Because the sun seems to have come up to the Northwest for an extended holiday, let’s continue with last week’s summer theme. In a region where the rest of the country thinks the clouds never lift (I’m pretty sure they think that about you too, Idaho), where can you sit outside and sip your iced latte while you work on your tan? Turns out there’s no shortage of coffeehouse decks, patios and terraces – if you know where to look.
Washington
A Muddy Cup (Seattle) – This teensy corner coffeehouse in Wallingford looks like your artsy great-aunt’s one-room cabin inside (in a good way!), but the whimsical patio they’ve squeezed out back feels breezy and open in spite of its size. It’s perfect for sipping their imaginative latte confections (like Banana Cream Pie) or sparkling Italian sodas from the shop’s tall, quirky glasses.
Canal Street Coffee (Seattle) – Watch the boats sail by on their way between Lake Union and Elliott Bay. It’s a rare view for a coffee shop, and you can take advantage of it on the house-type café’s spacious deck.
Oregon
Strictly Organic Coffee Co. (Bend) – Strictly Organic’s roastery-café is located in the festivity-friendly Old Mill district of downtown Bend. The smell of fresh-roasted coffee wafts out from the building itself, while the East Oregon sun washes down on you.
The Daily Café (Portland) – The Daily in the Pearl, one of three Daily Café locations, boasts patio seating for a sunny day with the book you just picked up from nearby Powell’s. Enjoy it with an apricot financier from hotshot baker Addison Magness.
Idaho
Java Coffee & Café (Boise) – The short chain of surf-town-inspired coffee houses has locations across Idaho, but the Hyde Park: Boise branch of Java offers inspired design, décor and outdoor seating. Java is famous for its Bowl of Soul, featuring Mexican chocolate, cinnamon, espresso and family-recipe whipped cream. Yes, they make that iced and blended. Mmmmm.
British Columbia
Ottavio’s Café (Victoria) – Ottavio’s is an Italian-minded operation serving Illy espresso alongside local Caffè Fantastico coffee. Take a seat at the terrazzo and compare the two options. Ottavio’s also serves beer, wine and gourmet fare from the adjacent bakery and delicatessen.
Caffè Fantastico – (Victoria) – Speaking of Caffè Fantastico, they’ve got their own outdoor seating, looking out across the water at the city from their Platinum LEED-certified Dockside location.
Courtyard Café & Patio (Qualicum Beach) – Serving quality coffee and gluten-free goodies (like crêpes), Courtyard Café’s a community hub. Often you’ll find local musicians performing on the lush patio, but it’s just as nice with an iced mocha as your diversion.
