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Best Non-Starbucks Seattle Coffeeshops

Posted by Erin Zimmer, February 26, 2008 at 2:00 PM

Photograph from Bradley Allen on Flickr

In the spirit of Starbucks closing nationwide three hours early today, we thought you'd need some alternatives. But this one only applies to the coffee mavens themselves—the Seattleans. Here's our guide to the Seriously Seattle coffeehouses, where you should expect pretty foam art and lots of people-watching. But definitely no twin-tailed siren logos.

About the author: Erin Zimmer, our Washington, D.C., correspondent, is a new media analyst and frequently writes for Washingtonian, DCist, and other local publications. While Georgetown's food columnist, she investigated the cafeteria's omelet station, Hoya coffeeshop's cultish pumpkin muffins, and what exactly the basketball players ate.

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Victrola

Address: 411 15th Ave E, Seattle, WA and 310 E Pike Street, Seattle, WA
Phone: (206) 325-6520 and (206) 624-1725
Website: victrolacoffee.com
Always busy, and everyone is jolted, so expect movement. Art on the walls, probably David Byrne playing overhead and baguette sandwiches on plates. Plus they even have a blog, which is pretty cute.

Zeitgeist Kunst and Kaffee

Address: 171 S Jackson St, Seattle, WA
Phone: 206-583-0497
Website: zeitgeistcoffee.com
Takes coffee as seriously as emerging artwork. Every "First Thursday", it's the nexus for painters, potters and creators of all kinds, embracing the big art-walk night downtown. The German name does not disappoint; it’s "the spirit of the age," with everyone from execs to busdrivers ordering a latte.

Bauhaus

Address: 301 E Pine St, Seattle, WA
Phone: 206-625-1600
Floor-to-ceiling bookshelves with massive windows, looking out onto outdoor seats that are pleasant when it's not raining (for once). Great place to gather your thoughts.

Cafe Fiore

Address: 224 W Galer St, Seattle, WA (and two other locations)
Phone: 206-282-1441
Website: caffefiore.com
Organic beans and compostable materials, so slightly more expensive. Friendly baristas playing good beats. As some have said, it’s like “honeycomb” walking in here given the warm golden glow.

B&O Espresso

Address: 204 Belmont Ave E, Seattle, WA
Phone: 206-322-5028
Shabby chic interior, with old opera posters and mosaics. For late nights and early mornings, with a full bar and good food menu too. Munch on shwarma pita 'wiches and salmon benedicts at the communal tables. Apparently the waitresses are cute too.

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Tags: coffee, coffeehouses, Seattle