Seattle is famous for coffee. Not only does it have such a strong Starbucks connection, but it has local coffee shops on almost every corner. I rounded up all the spots I visited during a recent trip, from one that earned its way onto my list of best coffee shops of all time (hint: it has quite the view) to a deeply Instagrammable truck.
Slide through the photos for each shop to see more!
Storyville Coffee
This was a recommendation by an owner of one of my favorite Utah coffee shops, Clever Bean. They told me about this neat spot in Pike Place Market, around the corner from the famed Starbucks and up a staircase. I had looked up pictures and knew I had to check it out, and I was so glad I did. Storyville looked like no other coffee shop I've ever seen. It was luxe and felt very high-end, but the baristas were also so kind and friendly.
I'll admit I was a bit worried I wouldn't find a drink that fit my tastes, because as I've written about before, I like sugary lattes that are more #basic than fancy. But the drink I ordered was so delicious, I forgot all my concerns as soon as I took a sip. I ordered an iced vanilla latte with cashew-coconut milk. It was creamy, sweet and just what I needed. I also got a cinnamon roll which was so flaky and sweet, it was like eating a cross-breed between a cinnamon roll and a croissant, and I didn't know how much I needed this combination in my life until I had it.
Storyville Coffee also has great views of Pike Place Market, which looked gorgeous under a bright blue sky. If you're in Seattle and want a relaxing break from doing tourist-y stuff, stop into Storyville. It was truly a coffee-shop experience I won't soon forget. (Plus I got a free Storyville mug for signing up for their email list, so I can remember my fun visit here while sipping my morning brew. Perf.)
Website: https://storyville.com/
Address: 94 Pike Street #34 / Seattle, WA / 98101 (click here for more locations)
Cherry Street Coffee House
This was a shop I discovered when researching what was nearby where I was staying. There's actually 12 Cherry Street locations in Seattle, and I visited the one right nearby the Seattle University campus. I could totally imagine hitting up this shop on the reg in another life where I'm a Seattle University student, stopping by for a latte and bagel while reading my women's studies textbook as rain pitter-patters on the window. (Yeah, my daydream involves studying. #nerdalert) I went for my classic order, an iced vanilla latte, which is always a safe choice at a new place, and also an everything bagel with cream cheese. It was the perfect breakfast to nosh on before a day of travel, and I loved the cozy vibes of the shop (see: my studying fantasy above).
Website: https://www.cherryst.com/
Address: 1223 Cherry Street / Seattle, WA / 98122 (click here for more locations)
General Porpoise Doughnuts
So, I actually didn't get coffee here. I know! We were heading to the Starbucks Reserve Roastery (read my ode to the roastery here) so I wanted to save my caffeine consumption for that. But I was interested in the donuts at this popular spot. They were pricey, clocking in at $3.50 each, but the gooey and sugary goodness was so worth it. My boyfriend and I each got a seasonal option: I went for the strawberries & cream, he got the blackberry jam. I was basically in heaven not only because of the donuts, but because the whole shop is pink, gold and marble and reminded me of my ideal home. Go for the donuts, stay for the cute vibes. Like Cherry Street Coffee House, they also have several shops, but I visited the Capitol Hill location. And yes, they have coffee, including lattes with pretty art.
Website: https://www.gpdoughnuts.com/
Address: 1020 E. Union St. / Seattle, WA / 98122 (Click here for more locations)
Dreamy Drinks
If you think General Porpoise is Instagrammable, wait until you hear about this freaking pink unicorn truck! After a long day of exploring, I really needed a pick-me-up, and I stumbled upon this pastel miracle in a random courtyard in the middle of the city. I imagine it was similar to what finding a river or creek is like after being lost in the wilderness for several days. It was late in the day so I didn't want anything too caffeinated, and Dreamy Drinks came through. The menu is huge, with tons of coffee, tea, smoothie and boba options. I went for an iced strawberry matcha, which had a berry yummy (sorry) puree-esque mixture at the bottom, followed by a splash of milk and finishing with matcha at the top. I highly recommend adding strawberry or a similarly fruity twist to matcha. Vanilla and lavender are common additions to matcha, but strawberry made it feel like a mix between a smoothie and a latte, and it was such a refreshing afternoon treat. They also have one of the prettiest Instagram pages I've ever seen.
Address: It's on wheels, baby. But I found it at Westlake Park at 401 Pine Street, where it is frequently based on its page at the site listed above.
Pike Place Market Starbucks
Last but not least, the "Original Starbucks." I think I was spoiled by going to the Starbucks Reserve Roastery first, because frankly I didn't think any Starbucks experience could top that. But I knew I would probably regret not going to such a famous spot, being such a devoted slave to this company and all. So I waited until an early morning when the line wasn't too crazy to park myself at the end of it. It was cool to visit such a historic location, and the employees were so friendly. I wanted something refreshing and not-coffee (this was after Storyville) so I tried the new iced blueberry black tea and my boyfriend got an iced mocha frappuccino with whipped cream at the urging of the really sweet and funny barista. I'm really glad I didn't skip out on this absolute must.
Website: https://www.starbucks.com/ lol
Address: 1912 Pike Place / Seattle, WA / 98101
Thanks for reading!
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