The Essential Seattle Coffee Shop Guide for Creative Minds
As someone who works from home it can be be difficult to stay focused or feel creative when the laundry and dirty dishes are staring you in the eye. Or finding motivation to put on clothes other than yoga pants and a sweatshirt because no one else but my husband is going to see me. Anyone else have that problem? Well, I made myself a deal that I would get out of the house everyday for a change of scenery and hopefully a spark of productivity. Luckily for me, Seattle has no shortage of great working spaces.
It could be the whir of the espresso machine, the clanking of dishes or the caffeine coursing through my system but some of my best creative work has come when I’ve been working in a coffee shop. In fact, that’s where you’ll usually find me when I’m working on the blog. I can’t help but feel inspired working in beautifully curated spaces. Studies have shown that ambient background noise and a change in environment can boost your creativity. Thank goodness I live in Seattle and coffee flows like water! Here a few of my favorites that not only brew great coffee but get those creative juices flowing.
General Porpoise – Pioneer Square
The third outpost of the wildly popular doughnut and coffee shop from Renee Erickson might be one of the most adorable shops I have been too. The elephant-shaped lanterns hanging from the ceiling and the bright pink espresso machine cranking out delicious beverages all have me wishing I could just move my things in. Let’s not forget about the most delectable sugar pillows filled with things like lemon curd and vanilla custard. It’s seriously a little slice of coffee shop heaven on Earth!
Navy Strength Coffee & Juice
Brought to you by the fine people of Rob Roy, No Anchor and Navy Strength (the tiki and travel inspired bar next door), this tropical oasis in Belltown will transport you to a faraway land with their juices and exotic potions. I’m partial to the Doctor’s Orders (Espresso + 8oz Coffee + Juice Shot + Bubbly H20) because I want all of the things. They always have a great selection of juice options and unique coffee drink options. Don’t miss out on the delicious food options from Chef Jeffrey Vance. Waffle Cubano, anyone?
Tucked away from the street in the CenturyLink Plaza building this shop is always bustling with energy. Along with the usual suspects the menu features delicious seasonal coffee and tea drinks. On my last visit I had an awesome Pistachio Matcha Latte. For those 21+, Anchorhead offers beer on tap and wines by the glass. Let’s be honest, who doesn’t get a little more creative after a glass of vino? If you need a super charge their cold brew on nitro is one of my favorite in town. Did I mention I love the oh so PNW feeling space?
La Marazocco Café and Show Room
This café is found in the KEXP Gathering Space is everything I love about Seattle. The Gathering Space was created as a place for people to connect over music, art, and coffee. The café features a new coffee roaster or brand every month. That means new menus, drink preparations and experiences every time you stop by! I love the collaboration and inclusiveness of it all. Plus, the gathering space is stunning and the people watching is top notch. You might even get treated to some live music while you’re here. What’s more Seattle than coffee and concert?
Though this list was short and sweet you can bet your cute butt I’ll be sharing more awesome work spaces in the future. With so many great ones in the city I couldn’t squeeze them all into one post.
Where do you feel most creative? Share your thoughts here on the blog on or connect with me on Instagram (@eat.drink.wanderlust) and using #EatDrinkWanderlust.