Where to Get the Best Coffee in West Seattle

We all enjoy a good cup of coffee. Hot or iced. Morning or evening. Alone or with friends. The circumstances may change, but our love (and need) for coffee doesn’t. From traditional espresso drinks to specialty coffee, we’re fans of it all. As residents of the coffee capital of the US, we understand the “don’t talk to me before I get my coffee” mentality. Sure, we’re home to one of the biggest coffee companies in the world but there are a bunch of other local spots worth checking out too. So it’s time we spill the beans and share our favorite places in West Seattle to get the best coffee:

@ampersandalki

Ampersand Cafe

A beach-side coffee shop with views across Elliott Bay, the Puget Sound, and the Olympic Mountains? Looking for fresh hand-crafted coffee and pastries? Well, this one-of-a-kind spot checks all those boxes and more. Ampersand Cafe is perfect if you’re craving some locally roasted Hawaiian coffee, in-house-baked biscuits, delicious lunch sandwiches, and the best bagel we’ve had in Seattle - we order everything toasted with cream cheese. Not feeling hungry yet? Imagine this, a crispy, hot, ham and egg sandwich on a baguette with melted cheddar cheese on top, or our go-to order, the Hawaiian breakfast sandwich with avocado and kimchi. Give that a try with a quad shot Mac Nut Brittle w/ oat milk and let us know what you think.

Things we like about Ampersand:

• Amazing location and views
• In-house made pastries 
• Great Coffee
• Tasty sandwiches

Next time you’re strolling Alki and looking for a coffee or quick bite, give Ampersand Cafe a visit.

@bebopwaffleshop

Bebop Waffle Shop

Bebop is home to the most tempting and addictive “hamwich” morning sandwich: scrambled eggs with thick-cut ham topped with aioli sauce and melted cheese. We’re craving it as we write this. We also love that they share a location with a flower shop. Waffles and flowers? We can’t think of a more romantic combination for a date. If you need more convincing, Bebop is queer and women-owned with a menu that has something for everyone. If the hamwich isn’t for you, there are organic coffees, craft beers, and an all-day breakfast menu where we’re sure you’ll find the perfect waffles. 

Things we like about Bebop Waffle Shop:

• Tasty Waffle options (gluten-free too)
• Queer and woman-owned
• Friendly staff
• Great customer experience
• Good atmosphere

Is it a place you’d consider for morning dates?

@candpco

C&P

C&P is one of the oldest West Seattle coffee shops on this list, having opened its doors in 2003 and it truly has it all. From locally sourced coffee, comfy and home-y interiors (it is in an old house after all), to events (when safety allows), and covered outdoor space, a visit to C&P has many perks (beyond its caffeine). Of course, the locally-sourced baked goods are amazing, with a selection of vegan and wheat-free options as well. If you’re looking to grab more than just a cup of coffee, you can stay for live events, arts and crafts fairs, lectures, and open mics, when running. 

Things we like about C&P:

• Plenty of Indoor and outdoor seating options (covered outdoor section too for when it rains)
• Great for groups to meet or to hunker down solo on your computer or with a book
• Events
• Its longstanding history in the community

If you’re interested in participating in an event at C&P their calendar is posted on the website. 

@lulacoffeeco

Lula

Lula is almost always our first stop after dropping our daughter off at preschool (drive-through coffee, yes please). It’s our go-to place for a quad shot collagen dropout with oat milk (a must-try). Lula specializes in coffee and tea beverages that pair perfectly with their specially crafted breakfast burritos and pastries. In addition to the ease and amazing quality drinks, it’s also run by an all-female team. All of this, and we haven’t even mentioned their decor, which is cheerful (perfect for those pre-caffeine blues), very Instagram-able, and just as pretty as their drinks.

Things we like about Lula:

• Drive-Thru option
• On-point drinks
• Fun aesthetic
• Creative menu & creative drink names (there’s even one called West Seattle Fog!)

If you’ve ever been to Lula, what’s your favorite Lula drink? 

@nos_nos_coffee

Nos Nos

The name translates to half-half - half espresso half milk drinks, half Moroccan half American atmosphere. For us, it’s just the perfect blend. Nos Nos coffee supplies are locally-made and roasted, with inspiration taken from their Moroccan roots. The menu includes a variety of coffees, teas, and sandwiches. This place is a hidden gem offering a new spin on some classic coffee shop menu options with lots of greenery indoors. If it’s nice outside, there’s outdoor seating to enjoy your goods and the lovely weather. If you’re up for trying something new this place is the one to go to.

Things we like about Nos Nos:

• Friendly staff
• Outdoor seating and Moroccan Fare
• Wide range of food and beverage options

@wsgcoffee

West Seattle Grounds

West Seattle Grounds is a great local neighborhood coffee shop in North Admiral. They offer great coffee and a strong selection of pastries and breakfast sandwiches. Its comfortable and inviting atmosphere is perfect for relaxing, catching up with friends, or getting cozy with a good book. With drink options, breakfast and lunch sandwiches, and pastries that cater to all food allergies or diets, you really can’t go wrong. They even offer a paint and sip event. We also love West Seattle Grounds’ statement “community is our culture” because that’s what we’re all about as well. It’s a great option to enjoy your morning coffee with a taste of West Seattle's everyday local life.

Things we like about West Seattle Grounds:

• Great menu selection with specialty coffee
• Reasonable prices 
• Great coffee and lovely atmosphere 
• Good COVID Protocols 
• Seasonal drinks

Have you tried their sausage breakfast sandwich? 

When it comes to coffee, we know how difficult it can be to try to find that perfect cup. One of the reasons we love living in West Seattle is because there are so many different types of shops and cafes that provide food and drink options for everyone. Some are more classic and others have a unique appeal but we love anyone that serves coffee and the Seattle coffee scene is certainly one of the best. Let us know if you’ve tried any of the places we mentioned, or if you have a new recommendation for us to try - we love trying and supporting new places in the community!