Say what you will about Starbuck’s, but I love their coffee. They are always consistent and I get what I want in a hurry. I know people talk about how they have gone too ‘corporate america’ and all but I think this is one of the few times when that didn’t affect the quality of the product. The thing that the naysayers fail to talk about is that some of the smaller coffee shops never make the same drink twice. I’ve gone to espresso places where my latte tasted like I was licking a shag carpet. I wouldn’t go back on a bet. I’ve had coffee that tasted like a cross between bug spray and roofing tar. And once I was given a peppermint mocha that tasted EXACTLY like Scope.
That’s why I am happy that there are Starbucks’ at which to worship worldwide. But Seattle should, of course, be hailed as the coffee lover’s Mecca.
Seattle’s Best Coffee is not as good by any stretch of the imagination. They started here too.
Since you are here, you might as well visit some of the places made for the coffee lover.
Like Bauhaus Coffee and Books: 301 E. Pine. There is nothing better than coffee and books in the same place. Except, of course, when that place also has Kool-Aid on the menu.
Belle Epicurean – 1206 4th Avenue in the Fairmont Hotel Lobby. Please don’t leave Seattle without tasting at least one of their amazing pastries. My favorite thing is to buy one on the way to the airport for a flight. Beats airplane food hand down.
The Blue Dog Coffee House: 5247 University Way NE. If you are in the mood for a large selection of Japanese Tea or a slice of pound cake that weighs at least a pound, this eclectic coffee house is for you. They just moved to this location and have added lots of stuff to the menu. My favorite is still the tomato soup and grilled cheese. It’s like having mom on the road.
At last count, there were over 300 coffee houses in Seattle so you will probably find one that you like better. Tell me about it. I am going for a visit in June and will try to stop at as many as I can.
