Maybe you’re a local, and you have espresso-enthused friends in town with a free day at their disposal. Maybe you yourself have never visited the coffee mecca that is the Pacific Northwest, and you’re planning a trip. Or maybe you just feel like playing coffee tourist in your own city for a day. Whatever your situation, the Pacific Northwest offers a smorgasbord of coffee destinations worth your time. Here are three coffee shops and stops to visit in each of the Pacific Northwest’s three biggest cities.
If you’re in…
Seattle
Espresso Vivace || You know the gorgeous coffee art you get when your barista pours a proper latte? It was pioneered at this world-famous espresso landmark, roasting in Seattle since 1988. Visit the flagship café on Broadway in Capitol Hill, or walk down the street to grab a doppio in a paper cup at Vivace’s sidewalk bar. || 532 Broadway Ave. E; 321 Broadway Ave. E
Slate Coffee Roasters || The tiny shop in Seattle’s Ballard neighborhood was hardly a year old when it was named the Western regional champion in the America’s Best Coffeehouse competition, and the rave reviews haven’t subsided since. Be sure you try a signature Deconstructed Espresso. || 5413 6th Ave. NW
Starbucks Coffee Company || Yes, visiting the first Starbucks is cliché, but it’s the first stop on most Seattle coffee tour itineraries. It’s located at 1912 Pike Place. Visitors should know that it’s not actually the original Starbucks—the company’s first store was located at 2000 Western Avenue for five years before moving to the current “original” location. Still, it’s right inside Pike Place Market, which is always great to visit. If the idea of a tourist trap doesn’t appeal, check out the brand-new Starbucks Reserve Roastery on Capitol Hill, complete with a coffee reference library, tasting room and space to watch the roasting process. || 1912 Pike Place; 1124 Pike St.
Bonus: If you’re driving from Seattle to Portland or vice versa, check out these five great coffee shops on the way.
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Portland
Stumptown Coffee Roasters || There can be no doubt that Portland is a world-class coffee city, and Stumptown helped put it on the map. Visit the The Annex tasting bar at Stumptown’s headquarters to learn about coffee, take a class or a tour ($15 each; half-pound bag of beans included in both) and sample Stumptown’s newest roasts on a wide variety of brewing equipment. Free public tastings occur Monday through Saturday at 3 pm, and last about an hour. || 100 SE Salmon St.
Good Coffee || It seems like there’s a hot new café springing up in Portland every day, and Good Coffee is one of my favorite new additions. The name of the shop says it all—nothing but good coffee served here. || 4747 SE Division St.
Olé Latte Coffee || Food carts are a huge part of the world-renowned Portland culinary scene, and coffee carts have their place among them. Visit Olé Latte to find a great beverage to go with any food cart lunch. The best part? As part of the Suspended Coffees movement, Olé Latte lets you pay it forward by purchasing a drink for a future visitor. || 1003 SW Alder St.
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Vancouver
Revolver Coffee || A multi-roaster coffee shop model is one of the hardest in the industry to pull off, and Revolver makes it look effortless. Sample all manner of brewing methods with coffees from all over North America and beyond (currently the furthest-flung offering on the menu is flown in from Berlin) at this decidedly local shop that pays attention to every detail of your experience. || 325 Cambie St.
East Van Roasters || You’ll find more than just espresso here—East Van roasts both coffee and cacao beans, so the truffles, bars and confections you find are as fantastic as the drinks. It’s the perfect way to take a break, snack on something sweet and fuel up for more sightseeing. || 319 Carrall St.
49th Parallel Coffee Roasters || Sometimes as a tourist you’re not looking for novelty—you just want a straight-up good cup of coffee that locals get to enjoy all the time. Head to 49th Parallel to get a great drink, and be sure to snag a bag of beans to bring with you when you head home. || 2902 Main St.
