Seattle’s Best Coffee Shops

Photo by @kathleenhetland on Instagram.

Today, you can find Starbucks coffee shops all over the world—its iconic  mermaid logo shines on rooftops from Seoul to San Jose. As Starbucks’ birthplace, Seattle is home to nearly 200 of its cafes, as well as its giant, state-of the art roastery and tasting room. Touring the tasting room comes highly recommended, but if you’re looking for something a little bit more low key, here are a few good sips to start with, at the best Seattle coffee shops.

The Best Seattle Coffee Shops…Besides Starbucks

Little Oddfellows

Tucked inside one of Seattle’s most beloved bookstores, Elliott Bay, Little Oddfellows is the perfect spot to lose a few hours on a rainy Seattle day. Grab a book, then plop down on one of the shop’s inviting pews. For $3.25, you can get an “everlasting coffee,”—free refills from now until you finish your new read. Little Oddfellows & Elliott Bay Books: 1525 10th Ave.; 206-323-1511

Royal Drummer

Located in Seattle’s trendy Ballard neighborhood, Royal Drummer sells seasonal pastries, and larger dishes alongside its traditional coffee offerings. The fuller menu and ample couches seem to encourage patrons to shut down the iPhone and laptop, and focus on really enjoying the cafe’s cozy atmosphere. Royal Drummer: 6420 24th Ave. NW; 206-484-6693

Seattle Meowtropolitan

A cat lady’s dream, Wallingford’s Seattle Meowtropolitan is the city’s first and only cat cafe. Visitors are encouraged to make an appointment, as the shop fills up quickly, both for its artisanal coffee drinks, and its cuddly, feline friends. $10 gets you a drink and infinite cat kisses. Seattle Meowtropolitan: 1225 N 45th St.; 206-632-2330

Craftworks Coffee

Nestled in Seattle’s Queen Anne neighborhood, Craftworks Coffee presents visitors the opportunity to learn more about their favorite brews, as detailed information about roast levels and countries of origin dot the menu. Patrons can feel good about supporting the small Seattle roasters that provide Craftworks its coffee, and the talented locals artists whose works covers its walls. Craftworks Coffee: 110 Republican St.; 425-238-0336