean, mod. It's weird how this place can transform from a great brunch place during the day into a bar/lounge at night. I saved room for a great cup of joe next door at Stumptown.
(4)
Irene S.

I'm in love with this place. Perfect food (Yum.. the quail was sooo good), mouthwatering desserts and those alone would make Cafe Press an already a must-frequent spot.. but then there are the drinks that are so reasonably priced, and the selection is great. I absolutely love the Champaign cocktail. Also, not to mention that the location on 12th, a bit away from the party scene makes it a perfect relaxing spot to grab a bite with some drinks- !
(5)
Melissa T.

I just went to Napa and paid for a croque madame at twice the price and it did not compare at all to the one I had here. Presentation and taste here were AMAZING. So glad I came here on a friend's recommendation. The outdoor seating is ok, but I loved the bar counter seating overlooking the street. There is tons of space in the restaurant, as there is a large back room perfect for bigger parties who just want to sit and talk (ambiance is not quite as nice as the front room, which is very well decorated). This would probably become one of my favorite places to meet up with friends or do some work alone
(5)
K F.

This is out first time at Cafe Presse. Very nice French / European atmosphere. The menu is French but they include English descriptions for those of us who don't know the language. Our wait person was very helpful and attentive, even though it was busy. My wife ordered a baguette with butter and jam. Having been to France before she said the baguette wasn't truly French but it was still good. I ordered the ham, eggs, and cheese broil. It was very good as well. They didn't have much of a pastry selection at noon, so if you're looking for that, come early. My other nit is that they wouldn't put the Seahawks game on because they're a soccer bar. Not a big deal, but Seattle was doing so well it would've been nice to watch it. Overall a great experience and great food!
(5)
Alisa B.

This review is WAY over due! Peter took me here for my birthday and then I came back (again with Peter) for a UYE. I have to say the food is awesome! The atmosphere is also awesome and the people as well are awesome! First time I went with Peter he had the Steak and Frites and it was amazing! Trully great deep rich sauce and perfectly done steak.... yeah hard to go wrong. I had the pate which was lovely smooth and decadent (hey it was my bday if i want to eat a whole block of pate damit i'm gonna do it!) it was accompanied by mustard, brandied cherries and coarse salt. Fabulous. The second time I went with a large group and sadly didn't have a ton of time so i just ordered the charcouterie plate which was again divine! It had a great assortment of cured meats from salami to prosciutto and tongue (which I utterly adore) again served with mustard and salt. I cleaned that plate and even took a few pictures it was so pretty! Overall i have to say for what you get the prices are totally reasonable and the wine selection is lovely so trully there is no reason to not go here!
(5)
Sarah L.

You know, it's places like Cafe Presse that makes me jealous. Jealous that I'm not French. Jealous I don't live closer by. Jealous that I haven't been back. My visit here was on a cold and rainy (surprise surprise) Friday night. Just me, myself, and I, Oh and the latest issue of The Economist. I was seated quickly by the window facing the 12th Ave and all its Seattle gloomy gloriousness. Its nights like this that continue my love for the Emerald City. Now on to the food. Which is what this place is all about. I had the buttermilk soaked fried quail on giant cranberry beans and runner beans with a cranberry vinaigrette. I'm not a big fried food fan, but this was an exception. Delicate and tender, juicy and fall off the bone. Good thing I was not on a date, cause I was having a moment with that quail. Top it off with a $3.75 glass of wine and my night was perfection. Cafe Presse is the kind of restaurant where your eyes and your nose follow the parade of dishes as they march from the kitchen to the diners table. The kind of place where you take pleasure in other people enjoying the meals they have ordered. The type of place where you can get caught staring at your fellow diners meals followed by a moment of awkward eye contact. A gal next to me, with the same mission as myself, an independent diner with an appetite for quality food, ordered the steak frites. I got jealous again. Jealous I didn't order the steak frites. Jealous that I can't replicate these meals at home. Jealous couldn't eat here everyday.
(5)
Fidel P.

Had a mocha there, crafted just right. The barista takes his coffee skills seriously. Good!
(4)
Alexi A.

Went with Little Sister for a brunchtime meal. Food- 4 Stars Amazing breakfast croque madame was spectacular. Ridiculous omelet but a little too much oil/butter (it was basically floating). Service- 4 Stars Good friendly service. Value- 3 Stars Priced about where it should have been. Drinks- 5 Stars Awesome coffee. Atmosphere- 4 Stars Nice inside, sit in backroom with huge windows if you can.
(4)
Emmy R.

Who knew a simple bread, cheese, and ham sammy could be so divine? I've had many croque madame sandwiches, but this is, by far, the best (in this city anyway). I could eat one of these every day and never get sick of it. The only downside is that it's so delicious, I can never bring myself to order anything else off the menu. Pain au chocolat, croque madame, and a simple vanilla latte and I am in Parisian heaven. The ambiance is pretty casual and chill. It's probably one of the few places I'd feel comfortable dining solo. Even though it's highly rated and pretty popular, I've never had to wait too long to be seated. I can't wait to try the steak frites that everyone raves about...maaaybe with a side of croque madame. I can't help it, I'm in love!
(5)
Adrian S.

My favorite French bistro in Seattle. Our dinner at Cafe Presse this evening reaffirmed my undying love for their hot roast chicken. Perfectly cooked meat that's very juicy, beautifully-browned crisp salty skin, delicious fries, yum! It's too bad that they don't take pre-orders for the chicken because the 1-hour wait can be a killer when you're hungry. But trust me on this one -- it's worth every second. What, you can't wait an hour? Other terrific items on the menu: the ham and comte omelet, croque monsieur/madame (both are great, myself, I prefer the version w/ the egg), the salads. Stick with something that's a regular, as the special features can be a miss sometimes. Other than the chicken, which is roast to order, everything comes out pretty fast. Or you could just nosh on the bread and butter while you wait, secure in the knowledge that your patience will be amply rewarded.
(5)
Kay Y.

Cafe Presse is C'est Magnifique! When I visit Seattle, Cafe Presse is one of the first places I go to for breakfast. But buyer be warned, it is very French and this place is not for everyone as the menu is limited with mostly egg offerings. I always order the oeufs plats with jambon and fromage $7.50. It is delicious! Serving sizes are also a bit small so keep this in mind when ordering. I usually order two or three things, which makes the price quickly rise, but then I remember the quality and uniqueness of the food and calm down. I also recommend going during off-peak hours as the place gets jammed. On other lunch time visits, I've had the roast quail and chicken, which are very tasty, but see the quail isn't offered presently. The hangar steak, unfortunately, is not as good as the chicken. I don't know why they offer it. I think they should serve a better cut of beef, in my humble opinion. There is a full bar and the place is open from 7 a.m. to 2 a.m. and offers many, many magazines and newspapers, hence the Presse part of the name. Enjoy, Seattle! i wish we had Cafe Presse in LA!
(5)
Rosie W.

I've been here twice for late night dinners. I really like that they open til 2am since I usually get off work around 10 or 11pm. The place is really small and seating is very intimate. It does remind of a small Parisian cafe. The lighting is dim and the music was very un-Parisian (i.e. Salt-n-Pepa, Biggie, En Vogue). The two times I was there, I tried the: Caille rÃ´ti, lÃ©gumes Ã l'anchois et croutons aux Piment d'Espelette "Roasted quail, sautÃ©ed Walla Walla onions, summer squash, garlic, basil and anchovy butter, Piment d'Espelette croutons" and Steak-frites, beurre aux Ã©chalotes rÃ´tis au vin rouge "NW Grass Fed Beef petit New York strip, topped with roasted shallot-rosemary-pine nut butter and pommes frites" The steak was a little tough, but everything else tasted great. The baguette and butter that came with the meal was really good. Makes me want to go to Paris again.
(4)
Aly M.

I loved how there were so many menu options! I had trouble picking, but settled on the demi-poulet (half chicken), shared the steak frites with my friend, and got the haricot verde salad dish. We loved everything. The chicken is literally half a chicken. It doesn't look like much, and it was a little hard to carve on the plate, but it was so yummy! Super moist meat. I wish it was easier to eat because I ended up not getting to most of it (did not want to tear into it with my hands). The steak was cooked just how we asked, and the fries were nicely seasoned. They paired perfectly with the mayo that clearly was made there with some extra spices in it. The green beans are paired with cherries, so it was a unique side dish with a fresh flavor. We would have ordered dessert but were actually going somewhere specifically for ice cream, so we had to leave room *sigh*. I want to return and try other foods--especially dessert! Service was decent. Not the best I've had, but definitely not the worst. The prices are super reasonable for the portions and quality.
(4)
Beau R.

My wife and I stopped here for a happy hour dinner one evening. In some sort of sexual role reversal, she ate the croque madame and I ate the croque monsieur. My wife has more eggs than me. On a serious note, the food was good. The bread was light and fluffy, nicely done. The bechemel was saucy and smooth. Her fried egg was runny when you cut into it with a fork, but cooked on the top. We had an asparagus salad, which I liked quite a bit (I'm a big fan of asaparagus), but my wife did not like the dressing as she found it a little bit soapy. We had intended to go there to get dinner and use the wifi, but we never tried out the wifi. We enjoyed our dinner out (not too many without the kids) and it turned into a date. The conversation was nice and we got plenty of time to converse as the service (to place an order and deliver our food) was a little bit slow. I really enjoyed that the menu items were all written in French (with descriptions in English for the non-French reading crowd). The price is on the lower end of the two dollar sign range and we could very well end up here again. We're often in the First Hill area around dinner time, though the competition is fierce and there are lots of restaurants to try!
(4)
Kirstin H.

Cafe Presse is a fun French bistro on Cap Hill. They offer simple fare such as pommes frites, croque madame/monsieur, onion soup, charcuterie, as well as larger entrees such as steak, quail, hot/cold chicken, fish, and raclette. All very tasty, seasonal, and their prices are not offensive. Catering to a hipster/intellectual/college crowd (since it's next to Seattle U), you'll find students and professors at lunch, and a more bourgeois scene at dinner. Waitstaff are not always the most attentive, but I think the food makes up for the handful of I'm-too-good-to-refill-your-coffee waiters. Must Try: Pommes Frites Croque Madame Chocolat Chaud (mad love!!)
(4)
Greg D.

Cafe Presse is a fantastic, value-minded place serving modern, French-inspired fare. Anyone who loves food and is in the area absolutely must stop here. The value is amazing with a complete meal not breaking the bank but the food still managing to be wildly delicious in addition to creatively inspired and interesting. Simply put, if you are looking for a slightly upscale meal with great food and at a good value, Presse is the whole package. Diving into things, the decor is modern with warm lighting, wooden floors, exposed pipes and fixtures and a firm dedication to adding energy instead of stifling diners. The restaurant is laid out with a front and back room sandwiching the kitchen that at first hides the fairly large capacity of the restaurant. The high ceilings and warm lighting give a sense of openness to the space that adds a sense of the casual to what might be perceived as a formal, serious dining experience. And that just mildly spruced up casual feeling is just what Cafe Presse is about. The menu is littered with French classics and new, French-inspired creations. Both the meat and cheese platters are absolutely fantastic. The variety on each platter delights and educates the palate and could easily constitute a whole meal. The sandwiches are delicious as are the much raved-about steak frites. But where the restaurant shines, in this diner's opinion, are in their more creative menu items. I had a dish (the name of which escapes me) that is no longer on the menu, but it was basically French-inspired sloppy joe and oh it was good. There was a classic play of sweet and savory, but much to my delight there was a pleasant heat to the dish as well, something unusual in French cooking. I expected classic French and I got innovation that still was a success. Quickly touching on wine, the selection is small, but what they do offer is good and fairly priced. We had a French red that while not particularly remarkable was very drinkable and pleasant. Wine aficionados will be satisfied. Presse scores highly with me because it successfully innovates in the dining scene. I am the kind of person that is always trying new places and seeking out true, authentic restaurant gems. I highly recommend Presse and if I lived in Seattle I would eat there as often as I could!
(5)
Autumn M.

We happened upon this place because it was close to Swedish hospital where we spent the day waiting for my mom to come out of surgery. The food is so wonderful. I dont get a ton of chances to make it into the city to eat due to a crazy busy life. I am so happy I found this place. The food was excellent! It is not easy for me to find a french style restaurant in my neighborhood. We all got something different and everyone just loved there food! The only thing I would say that was odd was the decor.... It was European inspired in the sense of Soccer Jersey's on the walls. In my opinion it could use a change. It made me feel like I was in a sports bar.
(5)
Taylor C.

A great little hole in the wall breakfast spot tucked away next to Stumptown. There is a bit of seating out on the front patio and a small seating section/bar in the front of the restaurant. There is a narrow hallway that leads to a surprising amount of dining area in the back as well. The menu itself is not particularly robust, and if you are in the mood for Breakfast, there are not limitless options to choose from. That being said, I can highly recommend the croque madam I ordered. It was a good size for the price and tasted great. We had the fries on the side, and although they were solid, they failed to live up to the hype we had read. Overall, if you want a fairly quick, cozy breakfast that isn't going to break the bank, Cafe Presse is an excellent option
(4)
Mark P.

A good place for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. Been here a few times and haven't ever been disappointed. In addition to the great food and atmosphere they also have European sports on the TVs.
(5)
Erin W.

I have loved every single thing I have ordered!! The coffee is always good. I have the steak and fries many times... Can't go wrong there. I also love the eggs baked with ham and gruyÃ¨re. The wine and cheese selection is outstanding. Yes, yes, and yes. The service is usually pretty good for my family and friends, however, I've witnessed other tables get blown off. But I'm also very nice to wait staff... Maybe some of the other tables sucker? Lol. My son, is always treated nicely too. I love that.
(5)
Kayla H.

As a barista I was quite pleased with the mocha/latte/espresso beverages. They still taste like coffee but aren't overpoweringly bitter. The desserts are all on point. Didn't try any savory food yet, but I'm sure to come back, especially for the great selection of wine and cocktails.
(4)
Melissa B.

I've had food here twice. I like it! But I like the little things, the cozy tables....the stump town coffee. I like the focus on coffee drinks. Nits very French and I feel like it could make for a romantical breakfast place sometime. I have had the croque Madame (which is one of my favorite plates) and it was suppppper cheesy. Served kind of "baked" looking. That is, in a crueset and actually lightly seared. The most recent time I had an omelet and that was also very tasty, served with veggies, and was light enough to not overdo a portion size. I like that as well. Service seemed attentive and helpful. I would return...I'd even come here by myself to work or read. Happy happy!
(4)
Olivia S.

We came to Cafe Presse for breakfast. Their breakfast menu is sort of small. When you walk in the door, you see a wide variety of magazines. About five minutes after we ordered, we got our food. Very fast. My crossaint was very good. There is music playing and it is very light. They have a 9:00 menu- the menu changes at 9:00 and you have more options than what is on the smaller breakfast menu. The menu is in French with English descriptions in italics. There is a wide variety of wines for the wine lover. The staff is very nice. The floors are pretty clean. I also ordered the seasonal fruit plate with shortbread cookie and cream. It was delicious. The seasonal fruit was black raspberries. Normally, I wouldn't like black raspberries, but they were very good with cream. The shortbread cookie was delicious. It was relatively quiet, except for the music. The pricing was good. Everything was delicious. I will definitely come here again if I am in the Seattle area.
(5)
Ati B.

Always amazing!! You have to get in early to have the honor of devouring one of their chocolate croissants. I don't even know where to start so I'll just list the great stuff I love: -chocolate croissants -outdoor seating -open late...WITH FOOD -serves Cafe Vita -croque Madame is incredible -frites -everything else
(4)
Lauree C.

Cafe Presse is a Capitol Hill staple. There are few things nicer than a thick Croque Madame and a cup of black coffee to chase away a hangover and Cafe Presse has perfected these. Other things I am a fan of: -Beef Tartar -French Onion Soup -Les Oeufs Plats Jambon Fromage....gooey cheesy egg dish begging to be devoured with a fresh baguette. -Frites...guilty pleasure Although the restaurant is cozy, there is ample seating in the back room and it's fun to sit along the bar or out on the patio to people watch. Also a great spot to take in soccer matches.
(4)
Kim L.

From the outside, the cafe looked kinda small with a few tables outside on the patio. But in the back, there are more tables, which can fit a bigger group. Since I was the first one to arrive at the yelp UYE brunch, I put my name down for a table. They apparently don't take online or phone reservations, it's first come, first served. There is street parking and I was able to find a spot to park right outside of the restaurant. I ordered a mimosa and a croque madame. The mimosa was good and the croque madame was great! Service was good. Overall, it's a cute little french restaurant with good food-I would come back to try other items on their menu.
(4)
Chelsea J.

I still love Cafe Presse and it's one of my favorite places but we got some pretty sourpuss service today. It's too bad. It was my cousin's first time at the restaurant. The other 3 of us had been before, myself many times, and it's just a bad impression to leave on a party. The food is always consistent and excellent and today wasn't an exception. I never tip a flat 15% and did this time. The service was just appalling.
(4)
Samantha D.

Came here with a friend due to a recommendation. Cute little French cafe, delicious food and decent service. Friend A and I ordered two croque madames and a side of pommes frites. I'd come back with friends for brunch.
(4)
Willy M.

Came here for a UYE brunch event, great pick of a spot!!! Cafe is bigger than I thought, there is a back room too with quite a bit of tables that sat the 6 of us comfortably. If you speak French, the menu is in French and also English. Great brunch menu from smaller items or more of a heartier brunch. I had afternoon lunch plans so I kept my brunch on the smaller side. I decided to get their yogurt, very delicious, came with candied walnuts and drizzle of honey all mixed in. Also I got a pain au chocolat, baguette bread with dark semi-sweet chocolate melted inside. Good sized baguette and the chocolate was very nice, it is served warm so the chocolate is nice & melty and may drip on you. Got a Cafe Au Lait as well and I was good to go!!! They will give you complimentary drip refill since you ordered a coffee drink, so that was nice. Service was fine, no issues, pricing is good too. Definitely a place I would come back again. The ambiance is nice, inviting, warm, and friendly. Great brunch spot!
(4)
Miya T.

This place is very nostalgic for me. Used to come here on dates when I was still a college student at Seattle University . It's a little small but I feel they make great use of the space. It doesn't feel as crowded as it looks. Finally made my way back here for breakfast after having graduated over 6 years ago (getting so old ). It's conveniently open at 7am, so my gf and I met before she had to head into work. They've got a full bar with seating, plus some outdoor seating as well. It's French themed, so they've got yummy dishes like Croque Madame and Oeuf Au Plat. They also had Bloody Mary, Bloody Maria, and Aquvit Bloody Marys (this was very pleasing to me). It was completely empty when we got there around 730, and since it was a beautiful summer morning we sat facing outside. It's a cute little spot with good food and libations. Service was pretty mediocre, but not terrible. I do dream of going to Paris one day, so I'll keep coming here to get a little taste of France from time to time :-).
(4)
Karlo G.

"Good food, nice ambience, hit and miss on service." Cafe Presse is the type of place you will will want to allot some extra time to enjoy the food. The establishment doesn't have a wide footprint however the use of space and cleverly designed seating areas can accommodate a decent amount of patrons. I have been to Cafe Presse multiple times and find the seasonal menu to be a refreshing idea. This is a great approach to showcasing great ingredients and French fares. My recent experience with the service was not exactly of high ranks. Our table was not hidden, however our server was almost absent. The normality of being asked "how's your food" or "any dessert today" were both non-existent. The food was delivered and we enjoyed the dishes. The steak tartare was wonderfully done. The french fries are top notch and the Croque Madame was crispy and flavorful. I recommend the Susie Mosa (Grapefruit Mimosa) or an Aperol Spritz. I would return to Presse as the food remains consistent and never disappoints.
(3)
Ravi S.

My girlfriend and I were in the Capitol Hill area a few weeks ago, and we decided to check out Cafe Presse for happy hour. We sat in their outdoor seating area and ordered the following: Pain et beurre (half baguette with butter and jam) - The baguette had a crisp crust and perfectly chewy interior. Olives marines au citron (mixed olives) - They had about five types of olives. The saltiness of the olives provided a nice contrast with the sweetness of the jam for the bread. Pommes frites - The fries were the best of the appetizers that we sampled. You should definitely get them with mayonnaise. Cheese plate - One of the cheeses on the plate was particularly good. The others were so so. We asked our server what the name was of the cheese that we liked, and she just shrugged and said, "I don't know. We have five cheeses, and the three on the plate change often." Then she walked off. While all of the snacks we had were quite tasty, the service was not great (see the above paragraph). In general, our server seemed quite apathetic about interacting with us. Although this behavior is consistent with what I experienced at some cafes in Paris, I expect better service in Seattle, even at a French cafe. If you are looking for some good small plates for happy hour in the Capitol Hill area, you should visit Cafe Presse.
(4)
Marco D.

Great french menu on the hill My favorite is croque monsieur and fries with a bottle of wine!
(5)
Rona L.

Finally got to check this place out for dinner last week. You walk in and think, "This is it?" It's a small space with just a few tables and a bar to the left. THEN, you walk toward the back, passed the kitchen and realize there is another room with a few more tables. It's a hip little restaurant with darkened walls, dim lighting and both benches and chairs to sit on. The servers are totally cool with their beards and pony tails as they rush by you; some are friendlier than others. I ordered the Rue McClanahan. You can get me every time with some sparkly and grapefruit and this cocktail was just fine. To eat, our table ordered the GÃ¢teau aux foies de volailles (smooth chicken liver terrine) and the Rillettes de porc (confit pork spread), and we ordered the Poulet rÃ´ti selon votre commande et pommes frites in pairs (roasted chicken and fries; $30/pair). Don't worry if you can't read french, they have the English translations for you underneath. :-) The chicken terrine and pork spread were both delicious. The terrine was extremely smooth and the ground mustard and cherry added a great tangy contrast, cutting into the richness of the terrine. The pork spread was also delicious -- more hearty -- and porky. Served with some baguette and butter...it was the perfect thing to munch on while we waited for the chicken... ....because if you order the chicken, wait, you will! It takes about 1 hour from the time you order, to be served the dish but I wasn't disappointed when it came out. The roasted chicken had the wonderfully crispy skin and the meat was tender and juicy. Seriously, juices were running all over my plate, soaking my fries. The fries were awesome too; cut thick enough to enjoy the crunchiness of the outside, while maintaining a softness instead and with just the right amount of salt. I had a really good time and can't wait to come back for their Croque-madame.
(4)
Tamiko T.

Love, love, love! Imagine taking a flight halfway around the world to Paris and strumbling in to a neighborhood cafe with damn good food, coffee and drinks. That is Cafe Presse -- a true Capitol Hill gem. Perfect for any meal of the day including late night and breakfast. Going to this cafe is like taking a little in city vacation. Time just stops for me (in a good way) whenever I come here. They have a small outdoor patio for the summer and play soccer matches throughout the year. With my demi pichet of red wine and a delicious baguette sandwich, I feel like I'm back in Paris. I recommend anything and everything on their menu. I've been here over a dozen times and have never been disappointed!
(5)
Felisa D.

Definitely time for an update. CafÃ© Presse is Le Pichet's more affordable sister. The food, drinks, service and ambiance by no means scream "discounted!" The food is thoughtful and scrumptious. Drinks are very reasonably priced and well-balanced. Service is attentive without being uncomfortably friendly. And the ambiance is that of a casual cafe-bar serving food, alcoholic drinks, baked goods and coffee from 7 am - 2 am. Whaaattt. I wish I lived closer cuz I'd just live here. While casual, it's a great spot for a sit-down meal. I love coming here for weekend brunches when all other places in Seattle have over an hour wait. The most I've had to wait is the 2 minutes it took them to wipe down my table. Then I'm sipping delicious coffee in no time and enjoying an ooey gooey croque madame in even less time after that. Their croque madame is dreamyyy. When it gets to my table, my face is not unlike a mother's beholding her firstborn. Then I eat it. Then I realize that my analogy doesn't work cuz I just ate my baby. But mannnn can we talk more about the nutty crust that forms around the bread from the bechamel sauce? It's fantastic with the ham. Then when you break the egg yolk on top to of all that, it's like a symphony in your mouth.
(5)
Nancy B.

I don't have a bad thing to say. Really. You get bread while you wait, and there is dijon on the table. I would highly recommend the hot chocolate (if you like it really rich, and I do), and the croque madames are superb. Oh also, there was a salad with hazelnuts that was so light and perfectly dressed. Every item is so well prepared and tastes so delicately delicious.
(5)
Stephanie F.

Cute little place and home of the best Croque Madame of my life. Go now!!
(5)
Karen R.

Off the beaten path in a quieter part of Seattle but well worth the trip. Way bigger than it seems from the outside. Nice strong coffee, good drinks & great food and service at very reasonable prices, love it! Went for brunch, short wait sat out in the back area. Had a great meal there. I would def go back again and again if I lived in the area!!!
(5)
Emmeline C.

Great place for breakfast, and there's more open seating in the back where I like to sit. Reading the menu makes me wish I took French to avoid sounding like an idiot whenever I order, so now I just point and say "this". I LOVE the complimentary baguettes they serve with butter. Delicious. This time I ordered the Croque Monsieur: juicy and thick ham pieces between crisp bread slices with perfectly melted and broiled cheese on top. Yum! To drink I had the hot chocolate after seeing all pictures on Yelp. Mine, unfortunately, didn't have the gorgeous latte art (or hot chocolate art) that I saw in the pictures, so no token picture taking from me during that meal (of the hot chocolate). Tasty though!
(4)
Jessica S.

Ohhhhh yes, this is a great brunch spot. I met a friend today and we sat outside, which was nice on a sunny day - there are trees and shade umbrellas, so we didn't have the sun beating down on us. The waitress was pleasant (I won't go as far as friendly), and definitely efficient. The food is just so good: simple but superbly prepared. My friend and I both ordered the broiled eggs with Gruyere and ham, and it was perfectly done: gooey cheese, not-too-salty ham, eggs cooked through but not overdone. They brought a sliced up baguette and butter for the table - I wish I'd ordered preserves as I've had them here in the past and they were delicious. Pricing is just right for the quality - no complaints. Parking in the area is kind of awful, so plan ahead if you're driving in.
(4)
Vivian H.

The chicken liver terrine is as good as everyone says it is. It is a large portion, enough for at least four people, and that is being generous. It came with cherries, cornichons, and mustard. I liked the liver by itself on bread. I had the quail while the bf had steak frites. The steak was a pretty large portion and the fries were thick and crispy. The quail was a little salty but went perfectly with the carrot puree. I loved it. I'd love to come back for their smaller breakfast/brunch plates another day, especially the croque madame!
(5)
Kathy Z.

What a wonderful place to settle for brunch! I first just have to say that I had the best hot chocolate that I had ever yet had in the world here. I must learn the secret, but it is a cup of warm, rich, thick chocolate magic that you pair with the cooled complementary cream. I don't think I was even able to concentrate on the rest of food after, it was so delicious. But anyways, my next favorite thing was the chicken liver terrine. Paired with the served bread, I would have been very happy with just this order :) The oeufs plats and Croque Madame were great too, some heavy for my taste but made my taste buds very happy. The French onion soup was a little salty for my like.
(5)
Y A.

Croque- Madame was amazing. I am extremely picky especially with breakfast foods and I LOVED it.
(5)
Jonelle T.

Cafe Presse is one of my go-to brunch spots because it just never disappoints. I love the cozy ambience and the fact that you can basically order brunch almost all day, everyday. I tend to lean towards the croque madame or the oeufs plats jambon et fromage with a side of bread and butter. The pork rilletees are also a highlight. Basically, this place is fantastic any time of day.
(5)
Brian C.

The short version: good continental breakfast here! The Deets: I've been here in the evenings for nibbles and the famous romantic shareable Chocolat Chaud (formerly an off-menu treat for those in-the-know, now a regular menu item that my sweetie and I still refer to as "The Shug"). Breakfast here was equally delicious and satisfying. French food, to me, is made to be appreciated sensually when it's done well. So what follows is a sensualist's review: I enter the store, and as I cross the verge the scent of coffee, toast, eggs, and a hint of that old alcohol smell bars always have finds me. The morning sun floods through the giant front windows, seeming to spotlight a chartreuse-painted table for two, and I obligingly take a seat at the gray bench the star has warmed for me. The buzz of talking patrons and soft clatter and clinking of dishes and serviceware, punctuated by the gurgle and hiss of the espresso machine, wash like waves over the Elini Mandell on the sound system. A server gives me a menu immediately and retreats with a smile. I pour myself water from the clear repurposed wine bottle, and it sparkles in my faceted glass. I notice I am handed a menu of wine and liquor selections too...at 9:00 AM on a Thursday. Maybe they get a lot of early drinkers here. I order an egg, ham and Gruyere dish and a croissant, with a cappuccino from the pleasant, soft-spoken waitress, sip my glistening water, and admire the high wood-beamed ceilings with skylights, old train depot clock hanging above the bar, which is a minimalist contraption of bottle-covered glass shelves delineated above by suspended crown molding. Semi-industrial. Eclectic. Radiohead starts to play as my croissant arrives. The waitress proudly announces the presence of marmalade on my plate, and for good reason- the beautiful rustic style preserves shine, chunky, orange and jewel-like next to the croissant, offering a sweet citrus fragrance. The croissant is a miss; it's more bready than flaky, and has been over-saturated with egg wash, giving it a shiny, almost leathery crust. The inside is soft and sweet though, and the rich, tangy marmalade would improve even the most humble pastry. My cappuccino, well-made but not dry (foamy) enough for my taste, ads a creamy bitter counterpoint. Not bad. The eggs arrive as the YaYaYa's kick into a raucous number, along with a crusty baguette, and the eggs are beautifully cooked; runny orange yolks on a sea of white melted cheese (not browned at all! Yea!), over a generous bed of thin-sliced ham. I wonder at the presence of the bread, until I dig in to the dish. A forkful shows the purpose: strings of gooey cheese and globs of soft egg beg to be wrapped and sopped, and I oblige, twirling the threads of melted Gruyere around the crusty bread. This leaves me, every few bites or so, with a cheese-wrapped, eggy, crunchy morsel to pop into my mouth. Lovely! Excellent food, good unobtrusive service. Total bill for my lovely morning: $15.00! Glad I came and took that yellow star's warm advice! :)
(4)
Raven D.

Great environment. Fine cocktail and sandwiches. Servers were not quick but understandable, very nice. Hope to see a bigger store to seat more people
(4)
Whitney B.

You might get a hard-on for this place if you like cheese and butter with everything. After dinner, I felt as though I was forced fed dairy products like they conspired to confiscate my liver for foie gras. This is why French food only appeals to me when Ursula pays me a visit every month and I'm a hormonal burrito. We ordered a salad, Croque Madame, Oeuf Plat, and two desserts, all of which was plentiful for a group of four. You know, all of the safe items for American consumption. It's like the General Tao's Chicken of a Chinese restaurant. The curly fries of school cafeteria food. With only bread, cheese, egg, and ham found on our table, it's glorified breakfast food items with a French tag. None of it was seasoned at all. Nothing that can't be done with a ramekin, oven, and 5 inches of butter sitting at the bottom. This is a cute, intimate restaurant with limited table seating in the front. I would've enjoyed things more if a couple next to us weren't eating each other's faces. LET'S WRAP IT UP, KIDS. Grandma's bitter over here. Not a staple or a restaurant to frequent for me. But there's always someone in the group trying to highlight their love of French food as a marker of their own sophistication and gentility. IT'S AN ACQUIRED TASTE! So is a man's yogurt but you don't see us girls being bedazzled by our own ability to swallow it.
(3)
Samuel A.

As someone who has worked in customer service - I think it's time to pay some homage and write a yelp review about my favorite dining experience on the hill. I want to know how much money exactly I've spent at CafÃ© Presse. Ever since I moved to Seattle four years ago something about this place has me in a trance. It's too much. It's too good. I can't deal with it. Let's talk about the service here. If you're one of those people who think a dining experience means you're the king and everyone else in the restaurant is your peasant then maybe you should reconsider your moral being before eating out. The people at Presse are actually very nice but considering they have long hours for a restaurant, are always-open for vacations, and have a constant stream of customers, for sure they're going to be tired. Take a minute to ask how your server is doing because I've had some amazing and hilarious conversations with the staff here (in fact do that to every server ever if you don't already). Though I admit after four years I now can't even remember some of the regular staff who use to work there. The only person who is a constant is the lady with beautiful gray hair (who I think is one of the owners or managers?), who is always so sweet - but some good ones have been blonde girl with bangs, shorter guy with "the hermit" tattoo, and Hamish. You all rock. Anyway - order a Croque Monsieur and Pommes Frittes if you're a human being because I don't know anyone who would hate those things. Their menu changes seasonally and I remember a couple years back they had a dish called "tartine aux montagnards." It was one of the best things I've ever had and I would always order it - I've never seen it back on the menu, sadly, so be sure to try the seasonal items because they may disappear soon! Coffee here is bomb because they're super prompt at refilling it - but pace yourself because I always get so caffeinated that I feel like I need coffee rehab after. Lastly their happy hour is just perfect - but I never got to appreciate it till about two years ago when I turned 21. Either 4-6 or late night after 11PM. Split a bottle of wine for cheap. Just do it. I'm sad to leave you Presse, you were one of my favorite things about Seattle and I will always make time to stop by!
(5)
Charles K.

If you're looking for near authentic French cuisine, you can find it at Cafe Presse. The restaurant is small with limited seating so you may need to get on the waiting list. The bar program is extremely impressive with bartenders who can make more than a sex on the beach. The Croque Madame and charcuterie may be the biggest highlights at the restaurant.
(4)
Laura E.

I want to live here.
(5)
Sara Q.

I absolutely adore this place. It had a very modern yet chic but rustic euro charm about it. The pomme frites are to die. I love the crisp texture and the accompanying sauce to dip is equally as delicious. I had the Bibb the first time and I didn't quite care for the uncut leaves but the vinaigrette was very nice and tangy. Croque madam is a "thank you sweet baby Jesus" good. I usually get the same thing when I come bc it's always so good but this time around I was able to get a cafe latte and show chocolate. OH MY GOD. It was auhhhhhhhhhmazing. We're talking soup like consistency, thick and oh so chocolately. It was definitely decadent but soo worth it. A dessert in its own, I'm glad it was served with a side of whipped cream. It cut how super decadent it was for a second and just made the experience a little creamier. The latte was also good and I think they've got me being a foam lover now. I got to add a little bit of the hot chocolate to the latte and turned it into a mocha.. Even better! My other half got the baguette sandwich with the pork rillettes and it was also delicious. Something so simple (baguette, salami type meat, and mayo/mustard) could be so tasty. Whenever I come in, doesn't seem like we ever order enough food.. But I always leaves stuff and wanting more. This is my favorite french cafe/brunch spot in seattle. Bravo presse!
(5)
Vince B.

Nice simple unpretentious French cafe very close to Seattle University campus. Very comfortable with great food and reasonable prices at lunch time. Parking: Limited street parking in this area. Decor: Casual French Cafe vs. Seattle Coffee House. I liked it. Breakfast, Lunch, dinner and after-hours. Food: For lunch, there is a simple menu with a wide variety of items. None, except the whole chicken, was over $20. We had a croque monsieur and touren blanchi. The garlic soup was 5 stars. The croque monsieur was another 5 star winner. Very nice meal, perfect for a rainy Seattle day. Service: Friendly, efficient and helpful. I would normally rate Cafe Presse 5 stars. But to be fair I would like to go back and try a few more items. So I'll go with 4 stars and look forward to returning. I strongly recommend this place for lunch.
(4)
Victoria W.

We came for lunch and overall, just okay. The service was sub par, everyone seemed disinterested and apathetic. Food was alright, the baguette was good, but made my teeth hurt, and the price was average. I doubt I would go back.
(2)
Betsy S.

We stopped in for a light breakfast before a Dr's appointment. Everything was yummy and service quick because we told the waitress in advance that we had to "eat and run". She brought bill early to help facilitate that. Coffee is also very good
(5)
Alyssa B.

Cafe Presse is a cute little brunch spot, located near Seattle University. I liked the hip vibe, and it was bursting with people on a Saturday morning, but the food, just didn't cut it. The coffee was good, but served in cups that I thought were too small. I found the food to be overpriced for brunch fair, though it was filling. I had a tasty herb omlette, and pommes frittes to die for, but other than that the food was fairly lackluster. All in all, I don't think I'll be returning during my next trip to Seattle.
(3)
Lindsey H.

This is by the worst service. I've ever had in my life. They over charge for sub par wine but that's okay because it has nice out door seating. But the service is absolutely terrible!! The first time my friend and I went to Presse, our waitress moved us from one table, to the bar, to a table in the back. We were annoyed and didn't understand why we kept being moved. She also was very unfriendly about moving us. She acted like we were a nuisance in the restaurant. It was absolutely pathetic. Then the last time I went to presse, my friend and I were having a few glasses outside. When we asked to have another the round, the waitress loudly said that my friend and I were cut off but our other friend at our table could order whatever he wanted. We were so embarrassed especially since we were being good customers. The other customers sitting outside were shocked and laughing bc they didn't understand why we had been cut off. I will never ever go back to Presse. I have never in my life been so insulted by a crappy cafe. If you want to go somewhere with over priced wine, mediocre French food, and the worst service of your life then by all means go to Presse. But if you actually like to be treated with respect and drink over priced wine then go somewhere else. You'd probably have a better time at the Cheiftain across the street. At least the people there are nice.
(1)
Becca C.

Great little place for brunch. Super high ceilings and French simplicity ooze through here. Extensive racks of magazines for purchase (it will be added onto your bill). The bartender was extremely nice and was ready with much needed coffee after a late night on the Hill. This was my first croquet madam, so I have nothing to compare it to, but it was a very hearty meal; I like the texture of the bread, the sunny side egg was done to perfection without being super runny, and the Dijon mustard gave it a nice twang. They are known for always having a football match on the telly, and they post the schedule on their site.
(4)
Bruyere C.

Not sure they can do any wrong food-wise here. The pate, soup, the Croque, even the baguette alone pretty much rock. The drinks are great, with the wine selection being a plus every time. Only negatives: too well lit, service can be apathetic (it's a Seattle thing) and the general layout is tight. So a temporary stop ... Hard to nestle in. Not a "comfortable"spot...always feel you're wedging in...but definitely a top 20 destination here.
(4)
Kari G.

Very impressed with this tiny unassuming space and its French Bistro food. I walk by here all the time on the way to Stumptown Coffee and have actually, mistaking it for Stumptown, tried to walk right in. I am always bummed when I realize my mistake because it's so adorable with its outdoor seating space and small, warm indoor area. I've been a fan of Le Pichet for a long time now, and while the decor doesn't offer anything new or different (Le Pichet has so much character!), the food more than makes up for it. We came here for happy hour and we definitely left happy! The food was all so reasonably priced -- all for about 5 dollars or less. 5 stars on their cocktails. I got something that my friend was drinking but I have no idea what it was called... It was something like a grapefruit and vodka spritzer that was so refreshing (and dangerous). We got the following: Oeufs mayonnaise I always get the closest thing on a menu to deviled eggs. This dish is so wonderfully French and simple. The oeufs mayonnaise are basically hard boiled eggs served with mayo and cornichons (which seem signature to Cafe Presse and also Le Pichet). The cornichons definitely offset any blandness with the eggs (as the eggs are prepared exactly as I said -- simply, just being hardboiled eggs). Soooo good we ordered more. Pain et beurre I have made my stance clear on simple bread and butter. If a restaurant can't do this right, then they lose all credibility with me. This bread was delicious and tasted house-made and the butter was soft and also doled out in thoughtful proportion. Salade verte It was very buttery and reasonably large pieces of sumptuous bib lettuce adorned with delectably light vinaigrette dressing and hazelnuts. I am a huge fan of vinaigrette dressing done right and in the right proportion (so as not to soak a salad). I literally couldn't get enough of it. So simple, yet so flavorful! Croque apÃ©ro This is basically a fancy grilled cheese sandwich with ham and baked-on cheese. Need I say more?! Petite salade aux fallafels At this point, we were pretty full. The fritters were delicious, but I didn't get to try the salad since I was basically stuffed. All in all, I am really happy I discovered this place! Can't wait to go back and try out some of their other adorable and authentic French dishes! Bravo!
(4)
Cindy T.

Small place with great ambience and outdoor sitting. I was bummed that I had to head out of Seattle so soon otherwise, I would have loved to sit here to enjoy my food and drink. The service was fast and friendly. Will took my food order quickly so I could be on my way. I ordered homemade cookies (assiete de biscuits) and the lentil salad (salade courge de lentil led). Both tasty and perfect snack for my trip out. The squash and lentil paired well with the spinach. The cookies were not overbearingly sweet. Would have been perfect to eat these cookies with tea at the cafe. Also, while I was waiting, the barista Chris gave my friends and I a coffee 101 (I am not a coffee drinker so I don't know much about coffee and rarely enjoy the taste). He made me an iced latte and it was just right. Not too sweet and not bitter. I will be back next time I'm invading the area.
(4)
Nick H.

*****An Amazing Meal***** ~Petite tartare-5 Stars! Raw NW grass fed beef, hand chopped and seasoned, with baguette and fennel red pepper, nicoise olive compote. The meat was a dream. The compote was AOK and just a style for preparing steak tartar. They should give a few extra pieces of baguette. Even if I am complaining, the absolute magnificence that went into preparing the actual meat causes my qualms to vanish in the brilliance of this preparation and quality of meat. Not many can craft raw beef into such art. ~Chocolate Chaud-4 stars Very rich with deliciously hand prepared whipped cream. ~Baguette with Chocolate-3 stars Reminiscent of the Dutch and Flemish breakfasts I had as a child, the baguette type was not suited for this rich and decadent chocolate. The bread was crunchy as though it was toasted to nearly being burnt. Or, the bread was old and stale. A softer baguette, perhaps fresh, with a flakey crust would have made this treat perfection. ~Customer Service-4 stars and ? Our greeting was grand. The servers that would pass had friendly smiles and warm words for us. This did not extend to our server. She did her job and got the job done. Nothing good and nothing bad. Would it be rude if I asked for someone else? So, if you do the math and combine the above it may seem like it doesn't add up. I made no mistake and my comments are mine. The tartare was amazing and the chocolate grand. I would fly to Seattle again just for this meal. It was simply "as good as it gets!" But, I did make a mistake. They have wine and my meal had none. A nice wine would have been well suited for the tartare even if it's breakfast. The hot chocolate chaud would make for an excellent closer. Kudos to those who put this restaurant together and to those behind the meals. I will see you soon.
(5)
Jade L.

I sat at the bar with my friend. Service was awesome and the bartender who helped me was super cool. I was going to get a mimosa with grapefruit but he convinced me to get the SusieMosa. Who is Susie? I am jealous because she gets such an awesome drink named after her. Grapefruit, champs, and Saint Germaine, this drink is awesome and it comes in a big cup so order one of these rather than two mimosas. DO IT. Based on the millions of yelps pics of the croquet madame, how could I not order it?? Perfectly cooked egg on top, hot, thinly sliced ham in the middle, covered in melted cheese (salivating). The bread was also awesome because toast always rips up the top of my mouth (tmi?) but this one was soft get toasty at the same time, probably due to the cheese. This one is definitely a must get. My sister ordered the omelette with ham and comtÃ©, which the bartender explained is a cow cheese. Super yummy. The egg is cooked perfectly and not oily. The cheese was amazing and I would say is close to a cheddar taste but maybe not as sharp. Overall, this place is a cute little gem in Cap Hill. I will definitely be back again for you Susie and Madame.
(5)
Serena L.

Came here for a late night bite after a 4 hour train ride on a wet Tue night. Thank goodness this place stays open 'til 2am! The croque madame was just awesome with the right amount of creaminess in the bechamel sauce and gruyere. All of this topped with a sunny side egg. The beef tartare was a first for me. Quite interesting. Chopped raw local grass fed beef seasoned with vinaigrette like sauce. It is served with toasted baguette. We also orderd the pomme frites which were done very well. Nice and crispy with skin. First restaurant in Seattle this time and we sure like it!
(5)
Alexey D.

Lovely French food with a fantastic coffee. Croque Monsieur. Steak Tartare. Pate with French baguette. Everything was really good.
(5)
Kathy A.

Croque Madame... mmmmm....that is all.
(4)
Evelyn L.

Came here twice during my visit to Seattle. Everything's really good, service is great as well. I love the water bottles given at the table and they soften their butter!!!!! FTW. More places need to do this! Breakfast 7-9am is a limited menu. We had their almond coffee cake which was delightfully almond flavored and had a nice crunch. Croque madam was not on the menu but there was a similar one without bread: cheese egg and ham. It was fine with a banquette on the side. Their coffee and espresso as you all know already is excellent. Really, it's just fabulous! Came here again for dinner. Trout with farro, pork pate dish, and their garlic cream soup. Everything tastes so good. Usually I wolf down food but I PURPOSELY chewed slowly to savor the flavors. Despite being full and because I was on vacation I had to stuff in dessert. I had the chocolate chaude. It was like drinking from Willy Wonkas chocolate river with a side of whipped cream. I ate the cream like ice cream dipped in the chocolate. For those who like sour items more my sister had a frozen lemon mousse with rhubarb and whipped cream. It made her salivate in the best way and was a very bright and fresh dessert. Come here for breakfast lunch or dinner. They have more seating in back, full car, attractive employees, clean facilities, great cafe options and gorgeous food.
(5)
Kristen G.

I've met several people who just love Cafe Presse, and I can't figure out why. Their most popular menu item is the Croque Madame, and you know why? Because it's the only thing on the menu even remotely filling. Everything else they serve are excruciatingly austere French small plates. Lots of bread, cold cheese, olives, etc. But hey, the Croque Madame _is_ really good - the bread is incredible. I could get over the meager menu if the staff was pleasant. But these people clearly know they work in a hip Little Paris cafe, and they act the part. Both times I was there the servers couldn't be bothered to even grin, and seemed pretty bored with everything in general. I haven't yet been to Cafe Presse in a bar capacity - maybe that's where it really shines, and where too-cool-for-l'ecole severs are more expected. But I'll definitely not be returning for lunch - I like to actually feel full when I eat a meal.
(3)
Gabrielle M.

I love coming here after my yoga sessions, it's on the walk home. I always order the same dish, Salad with hazelnuts (I forget what it's called at the moment) It's so delicious tho. Service is always efficient and really good!!
(5)
Nio S.

My wife and I decided to have a late dinner here. Wait time to be seated was fairly quick but getting to place an order took quite awhile. We both got the Croque Madame and shared Pommes-frites. Over all the meal was delicious of the combination of the two. The environment is visually very hipster but still laid back. I would come back and taste other dishes! Happy eats everyone!
(4)
Carolina S.

This is one of those places were I'm reluctant to review...it's amazing and I want to keep it all to myself!!! Quiet easily one of my most favorite places to eat and drink. My husband and I moved to NY and we miss this place so much. So many weekends we would come here split a soup and a salad. The soups here are incredible. And the salads are simple and perfectly dressed. I'm hooked on the fried sardine sandwich. OOooHH..let me wipe my drool off. It's what I call perfection. Then there are the lovely cornichons on the side. Adding that needed acidity to the fried goodness. And my husband always orders the Croque Madame. He is one happy camper. I've also come here for brunch with my brother and his kiddo. My nephew loves the melted chocolate on the baguette. I always enjoy a cappuccino and some baked eggs and we get some fries to share. Also a fabulous option for a snack and a glass of vino! Je T'aime Cafe Presse!
(5)
Nick E.

Honestly, I went to this place over a year ago so sorry for the wait. What I remember is that I really like the cappuccino that I got. Also, we ordered that big huge croque sandwich thing and I loved that. Best part was the guy at the table next to us spilled hella of his sweet potato soup on my girlfriend. Shit was pretty epic. I do remember being pleasantly surprised by the place, though, having never heard anything about it before. This is one of those reviews that I'll be ashamed to know I had written. Better days ahead, my gents.
(4)
Lisa B.

Gotta love this place. Consistently good food, creative but classy drinks, patient servers, what's not to like? I feel like this is a go-to place for any meal of the day. And the hot chocolate is more like soup.... perfect for a winter's day/night!
(4)
Yang X.

When I arrived, it was already 12am. Very casual French dining but you could feel its French atmosphere. Love its small dish at such a late time.
(4)
Cedric A.

I was for diner tonight and be very disappointed with the lack of service they have in this joint...also the french onion soup was flat and tasteless...I am from ChÃ¢teauroux France and a chef myself....I use to be a Chef de parties at Joel Robuchon Paris and the way those guys cook french classic is totally wrong....
(1)
Christine N.

We came here last summer for breakfast and the Croque madame was pretty amazing. Loved it and can't wait to return!
(4)
Emily P.

This place is pretty great. Brunchy menu items all day, every day? Check. Kitchen open till 1 am? Check. Decent, affordable cocktails? Check. What more do you need in a restaurant, seriously? I wish more places on the Hill would take a cue from what Presse does right.
(5)
Izzy G.

Bad service and they don't split checks... I was very disappointed with my experience here. I've been here multiple times and have never been impressed. It's the REAL French experience -- minus the good French food.
(1)
Patrice D.

This was the cutest little French cafe in the middle of what seemed to be a college district. Seating was limited, so that was kind of annoying. It was cafeteria style, sort of, and there was barely any room to get to where we were sitting. And we sat elbow to elbow next to people. But whatever, that's cool. Cozy and intimate is sometimes good, too. The coffee and food were amazing. My best friend, brother, and I were all pleased. My best friend ordered the croque madame, and OH BOY was that delish. My brother got the pork belly (if I remember correctly), which I didn't try. He said it was really good, and he lamented the small serving since he wanted more. My salad had figs (I LOVE FIGS) and goat cheese (I LOVE CHEESE), so I was pretty happy about that. Mmhm!
(4)
Kuan-teh L.

We happened to be served by a very rude waitress.. perhaps she was in a bad mood but the whole experience was just very bad..
(1)
Rachel S.

So I am so tempted this give this place a 5, but I'm not sure so as I am wavering a 4 it shall remain until I return and am blown away again. So I went to this little cafe in the Capital hill area after rock climbing with a group of friends. The front seating area is super cute and very french. The back has a strange sports vibe, but I don't even care because the food was so awesome. I got the classic crouque madame, and was not disappointed. It had all the right proportions of everything. I wanted to lick my plate clean like a dog, but the sophisticated couple with the cheese plate next to me made me reconsider. The cheese plate looked amazing too btw. All the food was high quality and very tasty. Service was great all evening long. As many french paces do they had used wine bottles instead of water jugs. I like how these can be left at the tables so water lovers like my self can get all hydrated and use the nice cafe presse bathrooms multiple times. The staff was on top of giving us new water when ever we were out. In conclusion french food can sometimes be pricey, but not at Cafe Presse! I think for 4 people the bill before tip was like 35$(no drinks). I will go back and I'm sure that again I will be blown away and then change this review to a 5.
(4)
Teagan T.

This place seems like a more hipster place. I'm giving a 3.5 star, but 4 seems a little much. I do really like the decor. It's very industrial/modern and dark wood look. Lots of wine and liqueur selections on the walls. But also smells of coffee in the morning. They have a little patio seating area out in front. Street/meter parking are available. Seems like it gets very crowded during weekends. They have a lot of American/French type of food for breakfast (I'm not sure if they have different menus at different hours of the day). I was in dire need of some caffeine in me before coming in. So I ordered the cappuccino with double shot. You can taste the shot but doesn't seem like it's strong enough, tasted like one shot with very good cream/milk. Good coffee though. I ordered the Crouque Madame Monsieur. It's basically a ham and gruyere cheese sandwich on buttered toasted bread, with melted cheese on top and a sunny-side up egg. Flavors are all there, cheese was maybe a bit too over powering though. Fries were fried perfectly and decent portion. Service was tentative. A bit of limited selection on the menu to be honest. I mean it may look like a long list but a few of them re very similar items. I would be back if I lived here. Good to try and chill.
(3)
Clover A.

I am ashamed to admit a few things, but the fact I want to just rent out a corner booth here is not one. The thing is, I've been oh, a MILLION times for breakfast, twice for lunch but never for dinner. Why is this I ask myself all the time, I mean, I love Presse, it may well be my favorite restaurant in the city, but somehow, it's as though our love affair needs to happen in broad daylight. In front of the world, I'll declare that the menu is perfect, and the bread makes my carb-aversion soooo tough (impossible, I cave almost every time), the coffee and chai I order are always made exquisitely, the omelets are so well made, I think eggs grow up hoping to make it into them like the egg olympics, But.... the Oeufs Plat.... that's where I find my mind most of the time. So good, it's like a food representation of a fine painting I could stare at for hours. I may also mention I personally have a crush on every single employee there, so the dreamy look in my eyes is a combination of that food and my little daydream fantasies where I kidnap them all and set up Cafe Presse in my house so I can have it all day and night.
(5)
Rachel M.

Beautiful atmosphere (nice touch with the natural lighting). Not crowded on a weekday morning. Unfortunately, I couldn't rate it a 5/5 for the price (I am willing to pay a lot for good food, but it is just a hair too high). Also, the French bread (while I did finish it because I was starving) is so hard to eat. I mean, "hurt your teeth to pull apart" hard to eat. I wish I hadn't ordered it, but you know when you spend too much money on a meal that you feel obligated to finish it? Yeah, that was me. I can definitely give them credit for their unique, VERY Frenchly prepared egg dishes, though. Those were quite easy to devour.
(3)
Ramie M.

Good dishes, smaller portion-wise, but still quite filling. Nice selection of food that is prepared fresh. Fun, lively atmosphere. Friendly service. Would definitely return.
(4)
Andy Z.

lunch food: croque madame. boiled down, it's a ham sandwich with cheese on the outside with an egg on top. it was delicious. it has a gooey center and a crusty exterior. the additional egg is like a cherry on top. my friend couldnt finish her bread pudding and i cant say no to helping her out. glad i helped out. it was so good. sometimes bread pudding can be too mushy but this one has some nuts in there. ***4/5 service: one of the quicker services i have had in cap hill. even some sandwich places can take awhile sometimes. server was attentive and got new bottles of water every time it was near empty. ***5/5 ambiance: i thought the place was small from the front of the store, but theres a whole other area behind the back. so if the front looks very busy, dont fret, you might still have a chance. it's right next to a university, yet i didnt see much college kids dining. and right next door is coffee shop. ***4/5 value: i thought the portion was small. if it wasnt for that bread pudding, i would still be hungry. ill probably have to order a side next time along with the sandwiches. ***3/5
(4)
Chessie S.

We tried a new place to check out. It's really close to our place and we dread waiting in line for food. This is not WWII, no need to ration, yeah? In any case, we were seated immediately and sat at the bar. It was about 1pm, but that's our usual brunch. Last night we watched the Sochi Winter Olympics opening ceremony after trying for about three hours, we finally got it! So we had a late night and appreciate the quick seating. When I looked at previous pictures I was worried that the food would not be filling. The server seemed a bit gruff at first and there were afternoon cocktails and recovery drinks already flying out of the bar. I saw five unrecognizable ones before we even ordered. We must go back at an "appropriate" hour. I don't judge others, I just judge for myself. The menu made me feel like I was in a different country for sure. All orders were in French. From the reviews here I could see that Madame was pretty popular, so I tried it out myself. I went for black coffee, orange juice and Madame. He ordered a yummy ham, gruyere, ricotta and two sunny side up eggs. He also ordered orange juice and was pleased with the cappuccino. He was such a happy lil coffee snob at CaffÃ© Presse. I was surprised by the orange juice, because I was extraordinarily thirsty and started gulping it down right away, then I noticed its fragrance and unique flavor. I had to slow down and take in more of the experience. The woodwork is large and in charge. The color palette is stained wood and olive green paint, with touches of stainless steel and black with matte finish. Tiny tables can make for a private affair or joined for group brunch or game watching. Definitely going back. Only down side is that they don't have anything yummy and sweet on the menu besides Hershey chocolate baguette...
(4)
Kayan H.

Came here for dinner on a Friday night expecting a huge wait, but fortunately we beat the crowd and only had to wait 10 minutes for a table for 4 - great start! Service was pretty good, tables are a little tight but it adds to the cozy atmosphere. Here's critique of our meal: Chicken dinner - super moist and juicy chicken! I really wish my friend didn't tell me how it was made because it looked super healthy, but apparently it's not something you should eat every day.... no wonder it's so delicious! Bibb lettuce salad - pretty good Fries - delicious! Chicken pate - I didn't try it but husband and friends enjoyed it a lot. Baguette w/ butter and mustard - we probably ate 5-6, maybe even more, baguettes while waiting for our meal. The chicken takes an hour, so what else were we going to do?!? It was really really yummmM! People sitting next to us had a delicious item that i really wanted to try. Apparently, it was grilled cheese, probably deep fried, with a runny egg on top. It looked amazing and they devoured one each. I have to go back to try it!
(4)
D H.

Lovely place to sip and chat, especially on a rainy day! Not great for kids, particularly the rowdy sort (is there any other sort??). Fantastic menu.
(4)
Green B.

Ran into this little spot sometime last year. Wow! the Madame Croque was fabulous. I have gone to different States and even France did not make it as good as this place. They have a really good breakfast selection. I would recommend giving this location a try. Cant wait to eat there again someday.
(5)
Missy L.

Not bad. Smaller plates at happy hour but the discount seems to reflect the portion size. Tried 3 dishes off the happy hour menu. Wasn't bad but not a place I'd rush back to. As a foodie I'm going to explore many other options on capital hill before returning. Food was decent, not impressive though. Just run of the mill Americanized French food. Not bad.
(3)
Ramya R.

I have been here a bunch of times mostly because it's close to where I live. The food is very simplistic but not in a good way. The ingredients are also a bit old/raw. I ordered a baguette and literally thought my teeth were going to fall out trying to eat it. The grapefruit juice was crazy over priced and the salads are really hit or miss. There are a lot of other better French cafÃ©s out there, but if you must go I would get a croque madam. Something sort of wet, because most of the breads are hard to chew.
(2)
Trevor P.

6 stars Great spot, simple design, hot chocolate, coffee, Croque Madame, herb omelette, and service. And I got to watch Le Tour. When it was over, they turned off the TV!!! Do it. Wish I could stay and have a cocktail tonight.
(5)
Jemima S.

My husband and I held our dream winter wedding reception at Cafe Presse and it was magical! Joanna and Jim helped us plan the perfect evening. We met prior to plan out every detail from the wine/food/decor/etc. They were so flexible and accommodating to our every request. The wine tasting for 6 the day before was lovely. We were able to decorate the beautiful lofted back room as we wished as well as have our own musical entertainment for after dinner dancing. Their team did a fabulous job setting up the dining tables with name cards, menus, table center pieces and favors we had given them. They were laid out beautifully! Our guests were greeted with a cocktail hour (or two) a choice of mr or mrs cocktails, paired with croque mousier bites which warmed our hearts after being out in the cold night air. It seamlessly transitioned in to a full sit down 3 corse meal. Starting with a selection of salads, charcuterie, cheese and fresh oysters, all we superb. Followed buy a choice of ether salmon, steak or a vegetarian option, all delicious. Desert was a warm chocolate torte with a crÃ¨me anglaise which was rich and velvety. The staff were outstanding. Constantly Attentive, no one was left wanting. We just wish we could do it all over again! Thanks you Cafe Press! Mr and Mrs Shoemacher
(5)
Nathasha S.

The moment I stepped into this place, I instantaneously loved it! Quaint, not very noisy, with a euro charm - I was smiling from cheek to cheek just being in there. Open late at night with a great selection for HH, I'm giving it a 4-star cause I've only been here once late at night. I recommend getting their pomme frites and either their croque monsieur or croque madame (with an egg on top). Complimentary baguette bread with butter, what more could I ask for? I'll definitely be back any time of day! :)
(4)
Mojdeh S.

How I heard of this place: Nearly a decade ago, I was invited to join some friends for a birthday party at Caffe Presse. Having known nor heard anything about it prior, it was somewhat exciting to be part of the celebration. Sadly, I wasn't hungry enough to try anything more than a side order of pommes-frites. This time, it was going to be different. Completely. Type of cuisine: "The second collaboration of Le Pichet owners Joanne Herron and Jim Drohman offers full coffee service featuring Caffe Vita coffee and house-made pastries; affordable wines from the French countryside; a full bar open until 2am everyday; and a menu of casual Parisian cafÃ© classics, to enjoy here or to Take Out...With CafÃ© Presse, Jim and Joanne hope to build another type of Parisian institution, a Bar/CafÃ©. They hope that CafÃ© Presse will be the sort of place that Parisians use as a kind of alternative living room, to enjoy coffee and croissants in the morning, meet friends for lunch, dinner or drinks throughout the day or to have a late night bite or a night cap until 2am." Ambiance: A French neighborhood cafe in the true sense of it, the space creates an intimate and small, friendly bar/cafe atmosphere where friends gather, couples whisper and staff rushes to and fro to ensure that everyone is served, content, fed. What I ordered: On this visit with two good friends, we were first offered a French style baguette with butter, and continued with our own orders: one each of Å’ufs mayonnaise ($4.50): two hard-cooked eggs with mayonnaise and cornichons, Å’ plats, jambon et fromage ($7.50): two eggs broiled with ham and gruyere, Filet de saumon rosÃ© fumÃ©, salad tiÃ¨de aux haricots blancs ($17): Lummi Island pink salmon, smoked and grilled, salad of white beans, cherry tomatoes, roasted peppers, escarole, cilantro, and Steak-Frites, beurre aux Ã©crevisses, Ã©pinards au beurre ($18): NW Grass fed beef petit strip steak, Washington crayfish butter, spinach sautÃ©ed in butter. And two bowls of ice cream to end the meal: one vanilla with house-made chocolate fudge, and the second a homemade, seasonal peach ice cream. What I loved: All of it. Every last bite. The surprisingly simple and abundantly flavorful Å“ufs dishes: both baked with ham and cheese, as well as simple hard-boiled served atop a dollop of mayonnaise each have me craving more each morning for breakfast. Or lunch. Dinner? Always a favorite, the steak-frites aims to please. And the buttery white beans with vegetables from the salmon dish kept each of us diving back in for seconds, thirds, and then some. Why I loved it: An intimate setting where good friends, dates and family all feel comfortable at any time of the day or night. Delicious food to boot! Cost: Average ($12 - $18 per entree)
(5)
Sam S.

This place is great because it opens at 7am for breakfast. The menu is simple so it's easy to decide what you want. Service was great and I enjoyed my espresso. The yogurt with walnuts and honey was a perfect breakfast before I headed to work. There is a good amount a seating and they have magazines for purchase. If you want your coffee to go just order at the bar.
(5)
Anna P.

Quaint little cafe that offers classic French foods that are delicious! Tiny space so they pack you in but it's a perfect spot for groups of 2-4 people. My favorite is sitting at the bar and eating there. I have been multiple times and the quality of the food always stays the same. I love the Croque Madame and french fries! Great spot for brunch.
(4)
Candi K.

This place is a cute little place that I wouldn't even notice. They have space in the back so if you think it's packed it might not be. Came here for dinner before going to a meeting and got the steak frites. I was slightly disappointed by the steak because I ordered it medium and seemed more towards the well down side. The wine is yummy. The baguette is good and comes with housemate rhubarb jam. Service is 5 stars and so friendly. Will need to come back for hh
(4)
S M.

Been here twice now and am impressed with their quality. The food is tasty and creative and the place is classy and quaint. Great place for a date or solo lunch break.
(5)
Tony L.

We came here on a Sunday night, and the place wasn't very busy, at least in the back area. We immediately put in an order for two roasted chickens and fries since it takes an hour to prepare. For the four of us, we ordered a ton of food: Two roasted chickens with french fries: The chickens are really good, although they are $28 each and you have to wait an hour for them. Dip your french fries in mayonnaise. Bread and butter: there is a charge for this, but they give you refills on it (can't go wrong with bread and butter). Steamed clams: this came in a cream and wine sauce with bacon and fresh corn (good). Salade verte (bibb lettuce with hazelnuts): standard salad, but much needed awhile eating chicken and fries. Salade de tomates: tomatoes, egg and anchovy sauce: I liked it better than the salade verte. Oeufs plats, jambon, fromage: this is a baked/broiled egg dish with cheese and ham, with slices of ham on the bottom, then the eggs, and then the melted cheese: really good. We ended up ordering two desserts: Pot de creme au citron: I liked the lemon custard and the fresh blackberries. Tarte bordelaise aux fruits: this fruit tart was decent, but I liked the lemon custard more. Most of the dishes are pretty small, so you'll probably over-order. I wanted the croque madame, but there was already too much food on the table. If you want to have some good, simple french food and watch the occasional soccer game on tv, then stop on by Cafe Presse.
(4)
Samantha J.

My friend and I stopped here for breakfast on our way out of Seattle. We struggled a little to find parking, but once we did it quickly became obvious it was worth the time. Delicious cafe au lait, scrumptious brioche and a tantalizing Croque Madame! I definitely recommend this place! Only one star lost because the skylights were a little warm and blinding, but I did like the light. Overall, worth the trip and a perfect end to our Seattle adventures!
(4)
Diane L.

One of my staple Seattle go-tos. Frites, Croque Madame, chicken pate. Ahhmazing. Whether you want a small light meal or a heavier dish - Presse has you covered. Have great selection of $5 wines and the cocktails aren't shabby either! The ambience is cozy (read close tables) and the service is always friendly. Love this place!
(5)
Sheng M.

I'm a fat kid and I love my breads. Love the simple baguettes here with butter. I also love the baked eggs and the croque madame. Service is always great too. My advice is to avoid going during brunch hours on the weekend as there can be a wait.
(5)
Katy H.

After three years I believe it's time for another update. Cafe Presse is yet another solid go-to spot for me in Seattle. You know when you have friends in town and you want to show off some awesome places that really speak to your city? This is one of those spots. And while I'm slightly more in love with its sister restaurant Le Pichet, Cafe Presse still holds a special place in my heart. I come here mostly for lunch, late night food and cocktails. At Le Pichet I go for the quiche! Everything here is solid. The sandwiches, salads, cheese plates and meat centric dishes like charcuterie plates, chicken liver terrine and pork rillette are all great in quality. In fact, the chicken liver terrine is massive! It's enough to share with 4-6 people easy. Cocktails are made with care, baguettes are always fresh and the butter isn't rock hard! That's a test for me when I know I'm at a place that cares about food. Water is served without ice and the butter isn't either in packets or super tough to cut. Ok, enough about this spot... I'm getting hungry just writing about it. Come here if you haven't tried it. The food is killer and well, so is everything else.
(5)
Chris S.

My second favorite breakfast and coffee joint in Seattle. A European slice of heaven on Capitol Hill.
(5)
Anonymous X.

I had only the croque monsieur, but it really was as good as it gets!
(5)
Jody B.

You know it's been a good day when it involves two terrines. My Seattle tour guide took me to CafÃ© Presse for a quick lunch before we got deep in party planning mode. Note to the cautious - do not eat at CafÃ© Presse before you have to slip into a wee little wiggle dress! SO MUCH BREAD! I'm a sucker for a good baguette. Fresh bread & chunk of butter = i'm a happy little dynamo. So right off the bat, baguette hit the table along with a lovely cappuccino. And then again, and again, and again. At $2 per healthy serving of wheatie love - how can you not? At home, I try and keep my gluten to a minimum but hey - new city! Indulge a little!! Lunch was Å’ufs plats, jambon, fromage - healthy slab of ham with two very well cooked eggs and melted gruyere. But I have to admit, I had some SERIOUS lunch envy. My dining buddy ordered the Croque Madame - baked ham, gruyere and bÃ©chamel sandwich with a sunny side up egg on top- and from the second it hit the table, I had visions of creating some sort of slap-stick distraction to poach it from her. Note to self for the next go around. Splitsies was had over a smooth chicken liver terrine. Eggs and chicken liver... yup, that happened. The portion size was HUGE! WAY TO MUCH chicken liver huge! We would have been more then happy with half the portion for something so rich and had to bag up half of it to take with us. The terrine itself was pretty overwhelming at first - very rich, very livery... if that makes any sense. But once we dipped into the dijon and dried cherry compote, all was well. Don't ignore that mustard! It makes all the difference. Bonus points to our server who set us up with complimentary bread for our doggie bagged terrine. Lovely, casual place for lunch. Croque Madame - i'll be back for you!
(4)
Pepper P.

I came here with a group with young kids for lunch. We were seated in the back, which was fine with me. The wait staff was attentive. The Croque Monsieur was the stand out dish, it was delicious! Even the kids had plenty to eat between the ham plate with the boiled eggs, the baguettes and the frites. I would definitely come back here for lunch with kids, and a date for dinner!
(5)
Paris F.

Good American french casual restaurant. I always try to get the demi poulet, but know that the portion is pretty big. I wish that they offered eggs in cocotte but I guess they do offer similar two boiled eggs and ham. I recommend this place for casual good lunch to have.
(4)
Zelda K.

Great place if you are hyped up about eggs and meat (vegans beware!) However, my americano has been ultra bitter the past two times I have been there.
(4)
David C.

French food, without the over-the-top arrogance and ethnocentrism. They'll serve you breakfast all day here. Prices here are reasonable - and the bar menu in particular is highly recommended. I had a punch with orange pekoe tea that I really enjoyed- it was under $5 at the time. There are some standout simple bar dishes here - the oeufs en mayonnaise, the rice pistachio rice pudding, the frittes. Service was excellent- the bar tender was gracious and conversational.
(5)
Layna E.

Love the delicate flavor of food here, as well as unique ingredients like rabbit and terrine.
(4)
Kanix W.

Their Croque Madame is to die for. So good. Great place, great ambience. Love the huge mirror. Also not as expensive as we thought. Worth coming back.
(5)
Robert G.

I love this place! It can get busy at rush hour but I'm not surprised considering how wonderful this restaurant is! I love ordering the Croque Madame with a side of fries. And then to finish off a meal, the Parisian-style Hot Chocolate is so rich and tasteful with the whipped cream! Plus, I love the Capitol-Hill ambiance this place has.
(5)
TJ S.

Amazing service and food! It was really busy so we sat at the bar but the service was amazing! The bar tender was super genuine and nice. We ordered the madame croque which was FUCKING AMAZING. Seriously, one of the most delicious, but simple, breakfast dishes I have ever consumed. Touche Cafe Presse, touche.
(4)
Alissa V.

Humble brag time: just returned from 2 weeks travelling throughout France with boyfriend. He returned with a love for croque madames. I told him the one at Cafe Presse is better than the 3 different versions we tried abroad (2 in Paris, 1 in Nice). That's saying something. Best baguette w/ butter in Seattle. Prices are right. Food is as authentic as the presse signage outside (very). Great for breakfast, lunch, happy hour, dinner, and late night.
(5)
Sandie L.

I like you! I like your sexy snobbish feel. I don't care that my Montreal friend and her food snobby chef boyfriend don't much care for your food style, you're hot to me! I came here recently one friday evening with my out-town friends in search of dessert at a late hour... that is one thing I LOVE about this place, late business hours! Great location for late hours too with SU just down the street. Inside was much larger than I thought. Street side there a small bar area with seating, but it opens up much larger through a narrow hallway. Much more spacious feel in the back. Dimly lit, groovy music with occasional rap popped in here and there, not sure what the music mixture was about =D offers a nice environment feel. Diverse crowds can be found here at night. It does remind me a bit of being in Europe with late night coffee houses. Desserts: We tried many! -I must say, I enjoyed the espresso and would be back just for that! -Chocolate mousse with side of whipped cream was very thick and rich. Very large portion which provided more for 3 people to share. -cheese plate was disappointing. Huge bread slices??? not sure what that is about. And no sweetness offered with the cheese such as fruit or honey. Overall great experience. Loved the atmosphere the most and then the espresso!
(4)
Matt G.

I come here regularly for brunch weekends. They have the best croque for the price and their bread and brioche is great. There is usually a little wait if you arrive during peek times, but well worth it!
(5)
Zoe V.

My partner and friend were out walking our dog and got hungry, and we found Cafe Presse. It was great that we were allowed to eat outside (dog) with it being January and that the dog could eat next to us on the patio. We all ended up getting Croque Madames and they were delicious. Our waitress was really nice too. Menu was mostly in French, so it took longer picking out what to eat since we couldn't go off of titles and had to scan every description.
(4)
Cucteen V.

We ended up here since skillet diner's system was down. I'm glad we did. There was no wait, but we opted for the bar seating. The bartender seemed a bit cranky but definitely made great recommendations. We started with gateau aux foiles de volailles. My friend didn't care much for it, but who's complaining!? More for me!! I loved it except the bread was tough. I ordered the croque Madame as my main dish which was exactly what I needed after zero sleep and three hour flight. Yet another simple dish that satisfies. I washed the food down with a drink recommended by the bartender. I had two actually. Yum. Definitely gave me a head change. My friend and I have no issues socializing anywhere we go and that's exactly what happened. We engaged with most of the staff working and enjoyed ourselves with their assistance. Once they learned we were out of towners, they made suggestions of places to visit and things to do which we greatly appreciated. The location is fairly small with limited seating. There's outdoor seating as well. It provides an intimate atmosphere. I liked this place a lot. Too bad I won't be able to return for a long while.
(5)
Nico D.

They might have a couple of standout dishes, like the roasted chicken (but with one-hour wait, I will never know) and the French fries did look very good. But most dishes like omelets and salad were very meh (and so was the French baguette). I would not go out of my way to eat there. Come to think of it, I would not even walk from the next street corner to go back.
(2)
Rachel H.

Je suis dÃ©solÃ©. Il a changÃ©. Or maybe the food scene in Seattle is changing. I'm not sure which. Either way, its taken us a while to get back to the lovely little bistro in Capitol Hill, Cafe Presse, and we were so sad to find our Saturday lunch was disappointing. The atmosphere here is still wonderful, and the outdoor seating too on a sunny day feels just like a european cafe, but food here was not quite right. Just okay. The bread (w/butter order) didn't taste as fresh as you'd like it to be, the croque madams were oozy and decadent but not quite right, particularly in freshness, and the salad vert overpowered with acid. You just can't beat the atmosphere here and the feel of being an alternative Seattle version of Paris, but, 'poof' that changed when our food arrived and it didn't quite work. Limited options for an older child here (ours is eight) with simple tastes. We don't need a kids menu when we dine, just a few choices. It was interesting that even with all the bread (from brioche sliced to baguette) and cheese on hand, Cafe Presse was unable to accommodate a request for a grilled cheese sandwich. We were told any toasted cheese sandwich we ordered would have to come with bÃ©chamel, which I'm assuming means all sandwiches are preassembled. The atmosphere remains lovely.
(3)
Geoffrey C.

I'm always in search of a good steak tartar, and was pleased to see that Presse carried the French bistro staple on their menu. Of the many steak tartars I've sampled (Paris and Montreal included), I have to say: this one rates surprisingly high. We've had hit or miss results on some of their entrees-- Definitely worthwhile visiting during happy hour--this recent visit revealed tasty Penn Cove clams--plus great deals on wine ($8-14/bottle).
(4)
Sonal K.

Love this place! I've been here for brunch and dinner and both are fantastic. They have a great wine list and deliciously authentic simple French foods. My favourite things are the baguettes, the omelette for brunch. The whole roasted chicken for dinner. Such a great vibe too I could spend hours here! One of seattle top 20!
(5)
Xavier F.

I love this place. Just moved back to the hill and I hadn't been back in a few years but it's still one of the best place for breakfast on the weekends.
(5)
Alexandra M.

I've been here a few times, and I always try something new every time. The peolon aux crevettes is still my favorite. I don't see what the whole hype about their croque madam is about. Granted, I've had some of the best French food, but this one really has nothing special about it. What irritates me is that half the time, I always get a waitress trying to show of her French speaking skills. Little did she know two of my friends were fluent in French and thought she had the most annoying American accent.
(4)
Kristine H.

Decadent - the first word that immediately sprung to mind when I slid my spoon into the airy mousse au chocolat. And from the moment it began to dissolve on my tongue... the word that came to mind was "more". Maybe I'm a pansy when it comes to chocolate but I couldn't finish that bowl of mousse and cream, try as I might. And I swear to you, dear reader, I really did try! I've been here several times with my bestie who lives on the Hill. Each time we go, I'm actually glad that parking can be a headache... I'd want to go waaay more often if they had their own lot or something. True story. The cafÃ© bustles with a pleasant hum and the wait staff is attentively friendly without disturbing you too often. Francophiles and foodies alike will dig the ambiance and menu here so if you haven't visited, bookmark and go already! Speaking of visiting, I've sworn to return and share their Poulet RÃ´ti Selon Votre Commande et Pommes Frites with a dining companion. Only problem is when I go, it's usually to grab something sweet and not savoury. I do love a proper roasted chicken though... J'adore ce CafÃ© Presse! J'adore Ã§a de tout mon cÅ“ur!!
(5)
Kathleen W.

I wandered in wanting to escape a bit. I was whisked away to a France at this coffee shop. Including the French gentleman watching football at 7 am. Loved it. Amazing cafÃ© and a pain du chocolate.
(5)
Marika A.

Come here for breakfast! They have a cosy place and good selection of omelets. If you are here in the evening - try their Elderflower cocktail - really nice!
(4)
Steph D.

Perfect for breakfast, happy hour, late night--anytime really-- and for all occasions. Sit by the window to have some coffee, a pastry and get some work done, or meet your girlfriends at 4pm for half off wine bottles and small plates. Nice little (mental) escape to France :)
(5)
Blair E.

Ok, admittedly this is one of my go to places. Before and after turning 21, after 21 I loved it even more for the reasonably priced and well made drinks on Capitol Hill - French 75 while a classic is my favorite here. Also if you like chicken liver pate, it is so good. Also their chocolat chaud... mmm! I have only had an entree here once so I can't speak too much to that side of the menu, but I've never ordered something I didn't enjoy.
(5)
Michelle Pearl G.

We came here for breakfast. Upon first glance of the menu, I found the items to be less varied and with less options than expected. With regard to the breakfast items, there are a lot sandwich variations and an omelette but that's it. I was apprehensive. We ordered 2 croque madams and pomme frites. One little sandwich sitting solo on a plate. My bf said, "this place isn't made for a man to eat, is it?" The first bite was amazing. So many rich flavors and a good mix of textures as well. The torched gruyere cheese on top of the bread was a perfect touch and it paired well with the saltiness of the ham. The bottom slice of the bread was half the thickness of the top slice with 3 layers of ham. I could barely finish mine. The dish might look small but this sandwich is dense! Don't let it fool you. My bf and I left pleasantly full. The pommel frites were also very tasty and more healthy seeming than your average frite. 'll definitely be back.
(5)
Annie T.

I was looking for a coffee shop at midnight on a Friday night, and ended up coming to Cafe Presse. I ordered the Parisian Hot Chocolate because it looked really good from the Yelp pics, Oeufs Plats with ham and cheese, and a cup of cappuccino. The Parisian Hot Chocolate is not what I expected. It shouldn't be called a Hot chocolate because it is so dense that it's not drinkable. The best way I can describe it is dark chocolate fondue in a cup with a side of whipped heavy cream. After a few spoonfuls, I felt like throwing up because the flavors was so intense. The oeufs plats was delicious and the star of the meal. The eggs were perfectly cooked, a little bit of runny yolk but no runny white. It was not too greasy either even though they were generous with the cheese. I have to minus another star because of the clientel they have. It's not the restaurant's fault but since it was late night and near a college, a lady came in after smoking pot to join her group of friends. I have no hard feelings for marijuana but boy, when she took off her coat, I almost threw up my entire meal right there from the heavy stench. Even on the drive home, I could still smell it in my nostrils. I think I'll try a diner or 611 Supreme if I am looking for a late night coffee snack.
(2)
william w.

I give it hardy and resounding meh. Nothing actively bad per say. Glad I went though. Now I know I'm not missing out on anything. Wait staff was nice though.
(2)
Paul R.

After two visits I'm ready to give five stars. Four stars for food, service, price and hours and an extra star for being as close to the feel of a Paris bistro as I've found in the USA. Yesterday we started with the half baguette and plate of duck-apple sausage and warm country bread and that was inspired - the perfect way to start a meal shared with two others. My onion soup was delicious and my companions were happy with steak frites and casserole. Coffee is good and also strong, careful of too many free refills! The dessert menu looks good but so far I've not tried - the rest of the menu is just too good!
(5)
Hana A.

Fresh squeezed orange juice Croque madame Pommes-frittes Soupe a l'oigon gratinee Very good service, friendly, quick Street parking but free after 6pm
(4)
Allen W.

Ever since going to Paris, I've been on the lookout for an authentic French "cafÃ©". This unassuming place fits the bill. Having lived in Capitol Hill for a while already, I was surprised it took me this long to try CafÃ© Presse. The atmosphere and food here is authentic, and is a great place to have brunch or to spend an afternoon with a buddy or a book. I got the croque madame, which is a baked ham and cheese sandwich with an egg on top, a seemingly simple dish, but absolutely delicious. Look for street parking down spring street in the neighborhood area, and don't forget to stop by at Stumptown next door for some amazing coffee.
(5)
Kathryn N.

Yum yum yum! I love eggs and this place just makes my mouth water. The ouefs with jambon et fromage came out bubbling hot! The croque Madame was so tasty , crispy around the outside. Love it! Also got the chicken liver terrine which was super delicious with the mustard seeds on the baguette. I really wanted to try the onion soup but it is kind of pricy for $11. Maybe next time!
(4)
Shelly C.

Woke up in the Saturday morning and I was in the mood to find some new brunch place adventure. So I looked at Yelp as usual and Cafe Presse obviously has decent reviews and nice photos of food. It was a sunny day and my husband and I wanted to sit outside for the lovely sun. There was one dirty table outside of the patio which looked ready to be cleaned for the next customers, and a couple of dirty tables in the restaurant waited to be cleaned. There was a coupe of 4 in front of us waiting against the magazine rack and I was thinking that we would be lucky to have the only empty table in the patio (since it was a small table for two only) However, here it started that my hubby running out of patience. With the only group of 4 in front of us, and another 3 small groups standing behind us. The working crews were not in anything hurry to clean up for the next one in the line and they kept their gentle, nice and slow pace to set the table without coming up to greet anyone or at least jotted down the name for the list. My hubby couldn't stand the customer services and started complaining to me which I totally understood where it came from. But I comforted him and promised him that we would order some good food here. With all empty tables and also people waiting in the line, we were served after 15 minutes. But we were sat with tables, the waitress served you with pretty smiles. I was telling the story to let you expect some authentic French style service (Nice and Slow) that they won't go out of their way to make things faster for you just because you were standing there waiting. For the food, I ordered the croque madame as it appears the most often in the yelp page :) which also looks amazing. For those who cannot tell from the photos, that Croque Madame actually came with ham and cheese inside of two pieces of toasts. It was pretty tasty and filling. I am so glad that I did my research before I came to this place so I ordered something exciting. My husband ordered the omelet with ham and mushroom (additional item costs $1) which is also pretty good. It comes with the special gravy kind of sauce which is very tasty. We looked around to those tables around us and noticed there were a lot of customers ordered the same omelet as well. So my final comment is that everything goes well after we sat down. It does not mean they are not good at customer services but if you are looking for some 5 star hotel service that the waitresses would be extra nice to you, this may not be the place you want to go. I will definitely come back in another relaxing day.
(4)
Michelle L.

Ummm...why did it take me so long to try this place? Beats me. SO happy my friend asked me to meet him here for dinner! Two words: Croquet Madame. Get it. That is all.
(4)
Lisa P.

I'm very surprised this restaurant had such good Yelp Reviews, especially with how many other good restaurants Seattle seems to have. I ordered the pork and polenta, and while the pork was tender, the meal was very bland. I also split the tomato soup with spelt, and while I like spelt, I was not a fan of in the soup. The only redeeming quality, in my opinion, was the cheap cocktail menu.
(2)
Ryan A.

There was something about Seattle that was very charming this time around, and our visit to CafÃ© Presse summed it up nicely. While there was a somewhat hipster vibe that I know all too well living in Portland, it wasn't over-the-top and in-your-face like Portland. The crowd seemed welcoming, the staff friendly. You don't get five stars with atmosphere, though, do you? No, you get it primarily from food and that was not lacking here. I got the . . . Croque Madame, I think. Whatever it was, it was delicious. The gruyere cheese was perfectly browned on top of the delicious bread and ham with an amazing bÃ©chamel sauce. I could eat that breakfast every morning for the rest of my life. My life would be shorter, of course, but it would be well worth it.
(5)
Ali R.

After all of the positive reviews, I had high expectations for Cafe Presse. The service was decent. The waitress was attentive but not exactly warm. The food was fine but nothing to write home about. We ordered a croque monsieur to share and an assiette de fromage (cheese plate). I ended up ordering a baguette because the cheese was served with brown bread which seemed like a strange choice since it masked the taste of the cheeses (which were quite tasty). To top off the mediocre experience, the tables are so close together that even after some careful maneuvering, I knocked silverware off one of the tables with my ass (and I am certainly not a large person).
(2)
Madeleine T.

I have no idea if this is as good as it gets- but they have some damn good chefs and I've never had a bad thing there. Everything is phenomenal. The confit de canard- when they have it- is one of the best things I've ever had. Decadent, rich, delicious= and I don't feel bad eating it because duck fat is good for you, if you don't eat it all the time.
(4)
Jason B.

This place is ridiculously delicious. Try the Croque Madame: you will love it. Caramelized gruyere ftw.
(5)
Sarah B.

This place has become a regular visit for me when I find myself in Seattle. I also end up ordering the same thing! You can not go wrong with the Croque Madame and the Pommes-frites. The Pomme Frite are spectacular and the Croque Madame is a breakfast sandwich at its best. I highly recommend stopping here for breakfast! Maybe I will skip the urge to go for breakfast and try something for lunch. I am sure another positive review of Cafe Presse will be in my future.
(5)
Barry F.

I absolutely love cafe presse! The menu is consistent they have wonderful seasonal soups, their Aperol Spritzers are off the chain and only $5.50. Get there early for a croissant and after 9am for a Croque Madam. The folks working are really nice too!
(5)
Aalsheha Z.

Very different french atmosphere, i love it :) the staff easy going and very approchable. The food is very tasty. If you're looking for tasty breakfast & relaxing place. Go there :)
(4)
Conor O.

wonderful spot for coffee and european-style dishes. great place to sit and chat with friends and enjoy quality coffee and tea. will definitely return again soon.
(5)
Haeree C.

It was ok - we got the raved for Croque Madame, and I decided to try their two eggs baked in a skillet with ham and gruyere. We also ordered the fries on a whim (because who doesn't love fries?) It was meh. Everything for me tasted like too much ham. I ended up slathering ketchup or mustard on it to get a different taste. Even the eggs tasted like ham. I don't think the gruyere was overpowering - which is great. But the con was that my dish tasted like ham. I like ham - in little portions. I don't want my eggs and my cheese and my whole dish to just be layer upon layer of ham-ness. Sorry to complain Cafe Presse. Your decor was cute and lovely, your fries were crunchy, and your Croque Madame's first few bites were great. But everything tasted like Porky the Pig and I got bored with my dish quick.
(3)
Clifton C.

Great food and great service!
(5)
Eileen R.

Whattt?? How have I not reviewed this place yet? I've been here a ridiculous number of times. I will be a long time customer here. Probably the best Cafe au Lait I've ever had. Pommes-frites with housemade mayo is not to be skipped. Croque Monsieur is so good. I can't say if it's the best, because I've never had one anywhere else. Sometimes, they don't cook it as long as I'd like...but usually it's done to perfection. I've only had bad (just slow, not rude) service one time. I only had that waitress once and I'm not sure I've seen her since.
(4)
Mark B.

I suppose the cuisine at La Presse is wonderful.....wouldn't know. Had reservations at 7:00 on a Tuesday night. Left downtown early, found the neighborhood readily. Found the restaurant. Drove around for 32 minutes, in extended circles looking for a parking spot. Finally out of frustration called the restaurant to ask for a public lot, got a snarky smart ass response. Canceled the reservation, drove back into town and had an excellent dinner at Le Pichet. Everyone in this review section managed to find a parking spot, we could not. Will not try again.
(1)
Nadia S.

Quality ingredients and urban charm are just a few things you will love about this place. In the back room I felt whisked away to France. We came for brunch but we will be back for dinner for sure.
(4)
Mike B.

Chocolate croissant. May 4, 2013. Never forget. Also, the broiled eggs with ham and gruyere dish was killer!
(5)
Parker M.

CafÃ© Presse is my favorite late night cafe in the Seattle area. I've been searching for a cafe to satisfy my late night cravings for a good caffeine buzz and all others pale in comparison. First of all, they have fairly good espresso up until about 2 I think and then they have an intensely interesting menu full of different meal options all inspired by French cuisine. Very good desserts and great place to sit outside at. Love it
(4)
Dan M.

Great food, desert & drinks! They serve food later than most on the hill too! I've always enjoyed the service here. The seasonal menu changes are always something to look forward to as well.
(5)
Almost G.

If you're out and about on the hill and it's not quite 1:30am, and your date isn't quite convinced by your wit and charm that it's time to head home, head to Presse. They have a couple of desserts stuffed full of enough chocolate to kill a litter of puppies. Unfortunately they may just be a bit too rich to finish by yourself, so you'd better share. Right? Right. Presse is consistent, serves food all day up until 1:30am, and the staff don't get upset if you loiter. I like it. The menu features a range of familiar French dishes and there's plenty of booze available. You'll feel right at home with a book (or tablet - WiFi can be stolen from Stumptown), croissant and coffee on a lazy Sunday afternoon in the front section which is reasonably quiet. Alternatively, bring a large group, book a table in the back room and drink your way through the south of France whilst gorging on the chicken. Oh man, that chicken... The coffee is ok (Stumptown next door is better) and the tea is generic. But surely you're sitting here drinking wine and reading one of the many magazines or newspapers they have on sale. Parking is terrible. The place gets very busy at brunch and dinner on the weekends. One thing that makes me really happy - they get the music and lighting right, for the most part. Well done team. Right now it's 11:51pm on a Tuesday night and The Cure is playing at just the right level to make conversation easy, but muddle the noise that the table next to us is making. The lighting is low enough that the fact that I haven't shaved for about 4 days won't count against me, but bright enough that I can gaze longingly into the eyes of anyone in the restaurant (as creepy as that may be). On to the food: Steak Tartare - garlic. I hope you really like garlic. Each bite begins with a mouth-searingly potent dose of garlic. Once that subsides there's a hint of capers. The actual taste of the beef gets overwhelmed. The bread is great, as it always is (kudos to Grand Central). There's also a tomato based chutney thing. It does help mellow out the taste of the garlic to a certain extent. Serving size is pretty good - about the size of a large duck egg, with 4 slivers of toasted baguette and a small container of tomato-based chutney. The Roast Chicken - amazing. The poultry gods have blessed the chef with the ability to create a masterpiece. Don't get confused and order the cold chicken, it's bad. Go for the one with the 1-hour wait. Do not bring a vegetarian with you - a minimum of 2 people need to order this beast. You'll end up with a plate of chicken and chips. It is easily one of my 'must eat' dishes in Seattle. The rest of the dishes I have tried, which includes most things on the menu, are generally ok. I've never had something come out that was horrible, but other than the aforementioned chicken I've also never had something that I've craved going back for
(4)
Nate S.

Croque madam, fries with spicy ground mustard and a glass of red. Perfect brunch day!
(5)
Jen H.

Snaps for excellent pate, well cooked pomme frites, and beet salad. I loved the fresh lemonade. But preparation and overall flavors were good - not awesome. Sorry, but I'm getting tired of paying a lot for nice-but-not-awesome restaurant food in this neighborhood.
(4)
Jenn N.

Simply adore this restaurant. I love it for an early breakfast, brunch, lunch and dinner. This is a rather casual eatery and feels like a true French bistro. The prices are very affordable so you don't have to think twice about that extra glass of wine or two desserts. The food is straightforward but so delicious that it leaves you wondering how something so simple can be so delicious. Anytime of the day is great at Cafe Presse. I enjoy taking a moment before a busy day with an expertly pulled espresso and a baguette with melted bittersweet chocolate. On the weekends, when I have more time, a delicious bloody Mary with my croque madame always satisfies. Lunch is all about their sardine sandwich and green salad with the beautiful hazelnut vinaigrette. Dinner always starts with a Lillet and lots of charcuterie and bread and butter. They have very simple bistro dishes like steak frites or duck confit and they never fail to be amazing. Late night dining has to involve their delicious pommes frites with amazing aioli. I can go on and on. Great place for a date, groups or to even bring your parents which I have done to great approval. There not very many places in Seattle where you can get such wonderful French food without the stuffy attitude or astronomical prices. Atmosphere is very welcoming if you want to linger and savor you chocolate chaud. They also play most of the international football games and it's always a good time when a big rivalry match is going on. Go now!
(5)
Victoria V.

Excellent staff, who are not only attentive during your dining experience, but will also let you sit before your whole party arrives -- nothing beats coffee and a magazine on a lazy morning at a great little spot like this, people-watching and waiting for pals to stop by. Had my first Croque Madame (holy shit), they serve Vita coffee (thumbs up), and when I was there on Inauguration Day they were streaming the President's speech in the (silent, rapt) front room. Perfection!
(5)
Chris B.

I stopped in at Cafe Presse today with a friend. We were going to have A Serious Talk over coffee and wanted some place quiet and cozy. Cafe Presse immediately came to mind. When we arrived, we realized we were a bit hungry as well. I had a "Sandwich en baguette" which is apparently some unpronounceable Gallic delicacy. Typical. I ordered it with grilled sardine. It was austere and perfect. My friend had the omelet with mushrooms, which looked great. We also had a baguette and butter, which was simple but delicious. Finally, we split the "GÃ¢teau renversÃ© au poires et aux noix, crÃ¨me Ã la cannelle," which is French for "a little piece of cake." I joke, but it was fantastic. The perfect end to a perfect meal. All this plus bottomless coffee (which struck me as particularly tasty) for a reasonable price. What more could we ask for? Oh, and The Serious Talk went well too.
(4)
Colby C.

Great food, decent prices, BUT the table tops are always STICKY...which is creepy and feels very un-hygenic.
(3)
Jennie Kay B.

Great food, great value, and a great deal of attitude from the staff. Being unable to put a fried egg inside a sandwich on "philosophical" (their word, not mine) reasons? However, all eyerolls aside, and after a pressed-for explanation why having only five people in the kitchen was just not enough to provide me with an egg inside my croque, the food was phenomenal, and at a great price. I can suffer not getting exactly what I want, for all the positives going on here. Great magazine selection for purchase (they charge to your bill), super bar, and reasonably-sized portions. As someone that prefers to not pay for food I'm not going to eat, this made me happy. It's a do, and I'll be back. A great place for a solo meal or with a few friends. Seating is limited. ***EDIT*** I think I was a little harsh on the staff. Our waiter was nice, and eventually sort of warmed up to us. It could have been that he was new, and it wasn't attitude. However, there just wasn't a feeling of warmth from anyone that was working there, and I made an effort to smile, say hi, make eye contact, etc. I don't want to blame our waiter, he was actually the nicest person we encountered there, and I feel would have facilitated whatever we wanted, had he been able. The service he provided was prompt, and we had a great lunch experience. Of course, with the crew we had, we would have had a good time in a paper bag.
(4)
J D M.

The bread and butter (A+++) provides a great composite review of this place. I have had their crouque madame (A), oeufs de Provence(B), mushroom omelette (B+), homemade breakfast yogurt with hazelnut and honey (B+), wedge salad (B+), coffee (B+) with sugar cubes, and Pomme frites (B); but the quality of the butter and bread speaks volumes of the kitchen as a whole, served with assorted homemade marmalades that make you mouth drop. The only detractor, is that their pomme frites (fries) can sometimes be a tad too salty. Otherwise I have had nothing bad here.
(5)
Stanlo S.

This is a really cute place, tiny and cozy inside and very French. A friend and I enjoyed a madame and French onion soup (is it just onion soup in France?) both of which were well above average. The madame was very cheesey which made it kind of heavy. It was toasted really well on the sides and soft in the middle. Not as good as Bastille's madame though. The baguette was sooo good though, it went so well with their butter. I wanted to steal some on the way out. Oh, and I ordered their pork spread charcuterie but I ended up with a terrine of some sort. It was tasty, but I think it not being what I expected sort of disappointed me.
(4)
Jillian S.

What can I say! This place is great! They have delicious food, fancy drinks, and good coffee. Beautiful atmosphere that is always lively and full of customers. The food is very French and you can tell they have taken time to develop a unique menu but that is still reasonable priced. It's a favorite spot of mine and because it's so close I frequently it once a week or so. Oh! And The staff is great. So genuine and friendly. Willing to Anwser any questions and keep your coffee cup full. 100% recommend. Brunch. Dinner. Date. Quick breakfast. All perfect times to go to caffe press.
(5)
Beth C.

Had a delicious vanilla latte and the waiter was very nice. I just chilled for a while, sipping coffee and reading. Also, omlet is a great choice for gluten free crowd.
(5)
S B.

An unpretentious hidden gem in First Hill. Casual but friendly service, excellent food, and an inviting atmosphere add up to a great experience. Add to this the overall good value, this is a great spot.
(4)
Victoria C.

So on our short visit to Seattle my BFF took me, my fiancÃ© and his friends to CafÃ© Presse for a late luncheon! I was pretty excited especially cause I love French cuisine. The place is pretty small but luckily there was enough room for us since we came later in the afternoon. My friend made some suggestions since she had been here before and I knew right away I had to try the Croque Madame. I also ordered the French Onion Soup since I LOVE French Onion and we shared the pommes frites. What I love about French food is that it's very simple. I also loveee how they eat mayo with their French fries.. yes I know it's so bad but so good! When the French fries came with mayo I was in heaven. Seriously. Anyway, the French Onion Soup came in a BIG bowl.. biggest portion I've seen but then again it is $11. I'd def recommend this though.. it was very good with all that cheesy goodness. My Croque Madame tasted as good as it looked. It was perfect in every way! I really liked this place even though our server was a little on the snobby side but I guess it added to the hipster atmosphere eh. Oh yeah btw, I don't know if people in Seattle just have a heavy hand and a high tolerance for alcohol but man their drinks were strong! My mimosa gave me a good buzz after a couple sips lol. But it was delish and a great way to start my day. I wish we had more places like this in Hawaii!
(4)
Tyler L.

Good food, but a terrible service experience would make me second guess coming back here. The coffee and brunch food are great, and the outside patio, while a bit cramped, is great on a nice day. However, our food order was clearly lost and rather than appologizing, excuses were made even while people just sitting down were getting their food. I don't mind waiting, but lying about it is not ok. Still though, the food was good.
(3)
Margaret G.

This was the first time I came into this cafe for a meal, and I discovered that the restaurant extends back with more seating. I had a great brunch of the house-made plain yogurt with honeyed walnuts and the tomato-eggplant soup. The yogurt was best stirred (a little too plain until you mix it, but on point when you do). The soup had great flavor and was on the spicier side. They paired it with a fancier crouton topped with grilled cod and this glaze of what tasted like candied lemons, cilantro and a mayo base of sorts. I'd order it all again in a heartbeat. Also, the fresh grapefruit juice was refreshing.
(5)
Chris J.

I came here for dinner with my girlfriend for date night. First of all, I liked the industrial warehouse atmosphere with brick walls and steel beams; the mood lighting kept things cozy. I enjoyed my meal, but overall I didn't come away "wow'd." French food has never been one of my favorites, and while I've always enjoyed French bakeries, Cafe Presse didn't turn me into a believer... My girlfriend had the duck leg on faro, which she liked. I had the smoked garlic sausage served on white cabbage, which was decent although a bit blander than I hoped. The prices here weren't too bad. We just didn't fall in love with the food. Perhaps we would have had more luck going in for breakfast instead. We probably won't know because there are so many restaurants in Seattle to try!
(3)
Tanner K.

The food and atmosphere of this really nice cafe that really tries to be like an authentic French cafe will fill all your needs if you want, cocktails, wine, or a good espresso. It is an easy and cozy place to hang or grab something in a hurry. The service at times can leave you wanting as they can sometimes come off as they don't want you there. Still highly recommend.
(3)
Elle D.

My waitress didn't pack my baguette for the Gateau Au Foie De Volaille so I asked her which box the liver was packed in so I can put it in myself. She answered with "I don't know." and just walked away...I was left with my mouth opened, staring at the back of her. You can at least offer to give me another box. What kind of attitude was that? It took her another million years to give me the check after I made eye contact with her numerous times while she was walking around. This was not at a busy time either. If you don't want to be working, nobody is forcing you! Every time I come here I always encounter bad service. Hence, the 3 stars. However, the food was good. The pommes frites was just the right crunch and saltiness! I also had the sardine sandwich and the croque madame. I always get the Gateau Au Foie De Volaille when I come here. For me, French cuisine might be a little bit too much all at once since it is so rich. But I have plenty of leftovers, not that I am complaining. :)
(3)
Arden J.

I used to love this place and came here often. However, my most recent visit I had indifferent service and was disappointed that the moules frites were now just moules. The portion size was perfect for an appetizer (12 mussels), but they kept the price the same! $15 is too much for 12 mussels. Fries were an extra $4.50. The steak tartare size has also been cut in half. I'll go to Le Zinc next time or the myriad of great new spots on Cap Hill.
(1)
John W.

The croissant was delicious, however i ordered two lattes to go and after checking my receipt when i went home, the server has included two extra charges for it to go, my lattees turned out to be 4 dollars each.
(2)
Etan B.

The food: had the eggs and cheese dish which was excellent. Perfectly broiled with gruyere. Ordered an espresso which was way bitter so ordered drip coffee which was too weak. French press not available at this French cafe with the word "press" in its name. Ironic? Service: our waiter had an attitude which I suppose works if you are looking for a stereotypical Paris vibe. But I was not impressed. He was very attentive though. Ambiance: very clean and comfortable. Feels European. Overall I probably won't return based on the coffee.
(3)
Yoda B.

This is a favorite spot for a good friend and I, who both prefer a more European dining experience, simple yet high quality food, and small plates we can share over hours of conversation. The place is tiny but the food is tasty, and their coffee is delicious.
(5)
Guillermo R.

Loved the Croque Madame... And the daily pastries... Definitely coming back for more
(5)
Sandra R.

Just have to rave about the croque Monsieur -- so incredibly delicious and not near as greasy as I've had before. And it's so reasonably priced -- only 6 bucks. The other food I saw looked appetizing. Cute little place.
(5)
Joop V.

My friends and I visited Cafe Presse this weekend for Brunch. It was my first time and their second. The place is small (at most around 8-10 2-people tables) and some extra 20-25 seatings at a bar, so if you plan to go there with large parties, it's probably not ideal..else, you'd probably want to make sure you go there early). Personally if I ever go there next time, I'd probably just go with one other person, so we can get a seat at a bar if any table isn't available. I ordered the Croque Madame (it's the same as Croque Monsieur but with a sunny side up egg topped on my toasted sandwich bread) and my friends ordered Pain Au Chocolat A L'ancienne (melted chocolate on french baguette), Tartine Montagnarde Aux Poires (some grilled onions/mushrooms with cheese on a toast) and Omelette Au Choix with mushrooms (omelet with mushrooms). My Croque Madame was good although I wasn't that blown away by the taste. My friends though were really disappointed with the Pain Au Chocolat A L'ancienne, Tartine Montagnarde Aux Poires and their Omelette (and mind you, one of them is French...and he had tried their Croque Madame and wasn't that impressed with the taste either). Mostly, the biggest let down was there were some burnt/plastic residues (who knows how long it has been built up) left in the omelette that my friend ordered which made some omelette bites particularly gross. We did informed our waiter about it and he was polite polite handling the issue and actually comped that particular dish off of our check for us. I'm personally ok with the Croque Madame but due to small restaurant size and somewhat limited selection..I probably won't mind going back there but won't go out of my way to go back to this place either.
(3)
Rene C.

Many Thanks to all the Seattle Yelpers. Thanks to you, my ass has doubled in size. I've traveled to Seattle numerous times over the last several years. But it's always been for business and was never exposed to just how good this town can. And oh boy is it GOOD! This was our first stop for the long weekend. Arriving just after noon, we were greeted by our host who sat us at a nice table in the back room. Since it was technically after 12:00, wine was in the cards but what pairs with wine? uhhhhh everything! The croque madam is the star attraction here, so I figured my ass would need a formal introduction to Cafe Presse's signature dish. I was in France just three weeks ago so this place would really have to wow me to earn it's stars. Let me tell you right now, Cafe Presse not only exceeded in crafting an excellent croque madam, they made the best I have ever tasted! Perfect amount of cheese and ham and toasted to perfection. Each bite sang to me. But I am a French fry fiend! How good were the frites? NO WORDS CAN EVEN BEGIN TO TELL YOU HOW GOOD THESE FRITES WERE! So good were the frites I just took photos and posted for your viewing pleasure. The service here is top notch, the wine list is 100 percent French and there is a full bar. Is there really anything else you need to know? PS. Cafe Presse is suitable for breakfast, lunch and or dinner. Open from 7AM-2AM Daily.
(5)
Teala A.

The food was awesome! Came out quickly and full of all the flavors!! The service however.... Weeelll, they lost 2 stars..... Mostly because the hostess, a young, pretty, bored hipster girl, walked right past my friend and I who waited in the entry , didn't acknowledge us and kept chatting with her coworker. We then waited again, while she walked past us with no greeting or acknowledge..... Until I asked her if we could seat ourselves..... And the answer was no. I work in food service. I get that it's not a fun or positive job all the time. I don't expect you to be fake and bubbly and kiss my ass.... I do however , need to be acknowledged...... Unless you want me to take my hard earned money elsewhere..... And I will
(3)
Megan L.

I absolutely love this place! From the chill atmosphere to the great service, CafÃ© Presse never disappoints. I've taken my LA friends from back home to eat here and they all loved it. When in doubt, definitely order yourself the Croque Madame and the pomme frites!
(5)
Leonardo D.

The food is great. Clean place and amazing atmosphere. However they don't take American Express which means they are not interested in the high end of the credit cards market. Having said that your experience may vary upon your waiter, you might love it or you might be ignored completely.
(1)
Nia M.

I am giving CAFE PRESSE 5 stars!! Yes, my date and I waited an hr for our chicken-but it clearly states the wait time on the menu. I think as Americans we are constantly living at such a fast paced that we don't take the time to enjoy life. Thus, I absolutely love the care-free pace of the French! Now, Cafe Presse made me feel like I had stepped into the spirit of France. There were guest already conversing and enjoying meals at the small tables. Although, the area is small, conversations weren't intrusive. Our waitress was very welcoming.As we waited for our meal, we ate delicious bread and butter. I am typically not a bread & butter gal. Yet, I found myself devouring it. (Honestly, it had nothing to do with the hour wait for entrÃ© but truly good bread) Lets talk about their salads--I felt my mouth water over the salad.The butter lettuce salad was divine. The lettuce was fresh-as if it was just picked from a garden magically hidden in the back. I can't believe I am raving over lettuce. For the main entrÃ© we had the roasted chicken with fries. The chicken was delicious-- moist and tender. Its how chicken is truly suppose to taste!! My friend would have preferred thinner fries. I typically don't eat a lot of fries so I probably would've preferred more of the butter lettuce salad. Yummy! I can't recall the wine that we had with our dinner. The waitress was very helpful in assisting us with the selection. PERFECT!...We actually boxed up most of our dinner so we could eat dessert. We had the "cheesecake" with dried plums. OMG! We savored each bite. I completed my meal with a cup of perfectly brewed coffee. I plan to return with or without a date. I wish I lived closer. Yet, I plan to come one morning for breakfast. Wish we could truly live life the French and have LONG lunch hours.
(5)
Cynthia L.

Cafe Presse may not have a million items that I can eat due to my food choices, but what I DO eat is always perfect; the place feels like a legitimate small French cafe. (Close quarters, clanging dishes and silverware--very jolly.) Unless it's a sunny day, I usually prefer sitting in the back room; it's a little easier to hear your dining partner speak, but as is everywhere in Presse, you can listen to EVERYBODY's conversation pretty easily *chuckle* I feel like I get to know my dining neighbors so well sometimes, I feel like I should send them a Christmas card. I've only had a dinner entree here once, and it was a special: Moules Frites. I have a predilection for moules frites (must have cream!) and almost cannot pass them up when offered. They were FANTASTIC. It's a wonder it is not a regular item by now. They should try to keep up with the Jacques, you know? However, I've been in probably 6x for a light lunch: right-sized portions and right-sized prices. $6 for a liver terrine baguette. The sardine salad with white beans and wilted arugula $9.50. And an additional order of chicken liver terrine--just for good measure. And the Bib lettuce salad with hazelnuts is a good, but it is a little too light for me without pairing it with their dark-fried frites (mayo.) The only thing that keeps me from Presse is the parking situation. Given its proximity to the college, I have to plan that I will need to not be in a rush, and that I will have to be comfortable with circling and/or walking a few blocks. It's worth it though :)
(5)
Corinna K.

There is perfection in the oily simplicity of a grilled bait fish. Presse, showing admirable restraint, displays their sardines 'twixt baguette and butter lettuce, with a thick smear of aioli. And that is it. And it is exquisite. I previously was all about the croque madame, but why order that when you can order perfection?
(5)
Seliya G.

Jizzzzzzzzzzz! All the reviews and pictures are of the Croque Madame and that's exactly what you should get! You won't regret it!
(5)
Ken H.

This is a quaint little spot with tight fitting tables and can be taken as warm and cozy or needing room to breathe. The food is wonderful and very tasty. I usually leave hungry, but I have a huge appetite. Not their fault. The prices aren't bad depending on what you order, but not everything is cheap and if extras are asked for such as butter or bread etc...your going to pony up. Mostly the attitude can be pleasant one day, but very cold the next. Not consistent. They have strong coffee and and the omelets are great. Give it a shot.
(4)
Brian P.

The food here really is consistently great. The core of the menu is simple dishes executed beautifully- oeufs mayonnaise, for instance, are deceptively simple in appearance yet astonishingly sublime. Highly recommended.
(5)
Stephanie M.

My only knowledge of French cuisine up until now was buttery escargot and croissants. both of which are delicious, but it doesn't say anything to what French Cuisine is actually like. It was about 11:00 on a Thursday evening and my girlfriends and I were up on Capital Hill. We needed to satisfy our drunken-hunger and my friend suggested Cafe Presse. It was only a few blocks to where we were so we trekked on over, not really knowing what we were getting into. We were seated in the front section of the cafe (there is a back section with more seating) and I immediately loved the "feel". It has high-ceilings, low-lighting, candles and it had a sort of peace to it. After being seated we decided to take a break from drinking and concentrate all our focus on what we would be eating. (Part of the fun is figuring out how to pronounce everything--an especially fun task while intoxicated. :-) ) --Pommes-Frites, Translation is: Fried potatoes instead of french fries --Pain au Chocolat, Translation is: Bittersweet chocolate melted on baguette --Huitres crus, Translation is: Oysters in the shell --Croque Madame, Translation is: Baked Ham, gruyere with a sunny side up egg on top The Pommes-Frites and Pain au Chocolat were tasty, but my favorite was the Croque Madame. I can honestly say that this is simply the absolute best sandwich that I have ever put in my mouth, EVER. The ham & gruyere compliment each other perfectly and the egg ontop is such a bonus. The egg soaked the bread just enough and every bite was savored as long as humanly possible. We all didn't want this sandwich to end and everyone wanted the last bite. The Oysters were a new thing for me as I have never had oysters before--can't say I'm a huge fan, but at least I tried it. The service was fantastic, excellent food, and the atmosphere is great for whatever you're in the mood for. Whether you're with girlfriends or on a date, or if you want to just sip some wine while you work alone on your laptop, Cafe Presse is the perfect place!
(5)
Beatrice L.

i wasnt here for food, just for dessert. Ive always wanted to try this place out as I frequent Stumptown a lot. This place feels trendy. It's a small space, but lots of staff working so service is pretty quick. Their menu is french & quite eclectic. i ordered the chocolat chaud & my friend got cookies& wine. the hot chocolate was thick & rich. I LOVED IT!!
(4)
Mark R.

Delicious!!! Great for a coffee and brunch. Get a croque madame for sure. Come to think of it, they're great for dinner too! Small atmosphere but that's kinda why it's great.
(4)
David R.

Love cafe presse - it's perfectly conceived as a place you can go frequently. Super nice place to eat and converse.
(5)
Shannon M.

One of my favorite spots, I have never been disappointed whenever I've come here. Delicious casual cafe French food at its best. If you have the time, the chicken is super delicious and nice to share. I personally love the sardine sandwich, very simple and a relatively good deal. When I feel like splurging, the steak frites is my hands-down fave - order with a side of their house made mayo to dip your fries and you are in for a treat.
(5)
Tom B.

Been meaning to try this place for probably 20 years now, if I am thinking of the right one. It's clearly a well-told legend of late night dining. You learn that, you'll pass the pop quiz you're taking later. The rest is details. It's right next to the Stumptown on 12th, and can get packed or it can be very sparse. You walk in and you're confronted with a magazine rack. Buy one and it's added to your tab. Cool. The bar and dining room have that classic downtown shoebox orientation. The staff have that classic downtown facial hair orientation. The barback is all about liquor and spirits; they have a few wines but the beer list is pretty meaningless. Decent choices but unspectacular (which is fine). The menu's where it's at. The whole damn thing's in french, which is great if you read french, and sort of an adventure in maybe getting what you thought you ordered if you don't read french. Well, actually, it's pretty clear what you're ordering, to be fair. And more to the point, the food is really good. We split some frites and each had IPAs and croques madame. The sandwich here is fantastic; the egg is perfect, the sauce is tangy, the meat and smoke flavors come through, it's all goodness from top to bottom. And, despite the fact that they serve it with a steak knife, you can cut it cleanly with a fork. As the last of the other customers were leaving, the staff announced that for them, they would play a farewell tune. This turned out to be the talents of R Kelly, showering down upon us. I thought my buddy was going to have a lifelong giggle fit, and it was kind of hard to tell whether the staff was actually playing the record sincerely or not, but they left it on. Honestly, even though I was able to keep a straight face, I think some better music might make this place a five star stop on a different night.
(4)
Tom T.

yay Presse! Loved the food, loved the service, solid choice for brunch! Sunday around noon was about a 15 minute wait, no biggie! I know not a damn thing about French food, but I thought this was great! The cheezy goodness of the Croque Madame, the very sweet and creamy pumpkin apple seasonal soup, the awesome lattes. Definitely going back sometime soon! A lot of the 1 star reviews for this place seem to be before 2011.
(4)
Steve C.

Been here 5 times Overall: drinks great service great food: almost always great. Love the soups, the classic french foods, the homemade cookies...runs 80% WOW or really good Atmosphere. Pretty OK, but for some reason feels more crowded then sister Le Pichet and I could do without the wobbly tables. This place and Asado Tacoma are two places where I marvel at how skilled the staff is and how well they work together, This speaks to skilled management. I also am deeply impressed with the bar, really interesting great drinks and I have NEVER seen a bartender here send out a drink without tasting it first ( with a straw of course!)
(5)
Heidi P.

Delicious and affordable!! I've only been here once, but really enjoyed my Croque Madame. The sandwich was simply delicious. The only thing I would change, is I prefer a little dijon on mine, however they had little pots of dijon on the tables, so I just added some to my plate and dipped my sandwich in it. The sandwich was the perfect size for my lunch and at $7, the perfect price. I would love to return to try the frites, as I hear they are amazing. A nearby diner had the pate plate and it looked divine as well. Not sure how a typical wait is here, but there was no seating other than the front bar seating, but was fine by me as I was eating lunch alone. Service was prompt and friendly!
(5)
Theresa E.

If you don't like meat, bread and cheese, this is not the place for you. It is tiny, and there are quite a few "cool" people here. The service was very nice. The tables are too close together for my taste. Some doofus kept glaring at our party for having a conversation. The bread is quite tasty, so ...like I said, go there and have somel
(3)
Phil C.

This place is amazing. For breakfast I usually keep it simple with the Å’ufs plats, jambon, fromage, but you can't go wrong with any of the options. On the standard menu, I'm a sucker for the croque monsieur. Also, be sure to try the fries - right up there with Toulouse Petit as the best in Seattle. And if you go right now, the french onion soup is in season - woohoo!
(5)
Maggie D.

I love to this unpretentious hole in the wall. Obsessed with the pate. My entree of choice is the cold chicken served with the quinoa salad. So good, I'm craving it right now!
(4)
Stephen S.

Such a great spot. I am addicted to the croque madame. Love that they keep the menu simple and have perfected those items. Not a lot of places where you can get the good bar atmosphere + resto scene. Feels like youve traveled back in time...
(5)
Lou M.

Can't miss here the croque maseur was great topped off with some great coffee. If you're in the neighborhood check it out.
(4)
Beth I.

Trendy cafe with a roomy bar.... Check Friendly staff.... Check Clean bathroom (a must when you've been drinking).... Check Upbeat music.... Check Unbelievable French food (necessary when you're famished)..... CHECK!!! This high-ceiling-ed trendy cafe was just what my girls and I needed after trooping around Capital Hill. The ambiance and the food here were to die for! (Thanks Stephanie M. and Lauren F. for showing me this place!) Absolute best thing about this place was the croque madame! I don't speak an ounce of French, but I think it translates to "HEAVEN!" It's a baked ham, gruyere and bechammel sandwich with an egg on top. I had to close my eyes as I wrote that! You have know idea what heaven in a sandwich is until you taste this! Hard to explain but the bread was perfectly toasted and the flavors exploded in your mouth. Check out the pictures! Other things we had: pain au chocolate (doesn't it just sound sexy saying it!? It was a baguette filled with molten dark chocolate) and Oysters on a 1/2 shell. Very fresh, but I'm not a total fan of raw oysters. If you make a stop in Seattle, go to Cafe Presse. I beg you!
(5)
Mindy N.

our first seattle food stop! brunch at cafe presse on a Sunday morning. no wait at all & the front dining room looks smaller than it does in pictures o.O very cute and very unassuming. *face palm* I forgot to get the frites.but our shared brunch of la croque madame and liver terrine were so very filling, the frites just slipped my mind. their croque madame was definitely one of the better versions that I've had, but I have never been too much of a fan. (I know, egg on a grilled ham and cheese sandwich, what's not to love??) most places are guilty of too much bechamel and thus being too rich for my taste. while cafe presse' version was on point in terms of flavor, the overly richness of the sandwich was still there, so half a sandwich was more than sufficient for me. the liver terrine was DELICIOUS. maybe it's because I've been liver deficient since cali initiated that ban on foie, call it what you want, but I could have easily just eaten my own terrine without any bread or sides. but no! don't do that. the mustard makes it. the terrine is tasty on its own and even better with the sprinkling of salt, but the mustard makes it. it offers an acidic tang that helps to cut through the richness of the terrine and brings up flavors you never would have experienced without it. damn. terrinegasm. the gherkins and the cherry compote offer interesting alternatives. if you want it mildly sweet, go for the cherry; if you want it even more tangy, go for the gherkin. I was fully satiated without either aside from the occasional munch. yummy bread & if you ask nicely, they'll bring you a little extra for the rest of your terrine. coffee was not mindblowing which was just a touch disappointing. maybe not top 3 on my list to return to if I ever come back to seattle, but it comes high on my list of recommendations. next time though, I'd probably pass on the croque, double up on the terrine, and throw in some frites along with it.
(4)
A.J. S.

Yumm. I like to pretend to have a need to eat less bread and cheese in my life, and this is where I through that idea right out the window. I don't know why north of Madison gets more foot traffic than south of it. Stumptown, Canon, Cafe Presse, Lark, are south of 12th and Madison and some of the best spots in the city. Many 'Hill denizens pretend they're far, far away. I invite this idea to change. Cafe Presse excels in French comfort food, great wine and a chic, bistro-y feel with magazines and fun window seating great for people watching. French onion soup, steak tartare, moule frites, all well executed. I LOVE how late they serve. How do you make a croque madame/monseuir taste even better? Eat it at 11pm.
(4)
Jessy S.

Dont worry about not being able to read the menu, order anything and you will be happy. I go here about 2x a month for a cafe madam even though its about a 30 minute drive. The food here has been constantly goos and their coffee is also amazing.
(5)
Saucy B.

i think cafe presse is generally over rated. the quality of the food seems to have gone down since my previous visits, also. the french onion soup is 90% cheese and 10% onions, almost no broth. all the dishes we had at our table appeared to be put together by a short order cook who didn't really care about the presentation or quality...which would be fine at a diner for half the price, but not for what they are marketing....
(2)
Kristin C.

Every time I go to Cafe Presse, I love it a little more. With friends to catch up over a long leisurely brunch, or to have a cozy, romantic meal with my boyfriend. It's perfect. The Croque Monsieur is my favorite, everyone else loves the Madame, which comes with a fried egg, but I don't like fried eggs. It's such a delicious sandwich though, done so well. I fell in love with the sandwich the last time I was in Paris. I haven't tried them anywhere else in Seattle, and I highly doubt I ever will. I don't want to cheat on my dear Cafe Presse. The fries? Holy mother of God. Perfect. Easily some of the best fries I have ever had. They are made even better with the mayo that Cafe Presse has. Is that paprika in there? I don't know, but it's pretty much crack. They also serve Cafe Vita, which is my favorite local coffee. If you get a latte, they will even refill it with regular coffee too. Both are fantastic. The French Baguette is fantastic too, and so is the omelet, but I am such a creature of habit. I always go for Brunch, because I love the early morning ambiance at Presse, but I really must go back for dinner to *finally* try the Steak frites. To make things even better, parking on this end of the Hill is fairly easy. Win. Win. WIN.
(5)
Chris L.

My first visit to CafÃ© Presse didn't leave me impressed although I've heard so many good things about it. The ambience was nice, most of the staff was friendly and attentive, and the food seemed interesting, but that's about it. I inquired if it was possible to leave the BÃ©chamel sauce off the croque-madame, and the waitress simply said no. A bit puzzled about this I simply ordered an omelette with mushrooms and ham. The omelette was OK-ish, but I could have sworn the mushrooms were from a can. I'm always a bit suspicious if the kitchen can't accommodate a simple thing such as leaving out an ingredient, especially if it's sauce - how much of the food is pre-prepared and simply warmed up? I can't believe that's the case though (doesn't make sense for this combination of ingredients), so was it simply a case of "don't care"? Anyway, either of those scenarios won't make me come back any time soon.
(2)
Mitch W.

Great breakfasts , great coffee, and if you like a cool atmosphere to hangout in the morning this is the place.
(4)
AndrÃ© M.

Saturday at 9am - No wait for seating, great service, and awesome food. Complimentary baguette with my ham omelette! What's not to like about this place? I will most definitely be back on my next trip to Seattle!
(5)
Justino C.

Revisit. Had to get the staple yogurt, honey & walnuts. This place still does it unlike any other. Coffee is great. Seattle is definitely the cafe Mecca. It's probably the weather that keeps folks indoors and wanting something warm, I don't know...but they just do it different up in these parts. SF, NY, LA, gots nothin' on Seatown when it comes to cafe styles (and prob football...at least for the past couple years). Presse has it all, really simple and to the point food and drink. Go there!
(4)
Bjorn F.

One of the best cafÃ©s in Seattle. The authentic laidback Parisian feeling that they're going for, complete with a wide selection of European newspapers and magazines, is completely successful. The atmosphere at Presse is so lovely it has become my favorite spot to sip a coffee and grab something light while I work on my laptop. I actually sometimes order bread and butter here for lunch and feel completely full afterwards (yummy half baguette with butter and homemade confit, $2.50). The omelettes are incredible (secret ingredient: lots of butter) and by now I think it's common Seattle knowledge that the best croque madames in the city are here. The only thing missing are a few more appealing solid lunch items on the menu besides the (admittedly delicious) omelettes, croque madames, etc. There are very few occasions when I'm in the mood for esoteric French dishes like mayonnaise eggs - a bit more variety of filling lunch dishes would go a long way.
(4)
liamrh y.

I love cafe presse! j'aime etc... I really do! The rillete is great!!! However, on the evening of Sunday April 7th, 2013..... Thank you waitperson with the amazing hipster sandy colored western stache.... Who delivered our frites and salad to the table next to use after bringing out half the meal for seven of us.... Who brought a port instead of a porter..... Who sat at the bar and ate food, off a plate, in the front of house, while we were waiting for our replacement frites/salad.....with the rest of the staff...... Weekend service needs tuning and.......
(2)
J C.

A neighborhood gem! Worth the walk from downtown Seattle.
(5)
Bamf A.

So I don't hate this place. But I definitely don't love it. I was really excited about this spot! I hate when Yelp throws me for a loop like this. I hear "best croque madame in the city" and I get a little excited. And the croque madame was pretty good. It's just my mind wasn't blown like I expected it to be. And the beef tartare was very odd.. It was really chewy & very difficult to spread on the crostini.. Also I thought the main flavor should definitely been that of delicious beef. But instead I tasted mostly citrus.. and lentils. I skipped the entrees.. I don't get what the big deal is here? Is it because the menu's in French?? I'm sick of places being more hype than quality.
(3)
Liz M.

I've shocked many people by telling them I've lived on the Hill for 4 years and had yet to set foot in Cafe Presse. Having recently remedied that oversight, I now completely understand why. My luck with French restaurants has been pretty hit and miss lately, and Cafe Presse seemed like it might be small and crowded, so I was a little nervous going in. First off, the place is FAR bigger than it seems from the outside, with a generous-sized back room and plenty of tables. Second, the menu is full of delectable sounding options, and (especially for Seattle) very low priced. The Croque Madam was delicious and I would be hard pressed (no pun intended) to select another dish on my next visit which I hope will be very soon.
(5)
Tina S.

Oh la yummyummy! The first time I came here, I ordered the grilled sardine sandwich on recommendation from my dining partner. Not AT all something I would order in my own, but hot damn! Craved that sucker all the next day. Total of three visits, all delish and paired with surprisingly inexpensive and fantastic wine.
(4)
Sam S.

CafÃ© Presse is a cute cafe on 12th Avenue with sparse modern furnishings and a nice, relaxed environment. Service was great. My brother's girlfriend recommended the Croque Madame and it was yummy! I would eat here again.
(5)
London L.

The food is really good and it's an adorable restaurant. I've gotten lattes there twice and learned my lesson, they aren't good. I stick to water. Stumptown is right next door, might as well get your coffee fix after you eat. Servers are usually really friendly and quick but I've had a couple not so great experiences here too. I love the Croque Madame, which is the reason I come back here.
(4)
Rick S.

Bottom Line - Cafe Presse is consistent. Come, sit, with friends, order some food, eat slowly and enjoy it all. I like the croque madame along with a soup. The entrees are good, too. If you like Le Pichet, I also think you'll like Cafe Presse. Came for brekky on 5 January 2011 and we ordered a yoghurt, two croque madames and pumpkin soup. Along with a soy latte, our bill came to $31.20 + 3.12 tax + 8.50 tip = $42.73 total for the 3 of us.
(4)
S Luc S.

Who would've thought that something as simple as chocolate on bread would be so delicious, so comforting, so marvelous and magnificent???? Hershey's be damned! At this very moment, I would like to shake my fist in the faces the American advertising machine who has convinced our hapless souls that Hershey's is chocolate. P-tooey. What I experienced at Cafe Presse could only be described as angel tears. That deep, rich, exquisite, velvety spread could only come from something as mythical as angels. After harvesting the cacao seeds, it must've been carried on a feather pillow and ground down in a field where unicorns frolic. Seriously people, it was ridiculously and superbly delicious and it wasn't even my dish. My eating companion ordered it and she watched as my face went from inquisitive, perplexed to all out blissful chocolaty glee!!! Who cares if the place is supremely crowded. The waitstaff were...who cares???? The cafe set up is..oh who cares. Get the pain au chocolat. I would even order this using it's correct pronunciation because it is that GOOD!!! And I don't speak French!
(4)
Peter C.

The best croque madam. Great French onion soup. Good charcuterie and caffe vita. Nice atmosphere and service.
(5)
Jen B.

I really like Le Pichet but Sweet Baby Jesus this was a great lunch. It was very busy, which is a great sign and we got a seat in the back in a cute cozy space. I went with a friend and we both got the exact same thing, so I can only review one meal. But dayum it was great! We had the fish of the day which was trout- it was cooked perfectly and melted in my mouth..*drool* We each had a beer for the hell of it & a strawberry dessert that was..interesting and tasty (can't remember the name of it but it was frozen w/ vanilla ice cream). The service was neither great or bad, just good. I live down the street so I plan on going back for some more sexy fish, and bread, and coffee...
(4)
Kyle K.

Went here with the sister to see what the hullaballoo was all about. Apparently, it's all about delicious noms. We ordered the charcuterie plate, the pommes frites and the crudite with buttermilk fried pork tongue. Holy bananiels batman, this place is straight killing it on food. I highly recommend the terrine/pate and the crudite was perfect. The fries definitely met the standard set by everyone and their mom telling me how great they are. I also ordered one of their craft cocktails (the black cat?) which was an interesting blend of bitters, bourbon and chocolate nibs of all things. This place is definitely staffed by people who run a hipster convention but overall they're quite responsive if not maybe the most knowledgeable when it comes to food. That's fine; being a guy who eats a lot the burden of knowing what I want to put in my face is mine alone. Ultimately I would highly recommend coming here for either a fancy dinner or a low key lunch; the prices are super affordable outside of their craft cocktails and the food is unreal.
(4)
Rachel A.

This is a wonderful, cozy place that serves up wonderful wine and fantastic food. I definitely recommend making a reservation, as they were extremely busy on a Saturday night. However, food still came at a reasonable pace and nobody blinked when we ordered extra chicken liver pate after polishing off our entrees (it was that good!). I loved that they served steak tartare as a main dish. It was so delicious and came with a very lovely arugula salad. I was craving tartare for days after we ate there. They also serve up a hot chocolate that is more like molten mousse, topped with a wonderful homemade whipped cream. My dad ate there twice just to get more hot chocolate. The best part is that anyone can dine here. On one end of the table we had my brother ordering bottle upon bottle of wine, and on the other we had me and my parents, trying to vacation on a budget. Everyone left satisfied and nobody's wallet felt unfairly light. This place is a true gem.
(5)
Samantha T.

Oh, croque madame... you are a little slice of Frenchie heaven. Presse's coffee is very good, and very, very strong. And when they have steak tartare on the menu, it's worth getting. The crusty baguette au chocolat seems like a good idea for dessert, but it's the kind of thing that requires the accompaniment of a lobster bib and copious wet naps, and bistros don't really think of these kinds of things. I never have any problem finding parking there, and waitstaff are low-key friendly and intelligent. Intelligence is an underrated quality in restaurant staffing. Say something that strikes a chord with one of the staff here, and wit and humor bloom like a flower. In turn, this brings out the best in you. At night, in the back room with a fancy drink and a fancy friend, you could almost pretend that it's midnight in Paris.
(4)

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Address : 1117 12th Ave
Seattle, WA, 98122
Phone (206) 709-7674
Website https://www.cafepresseseattle.com/
Click To Get Directions

Opening Hours

Mon :7:00 am - 2:00pm

Specialities

Takes Reservations : Yes
Delivery : No
Take-out : Yes
Accepts Credit Cards : Yes
Good For : Lunch
Parking : Street
Bike Parking : Yes
Wheelchair Accessible : Yes
Good for Kids : No
Good for Groups : Yes
Attire : Casual
Ambience : Casual
Noise Level : Average
Alcohol : Full Bar
Outdoor Seating : Yes
Wi-Fi : Free
Has TV : Yes
Waiter Service : Yes
Caters : No

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Café Presse

1117 12th Ave, Seattle, WA, 98122

Café Presse Menu

Petit Dejeuner

Le Casse Croûte

La Charcuterie

Les Salades

Nos Plats

Nos Desserts

Les Confiseries

Vins Desserts

Vin Express

Main

Healthy Meal suggestions for Café Presse

Petit Dejeuner

Le Casse Croûte

La Charcuterie

Les Salades

Nos Plats

Nos Desserts

Les Confiseries

Vins Desserts

Vin Express

Main

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