In the past five years, I have lived in four different states and fifteen different homes. With so much travelling, I have met so many beautiful people, have experienced diverse cultures, and have had a really good cup of coffee here and there.
I don’t know about you, but whenever I visit a new city, I immediately log onto the Internet, researching all that I can so I can create the best weekend itinerary imaginable. Thus, I thought it would be fun to start a new Travel Series that focuses on the Foodie/Coffee Shoppe musts of some of the most touristy cities in America.
And, what better city to start off our series with than the Queen of Coffee, herself, the city of Seattle. If you have never been to Seattle, I highly recommend this PNW city. It is by far my favourite big city in America, which is saying a lot since I live in L.A. and grew up on the outskirts of San Francisco.
1. Pike Place Market: Storyville Coffee
This fun coffee shoppe is secretly nestled in the centre of Pike Place Market. After climbing a couple flight of stairs and a short walk down the hallway, you will find yourself overlooking the market and the beautiful blue ocean. If you are looking for a cozy place, this is definitely your spot! There are board games, a fireplace for warmth on the most rainy of days, and plenty of seating room, including some of the most comfortable couches. This privately owned coffee shoppe is on a mission to change lives. Read more about their mission statement here.
2. Ada’s Technical Cafe: Coffee +Tea
A house that has been turned into a coffee shoppe and a bookstore? You are speaking my language. I visited here quite a few times (which was a 15 block walk from the ferry port, so obviously I thought it was worth it). During the summertime, their teas are a must!
3. Molly Moon’s Ice Cream
I still daydream about having homemade ice cream from Molly Moon’s. (Side note: Their Stumptown Coffee Ice Cream in a homemade waffle cone is a must.) Also, who doesn’t love an ice cream shoppe that has a French Bulldog/Boston Terrier mix as their mascot? Molly’s philosophy is all about bringing people together for happiness. Read more here.
4. Starbuck’s Roastery + Tasting Room
Not only can you tour the Roastery, watch coffee beans be roasted and packaged to be shipped all around the U.S., and order a Starbucks drink that is exclusive to the Roastery, but you can also take a seat at Serious Pie, a unique pizza spot that offers the perfect Happy Hour snacks! To give you an idea of how tasty their pizza is, I ate there three times in my three months of living in Washington (Side note: I’m not a huge fan of pizza). The conclusion is this place is a must.
5. Little Oddfellows
I really do love a coffee shoppe that has snuck its way into a bookstore. Located inside Seattle’s largest bookstore, The Elliot Bay Book Company, this cafe offers a variety of food and coffee options! After grabbing a quick snack, make your way to Molly Moon’s, which is located right around the corner from this fantastic bookstore!
6. The Athenian Seafood Restaurant + Bar
Looking for a restaurant with a fantastic view? This seafood restaurant, infamous for a Tom Hanks and Rob Reiner scene from the classic movie Sleepless in Seattle, does not disappoint. Great service, moderate prices (especially for good seafood with a waterfront view!)
7. The Pink Door
Looking for a romantic dinner or just something a little more exotic? The Pink Door, a French restaurant with live music in the evening times, offers guests a fantastic experience that they will soon not forget. I had my birthday dinner here, and would highly recommend the Pink Door in a heartbeat.
Other suggestions: Pike Place Chowder has the best clam chowder in Seattle (I highly recommend the Sampler Chowder plate). Let Panier Bakery has the best almond croissants. Grab a pastry and then head over to the original Starbucks or Storyville Coffee, located at Pike’s Market.
If you can take the ferry to Bainbridge Island for the day, I would highly recommend. By far my favourite coffee shoppe in Washington was Pegasus Coffee, a unique coffee house that makes you feel as though you have stepped back in time.
Have you been to Seattle? Where are your favourite foodie/cofee spots? Let me know! Cheers until next time, friends!
JM Books Co. 