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Coffee is the drink of choice for millions of people around the world. Seattle may be the birthplace of Starbucks, but these other coffee shops are guaranteed to satisfy your coffee craving.

Starbucks is one of the most recognizable coffee shops, with more than 40,000 stores worldwide. It’s hard to imagine now, but it took nearly two decades to gain popularity. The first Starbucks opened in Seattle in the 1970s.

Seattle is nicknamed The Coffee Capital of the World thanks largely to Starbucks, but that isn’t the only must-visit coffee shop in the famed Emerald City. After picking up your car rental at the Seattle airport, consider exploring one or more of these 5 top-rated coffee shops.

1. Starbucks Reserve Roastery

The first Starbucks opened in Seattle’s famous Pike Place Market in 1971 with just one employee. However, the brand didn’t become popular until the 1990s, when the coffeehouse culture rose. There are an estimated 16,000 Starbucks shops in the U.S. alone. The original in Seattle is still open and is a major tourist attraction with long lines and crowds.

But you can get a feel of the coffee giant’s magic at the Starbucks Reserve Roastery, found just nine blocks from the original. The Reserve Roastery gives visitors a fully immersive coffee experience, including how the beans are roasted to the perfect cup of coffee. Pop into the library to skim one of 200 books on coffee.

2. General Porpoise

General Porpoise was named one of the best donut shops in America in 2022. James Beard award-winning chef Renee Erickson owns the shop, which is famous for its pastries filled with seasonal jams and unique flavors.

But what good are world-famous donuts without coffee? There are four General Porpoises in Seattle, each offering various coffee options, including espresso, drip, and cold brew.

3. Storyville Coffee

Storyville Coffee is a Seattle-based coffee company with multiple locations in the Seattle metropolitan area, including a flagship location in Pike Place Market. The shop serves coffee, baked goods, and sandwiches. Reviews say the decor is beautiful, and the atmosphere is excellent.

But the coffee is the main attraction. The shop is so confident in its coffee that it offers a three-sip guarantee. If you don’t like the coffee after three sips, it’s free. They also offer subscriptions to get their coffee shipped so you can make it at home.

4. Monorail Espresso

Monorail Espresso is a Seattle coffeehouse that started as the world’s first espresso cart in 1980. It has multiple locations in downtown Seattle, including 510 Pike St, Columbia Center, Denny Triangle, and 4th Avenue between Pike and Union Street. The popular coffee shop serves espresso, Americano, latte, and iced drinks. It also sells locally baked Macrina baked goods.

5. Coffeeholic House

Coffeeholic House is Seattle’s first Vietnamese-inspired coffee shop. It was founded by husband and wife team Trang Cao & Chen Dian. They opened three locations in three years and were named to the Forbes 30 Under 30 list in 2023. The shop is known for its unique coffee creations, including the Coffeeholic Dream, Coconut Coffee, Bac Siu, and White-Hazel Latte.

Find Your Favorite Cuppa Joe in Seattle

Coffee is the drink of choice for millions of people around the world. Seattle may be the birthplace of Starbucks, but any of the other coffee shops on this list are guaranteed to satisfy your coffee craving.

We invite you to explore Wander With Wonder for more to do when you visit Seattle.

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