Complete business in a compelling environment by stopping by our list of best coffee shops to work in Seattle.
Seattle and coffee culture go hand-in-hand — in fact, Seattle tends to be recognized across the nation as the coffee capital of the country. Home of the original Starbucks and espresso in America, specialty coffee and Seattle are a match made in caffeinated heaven.
If you’re staying in Seattle for work, you’ll have a bounty of coffee shops and cafes to choose from. Whether you’re a writer, a designer, or a serial startup guru, we know how important it is to get your work done in a compelling environment — just take a look at our guide to the best coworking spaces in Seattle.
From places with vintage vibes to nautically-inspired cafes, here’s our list of the best coffee shops to work in Seattle. Bring your laptop and your to-do list and get ready for one great cup of coffee (maybe two).
Located inside Elliott Bay Book Company, Little Oddfellows is one of the best cafes to work in Seattle for those seeking literary-inspiration. It serves baked goods and desserts along with coffee and espresso from Caffe Vita, so you know you’ll be well-fed and well-caffeinated for the workday ahead. If tea is more your style, they have a fancy selection complete with Yerba Mate Organic Honey Tea and Organic Lemon Aid Tea. Pair that with housemade granola in the morning, and hopefully a well-deserved panini and glass of tap wine in the evening, and you might never leave. With a laptop, and ample food and beverage to keep you fueled up, why go anywhere? When you’re ready for a break, simply grab a book from down below, sit back, relax, and enjoy.
With communal seating and tons of windows, Milstead & Co. is one of the brightest and best cafes to work in Seattle. They place importance on quality beans, which means you’ll get a quality work buzz that will lead to higher productivity. With a rustic-chic vibe and plenty of artwork to gawk at, this space is a favorite among freelancers and remote workers. If you’re looking to keep your caffeine free-flowing, make sure to pick up a bag of the beans so you can continue the work at home.
Established in 1988, Espresso Vivace roasts in the Northern Italian Style. They search the world for mild arabicas and bring their beans to the peak of caramelized sugar content. Widely regarded as a good cup of joe (celebrity chef Emeril Lagasse once described Vivace as the best coffee in America, if not the world) this is also one of the best coffee shops to work in Seattle. You can choose from three of their locations — their flagship or sidewalk espresso stand on Capitol Hill or a grand bar in South Lake Union. To setup your mobile workstation, visit the flagship store where you can spread out and drink your signature latte in peace.
Fremont Coffee Company offers fair-trade organic coffee and delicious homemade pastries to fuel your work-filled afternoon. With free wi-fi, quiet indoor seating, and lots of outdoor patio space when the weather is warm, this makes the list as one of the best coffee shops to work at in Seattle. The founder started the cafe with a desire to replicate the feel of downtown Seattle’s classic coffee shops — the kind that’s ideal for enjoying a good book or a good conversation. For those who are looking for a calm place to finish their novel-in-progress or casually catch up on some emails, this is a great pick.
If you prefer to work with natural light, pleasant artwork, and lots of seating options (a couch, swing, private tables, communal tables), Capitol Coffee Works is a must-visit. The barista’s area is open and on the ground floor, with a nice loft above where you can get your work done. Send your emails, plan your presentation, or simply sit back and let the creative juices flow. However you choose to spend your time at this lovely Capitol Hill coffee establishment, we’re certain you’ll enjoy the pleasant atmosphere, the cheerful staff, and the muffins.
If you couldn’t already tell from the name itself, General Porpoise Coffee & Doughnuts is a divine doughnut and coffee shop located in the Capitol Hill neighborhood. From renowned Seattle chef Renee Erickson, this spot is light, bright, and ethereal. Sit upstairs and enjoy the sunshine while you dive into your to-do list — and a homemade filled doughnut. This is not only one of the best cafes to work in Seattle, but it’s easily one of the most charming places to get a doughnut, too. Renee’s doughnuts are made with seasonal jams, jellies, curds, custards, and creams and flavors include things like rose cream and chocolate marshmallow (just made sure to wipe off your sticky fingers before you start typing).
Serving coffee from around the world, La Marzocco makes this list as one of the chicest cafes to get your work done. Located inside a radio station and complete with an art gallery, LA Marzocco serves up everything from vegan banana bread to oat milk lattes. The space is big and open with plenty of tables for guests to plop down with their laptops and get right to it. One of the best coffee shops to work at in Seattle, the space is inspiring — and it’s good coffee. The coffee aficionados will enjoy that they feature a different roaster from around the world each month, so you’ll never tire of whatever you’re sipping. Grab your laptop and relish in the energy of your fellow remote working pals.
If it’s a minimalist environment you’re after, Union Coffee is the perfect place to be. The design is simple, the walls are white, and the music isn’t overpowering. It’s a modern spot with enormous windows and an upstairs area where you can tune out and turn on the productivity. The coffee is supplied by Olympia Coffee, widely regarded as one of the nation’s best coffee roasters, and the cafe’s classic workhorse blend is named “sweetheart” for its sweet and chocolaty taste. Patrons and baristas take their coffee seriously here, but the yogurt-bowls and pastries are not to be missed either. Come for the great coffee and stay for the comfortable couches and community of fellow laptop workers.
If nautical accents and a hip little shop get you excited, pay a visit to Anchored Ship Coffee Bar. This is one of the best coffee shops to work in Seattle for those of us who are on the hunt for a hidden gem and a cozy work environment. Go for a lavender chai tea latte and pair it with a cardamom bun to launch your work morning into contentment and productivity. This is a cute shop located in the middle of old town/downtown Ballard where both the employees and the breakfast sandwiches are warm.
With free WiFi and a selection of handmade baked goods, this coffee roaster in the heart of Seattle is a fan favorite. It’s a warm and inviting spot with festive drinks like lavender mochas and honey cardamom lattes. A favorite among Seattle locals and visitors alike for its soul-filled atmosphere, this is a great spot to come if you’re looking for feel-good coffee vibes. Soak up the afternoon sunshine by one of the windows then get a panini when your post-caffeine hunger kicks in.
Victrola Cafe & Roastery boasts a quiet and relaxed atmosphere and vintage decor. There are a couple of handfuls of small tables, a large shared table, and a small bar — so you can take your pick as to where you’d like to work. Once you find your spot, order an amazing coffee or kombucha, maybe a pastry or two, and get right to work. If you’re looking for an educational afternoon alongside your typical work rush, they hold free public coffee cuppings on select Fridays. Take a break from your typing to learn about the process of tasting coffee from one of Victrola’s team members. Overall, thanks to its inviting atmosphere and good caffeine selection, it’s no surprise that this Victrola is often mentioned as one of the best cafes to work in Seattle.
From quaint cafes to charming light-filled coffee shops, we hope this list will inspire you to get out there and get your work done! If you make your way to the area for work, make sure to check out our Seattle listings. Additionally, if you’re not familiar with the area, see our guide to the safest neighborhoods in Seattle.
We like our homes like we like our coffee shops — with blazing fast wi-fi, flexible check-in, and expertly curated furniture.
From all of us at Zeus Living, thanks for reading! We look forward to sharing a good cup o’ Joe with you someday soon.
