By Seattle Coffeeshop Examiner Viv Weinkauf:
Just the name is enough to entice a coffee lover to try it. Victrola on Beacon Hill has such a funky, purely-Seattle atmosphere that it’s a joy to visit. From the first serious whiff of beans to the deep taste of coffee layers in the brew, Victrola offers a completely welcoming environment without pretention.
The place is situated at 3215 Beacon Hill Avenue South in a short strip of dilapidated buildings. It’s reminiscent of old Seattle and could easily be transported to the docks without missing a beat. The thing that immediately hits when entering is the strong, rich aroma of grounds… layer upon layer of caffeine goodness. The brew served was the day’s choice, Kenya Ruiru, which has an almost smoky flavor. Rich and very thick (but satisfying) in the mouth…one I would easily serve at home but not necessarily as a breakfast blend. The taste was a little too deep for early morning but would be perfect for an afternoon energy boost.
The décor at Victrola is austere and creative; having pencil drawings on the plaster walls is a unique way to add interest to an otherwise plain interior. Seating was ample and they offer a couple of tables on the sidewalk. Where Victrola is located, though, won’t provide a particularly lovely or inviting view. A better idea is to plan to meet up with a great friend who contributes interesting conversation, take the table near the window, get a good cup of brew, and figure you’re in for a few hours. The counter person was efficient, cordial, and good at her job. I could tell she was a professional barista who loved being there. Her energy contributed to my overall good experience. Read more.
Victrola is located at 3215 Beacon Avenue South on Beacon Hill. Photo Courtesy of Victrola
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By Seattle Coffeeshop Examiner Viv Weinkauf:
Some of the best things about Seattle exist in small neighborhoods. Our beautiful city is filled with regional and artistic locations that really should be explored by every resident to fill the eyes, ears, and taste buds. One such area is Columbia City.
Approximately three city blocks along Rainier Avenue South is the heart of Columbia City. I was first introduced to this neighborhood many years ago by attending a function at the live community theater. Since then, it has always remained a favorite location because of the boutique-feel, tree-lined streets, and cultural diversity.
Across from the theater and tucked beside other local businesses stands The Columbia City Bakery. This fabulous little place is a priceless jewel. Not only do they have (perhaps) the best selection of artisan breads available but their coffee is simply delicious. I entered and was immediately greeted by a friendly (but not overly-friendly), efficient (but not distant) server who described their coffee and how they maintain their high quality.
I always visit anonymously; the employees of the coffee houses I visit don’t know I’ll be writing a review. But in this case, it wouldn’t have mattered…she was fabulous about explaining that they change out their coffee every hour to hour and a half regardless of how much remains. And it showed; the Panamanian had a rich, earthy flavor; it had a just-brewed taste, and was served in a good, old-fashioned ceramic cup. Columbia City Bakery does use air pots but since they’re rigid about maintaining the fresh brew and because everything else was perfect, I’m not going to take off a point. Read more.
Columbia City Bakery is located at 4865 Rainier Avenue South. Photo/do communications, inc.
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By Seattle Coffeeshop Examiner Viv Weinkauf:
I grappled with whether I should let My Coffee House be anonymous, known only to the locals, or just blurt it out: this place is a mess. From the minute I pushed open the door, I realized that I was (a) in a coffee house with an identity crisis, and (b) really sorry I had made the trek to 28th & Madison for this. The chipped paint on nearly every wall, the disorganized cups of oats cereal at the front counter, and a coffee seating area that looked like Big Bird just threw up in it made me want to turn around and leave. There were massive amounts of crumbs scattered everywhere, stuffed animals, blocks and kids’ toys in random piles throughout, and a particularly depressing atmosphere for an adult (even one who usually likes kids) just wanting a decent cup of coffee.
As readers of this column know, I advocate the use of ceramic cups in lieu of paper. Hold on…not so fast. My Coffee House might just be the place that stops my rants. I would not have felt comfortable drinking from a cup that someone else had used at this shop; there was nothing to convince me that any modicum of cleanliness was used here, from the countertops to whatever might exist behind the counter…I don’t want to know.
As Mother always said, “If you can’t say something nice…” Okay, then…here it goes: the person who waited on me was exceedingly friendly. The coffee, although stored in the dreaded air pots, actually had a good flavor. And I can see a definite customer base with moms & dads who need a place to use their wireless laptops while the kids play. But My Coffee House isn’t just a “family friendly” establishment; it’s a day care that just happens to serve coffee. Big, big difference. Read more.
My Coffee House is located on Madison near Martin Luther King, Jr. Way. Photo/do communications, inc.
South-End Coffee Shops:
- Both Ways Cafe (4922 S. Genesee St.) Lakewood/Seward Park
- Caffe Vita (5028 Wilson Ave. S.) Lakewood/Seward Park
- Columbia City Bakery (4865 Rainier Ave. S.) Columbia City
- Grown Folks Coffeehouse (4878 Beacon Ave. S.) Beacon Hill
- Kwik Cup Espresso (3814 S. Othello St.) NewHolly
- Mioposto (3601 S. McClellan St.) Mt. Baker
- Sweet & Savory (1418 31st Ave. S.) Mt. Baker
- Tutta Bella (4918 Rainier Ave. S.) Columbia City
- Victrola Coffee (3215 Beacon Ave. S.) Beacon Hill
What’s your favorite south-end coffee shop?
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By Seattle Coffeeshop Examiner Viv Weinkauf:
Caffe Vita has seating both inside and outside which is a plus. And they had a nice variety of pastries, fruit juices, and other offerings. The artwork was appropriate for the atmosphere; all textile-related and attractive. It was just missing something. I found Caffe Vita to be boring, quite frankly. If I was in really urgent need of a cup of coffee and couldn’t wait a minute longer and Caffe Vita was the only place to choose, they’d get my couple of dollars. But if there was any alternative in close proximity, I’d rather give another place my business. Caffe Vita left me feeling like it was the 2-dimensional imposter to a 3-dimensional coffee house. Too cool for this ex-hippie. Read more.
Caffe Vita is located at 5028 Wilson Avenue South at 50th in Lakewood/Seward Park. Photo/do communications, inc.
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By Seattle Coffeeshop Examiner Viv Weinkauf:
Seattle residents who haven’t driven down to Seward Park to enjoy the scenery and the cultural diversity this area offers are missing one of our best-kept secrets. It’s a little paradise, this stretch of Lake Washington Boulevard where bicyclists meander along the road and boaters find the peace of this tiny bay a place for relaxation and fishing.
Just north is the Genesee neighborhood, bordering the Lake and filled with parks, great views, and unique restaurants. One of them is Both Ways Café. Standing on the corner of 50th and Genesee, Both Ways is a tiny place with picnic tables on the street, mismatched furnishings inside, and the aroma of french toast sizzling from behind the counter. A friendly wait staff and satisfying menu make this a good destination if a breakfast meal is in your plans. But if you want a great cup of coffee, keep moving. Read more.
Both Ways Cafe is located at 4922 South Genesee Street in the Lakewood/Seward Park neighborhood. Photo/do communications, inc.
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