Coffee Wars: Pioneer Square
With the Mariners and Sounders in full swing and vaccines ramping up at nearby Lumen Field, vibrancy is starting to blossom once again around Occidental Square and the1st Avenue corridor.
The district is easily the densest collection of speciality coffee shops in Seattle. But not everything is great. Make sure to check out one of these Pioneer Square caffeine fixtures before your next stadium venture.
Umbria
Emanuele Bizzarri brought generations of Italian roasting traditions to Seattle when he opened Umbria in 2002. The roaster has transformed into a Seattle giant with four bustling cafes and locations in Portland, Chicago and Miami. The Pioneer Square location acts as a flagship with an impressive selection of pastry fronting an exposed-brick backdrop. Their crema gusto espresso roast is a choice option for cafes around the Northwest.
320 Occidental Ave S
Caffe D’Arte
Caffe D’Arte is a longtime Seattle institution. So much so, they actually washed ashore during American coffee culture’s 2nd wave. They roast their own beans to a french roast, leaving an oily shimmer to the morsels waiting for their turn in the grinder. This darker roast may taste a tad over-done to the modern drinker; but D’Arte is the kind of relaxed, utilitarian space one needs when nestled amongst art galleries and skyscrapers.
99 Yesler Way
Elm
A vaulted space tucked between Flatstick Pub and Numero Uno Pizza on South Main Street, Elm allows guests a thoughtful respite from this mostly gritty Downtown neighborhood. Stop by on Tuesday, Thursday or Sunday for a view into the roasting process. Yes, Elm roasts on site. And they are meticulous about their espresso blends. Grab a One & One, where your barista will split a shot and mark one with milk (known as a macchiato).
240 2nd Ave S #103