Like any self-respecting hipster doofus, I do almost all of my work in coffeehouses. I’ve come to realize that there’s a whole portfolio of factors that determine whether I’ll enjoy working at any particular place. Free wireless is (almost) a given, and location is obviously key, but other criteria include:
* lighting
* music
* seating comfort
* ease of finding a seat
* pastry options
* architecture
* people watching
* use of latte art
This list isn’t meant to be a “best of Seattle” in any sense, just my own picks. But I do hope you’ll give these places a try when you’re in the neighborhood.
1. Joe Bar (810 E Roy)
I’m at Joe Bar right now! Joe Bar is totally welcoming to all sorts of people, and yet you feel totally cool hanging out here. It’s also one of the most beautiful commercial spaces I’ve seen in any city, a two-level space carved out of a landmark 1920s apartment complex. They serve crepes (though sadly not in the morning) and beer. The wireless can be flaky, and they don’t do latte art (at least not on the macchiatos), but I’m extremely lucky to have Joe Bar as my office.
2. Top Pot Doughnuts Downtown (2124 5th Avenue)
Going to Top Pot is like getting invited to have donuts at the Batcave. It’s also a striking two-level space, but more space-age than roaring 20s. Very reliable wireless, nice latte art, and central location.
3. [UZ](http://www.zokacoffee.com/) (2901 NE Blakeley)
If the big draw of Joe Bar is that it’s a lovely hip hangout open to all, UZ is more like an efficient office. In fact, one local company uses it as its HQ. Though it’s inconveniently located (for me) near University Village, I stop in at UZ for two reasons. First, it’s always loaded with people working, and this puts me in the working mood, too. Second, the coffee is some of the best in town. Zoka’s baristas routinely win national and international competitions. Also, there are lots of window seats.
4. [Starbucks](http://www.starbucks.com/) (1600 E Olive Way)
Perhaps you’ve heard of this charming local chain. Seriously, this location is great. It’s huge and open late. The lack of free wireless sometimes induces me to get dull but necessary work like transcription done. Other times it induces me to sit by the window in hopes of stealing signal from nearby. Also, I have a weakness for Frappuccinos. This summer’s stupid flavor: banana! Yes, I’m being sarcastic, but I honestly do like this location a lot. It’s one of the only places I know of in Seattle that has big-city feel, even on a weeknight: it seems like it’s full of people not because it’s a destination but just because there are lots of people around. (I’ve heard that this is because it’s a popular pick-up spot, but that’s the sort of thing that tends to go right over my head.)
5. El Diablo Coffee Company (1811 Queen Anne Ave N)
Set in a nice little courtyard, El Diablo serves sweetened Cuban-style coffee drinks. I alternate between the Cafe Cubano and the Cafe Con Leche. I don’t sugar my espresso drinks, but sometimes these really hit the spot, in part because the whole place is rather transporting, what with the wildly colored wall art. I usually stop here when I’m going to Larry’s to get Nueske’s. Of course, now Larry’s has declared bankruptcy, probably because I didn’t buy enough Nueske’s.
