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Name: Seattle Coffee Works
Address: 107 Pike St, Seattle, WA, 98101
Telephone: (206) 340-8867
Price range: Under $11
Rating: 4.27

Seattle Coffee Works

107 Pike St, Seattle, WA, 98101

(206) 340-8867
Store is closed

Seattle Coffee Works Menu

Burgers

Kid?s Burger 110g

Kid?s Cheeseburger 120g

Bacon Cheddar Burger 125g

Bacon Double Cheeseburger 250g

Big Buford® 230g

Bacon Buford® 255g

Bacon Swiss Buford® 250g

1/4 LB. Champ® 205g

1/4 LB. Champ® with Cheese 225g

1/4 LB. Bacon Cheese Champ® 235g

1/2 LB. Double Champ® 280g

1/2 LB. Double Champ® with Cheese 300g

Checkerburger® 170g

Checkerburger® with Cheese 179g

Cheese Double Cheese 190g

Chili Cheeseburger 135g

Double Chili Cheeseburger 180g

Double Decker 215g

Rallyburger® 170g

Rallyburger® with Cheese 179g

Smokehouse Buford® 265g

Triple Cheeseburger 250g

Healthy Meal suggestions for

Burgers

Kid?s Burger 110g [ Carbohydrates (ms): 28, Sodium (s): 570, Saturated Fat (ms) : 6, Calories: 280, Sugar (ms): 3 ]

Kid?s Cheeseburger 120g [ Carbohydrates (ms): 29, Sodium (s): 730, Saturated Fat (ms) : 8, Calories: 320, Sugar (ms): 3 ]

Bacon Cheddar Burger 125g [ Carbohydrates (ms): 29, Sodium (s): 730, Saturated Fat (ms) : 9, Calories: 370, Sugar (ms): 3 ]

Bacon Double Cheeseburger 250g [ Carbohydrates (ms): 32, Sodium (s): 1340, Saturated Fat (ms) : 20, Calories: 650, Sugar (ms): 6 ]

Big Buford® 230g [ Carbohydrates (ms): 31, Sodium (s): 1090, Saturated Fat (ms) : 18, Calories: 570, Sugar (ms): 5 ]

Bacon Buford® 255g [ Carbohydrates (ms): 31, Sodium (s): 1510, Saturated Fat (ms) : 21, Calories: 680, Sugar (ms): 5 ]

Bacon Swiss Buford® 250g [ Carbohydrates (ms): 28, Sodium (s): 1310, Saturated Fat (ms) : 21, Calories: 660, Sugar (ms): 4 ]

1/4 LB. Champ® 205g [ Carbohydrates (ms): 32, Sodium (s): 810, Saturated Fat (ms) : 12, Calories: 490, Sugar (ms): 3 ]

1/4 LB. Champ® with Cheese 225g [ Carbohydrates (ms): 33, Sodium (s): 930, Saturated Fat (ms) : 18, Calories: 580, Sugar (ms): 3 ]

1/4 LB. Bacon Cheese Champ® 235g [ Carbohydrates (ms): 35, Sodium (s): 1230, Saturated Fat (ms) : 18, Calories: 630, Sugar (ms): 4 ]

1/2 LB. Double Champ® 280g [ Carbohydrates (ms): 30, Sodium (s): 1030, Saturated Fat (ms) : 25, Calories: 740, Sugar (ms): 5 ]

1/2 LB. Double Champ® with Cheese 300g [ Carbohydrates (ms): 34, Sodium (s): 1360, Saturated Fat (ms) : 28, Calories: 790, Sugar (ms): 3 ]

Checkerburger® 170g [ Carbohydrates (ms): 32, Sodium (s): 680, Saturated Fat (ms) : 8, Calories: 390, Sugar (ms): 5 ]

Checkerburger® with Cheese 179g [ Carbohydrates (ms): 33, Sodium (s): 810, Saturated Fat (ms) : 12, Calories: 420, Sugar (ms): 5 ]

Cheese Double Cheese 190g [ Carbohydrates (ms): 31, Sodium (s): 1140, Saturated Fat (ms) : 17, Calories: 510, Sugar (ms): 4 ]

Chili Cheeseburger 135g [ Carbohydrates (ms): 30, Sodium (s): 620, Saturated Fat (ms) : 8, Calories: 320, Sugar (ms): 3 ]

Double Chili Cheeseburger 180g [ Carbohydrates (ms): 30, Sodium (s): 760, Saturated Fat (ms) : 14, Calories: 460, Sugar (ms): 3 ]

Double Decker 215g [ Carbohydrates (ms): 31, Sodium (s): 720, Saturated Fat (ms) : 13, Calories: 480, Sugar (ms): 4 ]

Rallyburger® 170g [ Carbohydrates (ms): 32, Sodium (s): 680, Saturated Fat (ms) : 8, Calories: 390, Sugar (ms): 5 ]

Rallyburger® with Cheese 179g [ Carbohydrates (ms): 33, Sodium (s): 810, Saturated Fat (ms) : 12, Calories: 420, Sugar (ms): 5 ]

Triple Cheeseburger 250g [ Carbohydrates (ms): 33, Sodium (s): 1450, Saturated Fat (ms) : 23, Calories: 690, Sugar (ms): 5 ]

Healthy Meal suggestions for CheckersRally

Burgers

Smokehouse Buford® 265g [ Sodium (s): 1610, Calories: 650, Sugar (ms): 15 ]

Sorry, We are updating this restaurant cholesterol menu details.

Write An Anonymous Review

Katie J.

Yummy americano. I will be back.
(5)
Kristin J.

Quality coffee, service with a smile, and timeliness ( "In that order!" - Sebastian, Owner and Ultimate Coffee Connoisseur [FANATIC!] ) Great tasting coffee (especially from the Bunn Trifecta!!), a truly friendly and knowledgeable service staff, and a cozy quiet cafe in which to enjoy your perfectly brewed beans of choice!
(4)
Amanda P.

On a visit to pike place we decided to stop here for coffee since we hadn't tried it before, and it was perfect. We couldn't ask for a more friendly barista, and the coffee was made very well. Nice australian(?) guy, friendly to our kids too! YUMM.....
(5)
L C.

The first time I came here the person taking my order forgot to make my order until I went up to him and confirmed that my order was "to go." He apologized as he admitted that he forgot about my order and proceeded to make it. He came back with my mocha and a frequenter card with all stamps filled out. He sincerely apologized again and said to come back in for a free drink. He was extremely nice and I said it wasn't a problem (because I had no idea that he had forgotten about my drink!) and I wasn't in any hurry. I went back the next day and redeemed for a free drink and got a peppermint mocha which was delicious! This place has extremely likeable and friendly barristas and offers a warm place to relax before continuing the walk around Pike's Market.
(4)
Matt S.

Stopped in here for a quick coffee before starting in on the second day of my trip to Seattle. I must say, it was probably the best cup I've ever had. Also a nice place to sit down and stay awhile, with a few tables, a booth, and a couple of nice chairs.
(5)
Josh B.

I was scared to try a coffee shop on such a touristy route, figuring they would just be trying to make money off Seattle's coffee reputation. But I was pleasantly surprised! The Ice Coffee here is really something special in the summer time.
(4)
Jennifer C.

came here for a chai latte while the husband got a plain black coffee. my chai was ok. nothing to write home about, but not bad either. the husband's black coffee made him happy. he said it was one of the best cups he had while on our entire trip to seattle. the staff was super friendly for the most part, except for one guy who acted a bit biotchy when i asked for the bathroom key and couldn't find it where he said it should be. i won't hold that against the place though. the place is cozy and a nice place to park it for a short rest after walking around the area.
(4)
Cranky M.

Being somewhat of a purist, I only drank espresso while in Seattle. Not any of those fancy sugar or milk laden drinks, I love just the good stuff. And after searching high and low for a place near me that would make espresso using a medium roast bean- and having grown accustomed to the stares like I had suggested they didn't really need their head on their neck- imagine my pleasure when I found many places in Seattle only used a medium roast coffee- and no one ever looked at me funny while I asked. I made it my quest to find the best espresso in Seattle while were here and yelp was my guide. I tried all the highest rated ones, and they are all great compared to what I can get at home. But I will say this. Seattle coffee works, however uninspired and cliche the name is, is simply the best. I do have to say viviace was right up there and the texture might have been a teeny bit better (you will only know what I'm talking about if you drink straight espresso- yet another thing that is lost using milk or sugar), the flavor here was unmatched. It was the place that I had to come back to. While many of the staff at places we went were happy to share their knowledge with me, I felt particularly welcome here. Also- the best bean was not one of their permanent beans- so maybe I just got super super lucky.
(5)
Retired B.

Came back again for a visit to the new location. I ordered a latte, but they gave me an Americano instead. I was in a hurry, so I didn't bother to say anything since I didn't want to wait another 5 minutes. The Americano was good, not bitter at all, and I didn't feel as sleepy as I did when I tried the white mocha.
(3)
Steve D.

Great coffee. Sweet place. Warm and knowledgeable staff. Sebastian and Pipo are wonderful.
(5)
Ian D.

If you appreciate coffee this is your place! They have coffee from all the best roasters in the Seattle area and more. Seattle Coffee Works is unique in that they offer tastings of many different roasts. What a great idea! If you're lucky the owner will be there to treat you to a great coffee experience. He is passionate (and extremely knowledgable) about his coffee! I've tried 4-5 drinks so far and they've all been superb. The atmosphere is also nice. It's a place you can go to hang out and relax or a place for your daily cup that is far superior to Starbucks or Seattle Best across the street. Come to think about it, Seattle's Best should probably change it's name now!
(5)
Katie R.

The coffee selection is fantastic and Sebastian is a gem.
(5)
keren b.

no I don't drink coffee but I need a place where I feel comfortable to get myself some great tea( I like the ginger one) and enjoy the atmosphere. Yes, the people are funny, friendly and not cold like in many coffee places. The simple pleasures in life are getting a drink at a place you love, feel comfortable and warming up on a hot day. I think I just might start drinking coffee because everytime I go, the people there talk about coffee with their eyes lit up.
(5)
Brandt S.

Super fine coffee with a good warm atmosphere and friendly baristas. I'd go back here again and again.
(4)
Ann D.

Amazing service, super friendly baristas, really good coffee, cozy atmosphere and they were playing the Stone Roses while I was there. I ordered a Guatemalan drip coffee and the guy waiting on me offered me a cup from the fresh pot that was almost done brewing, although there was another, older pot on the counter. Awesome. This place is smack dab in the center of the action and I'm sure is always filled with annoying tourists, so double props for these folks giving such superb service. Keep up the good work, folks!
(5)
Nancy E.

Great coffee every morning while on vacation. Very quick and super nice peeps working the counter...thanks!!
(5)
David M.

I love this place! I go here about once a week with a friend and I always get great service and just absolutely delicious coffee. Great ambiance too.
(5)
Randy G.

If you want good coffee...better than the average coffee better than Starbucks Coffee you can walk around the corner from all the Starbucks located in the Pike Place area...and head here.... They have various methods of making your coffee fresh and they roast their beans on location (next door). I chose the Chemex method of Pour over Drip...with Sumatra Coffee Beans...they will grind it in front of you and you can watch them pour the water over the filter and blammo after a lil time of a show you can have your cup of coffee... Not wanting to ruin the flavor I drank it black to enjoy the taste of the coffee... Definitely somewhere to go for good coffee!!!
(5)
Tracey W.

Decided to stray away from good ol' Starbucks this trip and try new local coffee shops. Found this place while browsing on Yelp and I'm so glad I found Seattle Coffee Works. Dropped in while on our way to Pike Place Market to get our morning caffeine fix to help us get through a long day of touristy adventures (aka FOODIE CRAWL!). The baristas were really awesome and helpful. I liked that their beverage menu wasn't extensive and intimidating with all the coffee lingo. I could understand their menu, unlike some "coffee snob" joints in Los Angeles. They were having some problems with their expresso machine, so it took awhile to get our lattes. They made sure that we knew what was going on and why our drinks were taking so long. They were also genuinely apologetic for taking up our time, but they didn't want to serve us anything less than par. Once they got their machine back up and running and our drinks were made, they gave us each a voucher for a free coffee drink of our choice on them! So nice and unexpected. Came back again a couple of days later to redeem our voucher. Ordered the spicy chai latte, which was really good. Their lattes are good as well. Highly recommend this place if you're in the area.
(5)
Michael A.

Adding my positive review to the chorus. It's easily (sorry!) my second favorite coffee shop in Seattle (next to Caffe Ladro in Queen Anne). Per the usual, we had an Americano and a rice milk latte. They also have an excellent gluten free cookie that's kept in a completely separate, safe container from the manufacturer. The only downside (or upside) is the location right across from Pike's Market, which can run a bit busy and touristy. Inside, though, it's a comfortable, spacious non-faux coffee shop. If you're in the area, and/or don't mind braving the tourists, it's definitely worth a visit.
(5)
Jeremy K.

This is one of my two favorite coffee shops in Seattle (and I have tried most of them). They have great espresso as well as a wealth of other brewing methods. And unlike many coffee shops they are really friendly and informative when I ask questions on how the beans are processed, roasted, brewed, etc. I also really like the rotating single origin espresso as it is fun to try vs the blends you get almost everywhere else. And they roast their own beans which are quite good and if you buy a tin you get 10% and a free drink every time you get beans.
(5)
Richard J.

From what I understand, Seattle Coffee Works is a local favorite. I went up to visit Seattle from Portland the other day, and I was very impressed by the different types of brewing styles they had. I probably should have also tried one of their brewed coffees so I could judge them on that as well as what I ordered. Instead, my girlfriend and I ordered a mocha latte, which was pretty subpar. Being a medical student, I've had my fair share of coffee. This was definitely not one of the memorable ones. The atmosphere was very hip and the barista were all very knowledgeable and friendly. However, it can get a little crowded and it can take a long time for your coffee to come out, which was the case for our coffee.
(3)
Jesica L.

My husband and I came in the other day right before we had to head to the airport to head home (were from CA) and my husband got some iced drink that he enjoyed and I ordered a small latte. Let me first say that we have a coffee place in OC that measure all coffee by and have never found any coffee anywhere near as good as our place (Kean). This place came SO close. My latte was SO tasty. The perfect amount of creaminess and foam. And the espresso... So delicious. And as a little side thing that I appreciated - they have 8oz sized drinks as an option which worked so well for me who was trying coffee at every top rated place I could in Seattle in just four days haha
(5)
Edward S.

I took a picture of the original starbucks and then headed right across the street to Seattle Coffee works where I ordered a single-origin guatemalan coffee brewed using a chemex coffee maker. They offer 3 single-origin beans and 5 slow brew methods; chemex, aeropress, vacuum press, french press, and hario. Barista will gladly talk to you and answer any questions you have about the various methods, their pros and cons, and which beans go with which method. At 6 bucks, they brew about 12 ounces for you into a carafe that you can pour out at your leisure. Coffee was good, they purposely choose light, less-acidic, fruity beans that shine with the slow-drip. Don't expect a hearty, dark roast at the slow bar.
(3)
Ching Yu C.

Great coffee!!
(5)
Jessie M.

Did not feel like being a tourist and going to the original Starbucks. I'm sorry but it's still Starbucks... it's still bad. My latte from here was perfect and hit the spot. It was pretty strong and I pretty much felt it all day.
(4)
Heath C.

The best coffee I've ever had. Located a block away from the Pike's market. Great, knowledgeable staff. Plenty of seating.
(4)
Joya I.

Love these guys! I've always had fabulous lattes, always friendly staff and I am becoming addicted to their slow-beef sandwhich--comfort food that doesn't leave you hating yourself afterwards, perfect on a rainy, cold Seattle day...or...everyday.
(5)
Shu Z.

Best cup of coffee in seattle!
(5)
Elsie N.

Good coffee, friendly staff and very knowledgeable roaster. I'm #121 in their coffee club. I'll be back for fresh-roasted beans every 4 weeks or so...
(4)
Reila R.

Ok! I was here couple days ago and thought that I should review them! I totally love the cups and design of the interior! They have wifi which was super nice! The guy that served me was very generous and recommended the chai tea to me (seriously i've never had this ever!) I always thought it was coffeee.... well anyways it was good!! and the drink was not HOT which is a good thing for me anyways because I tend to eat and drink really fast and always burn my lip if they're too hot... lol...
(5)
Lauren B.

Totally overrated coffee and unnecessarily unpleasant experience. My husband and I are on vacation in Seattle from Chicago. We drink a lot of coffee, and our vacations often consist of just walking around new cities, stopping at different coffee shops, restaurants, etc. So yes, we are "tourists," but we also know good coffee. We sought out Seattle Coffee Works based on its Yelp reviews. It was early morning and our first coffee of the day, and we both ordered mochas (which are kind of like our breakfast). There were two baristas, one pleasant and one not. The not pleasant taller guy sort of sneered at our order (which I guess wasn't sufficiently 'authentic'), but whatever. However, then when I went to pick them up when they were ready, some guy confused one for his cappucino, which prompted tall jackass guy to say while I'm standing there "Oh no, that's not yours. That is a FAR cry from a cappucino..." Ok dude. You really put me in my place, and I hope you got a little thrill, too, if that's what it takes. Anyway, the mocha sucked. Equally sucky is the bench seating, which is horribly designed and constructed, so it's totally uncomfortable. The muffin I had was awful as well. Since our experience there, we've had coffee at about 6 other shops in Seattle, all of them better than SCW. So do yourself a favor-- if you want an awesome cup of coffee, friendly baristas, and great atmosphere (not to mention awesome english muffins with homemade marmalade), walk a little ways to Bedlam Coffee in Belltown. If you want a "different" kind of coffee-making experience, walk across the street to Starbucks and order a Clover. And if you want a kick-ass mocha and a little family-run joint, walk to Moore's on 2nd. In short, there are many far better options in Seattle than Seattle Coffee Works, do yourself a favor and go there instead.
(2)
Zach M.

So far the best coffee in Seattle. The Obama blend is particularly good... smooth, flavorful and well bodied.
(5)
sarah p.

I LOVE this coffee place! I work right across and make it a point to visit daily. The staff is super friendly and can tell you stories for hours. A great diversion from work! The coffee is amazing. They have taken my regular drink from a "double, soy vanilla latte" to a "breve". In order to find "my drink" they spent about an hour making me drinks, all for free. My regular drink is now at least have the price! That just shows their love for coffee. They want you to have the best coffee possible. They are now selling some delicious food as well. Don't miss this place!
(5)
Kylie A.

Great tasting coffee, knowledgable baristas, and variety beyond what you see at Starbucks. Definitely recommend it! You won't be disappointed!
(5)
emily r.

They've moved into a bigger space, and have their very own roaster on site! So all of the coffee they serve is their own. I stand by the claim that it's the best coffee in town.
(5)
Kathryn S.

Good coffee, friendly service, plenty of seating. Nice coffee shop!
(4)
Grace B.

Came here once while visiting and service was good. I ordered an iced coffee which was delicious and very clean tasting. Initially I thought it tasted a bit sour but I added some simple syrup and it toned down. That sounds bad but it was just the type of roast. The iced coffee did taste great and had absolutely none of the icky after taste I get sometimes after iced coffees at other coffee shops.. I wish I could've tried the mocha if I had more time.
(5)
David M.

Amazing coffee. French press, Aeropress, V60, Chemex or vacuum pot. The Ethiopian is incredibly juicy and bright in the vacuum pot. Best sweet dirty chai I've had. Absolutely worth the $$ Also, bonus points for hearing some Radiohead.
(5)
Cheng-Wei L.

I got the iced latte to go. Not as strong and flavorful as then intellengtica beans, but still tasty overall.
(4)
Tyler L.

Insanely good coffee, so good it should be committed. Don't worry about the touristy location so close to the market. The coffee and espresso is sublime. The staff was a bit surely, and took a while to make the drinks, but the coffee is so good I actually appreciated it black. A must stop to fuel up before exploring the market. Also don't worry about chemex aeropress and whatever else they list, its all good, batch made coffee that takes time but is delicious.
(4)
Melissa W.

Service was rude and tried to tell me I could not sit in the shop unless I bought something. So I bought two biscotti and got an ugly look from the guy selling them to me. the barristas were pretentious and rude.
(2)
Stephanie F.

I was a barista for seven years at four different coffee companies and at over 20 stores in both CA and WA. This is my favorite so far in Seattle. First of all, I believe they should receive an award from Seattle Magazine for their breakfast sammie, available with or without bacon (I recommend the bacon--it's selected and prepared well, meaty and crunchy) for around $5-$6 bucks depending. It's take a while to heat (5-7 min, which in my bf's breakfast hungry body-clock equals over 10 minutes). I don't mind because they place all the components--mushroom and herb frittata, bacon and ciabatta-like, extra-large, english muffin shaped bread--on a george foreman-type grill before assembling it with cheese and pressing it all together. I am extremely picky about my food being hot! hot! hot! and not cold in the middle, so this is great. They also prepare the frittata and bacon in-house. They bake them both in/on cookie sheets in a small oven behind the register. For the price and speed, this is the heartiest, most delicious, most fresh breakfast on-the-go that I've found downtown. Paired with a Vanilla Latte, I'm good to go for at least 5 hours. Second of all, the coffee's good. I enjoy coffee that doesn't draw too much attention to itself. t's not bitter, it's not sour, it's not sweet, it's not anything but coffee. This place has it, I think. I've been weening myself off the sauce, lately, so I'm not dipping into that pool as often. I will say I tried my first "drip" (I believe they do french presses) the other day and the grinds in it were distracting. But then again, good drip is just really, really, hard to achieve on a commercial scale. Third-sys, I really enjoy their book collection--very eclectic. Great book of quotations, good flashcard deck of coffee facts, good books on food, etc. Fourth-sys, yes, the staff is nice and not pretentious or snotty. They seem to remember me, which is nice, since I've been a regular at over a handful of shops (Herkimer, Sureshot, Cafe Allegro, Solstice, among others) and only 3 employees (total ever) have ever remembered me at any of those shops. Considering how often I went in, that sorta made me sad. Was I not hipster/metal/whatever enough? Jesus... Yes, so they observe me and get me what I want, which is all I ask of a barista: notice what manner of service and product I prefer and when (yes, a lot to ask, but that's what good baristas DO) and help get me my stuff so I can do all the shit I need to do. These guys have pretty good feelers for that, it seems. Last, it's near Pike Place Market. The location is primo, the only thing it lacks now is a view of the water.
(5)
Rob K.

Stopped by today to grab a cafe au lait while reading a book on a windy day. Loved the environment and ambiance, and the coffee was spectacular. Just as the other reviews have said-- a great place to put on your "must visit" list. The only caveat is that there might not be seating when you go-- the chairs are comfy but there aren't that many of them. Definitely not a place to go with 15 of your friends, but for you and a few buddies (or solo), definitely!
(4)
Rick B.

First place I went to off recommendations of Yelp. Was not disappointed. Second best latte I have had here in Seattle. Plus very friendly atmosphere. First place I've ben here that people were open and friendly.
(5)
Jeff H.

This is the place to bring out of town guests for coffee!! Great location just across from the Market, you can get real knowledgeable service along with some of the best coffee in town. The strike a great balance between professional and casual- they know good coffee, they love talking about coffee, but they understand that it is coffee- nothing more nothing less. Plus, you can sit outside and watch the unsuspecting tourists walk into a Starbucks they probably think was the first one...
(5)
Parker M.

Two years ago, I took a bus to work that would drop me off near here, and I always had a half hour to kill and liked to spend it here. This is the place that made me realize why Seattle is known for their coffee. It is super touristy, but every americano from here I've gotten has made me swoon...and early in the morning it was quiet and smelled like cinnamon and coffee, so perfect before a hectic work day. Sadly, there was an employee so over-the-top crazy that I started avoiding it, because I can't handle that much dramatic, gushing, hyper service that early in the morning. It was nice to be recognized but not nice to be asked personal questions and receive a lot of TMI stories without provocation. Thankfully, I think this employee must have moved on and I've purchased my beans there a few times recently when I'm downtown, and their recommendations were totally on par with the favorite beans from Stumptown. The employees now are stellar, I love their incredible patience with the obnoxious characters they get working so close to the market. I've witnessed their remarkable restraint with jerk customers a few times now and commend them on their graciousness.
(5)
Jamie S.

Helpful and friendly baristas, clean bathrooms and plenty of room, a rarity in this part of town where you tend to have to pick 2 out of three qualities in a coffee shop. Wifi is easy, just ask for the password, and Pike Place is just down the street. Dog friendly and they even ship their coffee internationally!
(5)
Roger A.

This aint far from the Pike Place Market, so it can get busy. Coffee aint coffee in Seattle.. but if you aint picky, you'll discover other spots. I really like the feel of this place and what I had was great!!!
(4)
Edward T.

proud to be writing the 100th review while enjoying the free wifi. Just like the starbucks across the street but better in every way. All the coffee is french pressed. Haven't tried the espresso drinks but the regular is octane. As others have mentioned friendly staff. Coffee by the pound is pricey.
(4)
Andy P.

Seattle coffee works is by far my favorite place to hang out and have coffee. I live and work in Pike Place Market, where there are TONS of places to have coffee. At SCW there is a small team of four people... which is a great draw for me. Everyone is always happy to see me, my friends and the faces of tourist. Everyone that works at SCW is as passionate about coffee as a chef is about food. So don't be in a hurry, go in and enjoy your experience.
(5)
Roy A.

Very chilled atmosphere. Great customer service. Internet was good. I found my mocha just average however, nothing spectacular. I would go back but would order a different drink.
(3)
Ron G.

Just a half block from the Market but if you're not careful you'll walk right past this place. Stuck in the front corner of a t-shirt shop SCW makes a very fine cup of coffee. Check out their 3 head Synesso espresso machine; the best there is. You can even select from various brands of beans. 6/07 up date: they've redone the store front, in Moltieni Orange, and now you can't miss it.
(5)
Velton R.

I can't put enough emphasis on this: Seattle Coffee Works KNOWS what it takes to make GREAT coffee! I feel incredibly fortunate to have an "insider's" perspective on this. Sebastian and I (and at times, Katie and Kristi as well) roast our coffees out of the same space, using the same equipment - though for different companies. Inevitably our day consists of long discussions about roast /blend profiles, industry trends, quality control, and well, basically "all things coffee". However, perhaps what I've most been impressed with by Sebastian and the staff of Seattle Coffee Works is not just their extensive knowledge of coffee and the industry, but the fact that they are still all about "the people". Very rarely does one find a coffee house that is this personable, and where the entire staff is so genuinely engaging. I've been in the industry for twenty years, and can't help but to think that this may be THE shop of the moment to watch (especially since they are moving to a bigger location - and have great things in mind...). They've got all the key ingredients to make big things happen. Most importantly (let's keep it simple, huh?), however, is that these are GOOD people who make GREAT coffee! Seriously, those doppio breve macchiatos are as good as it gets! Check them out if you haven't, you won't be disappointed.
(5)
Andrew C.

While this is a nice cafe, this place was better back in 2006 when they offered an array of Seattle roasters. One could choose between Victrola, D'arte, Lighthouse, etc.; now, all they offer is their own roasts. While this usually wouldn't be a bad thing, their offerings just aren't as other roasters in Seattle. The double espresso of 111 Pike St. blend had little body, didn't have the characteristic fruitiness of the Harrar, was too hot and over extracted. Perhaps in time, they'll progress in their roasting and rise to the top of Seattle roasters.
(3)
Brad C.

Overall pretty great. If you are near Pike Place Market be sure to make a stop here. They have good coffee, and a great selection as well. The Barista was really friendly. Great atmosphere to just sit with a friend and enjoy a cup of coffee.
(4)
Kelsee I.

Was looking for a hot drink on a cold day and decided to step in. I had a very good chai tea latte. The atmosphere was nice. It wasn't to crowded despite being next to pike's place, which I liked. The guy who served us seemed cool and was very nice. I was able to sit and sip and enjoy in peace. I loved it.
(4)
Joel D.

very intimate place, nice atmosphere- AMAZING lattes! Free wifi- but flaky and not easy to hop onto
(5)
Himanshu K.

my favorite coffee place near my house. this is one coffee place where i don't go to just sit and spend time instead i go for the "good" coffee itself. The baristas are a very friendly gang too :-) -Himanshu
(5)
Mike S.

Easily the best place to get the best coffee in Seattle. Great selection, loads of Seattle coffee history and possibly an opportunity to meet a Seattle coffee icon, the guy that founded SBC (he shows up there now and then to drop off some of his new blends).
(5)
Stella R.

I love this place. I live in the heart of downtown Seattle. A good cup of coffee is not hard to come by around here. Seattle Coffee Works is my new favorite. First off, I am a huge fan of drip coffee. I have never been to a place that has good coffee every single time I go there...until I found Seattle Coffee Works. The baristas (that sounds girly, is that really what men are called?) are always super friendly but not in an insipid creepy searching for a tip sort of way. They are always very nice to my toddler, even when she is being a major pain-in- the-arse. I only wish there was more seating and perhaps a few more selections in the pastry case.
(4)
justus j.

I went by here the other day before school, and walked in because of the wonderful coffee aroma wafting out of the shop. I asked, and a barista told me that the owner of the shop roasts his coffee right there, in a back room! I had a mocha, and i must say, it was absolutely delicious. The latte art was beautiful, and it tastes scrumptious. It was a very dark roast, but the shot was pulled perfectly! I sat down at a table, and had time to enjoy the wonderful atmosphere at Seattle Coffee Works. The art was a little bit odd, but the lady working the counter was warm, and welcoming. I will be coming back again for sure!
(5)
Sarah S.

Absolutely the best coffee experience in Seattle. If you're looking for a place with meticulously great coffee, welcoming faces, and plenty of personality, look no further than 107 Pike Street. Where else can you try several espressos side by side, wine-tasting style? This place is an absolute must for locals and tourists alike. Alas! Coffee education without the attitude!
(5)
Jay Y.

awesome turkey prosciutto sandwich. best prosciutto sandwich i've even had. latte i had was good. pretty good. not the best i've ever had though. great service, very attentive and helpful staff.
(4)
Brett B.

They have this annoying coffee roaster that makes a lot of noise. However, I've now been told that it is not always on. Overall, their coffee was pretty good and the service was good too.
(4)
Katie S.

Went here due to the great reviews on Yelp and was not disapointed! The staff was highly knowledgable and very friendly! Not snobby at all! The espresso was fantastic and the atmosphere was a cozy place to read a book on a rainy afternoon! I just wish it was open longer!
(5)
Sam S.

What I noticed immediately upon entering this place is the 10 grinders behind the bar. Excellent! Try "the works" - three different shots of espresso. My fave was Borogove's Cremona blend. I'm not great at descriptions but it's DA BOMB! A seriously fun, tasty experience for those coffee lovers out there. I hear if you buy beans they will give you a free drink. Good stuff. I will be back.
(5)
Yen D.

(Sort reviews by date: I'm sure you all can connect the dots here.) Hands down, the most rudest I have ever experienced in terms of customer service. In my lifetime, I have had waiters/waitresses ignore me when I was in plain sight, I have had servers literally yank the credit card out of my hand at the register, and have even had customer service reps hang up on me with an attitude. But none of that has compared to what I saw and experienced today. My friends and I decided to stop by for a cup of coffee at around 6:50pm. I ordered an iced Americano and paid at the register (with a nice and polite cashier). I waited at the bar for my drink behind a couple who were also waiting for their drinks. Their drinks came up, and one of them asked the barista to top off the cup with some ice. Without a word and an obviously disgruntled face, the barista grabbed the cup off the bar and filled the cup with ice, handing the cup back to the lady and saying with a sweet voice, "Have a nice day!" My Americano came up a bit later. As soon as I grabbed the cup, I could tell there was very little ice. Instead of adding more ice to the cup after she added the shots of espresso, the barista decided to fill up the rest of the cup with just water, leading to a watered down, barely cold Americano with melting ice cubes. (I've had better cups of coffee at school campus cafe's, where inexperienced students looking for part time work are making the drinks!). Now this isn't something I would normally write a review about. Who cares, right? Just a bad cup of coffee. It happens once in a while. The thing that brings me here to Yelp is the horrific attitude this barista displayed to my friends and I, RIGHT IN FRONT OF US. They close at 7:00pm so all customers were clearing out. My friends and I were the last three remaining. While sipping on my watered down Americano and waiting for my friends to get their drinks, the barista had the audacity to say something along the lines of, "I don't mind making coffee for people during any time of the day, just not right before closing." She said this. Right in front of us. In a rude tone. Within ear reach. While making our drinks. Right before closing. And what's worse? RIGHT AFTER saying these rude remarks in front of us, she plops the espresso cup on the counter and says, "Single shot espresso!" in this fake, cheery tone. Um, we are not deaf, and standing behind the counter does not make you invisible or sound proof. This poor attitude and treatment right in front of customers brings to question this barista's common sense. Yes, it's hard to work in customer service, but it doesn't take a genius to figure out that slamming people right in front of their face is NOT something you should do, in nearly all life situations. We left the shop, shocked at the barista's snide remark. (By the way, after walking only 30 feet away from the shop's entrance, I noticed all the ice in my Americano had already melted. Hooray for an even more watered down drink.) To the barista: If you're reading this, you know who you are. You really need to clean up your attitude and learn how to keep negative thoughts to yourself. Or, at the very least, wait for the LAST THREE customers to leave the store before you even say anything! To the manager/owner of Seattle Coffee Works: Clearly your cafe has made a name for itself, with hundreds of Yelp reviews and still standing at a very respectable 4.5 stars. This employee is tarnishing the reputation you have worked so hard to build, and I am very certain that this was not an isolated incident. Needless to say, I have no desire to come back to this establishment.
(1)
MQ F.

Nice nice. The slow coffee is acutally not slow at all. However, I'm not a big fan of American coffee. Like espresso-based coffee (Latte/ Capuccino) better. The decoration is good, but there are flies! I enjoy sitting inside while listening to music played by street artists outside. Located in a touristy area, you'll see lots of things there. Located only steps away from the place I stayed at while in Seattle.
(4)
Eric B.

I was tempted to post a review that simply said, "It was fine." The two most redeeming qualities of this establishment were that it was on the way back to the convention center from Pike Place Market and that it was not Starbucks. The coffee was good, but I wouldn't necessarily seek it out in the future. In fairness, I only had a drip coffee. It absolutely met expectations.
(3)
Andrea D.

Great caramel lattes!! Healthy food options! Lots of seating for customers and right next to Pike Place Market! I was pleasantly surprised by my experience here. The coffee is delicious. I can't think of any cons about this place.
(5)
Joyce C.

overly sour coffee, worst espresso i've ever had for a while.
(2)
Fedi A.

Good coffee. Taste like the coffee I get when I go to Ethiopia (in other words the real deal). Nice place to get some work done or study. Friendly staff.
(3)
Emily K.

such a cute coffee shop.. i found it pretty cool that they have the old school coffee makers there.
(4)
Pam L.

I purchased a gift card online and had some complications getting it as I thought I was buying a card that would be mailed. I received an email from Georgette and she was an absolute dream to work with. She responded immediately to my email and explained what I purchased was to only use online. She offered to cancel that order and mail an actual gift card to my recipient. Georgette was prompt, helpful and provided stellar customer service! I was so very impressed!! Thank you Georgette and The Seattle Coffee Works Team for a great experience!
(5)
Amanda A.

Excellent macchiato. Chicken sandwich was superb. I even loved the keys for the restrooms. Perfect pick me up!
(5)
Sonya G.

Another cup of coffee! This place is great. Right by Pile Place Market. Def recommend this place. Very busy and tiny but worth it
(5)
Hannah Hall L.

This is an awesome coffee spot of many in downtown Seattle. Walking into this place without even ordering or seeing a menu, you see the passionate love for coffee everywhere. The menu is only one step further into this bean roasting love affair - the endless caffeine-filled possibilities! Try all kinds of coffees, espressos, teas, etc. and you will be content not only with the taste, but with the atmosphere as well. It is a chill place that is easy for talking to friends or studying for a few hours. I am picky about drinks and coffee especially, so locals and tourists, give it a shot!
(5)
Pocket C.

The vacuum pot looked too cool (like a chemistry setup) so we had to try it at the slow bar. No kidding, now I know why it's called the SLOW bar. After waiting almost a half hour since the counter was slow (felt sorry for the peeps that wanted a regular cup of coffee), the girl at the counter also messes up my order. No worries, the barista understands and makes the correction. They seem to do one custom vacuum at a time so waited again for two couples before us. The process itself was pretty quick, maybe 5-10 mins. (Time it took to get our coffee was 50 mins!) Now for the moment of truth, the taste. It was pretty smooth, but on the watery side like a bad Americano and acidic/sour. They said it was because it was a med roast which is partially fair to blame the roast but far from an 9$ brew. No other comment or offer to remake, etc. Maybe 1/3 less water for the amount of coffee grind used would've helped. The high acidity was off putting and I had to succumb to add some sugar before heading out =(. I can understand this is around the corner from the Starburnts so they'd get a lot of traffic. If you can bear the hour wait, maybe opt for a pour over or an espresso instead, but imho everywhere else (and we tried more than a few cafes & no complaints) in Seatown was much better. Update: Sebastian, the two-faced manager,has taken it upon herself to badger me with messages, assume I don't know about good coffee/med roast, and teased me based on utter assumptions based on other reviews. I don't review every cafe or coffee I have. I dont like sour beers but I won't go writing a bad review because that's not my thing. Drinking GOOD Med roast coffee, that, I do like and can comment on and review for anyone who cares to read it. My review was critical, but factual, and fair given our visit SCW. I only wished it was that 5 star experience. Also attempting to pay me to remove my review is useless. No bribes, please. I can only imagine why there aren't more ave/less than average rated reviews here? Sebastian, if you're sincere about apologizing, then wonderful, please do and end it there. Otherwise perhaps you could just let the coffee and service speak for itself without attacking your patrons, and if it's indeed superior you wouldn't have anything to worry about.
(1)
Borie L.

i would say this place is somewhere between 3.5-4 stars... first off, this place has a nice atmosphere. i tend to gravitate towards cozier cafes and while this place is not exactly "cozy", its definitely a nice place to set up shop and just chill... which is pretty much what i did. the staff is also extremely nice! i ordered their 8oz latte and although i don't remember how much it was, i do remember thinking it was pretty cheap. the latte came with some cute foam art which always makes me happy, i don't know why when it'll just be gone in a few seconds. the coffee itself was decent. i like strong coffee with deep flavors and this was just... i dont know, just coffee i guess. they also sell a lot of pike place staples here! i saw ellenos greek yogurt in tons of different flavors and other stuff, i can't actually remember anything else at the moment there was one thing that actually drove me nuts which is gonna sound stupid because it seems like a pretty insignificant detail but if you sit on the wooden booths against the far side of the cafe, the seat is too high for the table! i had to lean uncomfortably down and over to type on my laptop and ended up having to stack a few books underneath.. reading through the reviews though, i think i may have been the only one bothered by this hahah and since i talked about something i hated, i'll also talk about something i LOVED which is that they have outlets for dayys! outlets everywhereeee! thats always a plus!
(4)
Alison W.

The only cup of coffee I had while in Seattle and it was pretty good. I'm not a huge coffee fan but I know I had to try it in the coffee capitol. We walked in, into a line, but it moved quickly. I got a small (12 oz) mocha. I suggest you get it to enjoy there. They have lots of tables and chairs. You get your coffee in a wide brim mug and they will create a cool design in the foam on top. Mine was a leaf which is common and easy to do but still pretty. The mocha was pretty good. Better than what they make at the chain place all over Seattle. :-) One of my friends even splurged and got something from the slow bar. He was over there for awhile while they did a whole explanation, he smelled some coffee and then the slow brewed his coffee. If you're a big coffee aficionado, it's for you. They probably have less than 10 options of different types of coffee and drinks so it's not too hard to choose.
(3)
Kelsey R.

I decided to get a mocha at Seattle Coffee Works and it was absolutely incredible! The dark chocolate they use is unlike any other I've tried before and the foam on top was the perfect consistency. I was very very impressed with the drink. Next time I come back I will have to try the slow bar but for now I HIGHLY recommend the mocha! One of the best I've ever had!
(5)
Jennifer H.

There is a first time for everything, and this was the first time I've ever been to a coffee shop that had 4 different brewing methods you can choose from. It was interesting to see the baristas brewing using the different methods and learning what they can do for the coffee flavor. Their menu is quite simple, a couple of choices for standard coffee drinks like americano, cappuccino, espresso, lattes, etc.. and then they have a list of different coffees (3 choices when I went) you can choose for the slow brew method. The slow brew methods are: 1. Vacuum pot 2. Chemex 3. Pour-OVer 4. French Press They provide a brief description of each one and how the highlight the coffee in different ways. I went with a standard latte and found it enjoyable. The coffee was strong but very smooth! no sugar needed to enjoy this coffee :) My boyfriend and friends decided to go with the Vacuum pot which generates 20oz of coffee per brew! It's $9 dollars but worth trying just once plus it's fun watching them brew it! I forgot the choices but they went with coffee from Kenya and the other one I can't remember. But the coffee had distinct flavors that made it unique like one had a blueberry note. I can't remember the coffee but it did taste really good! The coffee was smooth and you can taste all the flavors that made the coffee. In the coffee that had the blueberry, the blueberry was very apparent in the coffee and it was intoxicating. You don't need to add anything to enjoy the coffee, it's really a good cup on its own. It was also a pretty nice place to sit around and talk or study, they had plenty of seating available. The only reason I didn't give this place 5 stars is because although I found their coffee enjoyable, It's more of a "let's try this once", and I don't know if I could see myself coming back regularly maybe once in a while to change from the usual Starbucks. But if you've never been, it's a must try for any coffee lover :)
(4)
Emily L.

One of the best lattes I've ever had. A little pricey compared to other cafÃ©s, but this is legit, so it was worth it. Located right next to Pike Place market, you might think its a tourist trap, but once you walk in, you realize this is the Seattle coffee scene at its finest. The decor is simple and the staff was really friendly. I would stop here again for sure.
(4)
Kimberly R.

Excellent coffee, service with a smile and hints for a new Washingtonian.. Makes my heart pitter patter.. Love it!!
(4)
Okku K.

Decent coffee and tea. Slow, arrogant service. There may be a caste system in play here, but the few times I've been here I've definitely been treated contemptuously, like I should be grateful that the baristas would deign to serve a peon like me. Service is slow, and I'm expected to thank the barista. Where I come from, a business should thank ME for patronizing them. One person behind the counter once even complained about how I handed my money over ("leave it gently on the counter, don't throw it"). This might be the place for true coffee snobs, but avoid it if you're expecting anything approaching the American standard for customer service.
(1)
Jim D.

Pretty good Iced Coffee and close to Pike's Market. We chose the iced chocolate mocha with two pumps of syrup. It was worth the hike up the street. Sit outside for good people watching.
(4)
Emma L.

Best espresso in town! Ever cup is perfectly brewed every time. Smooth, thick creama, no bitter bites! Didn't try the drip coffee, but I'm sure it's delicious as the bean quality is top notch! Cool & laid back decor.
(5)
Blackeyed S.

I am a local and had never been to this place, perhaps because of the "hammering man with-cup-of-coffee" emblem. That emblem makes it appear one of your typical tourist spots in the pike-place area a-la Starbucks & Hard Rock Cafe. However, it is NOT one of these spots! It's a classy joint with REALLY REALLY good coffee. I had a 12 oz americano and it was smooth, not in any way bitter. All the baristas I interacted with were friendly. The space lively; right next to the Green Tortoise Hostel so you see some bohemian travels about and lots of people chatting. 4/5 stars because I feel the ambiance could be improved; it's got a decent interior but not that super-inviting I-could-stay-there-for-hours style of a 5 star shop.
(4)
Vladi Z.

Some of the coolest coffee brewing methods I've ever seen. They really so have everything, from chemex, to aeropress, to siphon! The barista will sit you down for a good 2-3 minutes and explain how to make coffee using the siphon method. And she was receptive to us taking videos of the whole process for Instagram. The coffee itself comes out pretty light, but the whole experience is what you should go there for, not just a bland cup of drip coffee. The only thing I would gripe about is the location of this particular one. It's close to pike place, but it's also where most bums and homeless and crazies like to hang out. Seriously, don't go here in the dark, and if you do, make sure to have some mace or something for protection. Other than that, this place is great! Plus, they sell Theo chocolate!
(5)
Mirasol M.

The Mr. wanted to check this out since it opened. Imagine a large, open, lofty space coffee hangout where you have a chance to shop for coffee and sit down to eat and drink too. We sat at the "bar" where we were rudely ignored for a good 5 minutes - a long time when the "server" made every effort with the two guys next to us...knew we were there and did not make one effort to even smile. Her shift must have ended (thankfully!) and a new server came forth. Her name was Brittany and can I say, VERY GRACIOUS! She immediately came to us and asked us if we were being helped. The hubby had already gotten up to stand in line (which he didn't need to do - the former server just didn't take our order) and Brittany not only asked for our name, she made an effort to insure our order was brought to us!!! If it wasn't for her, I would have rated this one star. The hubby LOVED the atmosphere and needless to say, thoroughly was delighted with the many coffee beans and flavors!
(4)
Kristen K.

Probably the best Mocha I have had. skip starbucks and go here instead. Hipster crowd.
(4)
Lorenzo G.

Good seattlelite coffee. The place is somewhat small but if you find a table you will feel comfortable. Of course it is much better than the Starbucks across the street.
(4)
Kacie B.

My husband and I were in Seattle for a week staying in an apartment downtown and went to Seattle Coffee Works every day! It was delicious, amazing and had such a great atmosphere. Even in the hustle and bustle right next to Pike Place Market, once you enter into the coffee shop it is quiet, comfy and coffee is just SO DARN GOOD. The designs were so awesome and fun! Try the cappuccino - you won't regret it!
(5)
Gill C.

Seattle Coffee Works will make you forget about all other coffee establishments. It's a truly unique and wonderful coffee/tea experience here! I'm a huge coffee fan/drinker, and Seattle Coffee Works deserves 5 stars all around. They have a vast selection of coffees and teas, and they truly excel in their coffees. You can tell that they take great pride in their coffee, especially with how they prepare and serve it. Staffers are incredibly friendly and helpful. The best kind of service you can receive at coffee establishment. Do yourself a favor and order from the Slow Bar. The $6-9 dollar coffee is worth it. The barista will happily chat with you about the coffee or the happenings across the street with the Subway protestors (as they did with me.) You've got a coffee winner here, Seattle. Can't wait to return!
(5)
Yang L.

I love their coffee, they make it just the way I like it. Everything was good, but I might have come on the wrong day because the store table was full when I went. Anyway I really did like their coffee.
(4)
Amanda L.

Went here for the first time the other day. Good coffee and good food. Definitely a place to add to the list of coffee places to frequent in Seattle.
(4)
Hammie A.

Got into Seattle from Portland and just wanted a decent cup of coffee. This place was only ok. There was no bod expresso taste in my latte and it was over priced. It's like people in Seattle don't know what good coffee is supposed to taste like. Highly highly disappointed.
(2)
Ali C.

BEST coffee ever. Bar none. Must return for this. Now I understand why certain celebrities fly to Seattle just to have their expresso. It was the perfect Gautamalian blend. Smooth as silk.
(5)
Alexis H.

My first coffee punch card in Seattle was filled here within a few months of moving. Very rarely can you find coffee this delicious. Their baristas aren't just pay time coffee makers, but really love and understand coffee in am extraordinary way. Each bean they use is truly chosen with care and you can feel how much everyone loves what they do as soon as you walk in. If I could, I wouldn't drink coffee anywhere else.
(5)
Shirley W.

I was going to the Starbucks across the street but I decided to try something different instead since I'm from out of town. I did not regret going in. The two staff there (a girl and a guy) were super friendly. Helped me out of what to choose. I got a jasmine green tea. They will refill the hot water for you. The place is cozy have enough space to just sit and ready or chat with friends. Definitely will go back if I visit Seattle again.
(5)
Kara D.

Delicious cup of coffee and cappuccino!
(5)
Alex L.

Grabbed a coffee to go, but definitely would have enjoyed staying in and enjoying the casual coffeehouse vibe that the place had. Coffee was good and quickly made.
(4)
Daphne L.

We stopped by right before closing and received great service! They made us 3 different types of coffee and a white mocha with pretty latte art. We were so impressed that we bought two types of beans to take home to San Diego with us. I highly recommend this place! NOTE: When we were there, there were a lot of homeless people outside.
(5)
Liliane E.

In my humble opinion, this is by far the best coffee in Seattle. The flavor of their coffee is unlike any other... the flavor profile of the coffee is deep without being too bold, and packs a punch without the acidity. The baristas here are awesome too, and super friendly! I wish there were more Seattle Coffee Works in and around Seattle.
(5)
S L.

I'm sure as with all coffee shops, quality depends on your barista. But this was by far the best coffee I got in downtown Seattle. I wish I could remember the barista's name. I tried uptown espresso, which was just hype about some foam and awful service and music. I tried cafe d'arte which made me a latte when I ordered a cappuccino, and I was the only customer in the coffee shop. Also a pretentious atmosphere. I tried Storyville which had nice baristas but a really weird atmosphere and mediocre French press. Then came SCW. The guy at the counter was super friendly and explained all about the coffee and options in an easy to understand manner. I ended up going with a cappuccino with single origin Colombian espresso. He was helpful to my wife in picking out coffee and again not pretentious at all like you often find in Seattle. After having had three very disappointing cappuccinos in Seattle, it was love at first sip. The barista had pulled the shots at the divine moment and had put just the right amount of milk and froth in. The cappuccino burst with flavor as the espresso shined through. My wife's coffee was very good too, but I was enamored with my cappuccino so it was hard to like anything else. Don't pass this one up because it has a generic name or sounds like a chain. This one beat the other I tried in taste, professionalism, and customer service. My only regret is that I didn't buy a bag of coffee beans.
(5)
Jennie K.

I didn't get a cup of coffee here, I got a coffee education! The staff is incredibly friendly and knowledgeable. For those of you that are coffee snobs this place won't disappoint. If you're in Seattle visiting, shame on you if you go to Starbucks when you have coffee establishments such as this in your vicinity.
(4)
Andrew L.

Saw this coffee place on travel channel and had to make sure to come visit. So worth the wait and time. We decide to have the coffee made via the siphon. What a unique way to have a coffee. Really changes the taste of it. I really recommended making effort to come and have coffee here.
(5)
Wilson T.

Been traveling a lot for work lately and my goal is to try out as many coffee places as I can. I went here in the late afternoon in hopes to get a good kick to keep me going for the day. I did order a coffee but unfortunately it did not give me anything to make me brag about it back in Cali. The coffee was mediocre , service was good, and the place is clean. Prices are decent as well.
(3)
Casey S.

Seattle Coffee Works is between a Starbucks and a Starbucks. Don't miss it though -- nobody will judge you for not having a Starbucks-branded cup. Major props for having both French Press and pour-over brews. Beans won't run you too much either -- I got myself a bag of the bold Seattle Blend for $13 and some change. The drink I got (also a Seattle Blend) was very smooth, but I felt like it would have benefited more from a pour over. Ah well, it gives me something to try back at home!
(4)
Leslie P.

Some of the best coffee we tried during our recent stay in Seattle! Delicious food, friendly staff and convenient location added to the experience. We visited this little gem twice during our short trip.
(5)
Daniel L.

Worth a trip for the coffee experience. Several slow brew methods to see how they work. If not busy they will share their knowledge of coffee.
(4)
Regina C.

Amazing service, super friendly and helpful staff. Good vibe, great place to rest up and caffeine up after walking around pike place.
(5)
Vicky N.

Great tasting coffee, but horrible service. Barely half way through my cup and I found a tiny hair in it. No fuss, just stopped drinking it. Up & left. Talk about disappointment and regret .. If you ever decide to come here, don't get a latte. A regular cup o' joe will do. Trust me.
(2)
Yun C.

During our stay at Green tortoise Hostel right next door, the lady at the front desk raved about Seattle Coffee Works. On our last day in Seattle, I decided I had to try Seattle coffee (other than Starbucks!) so we decided to try this place. I must admit that I was a little skeptical until I saw the line AND the man (a local) in front of me told me that he goes there because he just loves their coffee and it's ain't like Starbucks! They brewed the coffee, so there is an actual barista working there. But during my visit there was only ONE barista so it took about 15 minutes (not including the waiting on the line to place my order) to get my coffee. I ordered the ice latte with soy milk. I must say it was a delicious cup of latte! The coffee felt like medium roasted bean so it didn't have the burnt scent and it wasn't overly bitter even though there was no sugar on my latte. I could definitely taste all the aroma from the coffee beans, yummmmm... It's certainly a great spot for a delicious cup of coffee if you're near Pike Place Market, the line is certainly a lot shorter than the original starbucks located just around the corner AND you get a lot better tasting cup of coffee.
(4)
Lynette T.

One of the items on my Seattle bucket list: Find a nice indie coffee shop and get one of those artsy cafe lattes! Talked to the barrista artiste and with a smile, she designed this for me: yelp.com/biz_photos/seatâ€¦ So pretty! My husband left me there to enjoy my latte while he went to the Target down the street. I found a comfy chair next to a small coffee table and enjoyed watching people pass by outside. Thank you for adding to my Seattle experience! XOXO
(5)
Allison C.

Most of the reviews seemed to make this coffee shop sound promising so we ventured in. I guess I missed the one review about the coffee tasting bitter and off - that was our experience as well and we had cappuccinos. The milk was over cooked and the coffee tasted off and vaguely chemical-ish. The staff weren't as friendly as many described, though better than many establishments. There was a line the bulk of the time we were there so obviously we are the picky ones. The best I can say is that we got to sit at a table (that I had to clean prior to sitting). Are you very serious about your coffee like we are? Keep searching.
(2)
Alison M.

sweet chai = amazing. MMMmmm!!!! This location is right in front of Pike's Place Market and right across the street from the Seattle Hard Rock Cafe. It's cozy and comfortable with a few couches and chairs as well as cafe tables and chairs throughout. My first stop in here after walking around Pike's Place for a while I got the sweet chai small size and LOVED it. I walked down the next morning and got it again but this time with a fresh lemon poppy seed doughnut which was delicious. Big fan! I really enjoyed this place and the hot chai tea was to DIE for! Can't wait for my next trip back so I can get some more!
(4)
Linda A.

Skip the Starbucks and walk straight here! This was the PERFECT cappuccino, by far the best in Seattle. Delicious, smooth, bold ... but not at all bitter. Loved the barristas - they were knowledgable and friendly and enjoyed their jobs. Definitely stop by this coffee shop for the best coffee in the city.
(5)
Brian W.

After a rainy morning in Pike Place Market we decided to avoid the madness in Starbucks and dry off in the warm empty Seattle Coffee Works. We found a nice comfy spot to eat our Cinnamon Works gluten free goodies that we picked up at the market. The coffee and hot chocolate were both delicious and nobody gave us any trouble for bringing "outside food" in.
(4)
Sarah Z.

Stopped in for a quick mocha - latte art is beautiful, but tasted just okay. Lot of chocolate syrup, not so much richness and depth. Super helpful counter staff though.
(3)
Ginny G.

Huge fan of "the slow bar". Excellent cappuccinos- perfect milk. Tasted more like a dessert than a coffee, which is the mark of a great drink, if you ask me. You can tell the baristas respect their craft. That's Seattle for ya. Walked out of the store and took a left in time to see the sun set behind the mountains, so I'd say it was a pretty good visit.
(5)
Dave P.

Nice atmosphere, great staff, and really good coffee. Even though it was busy they were getting people in and out fast.
(4)
Ciera H.

We LOVED our Mochas (one was white chocolate)! We highly recommend this place over Starbucks!
(5)
Jacqueline C.

Could have gone to the original Starbucks, but there were too many people out front, so we wandered in the direction of freshly roasted coffee beans . . . so glad we did! Seattle Coffee Works was quite a treat! A small coffee house, run by people that obviously take their coffee very seriously. My husband had a black coffee. I had a mocha latte, which was the silkiest, smoothest mocha I had ever had. It was more chocolatey than ah-hem *other* chain coffee houses, but not sweet. Really great coffee.
(4)
Thai D.

Good coffee, good service, good atmosphere, great location, and very good breakfast bagels that are totally worth the wait. Are you a local who works downtown? Come here for coffee! Are you a tourist who just finished checking out Pike Place Market and want a good local non-Starbucks coffee? Come here for coffee! Thumbs up all around!
(4)
Damian R.

Great micro roasted coffee. Seattle Coffee Works is one of my favorite roasters in the Seattle region. Nice staff of baristas. the slow bar, where you can try once of their coffees made in a variety of methods, is great. The four stars is only because they let some elderly guy constantly sit in their patio smoking cigars. Periodically people ask him to put them out and he throws tantrums. Otherwise a great shop.
(4)
Patricia F.

I love both locations, in Pike and in Ballard. The espresso is always delicious, the snacks filling and assorted and the baristas knowledgeable and quite skilled. Sebastian, the owner, LOVES coffee and instills people with his passion for the brewing, sourcing, roasting and so on of all the new varieties of coffee beans he brings into his stores. He will teach you about coffee if you ask him!
(5)
Debora L.

Great location, small selection of baked goods, coffee bar is a nice plus, comfortable seating and fast WiFi. But the coffee wasn't really my taste. Reminded me a lot of Blue Bottle which I don't really like (I find it strong yet watery and relatively acidic).
(3)
Ellen T.

You're at the crosswalk on the corner of 1st and Pike, in need of caffeine, and ready to walk past the homeless dudes camped outside of Starbucks when you see a perky and welcoming neon sign of what looks like the Hammering Man drinking coffee. That would be Seattle Coffee Works. Tourists go to Starbucks, locals go to Seattle Coffee Works. They sell the Obama blend (a blend of Indonesian and Kenyan direct trade beans). They also serve coffee by just about any and every type of brewing method available and won't snub you if you ask questions like "what does pour over mean?" I stand a lot at my job and dont get very many breaks so I like coming to SCW for just a shot with a little bit of whip cream - I call it the "not-f*ckin around this morning" drink.
(5)
Ed H.

I appreciated the seemingly infinite ways they can make a cup of coffee. The end result, however, I thought was more showmanship and theater rather than anything that added to the taste of the coffee. Personally I prefer darker, bolder coffees and the brew I got was a lighter roast. They have a large variety of beans. My suggestion is to tell them what you exactly what type of flavor you like and ask for their recommendation of bean and brewing method. You might fare better than I did.
(2)
Jon L.

If I lived in Seattle I would come here every day. I really like the fact that they have a slow bar where someone will walk you through the process of all the different ways that they do coffee. I definitely learned some stuff and it was awesome seeing people who really cared about the art of making coffee. Coffee was good, ample space for studying, and staff are friendly and attentive. Why haven't I moved to Seattle yet?
(4)
Jim C.

Of the many coffee stores I've visited during the walk from the bus to work, Seattle Coffee Works serves up the best mocha of them all (so smooth). That they open early is a bonus as it gives me a chance to enjoy it in a glass cup once in a while.
(5)
Craig R.

Best cappuccino I've had in years!
(5)
Susie C.

The short haired blonde female cashier was rude. I will not be returning to this coffee shop because she ruined the experience.
(1)
Kameron K.

For the last 3 years, this has been my coffee stop for the Seattle area. I stumbled upon Seattle Coffee Works while looking for a smaller, local roaster to pick up some beans to take home. Yeah yeah, we know Starbucks is the king of coffee in Seattle, but I can get that crap anywhere. Plus I'm kind of a coffee snob. Walk right in and the place smells amazing. I at least pick up 4 pounds to take home with me to last for a while. The staff is friendly and the espresso bar is also good. Plus I'm glad that they offer non-dairy alternatives like hemp and rice milk instead of the standard soy. Highly recommend for any coffee fan!
(5)
John M.

This is one of my favorite coffee spots. The roast is perfect, not the overly roasted style of the massive chain. This is a place to rest, chat, relax, recover, revive, chill.., whatever your need. The space is a great stop after or before the flying fish and fruit stands of the market. And if you poke around you'll discover little surprises in the bookcase and drawers in the furniture, maybe even contribute inspiration of your own. I really want to tell those poor folks standing in line for that global brand coffee place, but then I'd have to deal with them hogging up this place, so keep this gem just between you and me, okay?
(5)
Julie W.

Loved the coffee. I got the el Salvadorian and the hubs got the Guatemalan beans. Did the ChemEx rather than French press and the coffee turned out great! Very smooth and flavorful compared to the French press. French press is a little more oily and gritty where the ChemEx was smooth and perfect with hints of cherry (el salv) and choc (Guat) in both coffees accentuated. Didn't even mask my coffee with milk and sugar. Just enjoyed it black. So delicious! However keep in mind though when you put the coffee in a paper To go cup it makes the coffee taste very papery basically almost ruining the coffee and sending $6 to the trash. I know you are tempted to take the coffee to go and walk around pikes but try to just enjoy it in a glass cup and people watch while they are heading over to the market. You will find some characters, it is Seattle after all :-) if you are a coffee aficionado you will absolutely love this place. Wonderful atmosphere, coffee and location. You can't get any better than that!
(5)
Demitri R.

This place is busy as a bee. I was thirsty and wanted a tea. They were out and with lightning speeds the Barista brewed up a fresh batch. The prices are beyond reasonable if there is such a thing. Friendly she was. And lots of seating around both indoors and outside. A great people watching spot for sure.
(4)
Joop V.

I had to be in downtown somewhere at 2pm so I tried to find a place to sit and work to kill some time for several hours. I stumbled across this place after stopping by another global chain coffee store "S" in the same corner that was wayyyy too crowded and decided it was not worth it to wait in line and to be stucked with loud noises there. I'm glad I made that decision. All Baristas were friendly and helpful. If you do not want quick fast fancy drinks like cappucino, latte, etc, you can mix your own coffee beans and get your own drip coffee instead. Seattle Coffee Works will personalize your drinks for you according to how you want it (and this is probably what distinguishes the store from other chain cafes). They had it written that all the ingredients were natural/organic, so that's also great to know. They don't have much food selection but they do have some hot pressed-sandwiches, bagels, doughnuts, etc to go with your coffee and keep your stomachs happy. The best part is that this place is like a hidden local gem and not as loud and touristy. It's really more of a place for locals and those who prefer to try local cafe feels in Seattle. Moreover, you don't have to wait in the ridiculously long line like you would if you were to stop by another global chain coffee cafe within a block from this place.
(4)
Addie R.

So if you're going to visit a Seattle coffee bar, don't go to Starbucks! I like my Starbucks, but it's pretty standard across the USA and honestly, there isn't much craftsmanship that goes into it. I got a latte and it did in fact take longer than it would have at Starbucks, much to my dismay, but he taste and quality of the coffee here more than made up for speed. The coffee here tastes...fresher? Richer? Something about it struck me like, "Wow, now that is good coffee!" They have more options here for the dairy averse, like soy milk, rice milk, and I think I saw almond milk on the menu board too. They have a roaster in the back room, and really take coffee seriously, from sourcing to shipping, roasting and grinding. The slow bar, off to the side, offers other coffee brewing options if you have time to spare, like chemex, etc. I saw the prices for the sandwiches and I passed - way overpriced for a simple sandwich.
(4)
Katelyn C.

If you go to the Starbucks across the street you do not deserve to go to this coffee shop. I have been a few times each time I am in Seattle and from the latte to the pour over that I order...they are always consistent and delicious. I know coffee and I am picky about where I choose to throw my dollars to support specialty coffee shops and this is worth every cent. The staff is also incredibly friendly and there is not one ounce of pretentious vibe at all. Go relax, sip, plug in or just chill out.
(5)
Chris M.

I am a fan of this place because of their awesome motorized sign which is very punny. I don't think the coffee is anything special, but I don't have a refined taste for coffee anyway. Stop in here for a non-Starbux dose of caffeine to power you through the lower Pike Street panhandler district.
(4)
Kai D.

Hard to beat the shops on Park blvd in SDs University Heights neighborhood, but I'm definitely gonna be making this my regular spot from now on when I'm up here for work. I'm a fan.
(4)
Nath A.

A great place to get coffee downtown. I came in late in the morning, during the pre-lunch lull. The setup is slightly confusing. Basically, you have two ordering options. There's the regular cafe menu -- espresso drinks, drip, tea and so on -- and a 'slow menu', where you choose a brewing method and they make it to order. Either way, you order at the main counter. Today they had two single origin coffees available at the slow bar -- one from Colombia and the other from Honduras, I think. Roasted on-site, within the week. The brewing options were French press, Chemex, Hario, Aeropress, siphon. I might be forgetting something. All the slow bar options get you 16oz of coffee, which you can get in one mug or split it in two, depending on how much caffeine you want. Costs $6 either way. I went with the Colombia, brewed in a Chemex. They were training a new guy, so the Caffeinator-in-Chief explained what he was doing at every step of the brew process. He talked about some of the other brewing methods, and their pros and cons. It was informative; a nice change from just having your coffee poured from a carafe. The whole process took about five minutes. The coffee was great. Started out tasting a little weaker than I brew it at home, but the flavors intensified as the coffee cooled. By the time I was halfway through the cup, it was good enough to distract me from the book I was trying to read. That's a good sign. I'll be back to try the siphon coffee, and the espresso. If it's done as well as the pourover, Herkimer might actually have some competition for the 'best coffee in Seattle' title.
(5)
Aurora H.

Clean and clean-cut. Across the street from Pike Place Farmer's Market. The barista seemed knowledgeable. The coffee was good, though not excitingly so. For one, my Americano didn't give me the kick it usually does.
(4)
Renee L.

Good coffee but beware the long line and wait.
(5)
Alain R.

I consistently get great espresso here. I'm picky about my espresso, and Seattle Coffee Works is excellent. Nice flavor, never burnt or too acidic.
(5)
Jane E.

It's a nice a place. Friendly staff, good coffee - not great (I was expecting to be spoiled, come on, it's Seattle). They preorder the food and when I ordered a bagel - they didn't have cream cheese (and it was, still, morning)
(3)
Jay L.

it's a quirky, inviting coffee shop, basically everything you would want from a place in seattle to get a good cup of coffee. the baristas are good dude; very friendly and they have flat whites! get one!
(5)
Winnie H.

I just got an iced coffee here, and it's watery and tastes like fuel. They have such great ratings though - maybe the other drinks are better? Definitely don't get the iced coffee though. It's torture to swallow.
(1)
Connie L.

Yummy chai latte. Dig the local business. Artsy. Me gusta.
(4)
Fouzi H.

It's really good to see coffee shops in Seattle not resting on their laurels of the coffee reputation that was earned over a decade ago but has now become stagnant and fallen behind in the Third Wave / Coffee 3.0 movement. I recently moved to Seattle from the San Francisco Bay Area so I'm constantly on the prowl for Third Wave coffee shops. Seattle Coffee Works is certainly in that category along with the likes of Victrola and Millstead. Now the technical details: - Locally roasted coffee beans: Check. They have a roasting facility on site at their Pike street cafe. - Baristas with proper training on dialing in and pulling quality shots: Check. - Microfoam quality, temperature and Latte Art: Check (See the picture of the cap I added) One of the hallmarks of great coffee shops is Baristas who are not only properly trained but who love and care about the drinks they make. Seattle Coffee Works definitely has at least one such barista. I have had the pleasure of having Jeff make drinks for me there and every experience has been great. I'm writing this review because I was reminded of that just today. He remembered me and we struck up a great conversation about the coffee scene in Seattle. He was in agreement about Seattle as a whole falling behind in the Third Wave movement but did feel that SCW and other places were trying to keep up. He also took the time to really make sure he was dialed in and pulled several shots before he felt right about the espresso he was serving up with the cappuccino I ordered. The only thing that I would ding them on is that they don't pull the shot directly into the cup that the drink is being served in. Instead they pull their shots into a shot glass and then pour the shot into the cup. I asked Jeff about this and he said it was a mandate from the Owner to keep baristas present in their drink preparation. I'm personally not a fan of this. I think it breaks apart the delicate crema and have never seen this at the top places in the SF Bay like Blue Bottle, Ritual, Barefoot etc.
(4)
Idalia E.

Best coffee ever!!! Don't go to Starbucks. If you want original great Seattle coffee come here.
(5)
Ty R.

This is just consistently great espresso. Even at some of my favorite places I will end up with a mediocre drink from time to time, but I never have to worry about that here. I usually get a plain latte because it just doesn't need fancy flavors when it's quality espresso. Delicious!
(5)
Ali Z.

Went here last year while I was visiting with friends, and now I recommend it to anybody I know visiting the Seattle area. It's my favorite coffee thus far; Lot's of flavor. I recommend an Americano. I even order beans online and have them sent to my doorstep... and then I drink it out of my favorite little 8oz Seattle Coffee Works tumbler! Visiting Seattle? Do yourself a Trenta sized favor, and skip that one coffee shop that starts with an "S" and ends with "bucks". You can get THAT anywhere. But THIS coffee, however, is quite a treat! Enjoy!!
(5)
Arpit M.

yumm. one of the reasons why Seattle coffee rocks :)
(5)
Vishnu N.

Had the mocha and a Vacuum flask coffee. The latter was only something I had heard about but never saw. After ordering we headed over to the slow bar to see the masterpiece being made. The Vacuum flask coffee was quite the show to watch being made - it made me feel like I was back in organic chemistry lab in college again. The resulting coffee was extremely clean & bright tasting. It was almost as though I was drinking a coffee flavored tea (i'm sorry that's the best I can come up with). I highly recommend giving this a try, at $9 a pot it wasn't too outrageous given the amount of effort it took to make. My only complaint about this location is the amount of available seating, we couldn't find a good place to sit other than the slow bar.
(4)
Adam S.

Why not grab a cup of coffee the next time you visit Pike's Place Market? Seattle Coffee Works has the best coffee in Seattle hands down. Whether it be a quick drink on my way into the office, or a nice leisurely cup of coffee on a Saturday morning, Seattle Coffee Works has never disappointed. Their friendly baristas definitely know their coffee -- They've transformed making a pot of coffee into the perfect blend between science and art. For $6, you can enjoy a chemex or hario brew on the slow bar, enough for 3-4 people. I definitely enjoy chatting it up with the barristas here who will tell you everything you need to know when deciding what to get for your next cup of coffee.
(5)
Natalie J.

Refusing to go to that green mermaid chain, I came here before shopping for local produce at pikes. Ordered a mocha. Soo freaking good! Most places I order this, it comes out w grinds and chalky bitter taste. This place got it right! It was sweet and smooth. The staff was friendly, joint was clean and there was plenty of seating options. Amazing places for coffee addicts.
(5)
Tiff H.

This place rocks. I don't know how many coffeehouse reviews I've written since moving to Seattle, but there is definitely not a shortage of them. This place has a mission statement that every cup of coffee is brewed like it's the most important cup of coffee and they do not disappoint! The thing that sets this place apart from the other coffee shops is that milk froth. It is like drinking straight up velvet clouds. It is seriously velvety... it's soft on the mouth and they brew your coffee to the PERFECT temperature, so you can drink it right away.
(5)
Jenny S.

Not only some of the best coffee I've had in Seattle but the staff are always friendly and I've never had a bad cup of coffee. Plus they have hemp milk, which really compliments the coffee. I always stop by on my way to work:)
(5)
Don C.

Why would you go to the coffee place on the corner of 1st and Pike when this place is right here. Maybe people don't like good coffee.
(5)
Nathan T.

Excellent coffee shop. They made perhaps the best Latte I have had. Good place to sit with friends. Does not get too loud so conversations are possible. Service was good and the staff is knowledgeable. I will be back to try the slow bar.
(5)
Karlo L.

Awesome coffee & friendly staff who really educated us about coffee without the mainstream influence (Starbucks) Lastly try the Ethiopian blend prepared with the vacuum pot! AMAZING! Highly recommended if you are in the downtown area.
(5)
Scott H.

Excellent coffee, semi grumpy barista. I stopped in for a pour over. I asked what beans were available and decided on a bean and specifically said I wanted a pour over. The barrister that asked how I wanted it. I was perplexed and asked what he meant. He snapped, "pour over? chemex? Drip? French press?" err, as I said before I'd like a pour over. Anyway, off to the slow bar we went and as he prepared my coffee he was complaining about some sort of mishap he had that morning with 20,000 lbs of beans. :/ Anyway, once the coffee was done, I was a happy man again, because any griping this man did was erased by the spectacular cup of coffee I was drinking. I would definitely go here again, but I may bring a small stuffed animal to cheer up Grumpy in case he is having a bad day.
(4)
Theresa S.

Coffee: 4 stars; service we received pushed it up to 5 stars. My friend really wanted me to experience this place since I was doing the tourist routine down at Pike. We went in and ordered the vacuum pot of coffee. We waited for quite some time before the person who took our order was done with making a lot of coffee. I was actually starting to get a bit annoyed but reminded myself it is called the "Slow Bar" for a reason. When the barista came over, she told us about the coffees she had for the day. We decided on a Sumatra. It was fun to see the pot make the coffee but she sighed a bit sigh and declared the pot did not do a good job. Something about the coffee did not dome. Ok. She put that coffee in a carafe and started over. This time the coffee did what is was suppose to. We enjoyed our $9 pot of coffee and then at the end did a taste test of the pot that was deemed "bad". Yes, there was a difference in taste. My grandfather would not have known the difference but I did. Thank you for doing a great job of putting the pot of coffee up for us. It was a fun adventure.
(5)
Patricia C.

Located right in front of Pike Place Market, there's so much happening at Seattle Coffee Works! This place was as busy as could be on a Saturday morning of Labor Day weekend. We didn't mind the wait, however. We needed the caffeine or we wouldn't have survived through the day. Each cup was created to perfection- fresh, smooth, and full of body. Prices were not overly expensive (although I do not remember exactly how much right now). As a side note, the place could use a little sweeping and wiping down at counters and tables. I know they were busy and probably just didn't have time to get to it right at that moment. So I won't hold that against them and don't let that detract you from visiting them!
(4)
Hector G.

I absolutely love this place. They have a shrine to all things coffee and they have a history of coffee brewing on display at the shop. They have this amazing little contraption that flat out fascinates me. It's an old school bunsen burner type coffee maker and I love the thing. I just want to rip it off the hinges from the counter, stash it in my backpack and bring it home with me. Two problems arise. A) I don't know how it's gonna fit in my carry on bag and I'm sure not spending 25 bucks to check a bag and B) I don't fully understand how to make it work properly. The barista's at this local gem are truly awesome! They make a damn good cup of Joe and when I asked about the above mentioned contraption, they didn't give me the "I'm too busy for you" look I get so frequently at the evil mermaid establishment. He broke it down for me and brewed up the cleanest cup of Joe I've ever had. They now offer sandwiches and I tried the turkey bacon with smoked gouda. It's grilled up Panini style and is a damn good sandwich. If you are looking to escape the wrath of the evil mermaid, look no further and stop by this shop for some great conversation, some laughs and a history lesson.
(4)
Tom K.

Nice place with a relaxed atmosphere and friendly staff. They have a big selection of different coffees though me not being a coffee drinker I cannot comment on the quality. Unfortunately I found the selection of bagels for breakfast rather limited and this was my no. 1 reason for going here. Therefore only 3/5.
(3)
Sam E.

I love this place! The coffee is amazing! I had the cappuccino and a Bagel. The cappuccino was delicious, but I could not say the same about the bagel. Overall definitley worth it for the coffee, but thats it. Probably one of the best cups of coffee I have had in Seattle in a while. SO GOOD.
(5)
Megan M.

You can't go to Seattle and not get coffee. Numerous people suggested Seattle Coffee Works. They make great black coffee as well as lattes. May have a short wait but great coffee is worth it!!
(5)
Elizabeth R.

Popped in here for some coffee on my way to the convention center. I got a soy au lait. The coffee was excellent and included the perfect amount of creamy foam on top. I liked the vibe of the shop and if I had more time I would have loved to experience their "slow bar" where you can do coffee tastings. They feature various brewing methods that you can opt for as well (french press, pour over, etc.).
(4)
Jenn N.

Great location and tourists haven't yet clued into this gem. There are many different options on how you want your coffee made. There is a tasting bar where it can be very educational and just as elusive as wine tasting if you don't know what you're doing. However, the baristas are always helpful and willing to answer questions. Take your time and try something new!
(5)
Emily-Anne P.

I've stopped in here a few times when I'm down in Seattle. It's not a Starbucks which is awesome and it's really close to Pike Place and the downtown area. I had a steamed apple cider and it was awesome. You can't expect much when you're essentially ordering hot apple juice but I was absolutely satisfied with my drink. The place is large and there is a lot of seating, including a patio outside. There was a dad and his kid playing chess and a number of people reading and it was all very pleasant. The baristas were joking the whole time and having a lot of fun which I really like to see. They have a Slow Bar which I've never tried, I guess I'll have to go back!
(5)
Cheryl R.

First off... We walked in as they were closing (after attempting to get coffee at 3 other joints who sent us away) and they didn't even mention they were closing... They still served us and were very delightful and sweet baristas. One girl even gave us advice on what to see while in town. The soy latte I ordered was made to perfection and even had a pretty little leaf design on top of the foam. Beautiful and delicious!!
(5)
Sam C.

It's an understated coffee shop right next to Pike Place Market. I love it. I wasn't a huge coffee drinker before coming to Seattle, only because that initial bitterness of coffee always deterred me from truly enjoying my coffee. (I like my coffee black.) But after being in Seattle for a while, I knew despite my lack of enthusiasm for coffee, I had to at least see try out the Seattleite lifestyle a little. And here comes the handy-dandiness of Yelp recommending this awesome coffee shop to me. Like I said, I drink my coffee plain, so this review is solely based on the drip coffee -- and it is DEE-LI-SHUUUUHS! I'm not hit with that bitterness. It's just smooth and flavorful all the way thru. Gotta find out what they use as their drip. Now I understand why people enjoy the taste of coffee -- cuz now I've actually had coffee that actually tastes good (sorry Starbucks.. you're only decent compared to Seattle Coffee Works).
(5)
John P.

If you like drip coffee, this is the BEST coffee ever. I had a single origin Ethiopian (made with a Chemex), and it was fabulous. Amazing flavor, just the right about of acidity (the good kind, not the crappy kind of sourness), and just all around perfect. I'm extremely picky about my drip coffee, which I always drink black, and I never drink lattes or any of the other espresso based drinks. So if you like your coffee drip, and black, you must come here. The baristas are very knowledgeable and friendly. He answered all my questions, and I ended up picking up a bag of the beans for myself to brew at home.
(5)
David A.

I came looking for iced coffee but they were out so I ordered an iced mocha instead. It did the job but it was too sweet and acidic. I might raise the stars if their iced coffee is better (and not out) next time.
(3)
Suie C.

I love the coffee here. The first time I had it, I stopped to appreciate it's taste. I'm a daily coffee drinker so most of the time, I drink more out of habit/necessity rather than take the time to appreciate it's taste. I definitely take the time to savor the coffee here. I was sad the last time I came in as they were out of packaged whole bean coffee (early afternoon). The barista stated that their supplier was flying in that night to drop of an emergency batch. I'm guessing they were sold out as others have discovered how tasty their coffee is.
(5)
J C.

After a long absence, I dropped by this shop the other day for a latte. Gone are the urban hipster baristas along with their friends who would loiter at the counter. The coffee has always been good here, but this time, I actually received prompt and courteous service without the attitude. I'm sure I'll be back. BTW... the owner wrote me a very nice message asking me if I could elaborate more on the less than perfect experience I had there. He seemed genuinely concerned about improving his customer service and not just an attempt to get me to change my review.
(5)
Brighid M.

If you care about coffee for its own sake, you should come to Seattle Coffee Works. It has a charismatic, knowledgeable staff, a pleasant environment, and great beans, equipment, and snacks. If you want a quick cappucino or a sugary coffee drink, you *can* get that here - but Starbucks Ground Zero is right across the street and they have those things too. What Starbucks can't do is things like French-press, pour-over, or vacuum-pot coffee, and that's where the Seattle Coffee Works crew shines. They are so cheery and eager to share their love for preparations that aren't "milk and sugar, coffee-flavored," but rather, show what coffee can be standing alone. If I wanted to show someone who'd only had bitter Mr. Coffee and burnt Starbucks cups how to enjoy coffee for its own sake, I would take them to SCW and sit them down at the slow bar to chat with Doug or one of the other fine technicians whilst sipping a pour-over. SCW is one of the reasons that Seattle is a Coffee City in the way that San Francisco and Portland are and that Phoenix and Peoria aren't, and I love it for that.
(5)
Daniel L.

In the coffee capital of the world and in the shadow of Starbucks #1 is a testimony to the next wave of the coffee movement: sustainable, fresh, "fresh-roasted" coffee delivered in a unique individualistic way, not the cookie cutter corporate way.
(5)
Kazuo S.

Pros: Not starbucks. Great coffee. Friendly staff Cons: Tables with plugs behind it are low and you kinda have to bend over to work on your computer. If you don't have to work then who cares!
(4)
Kyle I.

They roast their own coffee and it is really good. This is craft coffee. Order something from the slow bar and you will get to sit and interact with them while they brew your coffee. Great experience.
(5)
Laura M.

Like a dorky tourist, I walked into Seattle Coffee Works to buy the Obama blend. I was greeted with this yelp.com/biz_photos/RwCpâ€¦ . Unfortunately they were out, but they made me feel very welcome. I learned a new appreciation for coffee which I had abandoned many years ago due to the hypster kids that hang out at my local Starbucks. This morning I got a message that the Obama blend is back in stock... I already sent my friend to get a package for me to ship it out here! Thanks SCW!
(4)
Daniel H.

Best cappuccinos I've ever had in my life!
(5)
Monica R.

I found this place on yelp before going to Seattle on vacation. I'm so glad I did. I'm going to be honest and say that this is one of the best local, indie, non-douchey, coffee places around. Some other places are really hipster and bland but this place was laid-back and the staff was totally friendly. We talked about where we were from and some of the coffee places we should try around our hometown. Oh, not to mention that my mocha was delish as well.
(4)
Kathryn R.

Been meaning to get to this place for a while and finally went yesterday. Got a Chemex from the slow bar, it was excellent! Baristas are very friendly and knowledgeable. Learned a lot about coffee and ended up trying some other different types. Cool place to hang out. Waaayyy better than Starbucks!
(5)
Michael A.

I come here almost every morning for a cup of drip, which seems boring, but since this is such a genuine coffee shop that "does it all right," I am very satisfied with my 1-or-2 options, and I appreciate that the "drip" is actually French press. Thank you for being so knowledgable about coffee, showcasing genuine passion. This is the real thing, even though it's located in the heart of tourist land. There's always a wonderful selection of Mighty-O donuts, my favorite is the "party donut."
(5)
Edwin A.

I was debating whether to give this place 5 stars...and I really couldn't find a single reason to dislike them. They pull a great shot of espresso, and their espresso poured over whipped cream....oh man. This place serves some seriously good coffee, and the atmosphere is perfect. It is a little busy, so it might not be a place to just relax and be completely calm, but even with the higher number of people it feels very friendly. I think I must have gone here almost 4 times in my short stay in Seattle.
(5)
Kyle H.

Great independent coffee shop just a block from Pike Place Market! Very friendly baristas, my drip coffee was tasty and strong (but not burnt). There are a few different seating areas and regulars take advantage of Seattle Coffee Works as a nice place to meet and chat. There's free Wi-Fi, original artwork adorning the walls, funky chairs and a small library of books and games. Would like to see more of a selection for breakfast, but that's nitpicking, this place is great! Pick up some Obama Blend for the Holidays (Hawaiian, Indonesian, African bean blend)!
(4)
Ni N.

I was not prepared for their Americano to be so creamy and smooth. It's by far now my favorite expresso on the planet.
(5)
Diana T.

Ordered a latte and my tastebuds were delighted. The milk was well steamed, and the coffee has dark chocolate notes with floral hints of orange and guava. Loved it!
(5)
James A.

Just met with Doug, a barista that works at this location. Very nice guy and extremely knowledgeable about his craft. He fixed me a cup of vacuum pressed coffee, very different and very good! I was visiting Seattle for 2 days, and one of those days was dedicated to discovering and sampling as many local coffee roasters as I could. Side note - ended up drinking about 7 cups of coffee that day and went home with 8 lbs from various roasters - all of which were phenomenal! Seattle Coffee Works was the first stop on my coffee binge. I took home one of the Obama blends and some other single origin that I cannot recall the name of. I'm not a huge coffee buff, but their coffee was noticeably better than anything else I've had. They sell their coffee within a few days of roasting it, so it really couldn't be fresher. This makes a huge difference in terms of smoothness and flavor when you brew it at home. All of my friends and family were really amazed at how much better this was than the typical cup you'd get at a chain coffee house. I'd love to get more somehow, but I don't think they sell aside from what is available in their stores.
(5)
Peony T.

This review is for the one iced coffee that I've had the only time I've been here. It was not tasty. :( service was fine though!
(1)
Angie L.

Why go to Starbucks when you have this place right across the street? I mean, seriously. I'm no coffee expert... but damn, my latte was delicious. A little pricey, but I'd support this place over Starbucks any day.
(5)
Lorrie M.

I would say this is more of a tourist spot than not. It's located right outside of Pike Place and it looks so cool it's easy to become captivated by the signs and walk right in. Their coffees are definitely not bad, although said baristas could pay more attention to the customers. They had this little bar area where some barista was doing a presentation of some sort that involved fire. Yes, live flames! That was pretty entertaining to watch although I never found out what he was doing. Their coffee beans are good, great for drip coffee at home and their lattes are pretty standard, yummy but nothing spectacular. The inside is cute, and a great spot for relaxing across the street from giant coffee brand Starbucks if you are resistant to the monopoly.
(4)
Tina L.

If you want to be a blendable tourist try this spot rather than STARBUCKS. Not only will you pay less but you wont have to stare at 12 butts in front of you. The baristas are very knowledgeable on the blends and flavors that develop from each origin of where they coffee comes from. He also made a heart in my coffee... I feel the exact same way about you coffee-man. But no really, the coffee is incredible and they make REAL macchiato's that are about 3 oz of liquid love. S/f almond latte with soy & cinnamon
(5)
Uncle W.

Keep walking past all those Starf*cks to get to this place. Top-notch coffee.
(5)
Candice G.

Time to recall memories from about a month ago, which isn't too difficult considering this place. HOME OF THE OBAMA BLEND!!!! I thought that maybe it was called that because President Obama actually went to the cafe, but the person at the register gave me a pretty solid explanation. She was also pretty spot on about the blend working great as an espresso. I recommend getting a bag of this blend whenever you happen to go to Seattle Coffee Works! I actually ended up going here twice during my visit to Washington. It's nicer to just stray away from going to a Starbucks when you're in the "Starbucks capitol" and I was lucky enough to decide on this place when I was near Pike's Place. It's a cozy place with a convenient seating arrangement, friendly baristas, and a selection of boardgames if you want to have a little fun with some friends or family. For the coffee connoisseur I recommend taking a seat at the slow bar.
(5)
Adrienne B.

I just met you today and already I miss you so very much, you were the best part of my trip hands down, I almost wish I didn't know how awesome you are, parting is such sweet sorrow... It has only been a few hours and oh how I long to have your sweet mocha taste on my lips, sigh... Oh Seattle Coffee Works! When will I see you again?! I don't normally drink coffee or espresso based drinks, I went in to get a breakfast sandwich and happened to order a four ounce mocha just to try it out, I then walked around the pike market area until I finished the mocha, after tapping the bottom of the cup to get every last drop in my mouth I bee-lined back to Seattle Coffee Works to order another mocha in the 16 ounce size. Let me tell you, they put their heart and soul into the drinks they make. I yelped my way around downtown Seattle trying many 4 and 5 star local eateries and coffee houses (including several other mochas), you never can tell with yelp reviews if a place is just decent with a lot of hype or actually worth their lucky stars... This place is the real deal, I would give 10 stars if I could. In summary: DO NOT DARE go to Seattle and miss the opportunity to have some of this creamyliciously delightful, heaven in a cup. Why are you still reading this? Go get some coffee, right now... go already!
(5)
Mark Y.

It kind of blows my line why people wait in line to get into Starbucks around the corner when they have one of the best coffee roasters in town just a block away. I have always dropped by during previous visits to Seattle for quality beans. Since I became a temporary resident of the city two weeks ago (here for another month and a half), SCW has been my go-to place. The drip is always fresh and well brewed. They have a coffee bar, where you can get individually prepared cups of coffee using your favorite brewing methods. Their wifi is fast. The baristas are super cool, very personable, and really know their products. And finally......they have Mighty O doughnuts! What's not to like? Ditch the Starbucks and give SCW a try.
(5)
Matt H.

The "Slow Bar" is amazing! The staff is extremely knowledgable and friendly. The staff interaction with customers is second to none. A must stop for all who visit Seattle. I will be back any time I'm in town.
(5)
Cory D.

By far my favourite stop in seattle, and why shouldn't it be? The staff are friendly and knowledgable, the coffee is delicious no matter how you order and the slow bar offers a coffee experience that is sure to expand your coffee horizons. I have always been impressed by the way the staff treat each customer with respect and do their best to help them get the best possible drink. The products that they sell are top notch just like the beans that are roasted on location and are reasonably priced. I would list this as an essential stop for any serious coffee drinker that visits seattle.
(5)
Angela C.

So I'm finally back in Seattle, and once again we make a stop by Seattle Coffee Works - it's in a prime location on Pike Street right across from Pike's Place Market, so its just very convenient to come here. They renovated and expanded the place from when I came several years ago. It has a lot more tables for people to study at. The coffee was as good as I remembered - smooth and creamy with just the right amount of heat so you don't burn your tongue. I was a bit disappointed that they didn't do any artwork on my latte though.
(4)
Kelly L.

had a hot chocolate instead of coffee, it was good! not too sweet. my frd had a americano, it was not as strong as wut we thought, but the texture was pretty smooth!
(4)
Kelly C.

Wow! Mother of all grouchy baristas! After ordering my friend asked for directions to the restroom and the barista mumbled directions and nodded her head toward the hall, my friend headed in that direction and then the barista YELLS across the shop "to your RIGHT! YOUR OTHER RIGHT!! JEEZ Its RIGHT in FRONT OF YOU!". Ok! If that wasn't enought, when I asked for a glass of water with flowers that i picked up for a friend in the hospital and a vase in my hand, she glares at me and nodds her head toward a pitcher of water. When I get a glass and set the flowers down she shouts over the bar, "you can't do that in here, you're going to make a mess! Go OUTSIDE" Whoa!!! Ok well I'm not going to be very concerned with politely cleaning up the little bit of water on the table after being treated like that so I went outside without bothering to wipe it down and she CHASES me outside to yell at me somemore! Really, I understand that you are close to Pikes Market and you must get people and tourists in all the time, many with flower and other purchases, some may even make a mess and a few might be rude enough to leave it for you to clean up but by coming off with that kind of and attitude, (before i even had the chance to do anything much less grab a napkin to wipe down the table!) you are not going to win anyone over and actually encourage people to be less courteous. They are only reacting to how you treat them! On top of this, she left out the vanilla in the vanilla latte I ordered and the drinks were very mediocre. If you have to get coffee in the area you are sadly better off at the Starbucks across the street. Disappointed - in your coffee and your employees!
(1)
Liz T.

I'm a coffee lover and was so excited to try different coffee shops while in Seattle, I did love my experience at Seattle Coffee works. They had different brewing methods, but the staff weren't really experienced in the methods as they were reading instructions, but it's okay because their beans are awesome. I think that maybe the people just like regular brew style. No matter, the staff is super friendly and knowledgeable about the beans themselves and a great help. I purchased like twelve packs of beans and some for gifts :) will definitely return to Seattle works!
(5)
David B.

Load blowingly good coffee. Way to ruin coffee for me forever Coffee Works. They know their stuff. This is one of those places that just "gets it" and does it right. Great latte and cafe au lait, awesome latte art, you can tell these folks are passionate about their craft. If you are in Seattle and love coffee, you can't miss this place.
(5)
Hannah L.

There are few places that pull me away from a chance at Clover coffee, and this will be one of them. That means something, people.... Nestled in the horrific abyss that is the Pike/Pine/First Ave ring of hell (not sure what's worse - the trash or the presence of the Hard Rock Cafe), it's a welcome respite from the noise outside. Not to mention, a place for coffee lovers to really nerd out (as the man often accuses me of doing!) over the fascinating cold drip apparatus at the back of the Slow Bar. Cold water drips through the grounds over several hours, yielding a rich coffee syrup that the shop uses in its iced coffee. Which I have yet to try...but will on the next warm spring day. The staff was very friendly and helpful, and my Americano was rich with a perfect dark caramel-hued crema. They also offer French press and vacuum pot brews, plus everything else standard in an espresso bar. Roasting their own beans next door, and doing their best to work with and source directly from farmers, are two more important reasons I'll be back to Seattle Coffee Works any chance I get!
(5)
C W.

Very approachable and knowledgeable staff. Great environment with locals waiting by the door before they open. Comfortable atmosphere and has a strong community feel. Oh yea, and a great cappuccino.
(5)
Heather H.

Its an alternative to Starbucks, but the only thing this place has going for it is its slower brewing methods for coffee. You can sit in a separate area where you can watch your coffee being brewed and piped through a beaker like glass. I pretty much deem the mochas, lattes, and cappuccinos like most everywhere else in Seattle = same. They do serve Might Leaf tea but mine was steeped so weak I was left super unimpressed. The environment was cozy in leather chairs, plenty of seating amongst the walls etc. Good things: they have a really good wifi!
(2)
Sarah M.

I'm furious at myself for visiting SCW on my last day in the city. I got a regular latte but it was divine. Service was great, both people behind the counter were super nice. I visited around 10 different coffee joints during my trip - these guys were the clear winner! Also...they were playing bluegrass music and I really dug that. Highly recommend.
(5)
Randy L.

Really good coffee, roasted on site. Counter help was friendly and unpretentious. My espresso was prepared perfectly. Nice alternative to the crappy tourist trap coffees in this area!
(5)
Francesca L.

4 stars for being contacted by SCW. 0 stars for me for losing that email. If I recall, the question was what coffee I did like. My fave for hempy coffee is Wayward in Ravenna on 65th. Smooth coffee, balanced latte, easy going staff.
(4)
karim j.

Best coffee i've had in a while. The employees were knowledgeable, but were not pretentious at all. This place is a must if you're in Seattle.
(5)
Dennis J.

If you like coffee, the slow bar is a must. It's like sitting at the bar where the bartender knows what they're doing. They talk about the different methods of brewing, suggest which of coffees might suit your tastes and then chat about what they're doing as they make it and why it helps make the cup of coffee you get excellent. And it will be excellent. We had an Indonesian coffee made via french press and it was one of the best cups of coffee I've ever had. And it was only $5! For two cups of coffee and excellent service. That's ... ridiculous.
(5)
Alex G.

Although there was a certain charm about the old tiny space, where you could see over the bookshelf into the other store and there was a curtain that you could go through into the store next door and thats where you'd have to use the bathroom, the coffee here is the best I have ever had. Before expanding, I feel the service was, not only actually attentive back then as well, but maybe the friendliest experience in Seattle coffee. But alas, they still receive five stars because the new space is nice and this is still the best coffee I have ever tasted. I had a mocha frost the other day and it tasted like all of the best chocolate drinks mixed into one (ie. fraps, frosty, shakes). The Obama Blend is the only coffee that can go through my low end espresso maker and still taste amazing. I recommend going here whatever chance you get.
(5)
Derrick V.

Nice small place to grab some espresso or some drip coffee near Pike Place. The people here are really friendly and make the espresso drinks extra frothy. They even had an "Obama Blend" of coffee for sale. I don't think I saw any Republicans in Seattle!
(4)
Tim S.

I've been to a lot of coffee shops and cafes, but have never found an overall experience as wholly pleasurable as my visit to SCW. I've been to shops that had friendly staff and so-so service, and stores that had great coffee but surly or bored staff. SCW breaks the mold: the staff was knowledgeable, friendly, and ready to talk about their coffee, which was excellent. I had a French press pot in the Slow Bar, and you can believe I'll be going back to try other brew methods and hear the baristas enthuse about what makes a great cup.
(5)
Julian B.

There's one thing that always stood out to me about Seattle Coffee Works and that was the purity of their coffee. I've never had a cup of coffee taste so clean. I think that speaks volumes to the quality of the place as a whole. The world slows down a little when you're drinking your coffee, like the entire world of stress is lifted off your shoulders. They have my favorite mocha in the city. I don't know what the barista's name is but the staff is great. They seem very down to earth for people at a coffee shop, I've even shared a laugh with them once or twice. Please skip the original Starbucks just down the street, this place is the best coffee you can get right next to Pike Place.
(5)
Samantha L.

Fantastic atmosphere, very bright, sunny and inviting. While exploring the area around Pike Place Market last fall, Andy and I wanted to try a non-Starbuck's while we were in such a fantastic coffee-centrist city. Lo and Behold: Seattle Coffee Works. Phenomenal laid back vibe, super friendly baristas (one of which we coincidentally went to college with, at Drake University). And one heck-of-a Iced Chai Tea. I would definitely recommend this place to another passerby, friends, (and obviously) fellow yelpers.
(5)
Kristen P.

We live on the north end of seattle. I usually like coffee with my cream and sugar, but after checking the website for this place I was excited to come taste some coffee to find some I liked without all the sugar and cream. We waited until after the "morning rush" but were quick to realize that "the coffee education" that other people were talking about, was infact not an education. Yeah we got coffee. "Here you might like this". Nothing on where it's grown or the types of brewing, or even pointing us to the slow bar. I was frustrated because I was expecting a different experience based on the website talking about "tasting". The coffee that we did have was mediocre at best. Even the slow bar is just a cup of coffee not tasting different coffees or brews. Do not be misled by the advertising on the web page. Our experience was not good.
(2)
Jimmy P.

Best iced chai tea latte of my entire life. Right across the street from Pike Place Market but it wasn't overcrowded. I'd love to try other drinks or snacks there, although I did see a little fly near the bagels.
(5)
Jess C.

Hm... I don't think I have good coffee taste buds because Seattle Coffee Works was above average, but not mind blowingly above average...
(3)
Jason R.

Single-origin Panama macchiato: fruity with depth of flavor and a smooth but substantial mouth feel. Nice art even in a macchiato. A return trip for something simpler was just as good. I appreciate the skill.
(5)
Kristi H.

Stopped here on a whim as we were wandering through the market area. Hands down the best latte I've had anywhere and my partner said the same about his mocha. I felt like I didn't know enough about coffee to really "get" this place to the fullest. Wish I lived closer so I could be a regular and learn!
(5)
Rachel H.

The hubby and I are coffee snobs, we even have our own pro espresso machine at home, so going to Seattle was akin to visiting Mecca for us. We thought Seattle Coffee Works was the best of the many places we sampled. We brought home some beans, the Ethiopian variety, and WOW, so good. My latte was the best I've had, and my husband felt the same way about his cappuccino. We will be back on our next trip, and in the meantime, we'll be ordering beans online. Highly recommend!!
(5)
Amy L.

AWESOME LATTE!!!!!! This is the best latte I've ever had in MY LIFE!!!!! Service was okay; no one was rude or condescending, which was definitely a plus.
(5)
Rob T.

Our office buys all our coffee beans here -- the roasts are all delicious. The drinks they make are some of the best in the city. I love the lattes as they do a great job, treating the whole process more like a science experiment. It is very clear that the folks who work there love to make GOOD drinks and are not too concerned with getting people through the line.
(5)
Marilyn T.

It's hard to compete against Starbucks when you're in Seattle, but Seattle Coffee Works holds its ground. They only have one cafe location, which is right next to where they roast it. I like that their drink menu is simple but has good explanations for the nuances between different coffee drinks. The soy latte wasn't as strong as I would have liked, but it was very smooth, and I appreciated the latte art in the foam. They also have more unique options like french press, pour over, etc, which is a nice change from other coffee chains. They know their brews well, so take advantage of your baristas. I'm all about supporting solid, local roasters. Too bad they're not open later at night for when you're in the Pikes Place area after dinner.
(3)
Jk V.

The best coffee we had on our trip to Seattle. We had a hard time finding good light roast coffee. Coming from SF, I'm a fan of light roasts from Blue Bottle, Ritual, and Four Barrel. I like to taste the flavors found in the bean. I do not like to taste the roast. All the other coffee I tasted in Seattle tasted burnt and overly roasted. Chatted the barista up a bit about the Yirgacheffe. Nice guy, although he was a little snooty about french press (he was too good for it). He also gave us recommendations for other places to try coffee in the city. This is where I'll go to get my coffee when I return to Seattle.
(4)
Katy H.

After walking by a dozen or so times over the last year I finally ducked in to Seattle Coffee Works on a particularly rainy day. I'm not a big coffee person so I ordered a chai tea. The man who took my order was incredibly friendly. When my order was up (2 teas) I couldn't really manage the big, full mugs all by myself. Instead of having to take them over to the table one at a time he offered to help me. It was really thoughtful and unexpected. Then when it was time to leave, I packed up my things and he semi-shouted a very happy, "Goodbye, have a great day!" Loved the tea, loved the service. It was all great!
(5)
Elizabeth O.

Great vibe, super friendly staff, and delicious coffee. A REAL coffee place...don't go to a chain. Super fun to slow down and sit at the bar and get a chemex brew or vacuum. If you appreciate coffee at all, this is a must do!
(5)
Sasan A.

Very slow service. The coffee was OK. Lots of sitting area.
(3)
Brian C.

Great coffee, but understaffed.
(3)
Linda T.

good chemex coffee..really liked the Kenya blend. didnt get a good vibe from this place, however. it is a small coffee shop in busy downtown next to Pike's place/public market. parking costs a lot. service wasnt too friendly. yes, restrooms are for customers only, and I was sitting there for more than 20 minutes drinking my large chemex coffee and reading a book.
(3)
Janice L.

First off, let me say that I'm biased towards the smaller, more home-grown coffee shops. Don't get me wrong, I love my Starbucks/Peets'/Philz... but these places are just a breed of their own. ... and this place is no different. they know their coffee and one morning, I was just desperate for a cup of coffee. I saw this coffee place on my way to Pike Market and just had to stop in for a small cup. I love my coffee on the creamier side, so I opted for their Breve types. Got myself a Breve hazelnut latte and thought it was mighty delicious. definitely worth a stop in if you're in the area!
(4)
Albert C.

Ever since, they moved up into the bigger space, it is a downhill path possibly because their target customer segment is tourist-heavy. The service is a 'hit or miss'. You may get excellent service one busy day and the next not-so-busy-day you may get a complete opposite experience. Though I am a member of their coffee club and used to buy beans from them every week, my last experience did it for me. The guy literally threw my tin can around and eventually dropped it on the floor; hesitated whether or not to wash it and looked at my face, got a read on my reaction. He proceeded to wash and without drying he wanted to place the dripping can on my newly purchased beans. And when I warned him, I got an attitude in return. This was a couple of months ago and I still can't drag myself into their store. On the bright side, I discovered excellent roasters not too far from them with delicious brews. If you are a local or have some time to go beyond Pike Place Market and extend your reach towards Capitol Hill; on your way up, Victrola and (definitely) Cafe Vita are very good alternatives. If short in time, this place may do, if you are lucky to get one of their better staff members.
(1)
Judy P.

Great coffee, friendly folks. Awesome place to hang out.
(5)
Charles C.

This little spot gets lost amongst the hustle and bustle of the tourist draw that surrounds it, however it should be known that they brew some of the best coffee in the area. Though over-shadowed by that gargantuan mermaid, the craft and art that establishments such as these put into their cups of joe, should truly be what puts Seattle on the map for coffee.
(4)
Niels J.

I went for the Slow Bar experience, and I was blown away by the awesomeness! Poncho (i think?) made me an awesome siphon pot of El Salvador coffee, and talked me through all the details of the process and what to expect from the cup. It turns out, he's also the roaster!!! so I got a cup of coffee prepared just for me by the guy that makes the magic happen. This place is very cool and the coffee is excellent. A bright cup with very little bitterness to it. And just across the street from Pike Place fish market. Everything that's good about Seattle, right here.
(5)
Diego S.

They had a little art opening for a local photographer, I loved it! Support local artists and companies! I all for it, this will definitely be my local coffee joint for some time, unless I go on my no coffee diet! I'm officially off of that in 2010! Back on the caffeine!
(5)
Kyle U.

Good beans, decent service. The Barista was funny, weird and quick witted. Clean, open atmosphere. I prefer this to any corporate store.
(3)
Vee H.

I ordered the mocha with hemp milk... Absolutely DIVINE! Before this experience, I had not had a mocha in 10 years. I definitely will not start... I realize what a unique experience the mocha at this place is. Just take a straight shot of espresso and revel in the sweet and complex flavors of their coffee.
(5)
Ashley W.

Finally!! Amazing coffee available at the Pike Place Market that is NOT Starbucks. Thanks, Seattle Coffee Works, for making my time in Seattle amazing. Great coffee, great employees, a great place to study/work for 3 hours without feeling like you're in a tourist trap. My ONLY con: My breakfast sandwich didn't have much taste (the mushroom, egg, and cheese sandwich)...although some salt and a dash of hot sauce would have done the trick. WIll I be back? Hell yes! I'll be back tomorrow, with a book in my bag and a smile on my face.
(5)
Clayton H.

Coffee and chai were flatly average (borderline) and service was sub-par. Cannot see how or why it has been reviewed so highly.
(2)
Jenny K.

we wanted local coffee near pike's place. ordered an iced coffee. it was brewed toddy style which is a cold brew over many many hours, not the usual hot coffee over ice. Food Network was there filming the afternoon we dropped in. we asked the cashier about the filming. she said that they were going to do a special brew for the show. so maybe you will see me as a customer at Seattle Coffee Works on a future episode of Bizarre Foods. haha.
(4)
Sue Y.

Loved this little coffee shop near Pike's place. Doug, the apprentice roaster, even gave us a little tour of the roaster and the back! Wonderful wonderful service, really bright pink donuts, and delicious coffee! =)
(5)
Shaula M.

I am blessed that Sebastian moved into my tough neighborhood and has stuck it out, and happy to see his forest of good reviews. I rank Seattle Coffee Works in the top tier of local coffee shops and one of only 3 (the others are Victrola and Vivace) where I'd dare order a cappuccino. I have never had a bitter pull here and the espresso smells rich, not acidic. My spouse is the mocha fan, and they score with their chocolate - no hershey's here! When I'm being a good girl, I stick to tea, and Mighty Leaf is an excellent choice. They have a small but thoughtful food selection - they put a toaster out for the bagels and have added a microwave for the little quiches. For that guilt-free afternoon break they have an assortment of tiny seed-based cookies and single chocolates. If you are downtown on foot and seek a superlative coffee experience, this is it. It's mere steps away from Pike Place Market, just up Pike.
(5)
Samantha M.

Right next to Green Tortoise Hostel, downtown, making it the perfect location for travellers and people wandering downtown. Free WIFI (However, my friend couldn't connect, so the connection may be a bit iffy.) Literally the BEST hot apple cider I have ever had in my LIFE, hands down. Friendly, smiling employees. Ample outlets for laptops. Good for small group meetings.
(4)
K D.

Skip the espresso and order a French Press of any beans in the shop. Seriously, they are some of the best. I've had beans from roasters such as Intelligentsia, Victrola, Lighthouse, Stumptown...you name it, and in my opinion, none top Seattle Coffee Works. The Guatemala Trapichitos is one of my favorites with it's hints of walnuts, chocolate and brown spices. For something a bit bolder, try the 111 Pike Street Blend, which leaves the lingering flavor of chocolate covered blueberries on the palate. Another stunner is the Panama Bouquete Golden, which is like drinking a cup of sweet toasted pecans. If you prefer something a little more complex, try the Columbia Huila Monserrate with it's burnt toffee notes or the Kenya AA Igutha which has all the character of a top Amarone della Valpolicella. The best beans in Seattle. Bar none.
(4)
Lisa R.

Great place to relax and enjoy a tasty cup of Joe. It was a quiet Monday afternoon and the overcast had us hankering for something hot. We wandered into this place to escape the mayhem at Pike's and ended up spending a good hour enjoying conversation and coffee!
(4)
Michelle B.

Firstly, let's get this straight: I am NOT a coffee drinker. The times I do drink it, I generally feel the need to add sugar. However, I decided I needed to get coffee from a local shop - not Starbucks! - during my second visit to Seattle. Seattle Coffee Works ended up being that place! I ordered a mocha, and I was fully prepared to go adding sugar to make it to my taste. I took a small sip to see how much I'd need to add, and I was astounded! It wasn't especially sweet, but it tasted so good! Also, the foamy texture was better than anything I'd had before. The cherry on top was that it wasn't lava hot when I got it; it was ready to drink right away. Lastly, the baristas were friendly and helpful, and the atmosphere is quite charming. If you're in the area, don't miss this place! Unfortunately, I now need to return to the midwest, high expectations for mochas in tow...
(5)
kate y.

Great Coffee. Great Service. Cool man always drinking coffee outside. What more can you ask for? I couldnt figure out where to buy the butt-load of coffee that i want to mule back to cali. I hesitate buying starbucks, seattle's best or tully's coffee not because I'm so snooty about it (im not *that* snooty-- only slightly with no basis), but i just feel like i should get something that I can't pick up at the local safeway. something unique to seattle-- like.... great independent roasters in seattle?! I do have to say, i really appreciate their service. I was the stupid out-of-towner that spent like 10 mins figuring out my order and the barista (only worker at that time!) spent another 10-15 mins grinding the 2.5 lb of coffee to the different consistency that I need (french press, drip and espresso) and making my drink. Thank you so much!! altho, another testimate to this place is how the patrons keep waiting even tho my order was taking so long... there's must be something they love about this place... it's in the coffee :) .... how can you not love a coffee shop that has an 'obama blend'? [Kenyan and Indonesian blend]... also, the space needle is like rocket fuel.... rocket fuel....
(5)
Gee C.

In the land of Starbucks this is the best coffee in the area. If you are ever near Pikes Place Market make a point to stop in.
(5)
Catriona C.

Walking around Seattle left me craving the most touristy of experiences - a cup of Seattle's finest coffee. Still on a caffeinated trip from my coffee at Tully's ( yelp.com/biz/tullys-coffâ€¦ ), I figured I needed to top up with a more local brew. The giant sign above the shop drew me in. Inside, it looked like your average hipster coffee joint - complete with jazz gently drifting from the stereo. A (non-tattoo'ed) hipster barrista. A menu with yet new types of coffee being served that I have no idea what they mean. Usually I am too embarrassed to ask - feeling like I missed the coffee-lingo class at school - but I plucked up the courage to enquire. My hipster barrista was very happy to explain - hurrah! No looks of scorn - that in itself makes this shy kid happy. It took a while for my mocha to be served - but this is more a warning for those who like to rush everywhere - I was on holiday - I had all the time in the world. I preferred my earlier mocha from Tully's - but this one was served very prettily, and was perfectly enjoyable. Perhaps next time in Seattle, I will try more places out to compare more, but I would, for now, say that I would go again. Definitely a place that encourages you to mooch, and to savour, rather than the fast food feel of Starbucks. ** UPDATE ** I don't normally do this as I like to stand by my original reviews, but today, I'm in a good mood. I originally gave my review 3 stars as although I enjoyed my coffee, I had preferred a previous cup at another establishment, as noted above. However, I have had a couple of passionate messages from the owner - passionate in a positive way - which has made me reconsider my original review. He spoke about his passion for his business, and the desire to do well in a market overrun with competition, and not in the financial sense, but in the sense of doing well by his customers as well as his staff. My review had the original intent of stating that I did like the place, I had just preferred the coffee from elsewhere - without the intent to detract, or make it sound like this place was inferior. So, with the interest of fair play, I have upped to 4 stars - as I really did like the place and wanted to impress the fact that I like the relaxed atmosphere which would encourage me to return another time - the messages from Sebastian have compounded this interest. I hope this update makes this much clearer.
(4)
Lan N.

I don't care what people say. I love my Starbucks. It consistently tastes the same wherever I go. I ordered an iced coffee here, and it was not nearly as good and costs $1 more. They must not brew it double strength because it tasted watered down, and I didn't taste any vanilla syrup....
(2)
Evan M.

Drank a lot of coffee while in Seattle and this was the 2nd best place. The service was great, the Red Eye I had was excellent.
(4)
Lesley P.

Good mocha, good music playing, good service, no pretence.
(4)
Lisa E.

I discovered Seattle Coffee Works shortly after they first opened, and have been a fan ever since. Pipo and Sebastian are thoroughly excited about coffee, and this is what makes this shop so wonderful. I am thrilled with their own roast, the Space Needle Blend! You know it's good when you savor your cappuchino for longer than normal. This blend even tasted good cold--even the dregs! I'm serious! So, that being said, if I had more time during my workday I would hang out there and drink far more coffee than I should. The environment is so cozy and the people are friendly and extremely kindhearted. Everyone needs a respite from their crazy job, and this is just the place to stop and enjoy a quiet moment downtown with a cup of awesome coffee. Respectful people, fantastic coffee...a winning combination!!
(5)
Elizabeth D.

I was trying to find a great coffee place in central downtown and it was pretty hard. Sometimes I don't feel like trekking up to the Hill or to Pioneer square. Coffee works is in a perfect location and has awesome hours. They also have a really large variety of milks (hemp!), syrups, and coffee contraptions (french press, vacuum pot, espresso). On the downside, the Batista's are REALLY schmoozey. If the coffees weren't so consistently good I would totally avoid the place. My friends and I try our hardest to be in and out of here crazy fast. Lingerers Be warned!
(3)
riley k.

Seattle Coffee Works is awesome for many reasons. 1)they're a great alternative to the starbucks and seattle's best that inundate the downtown area 2) they're small and cozy, without being overly cramped or stuffy, and most importantly 3) they make amazing coffee and are super-knowledgeable about the coffees they are serving, and even offer different varietals from around seattle. The baristas here are true coffee lovers, and they want to make sure you're enjoying your coffee experience as much as they do.
(5)
Amanda H.

Delicious! True coffee experts are behind the desk. They are relaxed and still up beat that you know they drink their own coffee :) It is a place that all tourist should visit! They are doing something right to be in competition with other larger coffee places.
(5)
Logovo L.

This was the best place I could find around Pike's Market for a tasty espresso and went a couple of times. The service was on the slow side. Nice people though. The espresso machine didn't make very hot americano's. I know some machine's just work differently than others and some just don't get the water hot enough for my taste, but that still means I didn't get what I asked for when I mentioned that I wanted my americano really hot.
(3)
Ben G.

The barista is an artist, creating a work of art with every drink. OK, well at least the ones she can pour milk into (see my mocha in the photos). This is great coffee from people who have a passion for it.
(5)
b D.

Do not skip this tiny shop. If you are a coffee connoisseur, or just like to have options for your espresso, or need a place to take a friend for a quick doppio, this is it. The place for coffee in Seattle. Nope, there's no "coffee house" vibe. There's not much room to sit, even. But the coffee. Ooooohhhhh, the coffee. It's good. And the people who work there are great. Totally knowledgeable and friendly. I actually believe these people love coffee more than I do, and they definitely know more about it.
(5)
Melanie F.

i want to work here. came on a saturday and there were 4-5 guys behind the counter, all very friendly, messing around with each other but at the same time getting things done! they really add to the atmosphere and ambiance of the place. a lot better service here than at stumptown. i like their slow bar. its like the quiet, more mellow area. the workers cleaned the tables and made the guest area presentable looking after a wave of people would leave their trash behind. wish they were open later.
(5)
Johnny J.

Totally amazed by this place. you can tell they've been there and done that but who hasn't in Seattle? The thing that sets them apart is their focus on detail. Amazing coffees and made with a desire to get the best taste always. Thanks for making my trips to Seattle so good.
(5)
Farnoosh B.

Phenomenal place not just because of their amazing coffee - hey I quit coffee years ago and I made an exception here twice! - but because of the warm, amazing, compassionate and kind staff. They are entertaining; they care so so much about their customers; they are kind and let you stay after they have stopped serving and they carry on some of the best conversations with you. The coffee is PERFECT. Nothing more to say! THANK YOU Seattle Coffee Works, you guys ROCK!
(5)
E D.

Truly awesome espresso drinks in a great location to work a bit, chat with friends, bring the out of town visitors and chill. Representing Seattle coffee to the world and right across from Pike Market! Nice staff as well. Just watch your stuff as it is a high pick-pocket area.
(5)
Jen B.

Fabulous no matter what drink you get. The owner? or whoever makes the drinks always takes time & effort to make a great drink- very creamy and flavorful. I was hooked after my first cappuccino and go everyday even though it's a half mile from my job!
(5)
Harry H.

And you go to Starbucks because you are a dumb fck
(5)
Tracy S.

You're walking down Pike towards the Market and need coffee. Sure, you can see Seattle's Best from quite a distance...but you might want to turn aside and into Seattle Coffee Works. They have multiple coffee beans a'blendin for your beverage. It's a cute little space, sort of what one might expect a local coffee shop to be. It's not glitzy. It's real. Real good.
(5)
Angela S.

Seattle=coffee This coffee was fabulous and the service was great. Free wireless too! Loved it
(5)
Michael N.

I had an cappuccino. It had a great balance between espresso, milk, and foam. The coffee flavor was also well-balanced--not burnt or too acidic like many other coffee joints. Very nice, indeed.
(4)
Michael M.

Good Stuff. Organic Stuff. Nuff Said.
(4)
Dan K.

Best coffee I had here in the duration of my trip. The baristas were extremely friendly and helpful too (not helpful to me, I just saw them guiding many clueless people through tasting and choosing good coffee beans.) This coffee joint really is a good escape from the hustle and bustle of Pike's Place. Sometimes the crowd can give you quite a headache, so stealing a moment away to chill here is extremely ideal and recommended. DO get yourself a good cup of coffee and play chess with your friends! 5/5
(5)
Scot W.

Fantastic place, the coffee is always great. I have had the drip, the french press and a few cappuccinos. Always excellent, nice atmosphere, a great place for coffee lovers. They even offer vacuum brewed coffee, if you are willing to wait for it and pay a little extra. They roast their beans onsite and take their stuff seriously.
(5)
Eddy E.

Loved it. Great staff and excellent atmosphere.
(5)
Callie K.

This is the first coffee we had in Seattle and man did it hit the spot! It was raining and we were trudging along like good Seattle tourists to Pike Place Market to see the fish throwing, whatever, etc. I asked BF if we could make a quick detour to Seattle Coffee Works (only a block away from Pike Place) for a much needed pick me up. We hadn't put anything into our stomachs yet and it was already past noon. He agreed and we pulled over. A tiny coffee shop with only a couple other coffee drinkers already enjoying some house blend, I was happy to dry off and order a vanilla latte "for here". Fabulous foam with an intricate leaf design was delivered. BF believes it was the best latte he has ever had. I agreed it was pretty damn good.
(4)
Derek B.

This review dedicated to Megan B. This doppio felt like cream on my tongue. It dark, robust, and roasty, closely followed by an elusive spice that I failed to identify, best tasted on the middle-sides of my tongue. There were no tanniny drying qualities to speak of, and a loooooong raisiny finish. That's right, I said raisins. Now, I don't recall which beans they used for this, as there were quite a few (I want to say ten?) to choose from. This was not the best espresso in town, but it was very complex and artfully crafted and I will go back again and again.
(5)
Ian R.

I searched this place out on a recent visit to Seattle because of the rave reviews on here, and guess what? It totally rocks! My macchiato wasn't at all bitter and while I usually add a tiny bit of sugar ...I didn't want, or need to with theirs. Highly recommended and I'll be back next trip.
(5)
Megan B.

UPDATE 2/13/08: I love Seattle coffee works so much I might leave my husband for a coffee place. Well, not really of course. But it's not just the coffee that keeps me coming back. It's the whole experience. Sebastian is a great source of coffee knowledge, and is a passionate & hedonistic kindred spirit. I have learned more about coffee than I ever thought I'd know from him, and I'm sure I'll be learning even more in the future. __________________________________________________Â__ In our quest to attain the greatest espresso beans in Seattle, our quest finally brought us here, to Seattle Coffee Works. You see, we're absolutely OBSESSED with Vashon Coffee Co's Espresso Velutto, but I just can't bring myself to pay to have it shipped, and I'm sure as hell not going out to Vashon for coffee. Come to find out, Seattle Coffee Works sells the Velutto. Hooray for me! They also sell a wide array of microroasted beans (Borogove, Lighthouse,etc...), and will pull a couple of shots for you with any of those you like. This idea is genius to me. Why has no one done this before? It's like the Brouwers or Uber of coffee. Perfect for this city. We had only planned to stop and buy beans after work, so we put just 15 minutes on the meter, as they closed in that time frame. Almost an hour later, I left with a case of the caffeine jitters, a smile on my face, and a new friend (and NO parking ticket, thank you very much)! We got a comp espresso drink with our bean purchase, and so we purchased another one. Sebastian, the owner, made us get two different bean varieties so that we could compare. I had an espresso blend from Borogove (not the gitano, another one), and the huzz had one called seven something-or-other.... It was great to taste the differences between the two- mine being smoky and earthy and my husbands being bright and fruity. We thought we were done there. NOPE! Sebastian was the perfect host, talking to us about our equipment, our jobs, life, coffee.... he made us some deliciously velvety hot chocolates, we talked some more (mind you he's supposed to be closed). This guy is SERIOUS about coffee, and he loves to talk shop. Finally after about 45 minutes, we get ready to leave, but not before he sends us off with a final treat- a shot of the espresso velutto topped off with whipped cream and sprinkled with cinnamon. Needless to say, I'm in love, and I WILL be back for more.
(5)
Cecilia R.

Had my first chemex here. Amazingly smooth.
(4)
tong t.

Coffee was disappointing
(1)
Brad M.

My simplistic coffee needs were met two mornings in a row on my weekend trip to Seattle. A cafe au lait and a breakfast sandwich (with bacon) was excellent. Friendly service and a nice atmosphere. I will be back again next trip to Seattle.
(5)
Joel H.

This is a fantastic place in the heart of Seattle. I first came to Seattle 34 years ago and it is great coffee houses like Seattle Coffee Works that have made this the best city in the country. If you want a perfect cup of coffee and are near the Pike Place Market drop by Seattle Coffee Works. Joel
(5)
Shon R.

Great coffee, but its the staff that really sets this place apart. The only thing I hate about Seattle coffee shops is that the atmosphere can be a bit much sometimes. It's coffee people, calm down. But this place was different. The atmosphere and staff were all quite friendly. During my last visit, there was a guy in line who was obviously a tourist and asking all kinds of questions. My first thought was "oh no, this guy is about to get it." To my surprise, no one in line started huffing and puffing. The best part was that one of the staff members pulled the guy to the side and spent a good 10 to 15 minutes explaining coffee to him. It was a welcome change of pace from some of the other coffee shops in town. With so many coffee shops in Seattle, I find it very hard to label anyone the best. But I don't think anyone will be let down by Seattle Coffee Works.
(5)
Tim O.

Great way to spend a rainy Seattle day: sampling various roasteries' beans. We got 'The Works' which was 3 different cups each with a short double espressos from a local roaster. We ended up with the Costa Rican single source bean (like a punch in the mouth, in a good way), a house blend and a Bainbridge Island blend. All in all, a cool experience, even if I couldn't pick up on the nuance in each cup. (Really? This one should hints of lemon zest? Because it taste like strong-ass coffee to me!). I'd recommend making them a macchiato (wee bit of milk) to cut the bitterness factor.
(4)
Tom J.

This place is a delight. Don't be in a hurry, but do enjoy slowing down and figuring out what they can fix for you. Try the vacuum. The staff have people skills beyond belief.
(5)
Cherry M.

This place is in a perfect location by Pike Place Market. It has great seating options if you just want to hang-out, outside seating so you can people-watch, but most importantly, a life-changing macchiato. I tried it and decided it's a drink for the big kids. Wow. Coffee lovers and those needing a jolt in the mornings should give it a go. I, however, will stick to the much less caffeinated single shot mochas. And thanks to this place, I've finally figured out why I like some mochas more than others...more milk, less espresso. The baristas go out of their way to educate you on the whole coffee experience. Pretty cool.
(4)
Tyler K.

This is the number one place to go in all of Seattle for someone who is not yet familiar with the truly amazing Seattle Coffee Scene. Starting here allows you to experience several different Seattle Roasters in one comfy, well done shop. Customer service is better than almost any other place on earth, and more than that, they truly know what they are doing as well. Sebastian and Darrel pull the best shots I have ever had. Additionally, I am from the Chicagoland area, and so yes, I have had Intelligentsia and let me announce to all you yelpers, This place has exponentially better espresso. Yes, I meant that last sentence. So if your debating a trip to intelligentsia to try some world-famous coffee, don't bother and order some coffee from SCW instead. I cannot properly express how disappointing Intelligentsia is after experiencing what coffee can really taste like out there at Seattle Coffee Works.
(5)
Tyler C.

The best coffee in town! The vacuum pot is a must have!
(5)
Michelle B.

"Starbucks Sucks!" is what you are likely to hear most coffee snobs proclaiming in a knee jerk reaction to this corporate giant. If you say that when you walk into Seattle Coffee Works you are in for a big surprise. Sebastian and crew know their coffee *so well* that they are actually able to defend Starbucks! These guys understand that Starbucks paved the way for gourmet coffee and they are not afraid to give them the props they deserve. This is a refreshing change and sets the perfect mood for you to indulge in what they have termed "The Works." The Works is akin to a beer sampler, but instead of different brews you get different roasts of beans from various micro-coffee roasters in the area. Tasting the different cups next to each other will really allow your inner coffee snob to come out full force! If you're not up for the full meal deal you can always just order up a good old fashioned cup of joe, throw in some cream & sugar, take a seat in the back of their shop, and play on Yelp!
(5)
Jason T.

Very good experience. It's really cool to get to choose from several blends for espresso, which is usually not possible in most shops due to the logistics of having several commercial grinders compete for space. What makes this place particularly good? if you don't like the particular blend you sample, they'll make you something else. Since they buy from small roasterias that tend to have quirky preferences, there's a fair chance you'll have something that isn't quite to your liking, but with espresso, when it's on, it's on. It's a great place to experiment, and taste the differences of various blends and roasts.
(4)
Geoff C.

Stop in. Talk to Eric. Try the Trifecta brewed Bali coffee. Be happy.
(5)
Felipe L.

Best latte in town, also great view of pike market area to enjoy people watching.
(5)
Ashley B.

The best latte I've ever had. It rendered me speechless. And the people are rad. Love. This. Place.
(5)
Kendra D.

Upon straddling the cobble stones of Seattle, we, as 1st time visitors, search for the non-Starbucks, the epitome of real coffee. Then BAM: SEATTLE COFFEE WORKS! The best coffee I have ever had! I'm talking about perfect temperature, perfect creaminess, perfect ambiance where you are devoured by surrounding coffee books, & comfortable enclavic nooks where your world can just nest itself within its booth. Ask the most knowledgeable staff to teach you the art of coffee and roasting. The pistachio croissant was amazing as well. Enjoy.
(5)
L K.

friend and i visited twice and got double shot espresso each time. the quality/taste of the espresso was not so consistent as the second visit brought forth a much richer taste. enjoyed the glass of sparkling water they served with espresso. will come back to try out the slow bar.
(4)
Arthur P.

Nice place to enjoy a good cup of custom made coffee, and talk a little about it, if you have the time. I had the Tanzanian blend, prepared in the 'Trifecta' and it was great!
(5)
Meg A.

Super-friendly service- I even saw one of the guys have to ask someone to leave... it was the friendliest kick-out I've ever seen. The interior is inviting and comfortable- rarely do I "hang out" in coffee shops, but this one made me want to sit and enjoy my smoothy the first time I went. It was also really entertaining to listen to the barista talk coffee with other customers. There is obvious care and passion for what they serve. And, the only food I've had there so far-- the lemon-apple tuna sammy-- was absolutely delicious. The best tuna sandwich I've ever had. Chunks of tart apple, slighly sharp cheese, not too much mayo, and the perfect roll/bisquit that was crisp on the outside and soft on the inside, but still managed to stand up to biting. No tuna squishing out the sides at all! Amazing. Highly recommended. Certainly blows all the other coffee shops downtown out of the water.
(5)
Mike J.

Not bad. I went in to get a slow brew and they did spend a lot of time preparing the coffee carefully and grinding it just right- but I was hoping for some more information and knowledge about the specific coffee I was interested in. I got a feeling that the server didn't know a lot about the different coffees and then I felt bad for the growing line I caused when my slow brew was a verrrry slow brew :) friendly enough and so on, but it lacked a bit of oomph that I'm used to at similar kinds of coffee spots in San Francisco.
(3)
Jake M.

People watching: awesome, it's downtown Coffee tasting: deliciously scientific Employees: not dicks I go here to pretend I'm programming but really get distracted with people and youtube. A perfect environment for that!
(5)
Hella D.

I find this place to have just the best coffee around. Also must say I enjoy the atmosphere.
(5)
Tegan S.

Me and my girlfriend were touring the area and decided to drop in. They had a sign right out in front describing the 5 steps of the coffee making process, so they don't take their coffee making lightly. My white chocolate iced mocha latte was the best I've had in my 21 years on this earth. Unfortunately my girlfriends iced vanilla latte was quite bitter, due to possibly a new girl behind the counter. But for me it's a great place near the market!
(5)
Nick M.

I've been visiting the various Seattle coffee institutions because I am a huge coffee nerd. So far, no one has deserved less than 5 stars and the tradition continues. I really like the slow bar concept -- I've not seen a place that does vacuum coffee on demand, which is pretty cool. I wish they had a wider variety of beans -- on offer were only some South American and an Sumatran. I'm more of a fan of the East Africans, but I got the Sumatran. It was a very good example, with good body and a rich flavor. Not as exciting as a great Kenyan, but I'm not going to penalize them for that as it is matter of variety and taste. I wouldn't penalize sout for not tasting like a Belgian triple either.
(5)
Matthew P.

Nice latte. Great cold brew. Certainly beats the bucks.
(3)
Stephanie C.

I ordered a cafe au lait with a small pump of chocolate and was really disappointed. It tasted water down and salty? The service was also a bit slow, but I figured maybe I'm just too used to the hustle and bustle of LA. But then, when the barista skipped over my boyfriend's order and made some other people's drinks who ordered after us, I wasn't too pleased.
(2)
KariSue F.

The coffee here is delicious! Now every time I venture to Pike Place I will make a point to stop here and grab a beautiful latte. It makes me happy when there is art and love put into my coffee.
(5)
Lady G.

Dare I say it? Better coffee than Starbucks. The barista really knows how to make a caffe americano tasty.
(5)
Anita C.

Was in Seattle for a couple days and already have been to this place twice. Was recommended by a fellow yelper and ever-so-glad I was! First, its a MICROROAST cafe!! The concept? "to bring together the area's most respected local roasters under one roof". The coffee experience: the smell of beans swept me off my feet. Ordered the macchiato/con panna and.. it was amazing! It was served italian style and I was more than impressed. Even watching him make the coffee was entertaining! Also had the french-press style coffee Kenyan roast: light and fruity. Can't wait to try the others! The environment: the smell! nommy nommy! A smaller than usual collection of cookies and eats but I think they chose the best of the bunch. I noticed how you can tell they pay attention to detail.. the placing of cookies int he cookie jar was .. so pretty!! Black bags of beans with a strip of masking tape to identify it was simple and definitely not flashy packaging. It was .. honest! Big open space and I think they are wi-fi friendly but I couldn't confirm, I was too soaked up thinking about the coffee to worry about the wi-fi! The people: friendly and informative! They have a vacuum pot that we wanted to try but since they just moved to their new splace three weeks ago, the whole coffee bar set up wasn't ready yet but we were given two free drink coupons to come back next time. I appreciated the expertise that the staff knew and the friendliness! Honestly, the four stars was just because I couldn't try the vacuum pot and half-mad that we don't have something as great as this in Vancouver. I'm not doubting that it will go up one more star the next time I try this place. I actually want to go back to Seattle just to have this coffee!! The only thing I regret is not looking at what the coffee silhouette looked like before trying to find this place. I was looking for a cartoony guy with a mug of coffee but the silhouette matches the store a lot better!
(4)
Evan J.

I would love to give this place five stars. They roast some of my favorite coffee in the city, and pull some great espresso. They're my go-to coffee place downtown (my current 'hood), and when asked, they're the only shop in the area worth visiting. The slow bar is a fairly unique experience in this city, and they offer a great rotating selection of single origin coffees for pour-over, french press or siphon pot brewing. Single-origin espresso is a must, as well. The things holding them back, however, are as follows. Coffee quality is variable (always at least good, only sometimes really great), and service often seems disorganized, especially on weekends, and especially with regard to the slow bar. The overall "flow" could be much better, and the decor feels fairly generic and corporate. This is not somewhere you come for the atmosphere, however! This is somewhere you come for really good coffee that you won't quite find anywhere else.
(4)
Akshaya M.

Ok, it begins with - I do not drink Black coffee. And then, it all changed... for the BEST! The vacuum pot of coffee @ SCW's slow bar , is the best cup of coffee I have EVER had. The entire process, feels like a lab experiment - takes about 5 mins from the start of the process to the end - and then you get this wonderful cup of coffee - as clean, pure as it can get! Go for the recommendations of the barista!
(5)
Samantha L.

During our recent trip to Seattle, my boyfriend and I made an effort to try as many coffee shops as we could. Midday Monday, we decided to check our Seattle Coffee Works. We ordered drip coffee (under $2). We asked what type of coffee they were serving and the guy told us it was the Emerald City Blend. For a big coffee city, I really expected and wished that the guy could have told us more about the coffee, other than the name, but maybe he thought we were already familiar with the varieties they had available. Eventually, my boyfriend did find some more information about their different coffee blends, on a laminated sheet of paper on another counter top. The staff was nice enough and the coffee was decent. It was served in a actual mug, which I enjoy and prefer over the typical paper cup. Unfortunately, there were doing some sort of construction on the bookshelf while we were there so it was really loud inside, which made the experience not as pleasant. But it was fine, we just chose to sit outside instead (They have a few tables in an covered/enclosed area right outside of the shop. I'll have to make another trip back someday- I think I just happened to come at a bad time. The location is just half a block up from Pike Place Market, so it's really easy to get to and there's plenty of seating. Notes: -They have an Obama Blend coffee. -They offer a slow bar. -They sell a lot of coffee accessories/equipment.
(3)
Jenny K.

Prime location by Pike Place. Fresh coffee, nice baristas and decent prices. Got a cafe ole and a mushroom/egg breakfast sandwich. Would like to go back for some French press soon!
(4)
Stan L.

after nearly passing out from my pike place market food tour.. i grabbed a cup of coffee here (i didn't want to be a tourist and go to the original starbucks).. their coffee was robust and flavorful.. it kept me awake enough to tolerate my wife's personal shopping tour..
(4)
Daren D.

Poked in the other day after lunch to check out their pastries 'n such. Waited behind a gal with a dog, briefly, then once I came forward, I told him just checking out the pastries. The dude over making the drinks with the hat seemed somewhat pleasant/enthusiastic. This guy didn't seem like it at all. Hum-drum and indifferent. He seemed to handle my asking what was in the Squash Bread okay. I got that, and it was good.
(3)
Mandy C.

Super pleased with this place. I really only ever get Americano's, which is nothing in itself special, but you can really tell the quality of the espresso shots being pulled when all you essentially have is shots and water as a drink. But I have to give Seattle Coffee Works some 1+ points on this one. I hardly added any cream to my drink, maybe just a tablespoon and it was still pretty amazing. The espresso shots were amazingly sweet and that bitter residual taste you'd usually have was almost if not at all, non-existent. To top it off? Awesome customer service and when I stepped in, they were playing Arctic Monkeys. *High Five*
(4)
Cindy T.

I'm not a Starbucks hater, but it's always a breath of fresh air when I walk into another coffee shop. This place was good and they actually spend time making your drink look pretty.
(4)
Steve V.

I first visited here several months ago to grab a cup of coffee "to go" and to buy a pound of coffee as a gift. I ended up buying a pound of the Obama blend (East African and Indonesian Sumatra blend). Now, I have returned for a sit-down coffee experience. Coffee: sold in 8, 12 or 16oz sizes. A 12oz drip coffee will cost you $1.90; $3.45 for a latte, and $3.95 for a mocha. You can also get a french press or vacuum pot coffee. Other beverages include teas, chai, hot chocolate, multiple blended options and italian soda. I've been pleased both times I have ordered the drip coffee. Nice roast. Food: they sell MightyO donuts and often have sandwiches from Pike Market....but the sandwiches have been known to sell out. Ambiance: decent-sized and not over-run by tourists (they are in the Pike Place Starbucks!). There are a number of square and circular tables plus a booth. Plenty of outlets and free wifi. Slightly above average noise level. They also have a small patio area with covering. Customer service: very friendly baristas; no complaints at all. I don't get to this area too often, but if I am back, I would definitely consider coming here again.
(4)
Taraneh A.

Absolutely amazing! Sebastian is SOOO knowledgable about coffee & is incredibly passionate about it. He gave us a brief Coffee 101 & enlightened us all. You MUST visit the slow bar, it is awesome! I usually drink coffee w/ cream & sugar, but that was unnecessary here. Naturally creamy & just heavenly coffee. Hands down the one of the beat cups I've ever had. :)
(5)
Joyce B.

Was not impressed by their coffee at all and am not sure why they had such high ratings. I'd rather get Starbucks across the street.
(3)
Jung Y.

Best coffee, I'll repeat....best coffee ive had so far. They know how to roast and brew their coffee. They mastered their coffee conneiseurship. My americano was on a different level. Owner of this place invests all his resources to perfect our cup. I wish more local coffee shops would follow this model to keep Star*ucks off our streets.
(5)
Hal C.

Still probably the best coffee I tried in all of my trips to Seattle. At the very least top three. I brought some back this last time and I've been enjoying the best week of morning/afternoon coffee in memory. If this place was in Chicago it would be packed constantly, but you guys have so many good places, so I understand why I'm able to get in there right away and actually sit down. Nice folks too. They'll talk to you, give good suggestions, etc. There's also a good happy hour beer deal. One time I got a coffee+ beer combo after a big bowl of pho. My stomach was pretty angry, but it can deal with it. Anyway, these guys have essentially guaranteed that I'll be back on most trips back west.
(5)
Dia M.

We were really excited to try this place based on the reviews. I ordered a cappuccino. It's what I do everywhere, since it's my preferred espresso drink, and I can compare on an equal basis. My espresso looked great, but was severely lacking. It had too much of an acidic taste. I couldn't finish it. My husband ordered a vanilla latte. I tasted his, it was not bad, and the sweetener masked the acidic taste enough so that he could enjoy it. All in all, we'll keep looking for the ultimate, must have espresso in Seattle that both of us can enjoy.
(3)
Heather W.

Pretty cool that this place is in the heart of the tourist section of Seattle. I like to play tourist in my city, but I'd rather not be relegated to Starbucks options, ya dig? The shining star of this establishment is their coffee bar (on the right when you walk in). Order a pour over or some fabulous science experiment that ends in a delicious cup of coffee. Trust me, it's worth the cost. If you're boring, there is always the standard latte...they do that well too. :)
(4)
Derek R.

First of all, they have great coffee! They're willing to educate you on their coffee and their processes. The location is perfect (two blocks from my office) The owner and employees take pride in knowing what makes good coffee. Trying to think of a negative... Homeless and riffraff loiter outside the place. I'm not blaming the folks at coffee works, but just warning some of the readers.
(5)
Cyrielle W.

Two stars big disappointment. Haven't been there since the shop changed. The quality isn't the same and the customer service sucks. Wanted to have a coffee after our lunch date, hubby and I didn't want to go to Starbuck, told him i knew this place had great coffee. Big mistake... hubby's Americano tasted like drip and my drip tasted like water with coffee residue all over the cup. We have a French Press at home, my coffee taste good and I don't get half as much residue in my morning cup.. Adding up to the attitude to the 3 persons that were working behind the counter.. You won't see us again!
(2)
Horis A.

Awesome coffee. Excellent service and relaxed atmosphere
(5)
brian p.

Roast their own. Excellent coffee, weak on pastries, friendly staff. Better than 'bucks
(5)
Shafaq C.

So, I'm adding a few stars to my review because promptly after posting my low stars for Seattle Coffee Works, I received a message from the manager James. James was disappointed that my experience only deserved two stars and did his best to explain that the hazelnut lattes at SCW aren't on the sweeter side unless requested. He offered to make me another coffee to make up for my previous experience and make it the way i like...he really tried to change my opinion of SCW, believing that they were better than two stars. I appreciate the effort. Unfortunately I left Seattle by the time I got the message, so I couldn't give them another chance. But for that effort SCW is now a-ok in my books, and i'm looking forward to giving them one more shot the next time i'm in town.
(3)
Ginny M.

Outstanding latte (taste) and some of the best latte art I've ever seen - and a fun downtown environment. Close to Pike Place but there is no touristy feel. As far as coffee places go, I'd give this a "5 star" rating even if, obviously, you won't find food of the sort you'd see in a 5-star restaurant.
(5)
Robin D.

Doug, Ryan and Ponch serve coffee that is the sweet nectar of the gods...
(5)
Matthew C.

So immediately out of SeaTac, and after a long flight, I proceeded directly to Seattle Coffee Works. The shop is nestled snugly between two Starbucks and right around the corner from scores of other shops. I was immediately greeted by a warm, cozy, wood-dominated environment where I could easily approach the smiling face at the counter, explore the retail shelf, or peek into the little cave of a slow-bar. Sebastian greeted me warmly, and lit up even more when I asked him about the components of the espresso - obviously a coffee-impassioned gentleman excited to be asked serious questions about his craft. Anthony, over at the Synesso, had Colombia Huila San Augustin and Seattle Space Blend in the hoppers and was eager to describe the differences and nuances of both. It was quickly decided that I had to experience both. Although the Colombia's crema appeared pale and uninteresting visually, it offered a very flavorful red grape and fuji apple sweetness which was quite pleasant on the palate, if slightly lacking in body -- overall, a very unique and worthwhile SOE experience. The Space Blend (which was described as a Brazil, Sulawesi, natural Yirgacheffe blend), was a much more typical, well-balanced espresso. The natural Yirg took the forefront immediately with a strong mixed berry flavor which faded into a milk chocolatiness with delicate hints of key lime tanginess in a very pleasant balance. I chatted at length with Anthony and Sebastian about manual brew recipes before retiring to the comfy seating area. This is definitely a must-hit when you're in the downtown Seattle area -- great product with knowledgeable, friendly, and passionate people serving behind the bar. Cheers!
(5)
Candice B.

Good coffee, and my croissant was fine, but my husband's pain au chocolat was not that great. Fairly big space for the busy Pike street, and there was a jazz musician singing loads of odes to his parents' relationship.
(3)
Brian K.

Unique coffee roasts. They even had a "which tastes better" coffee contest in which you sampled their coffee and a competitors (results unknown until later).
(3)
Renro D.

Just what a coffee shop should be! Great service, delicious iced mocha and bagel, and a cool soothing atmosphere.
(5)
Eva H.

Wonderful little hideout or resting spot from the hustle and bustle of Pike Place Market. Even though it's "right there" on Pike, walking through the doors brought a retreat from the loud market just outside. My bf and I were exhausted from sightseeing all day and I made a beeline for Coffee Works when I saw the sign. There are lots of tables to sit at, marshmallowy leather couches, and colorful art work on the walls- very cozy and inviting. The cashier was really pleasant and chipper. I got a vanilla latte and the price was definitely reasonable. My strong coffee came in a huge ceramic mug with a pretty latte leaf. Next to the Green Tortoise Hostel, this is a super convenient cafe, awesome coffee right down stairs? Woohoo!
(5)
Alexander N.

I was surprised at the good reviews that this place (generally) got. I've ordered a 'regular coffee' here twice and both times (the second in particular) it was incredibly weak. Like, hot, brown water kind of weak. So surprisingly weak that before I was finished I felt I had a duty to Yelp about it's mediocrity :-p. Dunno -- I know it's not going to be knock-me-on-my-ass strong like I can make at home but I expect some kind of flavor/bite. After all, it's coffee in Seattle -- we're supposed to have a tolerance for this stuff. On top of that, the last time I was here I sat at a table in the corner over by the window but the table was so wobbly I moved. No big deal, but then when I sat at a larger table with a couch/bench it was doing a wacky shack thing too. C'mon man! even the bench was wobbling! Are the floors here warped or something? Well lemme tell ya', tables perpetually experiencing their own little earthquakes don't go well with full cups of hot drink. Not impressed.
(2)
Rachel T.

Don't go to starbucks. Go here instead. First of all go for the coffee. It is excellent and strong in their lattes and mochas you can taste the coffee not just the sugar. Atmosphere is excellent, service is as nice and friendly as you can get. They sell beans if you want to take some home. Baristas are talented, very talented. Don't like coffee? Go for the Hot Chocolate. It is delicious, perfectly light and tasty and the right amount of everything you could possibly want in a hot chocolate, and yes there is barista art on your hot chocolate too-best I have ever seen and that just makes you smile and makes your whole day better (if the amazing hot chocolate isn't enough). Thanks for the amazing beverages
(5)
Niloo S.

So my friend told me to come here cause they have strong coffee and it's one of the original places in Seattle. It was good but it wasn't that strong, the latte was pretty good but it wasn't the best coffee I ever had. I think this is a big local hangout spot.m
(3)
Carlos P.

Really like this coffee shop. Good coffee, ordered a latte (latte art was a nice touch) and a mushroom breakfast sandwich, also very good. They offer free wifi as well. Friendly service, all you can really ask from a coffee shop.
(5)
Jessica R.

The only place where I will buy my beans. I love the "Seattle Sunrise" mix.
(5)
jason b.

Second best cappuccino ever! (The best being Java Nation in Beaverton, Oregon) Not bad Seattle, keep trying and you might catch up to Portland on the good-coffee front. It's located right across the street from the Hard Rock Cafe near Pike Place Market.
(5)
Slampig B.

The cafe au lait I ordered tasted like dirty bath water and the mocha latte tasted tangy. Way overpriced considering how they tasted. It was crowded so we headed over to the only seats at the slow bar area. Despite our coffees, the atmosphere was fine until we were rudely and abruptly asked to leave the bar area by the barista. Apparently if someone orders something from the slow bar, they rudely tell you to go to another seat. There was no sign or anything to advertise that the area was reserved for slow bar customers only. Since there was no where else to sit, we decided just to abandon our dishwater coffee and go to Starbucks.
(1)
Hanna C.

My husband really enjoyed his latte here. He said it was probably the best he had during our Seattle trip. The service was great as well. Cute and cozy place.
(5)
Jim D.

Wonderful! Roasted on-site beans.... I had an 8oz americano doubleshot about 6 weeks ago from here... and straight truth: i haven't had a better cup of coffee since. I drink coffee *every* day, all over town. I consider myself picky, my friends think i'm a snob. it was drinkable immediately, they nailed the water temperature. Most places make the americano too hot: (my opinion only) if you can't drink it right away, it's going to burn your espresso Maybe it was a fluke, maybe I got their best ever... but holy smokes.... i need to get back here. I need to get my life straightened out with a drink from their espresso machine... or maybe I need to never return, and let the flavors linger in my memory, never to be spoiled by an off-day or burnt beans.
(5)
Thigh C.

I bought fresh coffee beans here and I think it's just okay (Seattle Sunrise Blend). I asked for a subtle coffee bean and yep, it's missing some kick. That's my taste preference though. You might like it. I like their customer service here. They are approachable.
(4)
Ty R.

Stopped in on my way to Pike Place Market. The staff was very friendly, and the light coffee was one of the best I have tasted in quite some time. A great alternative to Starbucks and Tullys.
(4)
Patrick C.

Great local coffee, these guys are coffee geeks! and that's good. If you're from out of town, its a must. Of course free WiFi
(5)
Krystle C.

If you don't want to wait in the long line at the 1st Starbucks stop here. Quick service and if you are lucky a place to sit!
(4)
Jen P.

One of the best nonfat cappuccinos I've ever had. And it was huge! And in a mug! I really enjoyed relaxing here for a few minutes after a day of playing tourist downtown. It seems like a local joint, but tourists find their way in here too. It was a pleasant noise level, comfy chairs, and a really nice, warm break from the rain.
(5)
Leonardo H.

It's a mystery to me how I had never heard about these fine folks and the good work they're doing until one day I stumbled upon the store completely by accident. I had never heard its name mentioned even once among my coffee-loving friends and people in the coffee industry. One day I found myself walking around downtown, near Pike Place, and was attacked by an intense craving for coffee. I see Starbucks on the corner of Pike and, almost reflexively, I thwarted my eyes away from it. On the other side I see another coffee shop with a large life-size metal sign of a man with a cup in his hand. I walked in, and was instantly impressed by the display of various coffee brewing equipment on the shelves. I was excited to see the big Yama glass cold-brew tower dripper in the back and asked if they were currently using that for their cold brew. I have been interested in cold-brew coffee recently and trying to experiment with different methods. It's perfect for summer. This started a conversation between me and the barista, whose knowledge and passion for coffee was contagious and inspiring. I also got to meet the owners who had just returned from a trip to Brazil, buying some beans directly (Direct-Trade. Cred.) They seem to all be passionate and excited about coffee, the business, and how the trade as a whole as they shared about their goal of buying all their coffee Direct Trade. They were doing experiments with brewing methods and pour-overs at the "Slow Bar" and was happy to share it. They also roast all their beans on site, behind the cafe. So you know you're getting the freshest and they don't keep any beans older than 2 weeks on the shelf. For espresso, they have 2 options: a blend and a single-origin. Oh, and I guess decaf, if you want to count that. So 3 hoppers total. They rotate between different ones. And at the time, they were pulling espresso with beans from Bali (Kintamani, to be exact)! I was really excited about this as I had just spent some time in that area visiting coffee farms and always wanted to try it as espresso. I think they might be the only place (in Seattle, at least) you can find this Balinese goodness. It's very different from most Indonesian coffee. Bright, tangy, citrus--almost like a South American--but still has a lot of green herbaceous notes common in Indonesian. Great with milk too! Their cold-brew is done with Toddy now. They used to use the Yama dripper (the big science-experiment-looking thing in the back) but have switched to the more simple Toddy method as they've yielded better results from it. They're currently using the Tanzania, and it is excellent. The flavors just won't quit and will keep growing and transforming in your mouth. Almost tea-like with strong berries, it changes to sweet chocolaty caramel on the finish. It's quite an experience. And wait, what? 2.50 bottle of local microbrews during happy hour? I give these guys 5 stars and so much credit for being awesome. So glad I found this spot. I'll be spreading the word, for sure.
(5)
Jen C.

Awesome coffee lovers coffee shop located downtown across the street from Pike's Market. You know this place is legit based on the menu selections. Got the classic latte; you can always tell a place by the way it prepares the most simplist of menu items, and it was x-cellent. Expertly prepared, latte art and all. I love the concept of the "Slow Bar" where you can try a number of brewing techniques (pour over, chemex, vacuum pot, etc.), I meant to try it, but time got away from me and I didn't make it back in time. Next visit for sure. Don't miss out on this well known Seattle outpost.
(5)
Steve L.

I went for the coffee, but got epic customer service as a bonus. When I approached the bar, the barista, Josh, greeted me, and started selling me on the wonders of the Ethiopian Sidamo they were pulling espresso shots with. Sold! Great coffee, and it delivered on the promises. I sat in the cafe enjoying drink #1, but also watched how Josh and his fellow coffee genius behind the bar, were handling their job. Everyone that came in was treated with great care. The cafe's location on Pike, less than a block away from Pike Place Market, means that lots of tourists come in, many of whom are uninitiated to the awesome coffee scene that Seattle has to offer. These guys were patient with the out-of-towners, who didn't necessarily know what to ask for, and described why certain elements of the coffee process are important. This place has hit on to something beautiful - quality coffee that Seattle's coffee snobs seek out, and a welcoming spirit to visitors, which makes Seattle look great.
(5)
Mitchell A.

Yesterday I stopped into Seattle Coffee Works before heading out on a little road trip, my traveling companion and I wanted to grab something quick for the road. I ordered the Simply Beecher's sandwich that consisted of two small wedges (less than two ounces) of Beecher's AMAZING cheese on a hunk of nice bread... the "sandwich" was a disappointment but what was more of a let down was that I waited OVER 10 minutes for the staff to make it. I understand a place being busy but I noticed that the cashier (who was friendly, helpful and VERY apologetic) was the only person who seemed to be working...the baristia was working ONLY on his station and actually snapped at the cashier for not moving the cups down on his machine. There was also another employee who seemed to be puttering around and when the cashier asked for a hand, he was very casual and blew her off. There is a coffee place every 8 steps in Seattle, I think I will skip over this place the next time I'm near Pike Place Market.
(2)
Cassandra W.

In an effort to try only indie coffee shops in Seattle, I came across Seattle Coffee Works. And never left. Yeah, I tried others around the Market when I was there, but I kept going back to SCW. The coffee was velvety goodness in a cup. While I walked in with my Dunkin' Donuts reusable mug, the man behind the counter filled it for me daily with minimal ribbing. The people who work there are passionate about coffee, roasting, and brewing and were genuinely nice guys. I bought a pound of the Obama Blend to bring home for my Dad, but realllly wish I could have brought the store home instead.
(5)
Carly L.

I came back in today and yep, I still love it. The staff is super friendly and they made my day start out great with a wonderful americano. Thanks guys!
(5)
Pearl P.

Helpful and cheery staff. Had breakfast there. The tea is a bit oversized as is everything in America! Quite pricey. Had the chicken sandwich (6.99) which was absolutely delicious and massive enough to serve as lunch too! Warm cosy environment with a lively ambience. Would go back when I have a spare buck! :)
(5)
Abel J.

Made a quick stop to this shop for a drink and snack since I was exploring the Seattle area and it was freakin' delicious. I didn't go all hardcore, I just got a frosted mocha and a morning glory (a muffin). First off, that muffin was awesome. It sort of reminded me of carrot cake, but way better. It wasn't dry, it wasn't hard like a brick. I'd say it satisfies you for a while since it is somewhat dense. As for the frosted mocha, I'm not too sure how to describe it, but it is as if there were two layers to it. The main liquidy flowy portion, then there is the fluffy, thicker portion (I guess the 'frosted' part). Every sip of this drink was scrumptious. It wasn't too sweet, nor too heavy. I got this with the 2 shots of espresso, which complimented the drink very well. This location is super chill, not too loud. Would come here often if I could.
(5)
Robbin A.

I'm not a coffee person, but the boyfriend is, and he was quite fond of this place. It was decided that if we ever lived in the downtown Seattle area, he'd just come here all the time because he knows it's good and there's no other place he'd have to go. That said, if he lived far away from it, he wouldn't feel obligated to make the trip out. That's his definition of a 4 star. The boyfriend especially enjoyed the slow bar. I couldn't tell the difference as a coffee pleb, but he was impressed by the quality of the beans. Plus, he was on the lookout for light/light-medium roasts, and Seattle seemed to only have dark roasts. That said, because Seattle Coffee Works only carries light/light-medium roasts, the boyfriend was a happy camper. For me, I don't drink coffee...but they had an excellent selection of Rishi teas, which was really delicious. I had the Yunnan blend that they carried, and it was very good! Almost as good as one of my favorite teas from Red Blossom Tea! It was a wonderful surprise, and if ever the Crumpet Shop is closed, I'll come here and hope that they still have Yunnan in stock. I was here for PAX and they only had Yunnan in for one day. I was extremely sad that I couldn't just keep getting it for the duration of my stay, but that's okay. At least I know they have it! They also have a lovely selection of donuts and pastries. We had a chocolate donut and it was quite nice! I'll be sure to visit again once I'm in Seattle (mainly because I know the boyfriend will drag me out here...in a nice way, of course).
(4)
Sandee T.

Sipping. Coffee. Wistfully. ...all in good company, of course. On my list and with perfect timing, we ducked into SCW while the Seattle rain drizzled outside... * GET - House drip = good, not too strong * GET - Lattes x2 = warm & delicious...ask barista to make mine with good art even given the soy milk...she did a good job! * YES - Friendly baristas * YES - Large menu of available coffees * YES - Packed beans and coffee makers for sale * YES - Spacious, warm coffee shop with plenty of seating; tasting bar available too * FYI - Accepts credit cards * FYI - Free wifi
(4)
Dean L.

Great coffee and consistently-quick service are the hallmarks of this place. Why not 5 stars? A unique, somewhat Bohemian environment could also provide more breathing room. When trying to relax with a brew here, it always feels crowded--like people standing around you, waiting (which they are). This is a result of consumers clamoring for a great product, but it makes for a loud, compressed environment. Still, whenever we're in the area we stop in for a jolt.
(4)
Jean Y.

Excellent cappuccino in Seattle. Located few steps away from the Public Market. Definitely I would come here again when I am in Seattle. Cool decos, friendly people behind the counter, everyone seemed trying to leave you alone. Great coffee, service and atmosphere , that's all I need from a coffee shop in Seattle. Read from internet there are 424 Starbucks in Seattle! It is amazing I found a very good coffee shop in Starbucks town. Actually there are many non Starbucks coffee shops in Seattle. A coffee lovers town is Seattle.
(4)
Andrea B.

While visiting the Seattle area, I knew I had to try local coffee shops. I love coffee and I might be kind of a coffee snob. I spent some time researching coffee shops downtown since I was staying downtown and found Seattle Coffee Works. The iced coffee was delicious and the take home pound of coffee was great brewed from my home back in Louisville. The coffee is smooth, strong, but not bitter. The baristas were very friendly and helpful, and it was nice to relax in this spot right in the middle of a busy area of downtown. If you are in Seattle, I highly recommend visiting this coffee shop.
(5)
Christina G.

Seattle Coffee Works had high reviews so I decided to give it a shot-- I ordered a caramel latte but it was quite pricey ($4.50). Nothing to die over, but I did like the charming, old school atmosphere (comfy chairs) and pleasant vibe. Great alternative if you don't want to fight the original Starbucks coffee shop lines.
(4)
Teresa N.

Great cafe for the coffee snobs I am a coffee addict but I am not a snob. Here at SCW I had my first experience with vacuum coffee maker... very cool stuff. They barista took his time to educate us about their coffee beans and how he brewed the coffee with that fancy vaccum pot. The coffee was like $9 but now that I think about it, it was well worth more than that because of the barista's time and effort plus my experience! But FYI I honestly don't think the vacuum pot made it taste any different though. Four words, try the vacuum pot!
(4)
Tiffany K.

Good but didn't quite live up to the hype. Got a latte that was tasty but a little pricey.
(4)
Steve K.

Stopped in for hot chocolate and breakfast sandwich. No breakfast sandwich. That was the bad. I was sad and angry. Then my hot chocolate was bland and borong. I think they have me warm milk. Anyways, not impressed.
(2)
Steph F.

While in Seattle, what else do you do but drink coffee? After my morning coffee, I came here to sample more at their slow bar. If you have the time, I recommend trying the slow bar. The person who helped us out was very helpful and patient and explained the different types of coffees and methods of brewing coffee. We got to pick three different types of coffee to try. Definitely would like to come back to try more coffee the next time I'm in Seattle.
(4)
Jackson Y.

This place was on Andrew Zimmern's show. Supposedly, they import one of the worlds best coffee. $100 per bag or something crazy like that. I just got a latte. It was OK. Lacked in aroma, and they have cups and lids that doesn't close right. Or maybe I just don't know how to do it right. Whatever it is, I spilled some coffee on my shirt. Service was quick and swift. I like how the barista needed to announce that I had order a "Single shot" latte. Relax guy, I'm standing right next to you. But they do have a cool pour over here. The technique is out of this world. Wish I had time to explore that some more. Was in somewhat of a hurry, so I just got my latte and left.
(3)
Kirsten S.

GREAT mocha. Seriously. I dunno what they put in there but it was fantastic. Their drip coffee wasn't as great, but that could've just been because I was so enthralled with the mocha. Came here on a Saturday (oops, tourist-infested) and the place was packed. Long line, no seats, and kind of muggy inside due to the amount of people. BUT, the cashiers and baristas were like a well oiled machine. Walk up, order, coffee, out the door in 5 minutes. Pretty impressive! The location is a bit off-putting (depending on how you look at it I guess)--it's RIGHT next to Pike Place Market, which means the idea of getting parking is a funny joke. We ended up parking 4-5 blocks away and walking, which is fine because Seattle is a great city, but it may be a bit rough if it's raining hard. Also, there were some straight up loonies right outside screaming at each other and pushing one another around. I don't want to assume they were homeless, for perhaps they were just fans of Mugatu's Derelict fashion line, but it was a bit nerve-wracking to be honest. Made outside seating less appealing. Overall though, loved their coffee and think it's fantastic to get coffee other than Starbucks when possible. Seattle is a great city for coffee--go out and try something!
(4)
Amy G.

My non-coffee drinking friend took me here for good coffee, which says something about the kind of reputation this place has. Lots of options for slow bar coffee, espresso drinks, and teas if you're too hopped up from caffeine from all the other excellent coffee around Seattle.
(4)
Amber N.

In the heart of Starbucks land we wanted a spot of tea for me and coffee for the husband. This place was nice, not being a Starbucks. I had a nice and strong cup of Earl Gray, with the option of hemp or soy milk, Pacific brand. The husband enjoyed his coffee as well. The vibe of the patrons was more local feeling, and no one was taking pictures as if we were in Disneyland. The seats we sat on were close to the door and the one I had was a bit dingy. Looks like a lot of people have sat there and it's about time to replace said chair. But! They make a good cup of tea. :)
(4)
Kristine K.

Omg this place is so good! Definitely comparable to the coffee joints in LA. There is ample seating and if you order coffee from the "Slowbar" section, there are bar stools for you to sit and watch the barista craft your drink. We ordered a regular latte (medium is $3.55 wtf SO CHEAP) and a vacuum pot coffee that 17oz, which is easily shareable between three people. The staff is incredibly helpful, patient and kind, and ambiance is great! It's definitely a place to come for people who love coffee made in different ways.
(5)
Janny S.

Seattle is known for its coffee, and this one in particular was featured on Bizarre foods where Andrew Zimmerman paid a visit for a cup of coffee using their vacuum coffee-making method. This is a very spacious coffee shop with plenty of tables to enjoy your coffee. It's split into two sections, the express bar where you can order the normal stuff and the slow bar, where you can pay 3x as much for a cup of coffee and experience the special equipment they have to brew it from pour-over, french press, vacuum, and aeropress. They also sell the equipment on location too. I had no idea about vacuuming and aeropress methods until coming to Seattle Coffee Works. On a side note, when I picked up the aeropress, I thought it was a penis pump. Interesting device! Great coffee, fresh, creamy and delicious cappuccinos that are brewed with a strong coffee punch. I loved it.
(4)
Ruby M.

I'd like to begin by stressing that Seattle does not... Absolutely not have the best coffee. This place didn't know what fukcin roast their coffee was. I asked what light roast they have and the lady taking my order decided to tell me about the 4 different mechanisms used to brew the coffee. She didn't know the different between roasting and brewing. Anyway.... One of the coffee's was descent but you need to have 15 minutes to spare to get a pour over. Update: After having left the review I am glad to say that the management (Sebastian in particular) is very involved and did reach out to me to stop by again so that I may have a better experience. Unfortunately I am unable to go since this was a vacation aways from home, but I trust it would go well.
(2)
Julie W.

Was looking for a coffee shop on a trip to Seattle and found this near Pike Place Market. I ended up buying a bag of their house special coffee beans - stronger than most. Barista said to grind only when you're ready to consume so as to not lose its fullest flavor. As a rookie I gifted it to my coffee connoisseur friend who's able to appreciate the difference between Starbucks and special brew. Would recommend to anyone looking to get a taste of Seattle coffee.
(4)
Tara L.

I am SO happy that I went to this place. With this coffee spot, there is absolutely no need to go to Starbuck's. I tried 3 different drinks here and loved all of them. My favorite was their medium roast house coffee, their iced columbian coffee, and their lattes. If you're a tourist looking for great Seattle coffee, this is definitely the place to visit!
(5)
Sarah P.

A-OK. Got their sweet Chai latte, and it didn't taste anything out of the ordinary. By now, I've tasted many different kinds and styles of lattes and this place didn't really have that "wow" factor.
(3)
Eric C.

Great coffee! I'm not much of a coffee snob, but I do appreciate a good cup of joe when I have it. Grabbed a latte here this morning and was thoroughly impressed. Staff were friendly and the coffee was excellent. Avoid Starbucks (if you can) and come here instead.
(4)
Mandy S.

local coffee business with sandwiches from Michou. they also serve Dr. Brews kombucha by the bottles! This is right by pike place and target so easily convenient for those working nearby.
(4)
Amber M.

Four stars for their coffee. Wtf...that coffee was to die for. Don't get me wrong, I love lots of different coffee's. But this was different. It was smooth on a whole nother level. I can't go into logistics like smarty pant others can, as to why my coffee was so grand. I don't know the water to bean ratio, I don't know the roasted level of burnt. But what I do know that this is GOOD coffee. And shhhh...I would totally pick it over the pretty big green mermaid across the street from us. (No harm In saying that...I still love my mermaid, just sometimes I like to see what else is out there, I'm still whispering.... I feel like I'm cheating on mermaid, which I am, but what she doesn't know won't hurt her, besides she's basking in the attention of the overwhelming tourists wanting to see her in her original state...whispering...she had me at hello but I choose to wander away once and while to satisfy my changing taste in the silky smooth coffee my tongue longs for, I love you mermaid, but sometimes I have to let go and experience what the caffeine world has to offer me...you are still my number one..) Done whispering. I had no idea I would have this much guilt is trying new things. D: that was a ode more then a note. Geez. Anyways, the place itself is awesome too, lots of small and larger tables, good for not only a twosome sharing a brew, but a larger party as well. My Neice was in the state of a overused phone, so gasp it died!! But thankfully, there were outlets to charge said phone or laptop etc right next to your head by the tables. Yay! Phone is cured! Also they have a nice little seating area directly outside, which was nice to be able to have the option of watching the buzz of the city go down and around you while sipping that lovely drink. If they made drive thrus in the burbs I would be all over it. But sometimes it's nice to have to work for your coffee, ie trek though a tunnel, down a steep ravine, up onto a high peak...to experience something that was worked hard for.... Maybe take a note my loyal mermaid...:)
(5)
Judy L.

We aren't coffee connoisseurs so we can't really pass judgment on how good the coffee was compared to regular coffee we can get elsewhere. The staff was extremely friendly and explained the details about pour over coffee as she was preparing it. Kombucha was pricey. Lots of tables and outlets.
(4)
Alan C.

Great coffee place. They believe in direct farmer to consumer without the middle man, as evident through the various pictures they have hanging on the walls. I'm sure they compete with starbucks which is right around the corner but this place definitely has my vote! Got the latte and it was smooth and aromatic, i'd come back again.
(5)
Josh O.

This place has a great location, nice staff, and great decor, but that is where the positive ends. Coffee is average, and the food is awful. I had a breakfast sandwich that was "made fresh in the Market daily" NOPE, fake egg, and old bread. Go a few blocks up in the market and enjoy better food and brew at Local Color.
(2)
Mark O.

Needing a reprieve between lunch and dinner on my full day at Pike Place, I came to Seattle Coffee Works on a recommendation. I was intrigued by this vacuum pot method that I was told about. Walking up to the counter I was greeted by a very friendly server who walked me through all of the options they offer and just how the vacuum pot system works. Although a bit expensive at $10, I wasn't going to leave here without trying it. When I ordered it I was pleased to find that they had multiple roasts available as well, and I always enjoy having the option to choose. I opted for their darkest Kenya roast and had a seat at the special bar they have for the people who order the vacuum pot. Watching it being prepared was fun and the server brought out the timers, thermometers and gadgets needed to get it exactly right. I won't go through the entire brewing process but I will note that it was definitely different and interesting to watch. The end result was a very large amount of coffee, so much so that a carafe was needed to hold it all. This made me feel much better about the cost. It tasted almost like a coffee version of tea, with a much lighter finish that made me glad I chose the darkest roast. Overall, I really liked this place. The service was friendly and accommodating, the interior was nice and comfortable and the vacuum pot brewing was an experience you don't generally encounter.
(4)
Roland L.

Seattle Coffee Works has much to offer coffee enthusiasts in a city where $tarbux has spawned on just about every block. Their specialty coffee program appears solid, providing several options for enjoying a variety of their own roasted beans. A few notable options in Seattle Coffee Works' Slow Bar repertoire include Chemex, Yama Vacuum (Siphon), French Press. For espresso, Seattle Coffee Works employs a 3 group Synesso but recently added the revolutionary Modbar (which was not in service for patrons at the time of my visit). Cappuccino (Single Origin - Ethiopia Sidamo Nura Korate): 3.25/5 Juicy and bright but under extracted with a classic espresso profile with a bold aroma lingering in my palate along with some sour finish. All in all, a solid capp but certainly not the best I've had. Their staff exhibited professionalism while friendly and eager to educate. If you've had enough of $tarbux and are seeking an alternative third wave shop, you might want to consider grabbing an espresso beverage at Seattle Coffee Works. I have no reservations for trying something else here and I feel you should too.
(3)
Mina M.

My go to for the slow bar. They have an awesome slow bar that includes chemex, aeropress, pour over and vacuum pots. The single origin coffee's are awesome and are always fun to distinguish different notes when using different brewing methods. If you decide to get something from the slow bar, make sure you get it for their. Do not get any of these brew methods because it simply ruins the experience. If you decide to go for the espresso, I would stick with the espresso blend and not a single origin. The blend is very well balanced and the notes come off much nicer with the creaminess of the milk (if getting a milk based drink). Truly a great cup of coffee.
(5)
Erik G.

Being in Seattle, I had to try coffee other than Starbucks. This shop is located a couple blocks off of Pike Place and looked appealing. Had a Macchiatto "for here" and the flavor of the coffee resonated through the steamed milk. Thick, oily, flavorful, not burnt, great aroma. Glad I tried it. I recommend you do too.
(5)
Trish S.

Skip the Starbucks tourist line in the market and walk a block up to this local joint (They also own Ballard Coffee Works). It's cozy and pleasant and clean. The service was prompt and coffee, oh baby, that hit the spot. I couldn't feel my fingers cause it was so chilly that morning and I wanted nothing more than a proper cup of coffee-I got that indeed and went on my way. One note, the line can be a bit of a cluster and I notice the coffees filled right to the brim. Don't slurp and/or spill on your neighbor!
(4)
Leslie C.

The coffee is very good but the experience at the slow bar where they brew your coffee for you is heaven for a coffee nerd like me! If you ask real nicely they'll tell you all about the process and the coffee. Do this! :)
(5)
Sharon H.

Informative, local, and friendly. Three vital pillars for a great coffee shop as is Seattle Coffee works. Iced latte & mochalatte are winners. Will definitely be back! Get here early.
(5)
Cate P.

THIS COFFEE SHOP HAS ADEQUATE SEATING AND OUTLETS AVAILABLE. Read on for the less important information. Do you like being a pretentious coffee snob? You'll like Seattle Coffee Works. Do you hate pretentious coffee snobs? You'll still like Seattle Coffee Works. Do you think an non-fat skinny s'mores frappachino triple blended with free range whip is coffee? You won't like Seattle Coffee Works. Basically, if you like coffee, you'll like this place. Solid lineup of roasts, and options for the just-black-thank-you drinker as well as the coffee hipsters. Minus one star because they didn't have a dark roast (excuse me, I'm not trying to overdose on caffeine at 1 PM). But also, outlets and seating. What more can you ask for?
(5)
Jimmie R.

Service was friendly and efficient. But the coffee sucked. Yelp insists I make this review longer but what else can I say? I poured out over half my cup.
(2)
Rebecca A.

Best cup of espresso ever! Amazing flavor, super smooth and if you take your coffee seriously this is the place to go.
(5)
Laleh J.

The coffee here is pretty good. I prefer the Ballard location though.
(4)
Stasj T.

Accidentally came across this place on mu way to the mall, so I decided to stop in. The ambiance is great for a coffee shop, and the people were really friendly. Got my usual hazelnut latte. Delicious! They have a sister location in Ballard (Ballard Coffee Works) if you're up north and don't want to deal with downtown. BCW does Chemex, V60s, Aeropress, and for you geeks out there, vacuum press!
(4)
Drew P.

Excellent coffee, very chill atmosphere. Bathrooms are clean and seating was plentiful. I wish my latte was a little hotter, but you cant win them all.
(4)
Tian Y.

The coolest thing about Seattle Coffee Works is that they offer 5 different brewing methods at their "Slow Bar" - I don't know if this is standard for Seattle, but practically speaking it just doesn't seem like a good idea. But hey, if you are ever curious about what siphon coffee tastes like or the effect of the brew method on the taste of the brew, come with five friends, sit at the bar, and have a taste test! I chose a chemex - my good ol' reliable. It was $7 for the guatemalan I chose. At first I was like, really? But then. She brewed me a whole GIANT carafe. My standard for a chemex of that size is about 700mL of water... it's probably what she brewed me. The barista was super friendly and chatty and I was watching her like a hawk - good technique, good standards (timed, weighed beans and brew, tested her result before serving). No complaints here :) Delicious coffee! Reminded me of summer when I used rocks glasses to cup coffee... Good memories. Possible negatives: The slow bar is SLOW. There was only one girl there making coffee one by one (maybe they can multitask 2 different methods at once) so she had to finish someone else's slow bar order before starting mine. But if you have time to kill, definitely worth it. Abrasive front service. Might just be one person and not his fault, but I felt rushed not knowing what I want when I wasn't familiar with any of their coffees or their menu on my first visit.
(4)
Stephanie T.

For its location, I was surprised there wasn't a crazy line, or maybe it's because I timed it so there wouldnt be a crazy crowd down here. I really like their coffee and was delighted to find they had a natural, which was super yummy. My latte was the perfect temperature and quite tastey, we were lucky to get a couple comfy seats by the door to talk story with each other and watch the crowd outside the store and those coming inside. It was quite fun and interesting
(4)
Ruobin W.

Good coffee made by the vacuum pot. Nothing too special about it (the coffee or the process) but the interior is a nice place to chill.
(4)
Tim O.

Coffee. Coffee. Coffee. Come here to buy coffee. I bought coffee here. It was pretty good coffee. Service is good, especially when we wanted to pick out some coffee beans to take home and they were more than happy to help us out. I wish I could say more, but I'm lazy.
(4)
Robert C.

One of the best coffee houses I've been in. Their coffee's fresh & high quality. Their workers're very knowledgeable & friendly. They will actually try to have conversations with you. The coolest thing about this coffee house is the unique ways & gadgets they use to make your coffee, such as the vacuum pot. If you have the time, they have a slow bar / tasting room bar where you can try all the different varieties of coffee. My go-to is Iced Latte with Vanilla Shots ($4sh), it's bloody delicious!
(5)
John C.

Great coffee, nice peaceful atmosphere - what else do you need? Prices were reasonable with what you expect now days.
(4)
Hbk S.

Best coffee in Seattle hands down. Please don't go to Starbucks, spend your money here!
(5)
Tarek B.

I can only comment for the ice coffee which I always get here. It's absolutely delicious and full of flavor just on its own. Best child brew I've tried so far and I've gone to a lot of coffee places in Seattle and around the country. A+ for the cold brew. Thier internet however is the only reason this place doesn't get a 5 star rating. It's a big sluggish.
(5)
Sean K.

Best cafe au lait I've had. I don't even remember what they had on drip, something Ethiopian I think. Nice hipster seating areas. Friendly service. I've never seen a coffee shop with a "Slow Bar." French press, chemex, vacuum pot, and more for the true coffee snob.
(5)
Vincent V.

Stopped into Seattle to explore and wanted to find some coffee that was not Starbucks. Stumbled here and ordered a cold brew. It was an actual cold brew, but was a little less impressed than I thought I would be. Tasted a little bland. The staff was friendly, but the area has high foot traffic and is littered with tourists snapping photos and walking carelessly on sidewalks. I think the process was good, but the end product was just okay.
(4)
David H.

Great coffee and friendly service! Wish I had taken the time to sit and enjoy the full experience at the espresso bar/tasting counter where they show you all the different ways to brew coffee...like SERIOUSLY wish I had stopped to experience that. Their normal coffee menu of lattes etc is solid, with a good hearty roast and decent prices. Check this place out if you're in the area, but don't forget to swing by the tasting bar with the vaccum brewed coffee station!
(4)
Wes B.

Not worthy of the hype at all....coffee was just so-so but what ruined the experience was the rude employee behind the counter! We are big time coffee drinkers and wanted to try a Seattle coffee experience per the glowing Yelp reviews...as such, we had the audacity to ask about the slow-bar experience. The girl behind the counter was so condescending and aloof about our inquiry, we would've been better served to just leave. But we persevered, had a sampler of 3 cups of mediocre coffee and left...a very disappointing experience. I'm genuinely a very good tipper, but I left nothing given the awful disposition of this young lady - so here's a tip: go down the street to Cherry Street Coffee. Much better coffee and much better service. Why do people who lack any semblance of friendliness or customer service skills go into service businesses???!
(1)
James A.

Good but... On vacation. Saw the Yelp rating and decided to try it. We are coffee lovers. Found our Soy Vanilla Lattes "light" and lacking depth in flavor (particularly in Vanilla). They were beautifully presented and the place is a cool hang out but there was no air conditioning (don't think they have any).
(3)
Patrick Y.

Meh. That has been my reaction to most of the coffee shops in Seattle. This place, unfortunately, joined that list. It wasn't anything that blew my mind. However, they do make a solid cup of joe, I give them that. The staff were very knowledgeable on their coffee and the types of beans they carry. They were also SUPER friendly. I came for a latte, so the guy up front recommended their single-bean espresso 8oz latte. It was a nice, smooth latte. Was it my favorite? No. Did it taste like what the barista described it as? Eh... kind of. The coffee flavor just didn't "pop" for me. It was a little disappointing since this place is loved so highly by Yelp. But eh. and Meh. If you need coffee while you're at Pike's place and don't want to line up at the Starbucks, then this is a good alternative.
(3)
Micah R.

Did not expect to find a coffee shop with so much character so close to pike place market. Less than a block away from the market, this shop has an excellent location, but is refreshingly free of that overwhelming touristy vibe. I had a cappuccino, which was good, and sat there to read for awhile. The coffee was good - much better than average, but not mind blowing or awesome. The place has a great vibe and I'd definitely go back when I am in the neighborhood. I'd try the siphon pot next time!
(5)
Cindy M.

Great tasting coffee and wonderful staff! We will be back soon.
(5)
Alison B.

Simple menu. Amazing coffee. Soy, hemp and rice milk options! One note, I got suckered by the chocolate bars near the cash register... but then when I was picking up my coffee I saw 3 other types : ( They need to put them where you will see them before you pay. Hubby and I got white chocolate mochas-- yumm!! And an orange cayenne pepper white chocolate bar (holy amazing) Place is medium size, so will be hard to get a seat Sat AM. It's just a smidgen out of the way of the Pikes Place Market, so lessens the crowds. 4 outdoor tables that are very small and not super comfortable. But make for decent people watching. Food selection was light... I bought a bag of the "Obama" blend as a gift for someone back home, and asked if they could blend it. They started to ask me how I will brew it, and then I said it was a gift... the cashier looked really disappointed, sighed, and gave it to the grinder man-- "regular, I guess, [sigh]"... "oh, ok... [sigh, frown]" ?? It wasn't so dramatic, but it did make me laugh. I so under-appreciate coffee, seriously.
(4)
Ingrid B.

The hubby and I stopped in for the first time and unlike most of the other Yelpers - we did not care for it. My cappuccino had a rancid lemon smell and sour taste that was off putting. I think this means it was over extracted. And my husband's Aeropress coffee was not much better. He found it watery and underwhelming. I have had such a good run of luck with amazing cappuccinos at bakeries and coffee shops since moving back I had high hopes. But sadly this was disappointing. On the plus side - everyone was nice and it was a cute place to sit.
(2)
Chris M.

Spicy chai latte is good. Not sweet like most people are used to. Some would even call it watered down. But I enjoyed it because I don't like it too sweet. Donuts are vegan for those that are vegan :) the sprinkled donuts are prettygood.com :P
(4)
Ryan S.

Place was packed! Thankfully the lady friend found a table and empty and swooped it up. The espresso was awesome, great roast. This isn't Starbucks, this is straight coffee. The Wifi was decent, not great.
(5)
Valerie W.

Had high hopes for this coffee shop situated next to Pike Market. Cute interior, patio seating outside, friendly staff. There was certainly a line once I arrived mid afternoon so surely the coffee would be great. I ordered an iced coffee, was promptly served, then on my way. I was taken aback on how bitter and off tasting the coffee was. It honestly had an off-putting enough taste that I didn't end up drinking it. Perhaps it was an off batch? Can't say what their espresso drinks would taste like but sadly the straight coffee was just not good.
(2)
Alex K.

When i go to public market with my family we always come here.. They got good food and AWSOME coffee.. Really good place i recommend
(5)
Eric V.

We loved the "slow bar". It was great to learn about the different ways to make coffee. Some we'd seen before, other we haven't. We tried the vacuum pot and the coffee was excellent. Very knowlegdeable staff as well.
(5)
Stephanie G.

Amazing coffee. I was a little worried that this place wouldn't be so great because it's located in such a touristy area, but their coffee is legit! I hardly ever drink coffee black, but I thoroughly enjoyed my cup without adding any cream and sugar. Prices are really steep ($6 for a small cup!), but you're paying for quality and the experience. I suggest ordering from the "slow bar" where the barista brews your single cup of coffee using the method of your choice: the vacuum pot, pour over hario, pour over chemex, etc. I decided on one of the pour overs, which took a while (hence the name, "slow bar"), but it was worth it! They serve espresso drinks too of course, but I didn't have time to try any. You can also buy coffee brewing equipment (same ones they use!) and coffee beans here. Most expensive cup of coffee I've ever paid for, but also one of the coolest coffee shops I've ever been to! A good chunk of my money would be spent on coffee if I lived in Seattle..
(5)
Amy P.

My husband and I came in during our vacation in Seattle. My husband loves coffee and different brew methods. This was the place to come! We ordered a vacuum pot at the slow bar. We ordered it at the regular counter, then the barista set us up in the slow bar area. Our barista was so nice and passionate about coffee. He made the experience so memorable and exciting. It really was an experience worth having! Plus the coffee was the best either of us had ever had.
(5)
Sam S.

Love this place. Great location and their mocha is lovely. Relaxing environment. Selection of beans is good but didn't buy any due to having two bags waiting at home. V60 was good too. Everyone raves about siphon but wasn't sure if I should since I love V60. Next time I'm in town I'll give it a whirl.
(5)
John M.

The ideal coffeehouse. Espressos made with great care from sterling beans. Cappuccino is perfectly textured. The croissant with ham cheese tomato and some sort of green (spinach?) is the single most delicious thing I've had in five days in Seattle. If I lived here, I'd be at this shop every day.
(5)
Eileen L.

Wow! Hands down the most disappointing dining/coffee/retail experience I have ever had in my life. I have never been subjected to such rudeness from a person working in the service industry in my life. I walked in here at 6:50 pm and ordered a shot of espresso. They close at 7:00 pm. A shot of espresso takes 3 minutes tops to make - I know because I make several in my home every morning. The woman working behind the counter making the coffee ( I don't think I could call her a barista after the service I received) was making snide remarks about the other five customers in the shop at the time and right before she put my espresso shot up on the counter (at 7:05pm) she made a remark very loudly and directed at me, and in a very rude tone of voice "I don't mind making people coffee but not right before closing." and then mumbled some rude insults I was not able to understand under her breath. OKAY! If you don't want to make the SIMPLEST drink on the menu at 6:50 pm then put your closing time at 6:30 pm or keep your mouth shut. I am not sure if she was just an incompetent clerk (probably since it took her 15 minutes to produce one shot of espresso) or if she on purpose poorly packed then burnt my espresso shot, either way I would NEVER return to this coffee shop. If I were her boss I would fire her immediately. She had brown hair and was working near closing on the night of Friday May 8th 2015. I am embarrassed that this shop carries the name of my hometown and associates itself with it given the poor quality of coffee and poor quality of service. I would never want out-of-towners to associate Seattle with this sad excuse for a coffee shop. The only plus side of this place was the super friendly and nice cashier lady ( a thin blonde lady). I am going to try to focus on her great service and not let the experience with the "barista" witch ruin my celebration of finishing several midterms.
(1)
Minda W.

A neat morning stop for coffee, and when we went there was barely a line (I'm not sure if we got lucky or something). The coffee itself is good, but I'm not a coffee connoisseur. It wasn't like the best coffee I've ever had, but it was definitely very tasty. They have an espresso bar and a slow bar for slow brewed coffee. The atmosphere is really unique, local self-roasted beans, and there's lots of seating. A nice place to check out for sure.
(4)
Dan M.

Great cup of coffee from people who obviously know what good coffee is. Member of staff also took the time to brew and explain the mechanics of vacuum pot brew method. Very cool.
(5)
Michaela A.

Great local coffee shop, much better than Starbucks. I had medium latte, the coffee taste more solid, thicker, not too bitter. Service was great, place was pretty huge for people to hang out, parking isn't available in the area.. Maybe meter street parking but you know downtown is .. Downtown.. Hard to find free parking. Service was great. They have delicious looking treats but I didn't try one unfortunately. I'd go back here again if I have the chance.
(4)
Belu M.

One of the most famous stores for coffee in Downtown. Cozy and with a very good service.
(3)
Emily W.

Great local coffee house not far from Pike. They take great care with their coffee and it shows. I was only in town for a night and stopped by based on good reviews. I am glad I made the trek. The cafe au lait was fantastic - frothy foam, perfect temperature and a great tasting coffee prepared with care. Service was quick and friendly - you can tell this is a well liked local/neighborhood spot. They were patient with me as the slow tourist, which I appreciated. Will definitely come back next time I'm in town.
(4)
Geoff H.

Hands down the best coffee experience in Seattle. Ask Jessica for a slow pour. She is my angel.
(5)
J B.

As bad as gas station coffee, but more expensive. We like Starbuck's, but wanted to try some other coffees while in Seattle--famous for its coffee, right? My wife bought a cup of the vacuum pump coffee because they were not able to prepare it other ways, like French Press, at that time. I took the first sip, and withheld judgment so as not to influence her. When she took her sip, she nearly spit it out -- in the most feminine way possible, of course. We went to another shop--Uptown Espresso--and they traded in our bad Works coffee for a delicious cup of theirs.
(1)
Leah C.

Cute adorable perfect coffee shop! Yummy selections of coffee to choose from. Way better than starbucks.
(5)
Ashli L.

I had a free day in Seattle to wander and knew I needed some caffeine to motivate me to tackle some christmas shopping. I'm no coffee connoisseur but ducked into this cafe purely on yelp reviews. I got a small latte( I want to say it was like 8 oz? it was teeney weeney small. I should've sprung for the medium). It was not too milky and you could really tell the boldness of the espresso. I added a bit of sugar cause that's the way I like it. The menu was straight forward and decently priced. This is Seattle. You won't find any Pumpkin Spice Latte's here. I only wish they had almond milk as an option!
(4)
Matt T.

This coffee shop offers a variety of great options for coffee. From lattes to chemex there is not a lack of diversity. My girlfriend got cold brew iced coffee while I got the spicy chai latte. The cold brew was the best of both. By far. The biggest issue for me wasn't that the chai latte wasn't good but that there was no spice to it. I will need to go back and get something different soon because I know that this place will deserve 5 stars once I get the right thing.
(4)
Joshua T.

Great vibe, fun music, lots of reading material laying around, and of course plenty of coffee. This is an awesome spot to take a break from the day's crazy or just to chill out and do your thang, whatever it may be. I like to grab a seat at the slow bar, see what's on offer, try something interesting, and talk with others there. Otherwise, grab a cappuccino/cortado and get some reading done at one of the couches :)
(4)
Molly N.

yuck :( Almond crossiant -- ice cold and did not taste good Dark chocolate mocha -- sour and bitter and gross Drip coffee -- very sour Nooooo!
(1)
Eric C.

We drive to Seattle once a week for coffee beans for our espresso machine (straight shots, no milk). 49 / 52 weeks of the year it is Dolce blend from Vivace. Usually when we get something else we are not happy (except that time my friend brought some beans from verve which were fantastic) Today I went to Seattle coffee works at 8am to try something new and also get some unroasted beans if they have something that would work for espresso. I was expecting a divey sort of place, old carpet and couches, paintings for sale but the interior is very bright and modern. Maybe a little too slick and fancy. I waited in the short line, when it was my turn I told the man I needed expert coffee bean advice and a different guy was motioned over to me. Dude was very polite and respectful. I told him what blends I liked, why I was there. He asked about my home setup. He explained that they don't have coffee like dolce here, dolce is quite a special blend, they don't really have coffee with those dark notes. He went and got me two samples of their current drip which indeed were too bright for espresso. The Drip was really good though, excellent and fresh and interesting flavors. No apologies needed. Understand that there are Very few places in the world that can seven coffee that good. I asked about their espresso blend and he went and made me a shot, gratis!,again explaining that I probably wouldn't like it. It was well pulled but brighter than I like. For green beans he recommended I go to sweet marias on the internet, that I need to get a range of beans to blend into what I'm looking for, that the single origins rarely or never give the broad range of flavors that I seek for espresso. I was really impressed by his candor and expertise, was definitely familiar with what I wanted and rattled off the beans id need (some of which are not available right now). I wasn't going to leave without some beans, asked him to recommend some green beans that I could roast for doppios and he said either of the Sumatran would be interesting I love Sumatran drip). I went for the peaberry. Roasted it when I got home (whirley pop) it was really good as espresso, tons of crema and a lot cheaper than the dolce. Well see how to tastes during the next week. Thank you guys, was worth the drive. Hopefully you'll source some monsoon Malabar... So, I don't really like their espresso (it is excellent but not my style) but was very impressed by their enthusiasm and the time they made for me. I'd like to come back for a vacuum pot when I have more time. No doubt they know their stuff.
(5)
Garett A.

I stopped in while walking through the streets of Seattle with family while on vacation. This place has a great atmosphere with a local flare. I am a big fan of the huge coffee franchise, but with one on literally every corner in this jewel of a town in the Pacific northwest, it was nice to see this local spot in the mix. The staff was friendly, my Americano was brewed up fresh and I was on my way. Their "quote of the day" written on a chalk board on the pillar in the middle of the shop was a nice touch. They also offer a variety of pastries and bottled beverages, if you're not much in the coffee mood. I will definitely return, if ever I am fortunate enough to be in Seattle again.
(4)
JoAn E.

So glad that we stopped to do the slow bar and experience this. Our slow bar guy seemed half asleep and didn't explain the process to us at all unless we asked a question so this is the only reason no 5 stars. My Carmel latte was amazing and my daughters hazelnut latte with hemp milk was very good too. No almond milk here. Only rice, hemp, and soy.
(4)
Sunshine M.

We were in search of a local coffee shop and this was the closest spot to us based on our yelp search. 4.5 stars was a good reason to come. Its in a busy area so keep in mind outside area will have distractions but don't be turned away by this. The staff was friendly. We got the dark chocolate mocha and it tasted perfect and quite delicious. Definitely recommend this! They place was a bit loud due to a few families there with kids but it got a little quiet after they left. I liked the photos on the walls. Really liked the quote of the day and the welcome sign. 2nd place visiting seattle that has this such positive and welcoming signs.
(5)
Kyle M.

The coffee was on point and not over priced. Staff were super friendly and the barista knew what he was doing.
(5)
Kate B.

AMAZING iced coffee. They cold-brew it, so it is dark and rich but not bitter whatsoever. With a little bit of milk and sugar, it tastes heavenly. Almost like liquid dark chocolate. I don't live close to downtown but I always visit Seattle Coffee Works whenever I go. They have a nice seating area with comfy chairs and a fair number of outlets. It's usually pretty busy but never too loud. A lovely place to study and relax.
(5)
Jennifer L.

This place is great for coffee nerds! My husband and I sat at the slow bar and learned about brewing methods and the intricacies that can be coaxed from coffee. For anyone looking for more of a coffee education and experience, we would highly recommend trying the vacuum pot or another of the slow pour brewing methods.
(5)
Whitney C.

Good coffee in the touristy downtown part of Seattle. It beats Starbucks in the quality and strength.
(3)
Yang X.

Love the place and their macchiato.
(4)
Lucy I.

Coffee was great. Ambience was great. The workers were friendly especially the barista. He was the only barista there and it was pretty busy. I admired how they appeared to be slammed but he remained calm and in a good mood.
(5)
Jen T.

This review is for their fresh roasted coffee that I bought here and I took it back to california and used it in my french press! Super good! I definitely recommend buying some and taking it home wherever that is and it's still fresh and soooo good!
(5)
Julian G.

Ample seating and a great high quality coffee aroma. Great options for novice all the way up to expert coffee drinkers. We enjoyed the large mugs and taste was everything you'd hope for in a Seattle coffee shop.
(5)
Karen N.

Technology life revives here, so does quenching the pallet. This is the second time I've been here, and it verified why I love it so much. Ordered a bagel and a strawberry Italian soda- the BEST one I ever had! I downed it before I could take a picture of it. I come here when I'm in town for conventions and such so battery life of my items die w/o a chance to get Bak to home base. This place has a WALL of outlets, and during busy times is not as stressful as Starbucks (who by the way since my last visit has covered all their outlets), which happens to give this place that extra star for saving me battery heartache.
(5)
Ami J.

Overrated coffee.. There was no line, but it took forever to get my iced americano... and once i got my coffee, all the ice had melted. so disappointed, to say the least!
(2)
Nicole G.

Really, really good coffee. Hit up the 'works twice during my weekend trip; once in the AM for a good buzz to keep me alert a the market, and once in the PM fora good buzz to keep me alert after. Ha. Had my first latte on site, which was fab. Must have been a full inch of luscious foam on the top, and GAH some latte art. Hard to find back home, so that was my touristy thrill for the day. Would definitely go back. Sweet baristas, better coffee and the best location ever.
(4)
Dennis L.

Great setting with delicious coffee and scones combination. They also have a short bookshelf that one can grab books to read. One of the most enjoyable coffee place settings to relax in.
(5)
Mary M.

I'm not a morning person but I really wanted to give this place a try. So my boyfriend & I met up with my friend & her husband one morning to try the AeroPress brew ($7.50) and the Chemex brew ($7.50). OMG, fantastic! Both brews made the coffee smooth & refined! We were seated at the coffee bar where we watched our server actually brew the coffee. He was well-informed & super charismatic. It was a killer experience! We will definitely revisit.
(5)
Brandon F.

I stopped in here on a recent (first) trip to Seattle and was very pleased. My friend and I had just finished up some shopping and spotted this cafe, figuring it would be a good place to relax and refuel. Judging by the pour-over and other brewing equipment on display, it was easy to tell these people really cared about coffee. The iced Americano that I ordered only reinforced this. This was definitely some high quality coffee, and the barista who pulled the shots definitely knew what he was doing. It was so flavorful that I barely added anything. The store itself had a lot of seating and was very spacious. The friendly staff was a bonus!
(4)
Conor S.

Enjoyed this coffee shop downtown. They have a lot of knowledge and helped me choose the right coffee. I got an Americano and the shots seemed to be pulled perfectly. Great taste of the shots and they finish of the coffee was perfect without cream or sugar. An enjoyable break when others are just too busy. Although one thing that disappointed was the large amount of flies hovering around the lobby.
(5)
Zack X.

I was here to try out their Double Ristretto Espresso, tasted burned, bitter and sour.
(3)
Jane I.

Beautiful latte art, & amiable customer service. But the color of the espresso for my boyfriends latte, and the espresso for my cappuccino looked a bit burned. I noticed the color in the pictures on yelp, but I thought it was just bad lighting. When I got that same color espresso in person I was disappointed, and to the dismay of my taste buds both drinks tasted a bit too roasty or burned, especially my cappuccino. For 4 and a half stars I expected to be in awe, but I'm more like it's aw-lright, it's ok. Let me just say that 3.55 for a cappuccino?! Mind blown??!! Is it just like this in Seattle? Coffee in Portland is nearly $2 more.
(3)
Bridgette E.

Their mocha was to die for. Dark chocolate wasn't too sweet. The quality of the people working here was superb. Friendly and very very efficient. The atmosphere of the coffee house is very relaxing. There are leather chairs for the relaxers, outdoor seating for the people watchers, and tables indoors for the "coffee shop office" crowd. They also have a selection of free trade chocolate, which are quite scrumptious.
(5)
Crystal H.

I'm only here for biz trip. But whenever I'm here this is my first choice for breakfast, their sandwitches are awesome, with crispy bread and hot melting cheese, best sandwitch I've ever had. A cup of mocca and a crispy hot sandwitch will make you day!
(5)
Sasha C.

Some of the best coffee I have ever had. My boyfriend and I are from out of town so we had the time to do the slow bar on Monday morning. The girl at the register was incredibly sweet and let us know all of our options and the gentleman (from Guatemala... can't remember his name!) who prepared the coffee was also very nice - GREAT coffee, gave us some background on the business and events it has participated in. Next time I am in Seattle will definitely be coming here every day!
(5)
Allister D.

This is an experience!! The slow bar is a must here! The setup and process is something to watch for sure! I had the Costa Rican blend and it was recommended. The drip is then poured into a carafe for the customer. This is awesome!
(5)
Franco N.

REALLY loved this place. Had a fabulous cappucino made to perfection. Not sure why others think this is not spectacular. Definitely the best in Seattle.
(5)
Kevin D.

This place was fine! I like Monorail a little better for downtown. The place isn't incredibly clean, and it seems like it's more of an in-and-out type place than the much more chill and nicer Ballard Coffee Works. But I'm glad it's there!!! Baristas were really nice.
(3)
Candace L.

Awesome spot to sit down and grab a coffee. I'm usually not a lounge around in a coffee shop, sip a latte slowly, stay awhile type coffee gal - it's more like in, order to-go, leave but when in Seattle even on a gorgeous non crappy weather day I knew I wanted to seek out a great coffee spot to enjoy. The real shocker is that I was able to relax and enjoy the place - good thing I had just run the half marathon and was a little bit fatigued and coming from walking/shopping around in Pikes Place. I came to Seattle Coffee Works stood in the slow moving, fairly long line and ordered an 8 oz non fat latte. I was pleased to see how many charging stations they had as I was in need for a little bit of battery life. I sat down along the wooden bench row at a table for two, plopped down my fruit, flowers and purse, plugged in, adjusted the seat pillow, put my legs and feet up and relaxed for quite a while. This is a lovely coffee shop to do so at. My latte was great and I will certainly keep them in mind for the future, with a Starbucks on every corner around here (and me not being a fan) I was sure happy to have Seattle Coffee Works within walking distance of the market. It's very easy to grab breakkie and then come here for coffee or vice versa. Service was friendly.
(4)
Olivia S.

Friendly service from people that KNOW their coffee!! I got the iced mocha and I have to admit, it's one of the best mocha I have ever tasted. Not too sweet or creamy with the right balance of chocolate and coffee in each sip. Amazing! I'm so glad that I stopped by when I visited Seattle... And I'm so happy that they ship to anywhere in the US. Lovin' it!
(5)
Jennifer W.

Wanted to try something new while in Seattle and stumbled into Seattle Coffee Works by Pike's Place. All the tables were taken since it was raining outside so we decided to get our coffee to go. Ordered a 8oz Americano which came out pretty quickly and we were on our way! The Americano was pretty bold and definitely a nice change from Starbucks!
(4)
Jadalliya L.

Average coffee.. Wasn't the cleanest inside but was also very busy time of day when I went so maybe staff hadn't had a chance to clean up after the rush... Staff was friendly and helpful. My latte art wasn't that great but did give me a good laugh.
(3)
Alyssa K.

Most of my coffee consuming is done with a cup of Dunkin' Donuts. What can I say, I'm fancy. I really wanted to hit up a nice coffee shop while in Seattle because it's like the coffee capital of the world, right? The latte I ordered was great and the service was excellent. I love when coffee shops have the option to have your drink in a nice cup instead of a to-go cup. I loved my beautiful leaf design on my latte. Makes me feel so fancy. We sat around and read the paper and chatted and many others were doing the same. They also have some outside seating if that's more your style. They offer several different options of ways to brew your coffee (most of which I'd never heard of) so it was interesting to look at those different contraptions while waiting too.
(5)
Roger B.

Friendly hipster Seattle staff with a nice vibe. My Americano was a tad bitter (don't like) but light on the caffeine (do like). Lots of brewed coffee options.
(3)
Molly G.

great coffee, baristas with a sense of humor, excellent reading material, and they sell Theo's chocolate. Yum!
(5)
Matteus V.

I wish I could give this place 6 stars. It is the best coffee that I have ever tasted and I've had coffee all over America including Kona, Hawaii. If you have time, you have to try the "slow bar." It will change your world.
(5)
Manuel R.

Friendly service and an amazing cup of coffee a real treat
(5)
Heather S.

I didn't buy a bag of coffee when I was visiting here, and I've been kicking myself in the ass ever since. Fortunately, they ship for $5 flat shipping and they roast your coffee the day they ship it. Which also means that they only ship twice a week, but you get the freshest roast out of it. This place was a stop on two different walking tours I took in Seattle, so that should tell you how good this coffee was. I've been craving it since I left Seattle, all of two days ago. I wasn't a fan of black coffee, but this place changed my whole way of thinking about coffee. I now have an appreciation for black coffee, and I plan on buying the Salvadorian coffee online. They even have a slow bar on the side, where the barista takes the time to explain the different coffees and flavors to you. They even let you sample it! I didn't get to try it, but if you're ever in the area, go try the vacuum pressed coffee. I hear it's better than a french press! UPDATE: I originally gave this place 3 stars because of a certain barista I encountered during a tour. I've upped it up to 5 stars because, even though this place has over 100+ reviews, the owner Sebastian read mine and messaged me a thanks! THAT'S AWESOME customer appreciation! And i just realized that Sebastian grinded my friends' coffees when they bought bags and they were kinda lost on what bags to buy. Sebastian helped them pick the right one and when they didn't know how fine to grind it, Sebastian was right on it. "Do you have a flat filter or a cone?" "A cone..." "Great, that's all I need to know." [And Sebastian, I saw you at the Pike Brewing Co that same night! ;) ]
(5)
Ryan Z.

I have to give these guys a solid five stars due to their customer service. I came in here to get a breakfast sandwich and a coffee, and the barista was more than accommodating with me after initially hearing me wrong (I ordered a french press but he gave me the already-made french press coffee as opposed to individually made french press). There was also a mix-up on my breakfast sandwich order, causing a slight delay, but he more than made up for it by giving me a free coffee plus offering some coupons for a future visit. As I'm returning to San Diego today, I told him to give those coupons to another customer but that I'd give him a good review on Yelp instead :) Next time I'm in Seattle, I'd be back here.
(5)
Joe S.

Everyone has gotten a lot of the nitty gritty out of the way in their various reviews, but I'll just sum it up this way: Seattle Coffee Works at the Market is the Best Coffeeshop In Seattle. We're a city known for coffee. Seattle Coffee Works is the best one in the city. And they just happen to be at tourist ground zero. Win win for the tourists, win win for us locals since the block they are in is right by where half of us commute.
(5)
Sam L.

Our experience of Seattle Coffee Works was not good as we found the staff to be incredibly rude and conceited. We were yelled at rudely for not clearing our two coffee cups off the table before leaving. This was completely unacceptable as we had given a modest tip in advance. I have traveled all over the world visiting coffee shops. I found the coffee to be reasonable here, but not great.
(1)
Bodie S.

This is a great coffee place that's extremely close to Pike Place Market. So, if you are looking to take a break from shopping, or would just like a refueling with a delicious caffeine infused beverage, I would highly recommend giving this place a try. Their mochas are fantastic, as well as their lattes, and they will also put requested numbers of espresso shots in if you ask. The employees are very friendly and very talented at making drinks, especially making neat designs in the steamed foam floating on top of your drink. There is one female employee who can make teddy bears, hearts, and even skull and crossbones. You can get your coffees to go and have them in a to-go cup, or you can sit-in and enjoy your drink in a mug as you seek refuge from any elements taking place outside. There are plenty of places to sit. Not only does Seattle Coffee Works sell drinks, they also sell their own brands of ground coffee and coffee beans so that you may brew your own drinks at home. This place is a great atmosphere to come in and read or study or just have polite conversation.
(4)
Karen P.

I saw this shop on the travel channel and I was just so committed to take my boyfriend here during our trip. He ordered this coffee that took about 8 minutes to make properly. The barista wasn't totally satisfied with the quality so, he began from scratch all over again. The passion for coffee was so delightful. When we finally tried the coffee it was just like no other coffee I've had. He was so happy and it was a nice experience during our trip.
(4)
Harini S.

We have been here several times after my first review and I am yet to be disappointed! That should be a good sign, right? :-)
(5)
Michael M.

Great atmosphere and a great start to a day at pikes place!
(4)
Joshua R.

I love this place. Great coffee and even better people :) The coffee is well priced if you just want the normal everyday drip and you can always get fancy.
(5)
Christine F.

While I was waiting to meet up with my husband's family, I decided to cool my heels here and get a chai. It was kind of cold and rainy, so something warm sounded good. It came in a big ass mug, which made me happy. For some reason, drinks just taste better out of a mug. It's just the way it is. The chai was a little on the milky side (I'm really particular about the delicate balance of a chai), but it was still good and it hit the spot. This place is really close to the public market, so it was tourist (and homeless) central.
(3)
Justin H.

Great coffee. This isn't over-roasted, extra bold, bitter coffee, this is a mouth full of nutty, oily, chewy fantastically balanced coffee. I had both the espresso (Costa Rica blend) and a french press of their Honduras blend, which had a little too much citrus for me. In either case, the cups were served at the correct temperature and weren't over-extracted. Something I see all too frequently. -1 star for location, atmosphere at a coffee house is really important to me and this business sees its fair share of tourists and downtown day shoppers.
(4)
Ducky M.

After my scathing review (yeah, I was a bit angry from my experience), the owner of Seattle Coffee Works contacted me with THEE NICEST feedback I have ever received from an owner or manager of a shop. He completely went above-and-beyond to make sure things were right and that "karma" was back in place. It doesn't erase my experience and review, but I have to bump it up a star for the effort made by the owner to make things right and to take the time out to have a genuine, honest exchange about the circumstances of my visit. That is just class act and that means I am sure to stop in and give Coffee Works a second chance some day. I am sure they'll knock it out of the ballpark next time!
(2)
Moby K.

I had my best cup of cappuccino over here. They really make your cup of coffee with care and attention. Heres my cup of coffee: flickr.com/photos/369217â€¦
(5)
Jay S.

Sebastian (roaster) is a coffee mad scientist. The blends and roasts he comes up with are amazing. Josh the main Barista, whips out drinks with the speed and precision of lamborguini on the autobahn. Katie is sweet and just as savvy, watch out she knows a few languages too. This coffee house is not your Starbucks brand of crew. Truly a top notch operation.
(4)
Dan M.

This is a coffee shop for coffee lovers. You can have your coffee brewed using many different techniques and the coffee is freshly roasted and delicious. Staff is knowledgeable and friendly. Whenever I am in Seattle I come here and it is consistently great. I also pick up beans to bring home to use with my french press and the flavor and smoothness is amazing.
(5)
Tim K.

Don't waste your time at one of the million Starbucks, many Tully's or any other coffe shop if you can make it to SCW. A true original, where the art of making coffee is still alive and well. With Seattle being known as the city of coffee, you can only hope and pray that when people come visit they try SCW before deciding whehter or not we deserve that title. Order your favorite coffee drink here and it'll be fantastic.
(5)
Penelope K.

The siphon coffee is always a good time, but what really brings me back here is the staff. They are very friendly and they have fun at work. I only wish they stayed open later (I think they close around 6pm). Free wifi, too I had to edit this and add a star. The baristas are consistently awesome and friendly, I'm a bigger fan. UPDATE: dream come true! Now they stay open later on Thurs, Fri, Sat AND they are serving inexpensive beer/wine!
(5)
Rob C.

Great coffee shop, These guys know their stuff! The coffee and pastries were very taste and they had a great "slow" bar with alternative coffee brewing methods.
(5)
Ashley E.

Great Quality for Espresso. Try their cupcakes..the one with the bacon...yes it sounds odd..but melt in your mouth good! Clean and Friendly staff....No need for Starbucks
(5)
Grant A.

They seemed to be quite knowledgable but the drip coffee was sour and the latte was nothing special.
(2)
Efrain G.

What an amazing spot in the Pike Place Market area! I am still enjoying my nonfat late and I needed to share this with yelp... The coffee has nice comfortable chairs and a great atmosphere,, but there is two things that make it really special: 1) The baristas are extremely nice and professional 2) THE COFFEE IS AMAZING The taste of the coffee is really special, strong,,,, I can't explain it really well but you should try it, it is cheap compared to other coffee shops,,, only $3.25 for a 12oz late...
(5)
Chris J.

Review based on service alone!!! We walked in wanting to try coffee here. Customer in front of use ordered and moved to side, we walked up and were ignored. We looked at both people behind counter, one to left, other in front of us tapping away on computer. If someone would have at least acknowledged us I would have stayed patiently....that would be the common customer service thing to do. Needless to say they were amazed we walked out...oh well.
(1)
Tina P.

Breakfast sandwich has an Indian spiciness to it that was very tasty. It was pre prepared and cut into a square for warming on a panini press with cheese and bread. Small but a good portion size for one person. Can be made with our without bacon. The service is pretty slow (and I'm not talking about the slow bar), but I guess that is why the coffee is so good. Preparation time. I highly appreciated tasting the different espresso's from different parts of the world. The "Obama" blend of east African, Hawaiian, and Indonesian beans gave me a chuckle. Maybe it's just me, but the ratty old chairs look pretty gross to sit on.
(4)
Amara D.

This is one of my momentary break from the world places. Considering the proximity that Seattle Coffee Works has to the market, it is also one of my personal respites from those all too frequent Sunday's I end up walking tourists around the area. Coffee in perfectly mismatched mugs, comfortable seating and knowledgeable yet cool baristas. This is a good place to get a good feel for the basic range of coffee beverages. It was here I learned of my love for a well made (no burnt beaned) breve. Seattle Coffee Works is worth standing in a fast moving line just to walk into the market with a good caffeine break.
(5)
Matthew T.

One of my favorite coffee shops in Seattle. Not only do they have the offical Obama Blend of coffee, they have a great location! On Pike Street across from the Seattle HardRock it is a great place to sit and people watch, enjoying great coffee, atmosphere and get some work done using the free WiFi! They also have very unique ways of processing coffee, ask for a vacuum pot! Great work!
(5)
Bob D.

I am absolutely thrilled about the service that I received from Seattle Coffee Works. As a coffee fan who lives in Kirkland, I looked for a place that sold gas burners for my vacpot coffee maker. I called Seattle Coffee Works and Sebastian answered and was great--he took time to explain how they worked and what I needed. I drove over and went into his store. I was so happy when Anthony greeted me and took time to explain how to use the burner and the vacpot, he told me about grind, taste, how to prepare and even brewed a pot on their vacpot--best coffee ever. I felt so valued. They have great people and great coffee! I would recommend to any coffee fan in the puget sound. Bob
(5)
Manesh P.

Solid sound track, free papers, beens roasted on site, and all coffees made in a french press. Perfect place to start the day and learn a ton about coffee from some really passionate baristas. The slow bar is a bit overrated. The place gets busy and there's not a lot of time to chat with the barista. And, since everything is brewed in a two cup sized vacuum pot (admittedly fun to watch), it's hard to really do a "flight" and taste a bunch of the different beans. If you're lucky, maybe someone else will be having some coffee and you can share and commiserate. You can take your time and have a sniff at all the various options before you pick one to ultimately use in your coffee. Also, while I was there, a tour group came in and they shared like three different brews. So, I imagine if you go in a bigger group you can turn it into quite the experience.
(4)
Eric N.

The best Americano I ever had was at Seattle Coffee Works--full of flavor and not bitter or sour at all. The perfect thing for a rainy day! Not all of their coffee is that amazing (that would be impossible), but I also haven't had a bad (or even mediocre) cup of coffee here yet. Plus, their baristas are always friendly. They recently moved into a larger space, which is much more spacious. Now there are a few booths, some tables, and (most importantly) cushy chairs that you can sit and read in. There are also a couple tables on the sidewalk outside, and according to the sign posted on their window they're looking to sell beer and wine in the near future, which will give me an excuse to bus downtown even more often. The downside: they close too early! Since they close at 6 on weekdays it's really hard to go there for after-work coffee or hang out there before a show. Sure there are a hundred coffee shops within a few blocks, some of which are probably open late, but this is my favorite.
(5)
Robert H.

Despite having an "Obama Blend" coffee, this place made a good mocha. BTW, the Obama Blend has coffee varieties from all of the national "lineages" of the 44th US President. Obviously there are absolutely no American coffee component in this politIcally charged blend.
(3)
Becky G.

This is my current favorite coffee. A guest at the hostel gave me a bag of the Obama blend a while back and it was soo good! Then I stopped in for coffee with a friend and it was yummy. I got another bag of coffee. The staff is friendly and there is plenty of comfy seating. Next time you're in the area around Pike Place market and you see the Starbucks on the corner of 1st & Pike, cross the street and try Seattle Coffee Works! You can even get a coffee sampler, little cups of various types of coffee! cool!
(4)
Adam O.

I've been coming to this place since I moved here last year. I remember back when they were in the little nitch next door to the building they're in now and there was only sitting for 10. The coffee was great back then and is still just as good. Except now they actually get to roast right there in the store. They still have original staff that have worked their way up since day one. The owner is a great guy I see often. This is one of those places that it's been great seeing expand.
(5)
LE M.

Here's what I love: the Seattle story Here's what I hate: it isn't good enough to go back I want to like this place, I really do... but the food, coffee, and environs just don't measure up to other great Seattle coffee shops. If you just arrived from Minnesota, this will be the best cup of coffee you've ever had. But if you work downtown, you have better options for taste, selection, and a nice sit down. The atmosphere isn't conducive to lingering. There are some neat touches, like the journal everyone who visits is invited to add a thought to, but other aspects are off-putting, like the leaching particulate from the brick wall they don't bother to clean up, or the people smoking on the sidewalk patio. They should have hired an interior designer to devise a better layout and finishes. Even though sandwiches are the second thing advertised after "local coffee" on the window, it is a limited selection. I showed up at 11:20 a.m. and they only had one kind of sandwich available. Even though this sandwich has a dressing, they put it into a grilling machine, which makes attractive marks on the outside, but doesn't heat up the contents or melt the cheese. I think the sandwiches need some re-engineering and they should explore other lunch-time fare, such as pasta salads. The coffee is good, but it isn't great. For the care they put into bean selection and roasting, and the prices they charge, it should be barista competition quality, and it isn't. They pulled a creamy shot that lacked richness of flavor and the milk wasn't steamed properly, so it lacked density. You know how when you get a good cup of coffee where one sip invokes memories of a trip to Europe? This isn't it. I've been in three times, and I want to support this cool business, but there are other places nearby with better atmosphere, food, and baristas, such as Fonte, Stella, or Cherry Street.
(2)
Josh J.

The single origin espresso was great and the the baristas know their stuff. One of the only places in the area roasting in the actual shop.
(5)
Grant M.

They had a very good and smooth latte. Wish I could come back and try some of the more esoteric options on the slow bar.
(4)
Shamus O.

This place is a comfortable respite from the hectic and touristy Pike Place Market. If you can avoid Starbucks while in Seattle I recommend this place. Its funky and quirky but not in a dirty hipster kind of way. I got a cappuccino and it was prepared expertly by the young barista. He did spill a bit while serving to me but I can forgive that since the drink was exquisite in flavor and just right in texture. I have had a lot of coffee all over the world and this experience is right up there. Next time I will try the trifecta.... Didn't see it until I was leaving.
(5)
Tom Y.

I went in to get a espresso based beverage and hello ... macchiato, really nice balance of espresso and milk all in a little cup. Mostt of the shop was well put together but a part of store seemed untidy and cluttered with packing boxes.
(4)
Don L.

After reading all the great stuff on yelp about this place, I just had to stop in and try a cup of coffee AND a mighty-o donut. The coffee was acceptable, but not memorable. It probably would've tasted better if I got it off the French Press, but instead I ordered it to go. I also had the FAMOUS mighty-o donut....and this was probably the WORST tasting donut I ever tasted! I almost spit it out after my first bite. Maybe the donut shape confused me. It tastes like it should be more like in the shape of loaf of bread or a scone or something other than a donut. I get that it's a "healthy" donut....but man o man...you gotta warn a man before he orders it. UPDATE: So, I just got a clarification on those doughnuts. They are not made by Seattle Coffee Works. They only sell them and are made by the Mighty O Donut company.
(3)
Matthew M.

I had been very curious about this place after I noticed its high ratings on Yelp. Then, when I found out they had bacon-topped cupcakes, I knew I had to experience it just for the novelty. So, I decided to go the other day - on a windy, fall day. I was quite disappointed. First of all, they do not have very many comfortable places to sit. Sure, they have a couple plush leather chairs, one restaurant-style booth, but the rest are either oversized tables (like a community table) or undersized breakfast bars. I found the coffee to be a bit watery and bland, with no real kick and not a whole lot of body (I ordered an iced americano). After I ordered, I sat to read a novel and felt uncomfortable. It was a combination of the drabness of the interior coupled with the fact that there are two doors to enter and exit the place, meaning that no matter where you sit, you're susceptible to a surge of cold air whenever the door is opened. Oh - I ended up holding off on the cupcake because, frankly, if a place can't deliver on the coffee, I'm not going to invest the calories on said place's pastries.
(2)
James L.

I've been stalking coffee shops on Yelp looking for the Holy Grail of Seattle Coffee. Seattle Coffee Works looked promising, but my first trip there was a big disappointment. Let me start off by saying the barista that rang me up was very friendly and even gave me a little backdrop to the coffee I ordered. I was surprised to find out that all their regular coffee is made in a French press. I completely respect that dedication. Actually, my first surprise was that French press coffee was on the menu, and I was tempted to inquire if I could have that to go, but they beat me to it! So in theory, SCW gets five stars, but in practice, I'm afraid it doesn't play out that way. The coffee today was Molly's. I got a grande to go and found a quiet spot around the corner to drink my coffee and enjoy the sun while taking in the view of the bay. Unfortunately, my coffee was very, very sour. I ended up dumping half of it in some shrubs. I will chalk it up to it being Saturday and a nice day out, so the staff were probably completely swamped, and pressed coffee requires precision. With all the good reviews, I have to believe today was the exception not the rule, so I'll give it another go. I hope SCW can meet my expectations next time.
(2)
Geebi B.

I wanna give 5 stars for the baristas' friendliness, but i honestly think the quality of the coffee has gone down a bit. When i first tried this place 3 yrs ago. It was about a block down the street in a funny triangle shaped store. I tried the Vacuum pot - about $5 for 2 cups of coffee, but experience is priceless! The whole process of making this coffee was like a science experiment that i had so much fun watching! However, the taste of the coffee was bit bitter at the end. I thought it might have been the brand of coffee and went back next day for a cup of Latte. Sadly, they limited the choices for espresso shot that they used to offer and again ended with bitter tasting coffee. I might be bias, but i really do enjoy creamy smooth taste of coffee that they used to offer! None the less, this cafe is one of my fav. unique cafes!
(4)
Sophie J.

I love their new space! More of a sit down and stay awhile feel. Sebastian is my favorite coffee personality in Seattle. He is a true coffee geek (that's a compliment!), and will bend over backwards to enlighten you on any aspect of the bean that you are interested in. This is where I buy all my coffee beans - they are always roasting the best of the best. There's always something new when I come in, I can't keep up with these guys! I'm thrilled that they've been successful enough to move to their new digs. Best of luck to them - support your local businesses!!!
(5)
Kyle K.

The main cashier wasn't very friendly, but after we ordered a pot of chemex brew, the barista that made the coffee was really friendly and explained to us about the different types of brewing methods and coffee. He was very careful, but the first pot came out bad, but he quickly made another much better one. Really cool place.
(4)
Jim G.

This place is fantastic. Friends and I were visiting Seattle for a week and these guys made us feel like regulars. Very friendly place. I couldn't get enough of their cappuccinos. Each one is a work of art. Also memorable was the vacuum pot experience. These guys are perfectionists, but absolutely not "coffee snobs". Seattle Coffee Works really has something special going on. Don't miss it.
(5)
Nicholas D.

So I know there are as many coffee shops in this part of Seattle as there are tourists, and if you happen to be one, I would encourage you to try Seattle Coffee Works. You've gotta snap a few of the original Starbucks, I get that. But after you do you should grab a cup at a local favorite. While I lived below the Market on Alaskan Way I would schlep my laptop up the stairs with thoughts of Mighty O donuts dancing in my head. Free wi-fi, friendly staff, and coffee with that delicious sludge in the bottom. Unfortunately, that's all I can recommend, because that's all I ever ordered-black drip coffee in a mug and donuts. If you're looking for a quick lunch they have amazing-looking sandwiches and real Mexican Coca-Cola.
(4)
Chris M.

* Exceptionally friendly service * good sandwiches * good espresso * good wi-fi * great location a half block from the Pike Place Market They had a coffee taste wheel on the wall. Don't know if that's just being pretentious or if they are serious about their coffee.
(4)
Katie A.

The very first time I ventured into Seattle Coffee Works was last fall. I had already had my coffee, but I had heard such great things about this place that I stopped by to see what everyone else was talking about... And sure enough- everyone is right. The owners are 'on it.' I had a great chat with one of them. She was very helpful, extremely informative; clearly all about the coffee quality and the service that comes along with it. I promised myself that I'd pop back in sooner rather than later to try some coffee and later just happened to be Friday afternoon. I walked in and waited behind two gals who, I think, were being helped. The barista was nonchalantly pulling shots and pouring beans into the machines as she chatted and laughed with a couple of folks who were seated near the window. The ladies waited. I waited. And we all waited a little more. I have no idea if they were being helped; for the few minutes I stood there before I ended up going elsewhere, the barista didn't talk to or make eye contact with them or myself. I know how it can be as a barista (I've pulled my fair share of shots) and it can get busy, so I swung by again this morning to give it another go. I was happy to see that there was no one in line when I walked in, so I was sure my experience was going to be a good one. Unfortunately, it wasn't. Once again, the barista was chatting with whomever at the end of the bar, busily pulling shots... and there was no acknowledgment until she was completely done doing whatever it was she was doing behind the bar. Don't get me wrong, she was nice when she eventually did talk to me... it was the 'eventual' part of the equation that frustrated me a little. My americano was just okay; the rich bold flavors I was hoping so much for just weren't there. On the upside, I do like their concept. Knowledgeable folks who sell green beans and offer up things like 'the works' are things you almost never see in coffee shops these days. If the baristas just cared as much about customer service as the owner clearly does, I'd definitely come back. But seeing as though they don't, I probably won't.
(3)
brenna a.

i moved here last (2010) june and lived in downtown for a good portion of the year before i finally found an actual house, and this was honestly the best coffee shop that i have yet to find. the people are great the atmosphere is absolutely lovely and the coffee is bloodly wonderful.
(5)
Rana W.

GREAT coffee. Perfect for a rainy day. I ordered the white mocha and it was good. Def. going back
(5)
Jeff P.

Wow! Very cozy. Close to The Market. Excellent coffee. Excellent latte. Friendly staff.
(5)
Steven H.

Seattle Coffee Works is amazing. thats basically it. I had an amazing latte. I finished it, and then came back for an espresso shot an hour later. The next day I came again, and had a drip, then one more time for a mocha. Top quality coffee. On my last visit I took home a "seattle space blend" The owner, who was working the counter, advised me to wait a day or two before using it, to bring out the optimal flavor in the coffee. How amazing is that? I waited, and made a cuppa joe at home. Again, the coffee was delicious. I would recommend this coffee shop to ANYBODY who goes through downtown, and I will be returning.
(5)
Alison H.

Possibly the best vanilla latte I've ever had
(5)
Brendan M.

I decided to give Seattle Coffee Works a try after hearing about their huge selection of coffees and their different brewing methods (e.g., drip, French press, vacuum press). When I walked toward the cash register, I saw "regular coffee" on the menu board and surmised it was a drip coffee, and I chose that. I also saw French press and vacuum press coffee on the menu for $2.50, irrespective of size -- but I didn't want an entire press's worth of coffee, and I wasn't sure if they'd be willing to scale back the price or the serving size based on the volume (12 or 16 oz.) that I wanted. Next time I'll ask. The drip coffee was decent. Pluses: full mouthfeel, low astringency, gentle acidic "zing" in the finish, subtle notes of cocoa. Minuses: not quite bold/dark enough for my tastes. I am happy to say that the cup in which my coffee was served was very well proportioned, not too wide or shallow, and had a thin rim. Wide, shallow cups are more prone to sloshing, and thick-rimmed mugs don't allow a precise fit around the mouth. (When I say I'm obsessed with the details, I mean it!) I was quite impressed with the interior of Seattle Coffee Works. On the day I was there, orange balloons were strung across the cafe, and since I'm so tall, I had to duck beneath them on my way to the cash register. No big deal. Seating is somewhat limited but appropriate for the number of customers. I saw one booth, a few stools facing the window, a couple small tables, and a leather love seat next to a leather folding table. The love seat was quite firm and comfy. Nothing in the pastry case looked very appealing, but I'll take a closer look next time. I'll also see whether they can brew me a single cup of a specific type of coffee -- I've never had coffee from a vacuum press before!
(4)
Dianna D.

Came here and ordered 2 coffees: a Kenya and an El Salvador. We used the Chemex and the Vacuum Pot to brew them for 4 people - I wanted to show my family and a family friend how good coffee could be. I don't remember the price, but I want to say they were $6 and $8, respectively. The barista was very gracious and poured each of us a taste before packing it in an away cup for the rest of the day. He was also great at explaining the brewing methods and taste profile of each bean. Definitely appreciate the delicate flavor each of the roasts had to bring. I recall my favorite being the vacuum pot method, since the flavor of the coffee came out smoother and less acidic than the typical pour over brew. It was a steep price, but I think it was worth the novelty for the people with me and for the quality of beans we were getting. Definitely a treat after braving the winds of the shoreline and the crowded Pike's Place Market.
(5)
Jon F.

If you want the pure, coffee experience, Seattle Coffee Works is the place to go. They source their beans directly, roast the beans locally, and prepare their espresso drinks to top standards. At home in Camas, we roast our own beans, have a nice espresso machine, and I make classic cappuccinos and lattes, including latte art - and on my business trip, Seattle Coffee Works was exactly the kind of shop I was looking for. With direct source, fresh roasted beans, each coffee has its own signature. Some produce espressos that are broad and smooth, others that are crisp and have distinct notes. I've had lattes with flavors that I've enjoyed more, but that's not the point. The Seattle Coffee Works latte brought the flavors forward and provided a tasty and unique experience. If I were to visit when they had beans from a different farm, it would be different still. Think single-malt-scotch, not a generic, character-free blend that will appeal to the masses without variation. From the photos of their farmers on the wall to the fact that every cappuccino is served in a 6 oz cup, I could tell that this was my kind of place. If you're a foodie who really wants a true coffee experience, this is your kind of place too. On the other hand, if you want a big-milk, syrup-filled drink and expect assembly-line quick service and no offending coffee flavors, you'll likely be disappointed. (That's okay. Just because some prefer the Third Wave coffee experience doesn't mean we need to be snobs about it.) In this case, I recommend ordering a standard latte and experiencing it as a completely different coffee drink than you normally order. Then take your time and experience it. You might hate it. But then again, you might find it interesting. You might even like it. Afterwards, you can go back to your normal coffee drink and enjoy it freely - along with the appreciation of a very different coffee experience.
(5)
Andrew S.

Pros - Really friendly and knowledgable workers - Vacuum Pot brewing Went here on vacation. A co-worker recommended the vacuum pot brewing. The minimum serving is 20 oz and they allow you to choose from several types at the brewing bar. I'm not the biggest fan of coffee but the product was really clean.
(4)
elizabeth r.

This review is based solely on their latte. Smooth, earthy, sweet, rich-I'm pretty sure I should sum it up as complex. It's quite enjoyable pinpointing the flavors as they slowly, and beautifully, tantalize your palate.
(5)
Mike S.

Nothing even comes close. Seriously. If you want the actual Seattle Coffee experience, head here. Ask the staff for some tips and you'll be set. I've been to almost all the top coffee spots in Seattle and SCW has by far the most knowledgeable & friendly staff, best selection of beans [including a rotating single origin at all times], and perfect atmosphere. The baristas are pros and are willing to talk shop [for coffee nerds like myself] while they are preparing your drink. The owner is extremely friendly and certainly knows his coffee. For people trying SCW for the first time, ask about the single origin espresso. And if espresso is too gnarly for you, ask if it's good in a macchiato. Macchiatos are great drinks if you are new to espresso or love coffee but need something to mellow it out a bit.
(5)
Gary B.

OK, when you think of Seattle what do you think? Rain and coffee, right? If you're down near the public market, duck of the rain for a cup of Joe at this place. When I walked in I felt I stepped into a text book Seattle coffee shop. But it only got better. They have a good selection and the prices were great. They could probably charge double and no one would say anything (hope they don't). They have a good selection of trinkets for making coffee some of which would make the most hard core chemist take a look. Cool place.
(5)
Mike T.

Seattle Coffee Works is a great representation of what coffee is all about in Seattle. This coffee shop sits diagonal from Pike Place Market, and is the best you will find in the market area. The coffee works offers a slow bar where you can actually sit down, and enjoy a cup of coffee the way you want it. On my trip I had a Bali coffee brewed with the Chemex. What an amazing cup of coffee. As far as straight coffee go's this is the number one stop to grab a cup in my opinion, and spend some time enjoying it. The work staff at Seattle Coffee Works is extremely friendly and attentive as well. Overall a must stop while In the heart of Seattle.
(5)
Kat W.

This place gives you the smoothest coffee with a fine, impressive blend. I can honestly say that the coffee was perfect and full of body. Cappucino was fabulous, and obvious the coffee is what makes it, with heavenly steamed milk and foam. Not to mention, it was topped with a simple, yet delightful coffee art. Friend's cafe au lait was just as delicious. Coffee was so good, I had to ask what was the blend. It was a the Seattle Space blend, their very own blend, roasted in-house. Forget the flashy Starbucks across the street. Though the decor here isn't much other than a basic place to sit, it's pretty obvious the place is passionate about real coffee and for the enjoyment of a good caffeinated cup the way it should be. Anyone who loves coffee should stop by here. They don't write down names at this place nor does the barista have an impression of who ordered it. A lady blatantly stole my drink during when it was being distributed from the counter, taking it like it was hers even though she didn't order at all. (I was getting my friends cup to him and was heading back for the second one.) Had to tell the barista that I didn't get my cup, which she fixed up right away. I guess the story at the end is that the coffee here is so good that people would steal for a cup.
(5)
Eric A.

Absolutely amazing coffee. They do a great job roasting, and the service is top notch. I'm always impressed with the beans I get here.
(5)
Pandu H.

These guys know what they're doing; I went to their slowbar twice during my short Seattle trip and their pour over is very good
(5)
Tyler B.

Not up to all the hype at all. I ordered the 17 oz slow brewed French pressed coffee and they gave me curb water in a stained white mug. Don't waste your time.
(1)
Neil W.

These guys take coffee seriously. I had a concern that this was just an average coffee shop taking advantage of the Seattle Coffee scene near Pike Place. I was wrong. I watched the baristas take care in ever cup they made. The cafÃ© is split in two, the "Express Bar" and the "Slow Bar". The Express bar is where you get the normal drinks and food orders. I ordered a cappuccino. It was one of the best I have ever had. Don't be fooled by the "express" name. It takes a while, but they are doing it right. The "Slow Bar" in the back is where you can sample coffee and really get an understanding of the complexities of a properly brewed cup... almost like a wine tasting. It is a comfortable space with plenty of room to sit and work or socialize. This is one of the best coffee houses in the city.
(5)
Tanya D.

From my number of check-ins, it's more than apparent that I've come back to Seattle Coffee Works. A lot. What can I say, it's perfectly situated near all the downtown hot spots (okay, okay, next to City Target) and is a homey cafe with a knowledgeable staff and delish coffee. After coming in for my millionth slow bar experience, I even tried a latte or two - who knew that putting milk in your coffee could taste good? All that being said, SCW is a downtown Seattle staple, and I never fail to bring out-of-towners in for a cup and some java facts before hitting up the market/anything touristy. I swear, we have videos to prove it (Hi, Doug!)
(5)
Christina W.

I loved the attentiveness of the barista at this cute and spacious coffee shop. She had a conversation with each customer and I really liked to see that. I also loved my Jasmine Green Tea - sweet, grassy, and not bitter at all. Perfect flavor. Lastly, they offer an 8oz portion for people like me, who can't drink much at a time!
(5)
Nate S.

Fear not, lovers of really good coffee...you needn't abandon all hope just because you're smack dab in the middle of the biggest tourist area in Seattle. Though beset on all sides by 'Bucks, you can duck into this perfectly located shop on Pike for quality coffee prepared by knowledgeable folks who are happy to discuss the intricacies of their craft. Espresso, cold-brew, and Chemex were all very nice.
(5)
Dominique F.

Spent a whole Friday working from here during my trip back to Seattle and I absolutely loved it. The couple chais I got were delicious, the biscotti good and the servers very friendly. Exactly what you'd expect from a coffeeshop in Seattle :) Would definitely come back.
(4)
Rebecca H.

Eh, this cafe is less charming than it used to be. The little details that made it great are gone ... No more library, no more guestbook, no more quirky art displays. The coffee and food is still excellent though!
(4)
å’Œå Y.

Great for coffee geeks and people who just want a tasty cup of coffee. I am in the latter category, I don't care about the fancy gizmos, I just want a tasty cuppa. this place delivers. Staff are knowledgeable and helpful. I like my coffee with soy milk, but learned that the hipster stuff in San Francisco tends to be too acidic, and the soy falls out of solution, making it look like the soy milk had curdled and had gone bad. Not true! It is not the soy, it is the coffee! So, if I get coffee at one of the many 3rd wave coffee shops in SF, I tend to skip the soy. Not here! I was able to get a darker roast with soy, no problem (after useful advice from the barista). The flavor is smooth and nutty. Better than Blue Bottle, for sure. There is also a slow bar, if you want your coffee brewed slowly and you want it brewed in one of various ways and you have the time. I noticed lots of people glued to electronic devices, but I can't comment about any WiFi. Tasty snacks, much like you'd find at Starbucks. The yogurt parfait was fantastic. Location wise, look for the Green Tortoise, it is just next door and across the street from the 1st and Pike Starbucks.
(5)
Keet R.

It was the end of the day and I desperately needed a cup of coffee to warm me up, get me through a bit more work, and get me home. Seattle Coffee Works got me through all three. A lovely break from the 1st Street/Pike Place afternoon madness, with cozy couches, a small bookshelf and damn good coffee! --Drinks-- I had their dark chocolate mocha, which was very comforting. I usually drink drip coffee or americanos so it's always a treat when a mocha is creamy, not overly sweet, and actually chocolatey. They have a very interesting range of coffees including sustainably sourced beans from around the world. They feature a particular bean and coffee each day. They also have an interesting slow bar set up, with I believe 3 different brewing mechanisms that you can pop up and watch them do at the bar. They also sell the equipment so you can take a bit of glory home with you. I have to come back here when I'm less tired, more adventurous, and in need to a serious cuppa. --Snacks-- I didn't get a chance to try any of their snacks but their is a variety of standard coffee shop snack fare. If they are anything like their coffee, then I would expect to be pleased. --Folks-- The baristas were very sweet and helpful, and helped me sort out what I wanted to drink. There were a couple of patrons in the corners also working, but for the most part there were small groups of 2-3 people who looked like they were taking a break from roaming and exploring around downtown Seattle. --Amenities-- Free wifi, some power. Comfy seating, and near food. It's just off the main Pike place strip so it is a bit calmer.
(4)
Nicole Q.

Felt like this was the place that would be in movies. Some strange characters hanging out inside, entertaining employees... the coffee LOOKED like it belonged in Seattle, the home of quality coffee. The ambience is "eh" but frankly, if you want to experience Seattle coffee and you're downtown searching for a place to grab it (especially if you're anti-Starbucks and near Pike Place Market), hit this place up. Thanks for the tasty coffee!
(4)
Ashley T.

Seattle Coffee Works is unique in that they offer a slow bar, which demonstrates different brewing methods that yield slightly nuanced flavors of coffee. I'm in the habit of rating places based more heavily on their food and drink offerings rather than their service, which explains my rating here. The service we got at the slow bar was amazing. The owner explained each method to us in detail, making us several cups of coffee to try using different beans that they sell exclusively at the store. My average rating comes from the fact that I prefer darker coffee that is less acidic in taste. Seattle Coffee Works tends to use beans that have more acidity, producing a slightly sour taste to the coffee that is also not strong enough for me. However, I suggest that you come and taste for yourself, and particularly try the slow bar if you're eager to learn more about coffee!
(3)
Claire W.

Damn good coffee and sweet, very informed baristas and counter staff. Their 'drip' coffee is actually French pressed and is consistently freshly made and piping hot. Two blends are always available, and ordering it for there is cheaper than most coffee in the area, plus $1 refills. Can't get over how nice the staff has always been - very refreshing.
(5)
Christian S.

One of the best cappuccinos I've ever tried. Strong. Did not need sweetener.
(5)
Scott T.

My first visit to the original home of U.S. coffee and have not been disappointed by the exceptional service and coffee from SCW. As good as the latte was, the house coffee was even more impressive. Truly a cup that would be ruined by milk or cream. There's a cup of coffee, then there's a cup where flavors you can detect take over the situation (won't try to impress you with a description here--plenty of that on this page sure). Bit less than impressed with the everything bagel that came sliced, unheated with a tube of ice cold cream cheese but hell, if I really wanted a great bagel I'd be in NYC I guess. Sticking with 5 stars. By the way, the service is relaxed, friendly, just hitting on all cylinders and it's a great interior with free wireless. What's not to like (besides the bagel)? Added bonus: requisite cranky, badly dressed old men smoking cigarettes outdoors on the patio but they're friendly.
(5)
Danielle C.

This coffee shop feels so Seattle it hurts! The baristas have that hipster look and there are funky quotes scribbled on the quote of the day board, etc. etc. Not that it's a bad thing but I guess people come from all over the world to get the Seattle coffeeshop experience! The decor is very earthy/woody with mostly brown tones. There are some seats but there were still a lot of people that had to take it to go or stand around waiting for a seat. Their cups are so minimal. It's just white paper cups and no logo whatsoever on them. I got a decaf vanilla latte and the total was a little under $3.50 for an 8oz. Unfortunately they made my latte breve instead (using half and half instead of milk) - they apologized and offered to give me another one if I didn't like it. The crema at the top is delicious. It is very similar to Uptown Espresso's velvet foam, very thick and creamy. I liked it. The espresso itself is not too bad either, although near the bottom I started to get sour notes.
(4)

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Address : 107 Pike St
Seattle, WA, 98101
Phone (206) 340-8867
Website https://www.seattlecoffeeworks.com
Click To Get Directions

Opening Hours

Mon :7:00 am - 7:00pm

Specialities

Takes Reservations : No
Delivery : No
Take-out : Yes
Accepts Credit Cards : Yes
Good For : Breakfast
Parking : Street
Bike Parking : Yes
Wheelchair Accessible : Yes
Good for Kids : Yes
Good for Groups : Yes
Attire : Casual
Ambience : Casual
Noise Level : Average
Alcohol : No
Outdoor Seating : Yes
Wi-Fi : Free
Has TV : No
Waiter Service : No
Caters : No
Good for Working : Yes

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Seattle Coffee Works

107 Pike St, Seattle, WA, 98101

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