OK, this is a silly question! I'll be flying in to Seattle for the first time this weekend and driving up to Canada. I've heard so much about the coffee's and coffee houses but I'm not a Starbuck's fan (I like my coffee creamy and mild not strong and bitter). We'll be needing lunch and a nice coffee by the time we get there around 11am. Suggestions?

Torrefazione Italia wins hands down, IMHO.

http://www.titalia.com/site/

The best espresso drinks in Seattle (actually, it's recognized as one of the best in the country) are found at Vivace on Denny, just east of Broadway, in the Capitol Hill neighborhood. It's a short bus ride up from downtown. If you are only downtown, Zeitgeist in Pioneer Square is quite good. Downtown, unfortunately, because of high rents, has an unusally high percentage of the chain coffee places, so you really won't find much unless you get out into the neighborhoods.
I agree that Starbucks is bitter, but a cappuccino is made with espresso so there's no getting around the fact that a well made one is still going to be strong, not "mild."

I hate to say this, but you're asking for something that seems impossible. By nature a cappucino IS bitter. If you want mild and creamy, you're probably best going to a non descript place without an espresso machine that uses a powdered mix or uses drip coffee to make a supposed "cappucino".

I wouldn't quite say it is impossible but you may find a cappucino or two that is not bitter. Although it is very hard to do in America. In italy I have had gallons of cappuccinos with no bitterness. Betsy named a very good brand that makes the smoothest that I have had in the US, and is my personal favorite. Or should I say was ! Betsy, you need to try North Bay Espresso roast, www.northbaycoffee.com/
I had a cappucino a few weeks ago in Sonoma, Ca. Was surprised at the flavor & how smooth it was. Thought it may be better then they made it at the cafe. I bought a pound and made it on my home machine. Yes, it's better then Torre, if you can believe that.

I know my friends from back east made the same mistake when there were first in Seattle... Are you sure you don't mean you want a 'latte' instead of a cappucccino?

By nature a cappuccino is a shot of espresso with steamed milk floating ON TOP of it. So it is not "creamy" at all. It's foam with strong black espresso under it.

I think if you order a "tall single latte" (more milk less espresso) that's more what you have in mind.

Or maybe an "Americano" which is 1/2 espresso and 1/2 boiling water, then pour your own cream in.

....Or a cafe au lait which is brewed coffee and steamed milk...

OK, when I made this post I hadn't realized I said "mild" and not "light" (as in, mild/light versus medium, versus dark roast). Sorry for any confusion! This sounds like many people take their coffee seriously! I do love my cappuccino's, latte's and anything not staight coffee. I have an expresso machine at home and mix more milk than coffee, for sure... I am also newly enjoying fruit tea lattes. Caffeine but not the same "highs" and "lows"

You mention many people here take their coffee seriously. Boy, is that an understatement!


"I have an expresso machine at home and mix more milk than coffee, for sure..."
I'm curious, does an expresso machine make it quicker than a standard espresso machine? Sorry, couldn't resist that one.

I agree with Betsy. I live here but think Starbucks is awful, but I wouldn't admit that out loud in public here.

Yes, they definitely take their coffee seriously! You can't beat some of the little independent shacks though. When we lived there, we had our favorites (north of the city) and still have to stop when we visit the inlaws/friends. The mobile espresso trucks were wonderful for the kids fall outdoor sports!

Depends who you're hanging around with I guess, none of my friends like Starbucks and that's no secret!

Yes coffee is serious business in Seattle, that's why we tried for 'correction' of terms. My thought was that you are getting bitter coffee because you were simply ordering the 'wrong' type of beverage for what you wanted!

Many people prefer to frequent the independent coffee shops like Vivace mentioned already. On my own street (15th Ave E on Capitol Hill) there's Victrola, Caffe Ladro, and North Hill Bakery all serving fine coffee (there's also a Starbucks).

Of the chains, you might find Tully's more drinkable.