Victrola Coffee Roasters: 2 Great Locations in Seattle Washington

Both Victrola locations are in Seattle's Capitol Hill neighborhood. The first store can be found on 15^th St. not far from Mercer and Republican, and the second is on Pine St. near Melrose. The first Victrola café, Victrola Coffee and Art, has been a fixture on 15^th St. for years now. It's an ideal coffee shop: funky neighborhood, lots of tables, plenty of electrical outlets for all your electronic devices, and wireless internet access. It also has an atmosphere that lends itself well to meeting with friends, studying, or just taking in the view. Like many Seattle coffee houses, Victrola also has art displayed on the walls from various local artists.

The second Victrola location, Victrola Café and Roastery, got its start in 2007 in what was once a garage (a relic of Capitol Hill's automotive past). The difference in ambiance between the second store and the first is due to this automotive inheritance. The newest Victrola has a much more industrial feel, with high ceilings and exposed brickwork as opposed to ordinary modern commercial construction. However, you can expect the same quality of caffeine, snacks and service. And much to their credit, both locations have a few comfy old fashioned chairs, a must in any café.

Victrola the second is also the location of the coffee company's roasting operations. Victrola is one of Seattle's many independent coffee roasters, though it certainly stands out in the crowd. Their beans are the best I've found for drip coffee and are the only ones I'll buy for home use. Speaking of drip coffee, Victrola has the best drip coffee in the city. A lot of places do decent espresso drinks, but most only have halfway decent drip. Victrola's drip coffee is so good I think it's worth stopping by just for that alone.

Besides having the best drip coffee I've ever had, Victrola also pulls a good espresso shot and has a decent selection of tasty snacks. The coffee drink prices are standard for Seattle. The sandwiches are delicious but a little expensive, and the baked goods are yummy but pricey ($2 for a cookie...seriously, people.).

Victrola Coffee and Art (411 15th Ave E) is open every day from 5:30 in the morning till eleven at night. Victrola Café and Roaster (310 E Pike Street) is open from 6:30 in the morning till eight at night on weekdays, and from 7:30 in the morning till eight at night on the weekend.