As a Seattle resident and AAA travel counselor, I recommend that visitors see sights like the Space Needle or Pikes Place Market but in my opinion, the true Seattle experience is coffee - -in a Seattle coffeehouse.

There are many theories behind our coffeehouse obsession, from rainy days to techies attached to their laptops and java buzz. Who knows? All that we know is that it’s good! With a variety of bean-roasting techniques and an abundance of coffee hubs to choose from, Seattle has elevated coffee to an art as well as a part of everyday life.  Here’s a list of my favorite local coffeehouses, in no particular order, chosen for both their coffee and ambience.  

1. Vivace (227 Yale Ave N, in Alley 24 across from REI) Best described as a fusion of art and coffee, Vivace has a great atmosphere with local art hanging on the walls and eclectic music. This is the ideal place for people watching, reading a book and sipping on a perfect cappuccino.

2. Starbucks (1912 Pike Place) No, I’m not kidding… Starbucks. The original birthplace of Starbucks Coffee that is! The first Starbucks ever still offers that gritty coffee house feeling. I love to watch the local musicians perform right outside. The coffee served up in this Pike’s Place icon is really delicious. P.S. You’ll love the way they serve it to you…

3. Café Fiore  (5405 Leary Ave NW)  Located in the small but quaint Seattle community of Ballard, Café Fiore offers great coffee and an environment that is filled with diverse people and visually interesting architectural details. The lighting and décor is lovely in orange and black undertones. It’s like looking through an orange photographic lens. Try the Valencia Mocha!

4. Victor’s Celtic Coffee (7993 Gilman St.  Redmond, across 520) Victor’s has, hands down, the best cup of coffee on the East Side of Seattle. Many drive over the floating bridge to this little haven of caffeine aromas just for a sip of this stuff. It’s all about where this place transports you, amazing coffee and the feeling that you’ve just crawled into a Celtic Hobbit Hole. Examples of drinks are Almond Joy and Irish Nudge.
5. El Diablo Coffee (Queen Anne Ave N #101) Nestled in the Seattle Community of Queen Anne this sanctuary for the soul provides a great espresso and a spicy yet delicious escape from the ordinary cup.

Whether you’re here for business or pleasure, a coffeehouse is a great way to get out of a hotel room and the best place to acquire an education in ‘coffeeology.’ (Yes…I just made that word up.) So, grab your laptop, iPad or journal, settle in and enjoy a cup of Seattle.

Now, readers, add your favorites ...