Seattle is often called the coffee capital of the U.S., given its rich history of artisanal cafes right around the block. With spring in the air (and finals on the horizon), now is the perfect time for an iced latte. These local cafes go beyond a simple Starbucks run, offering ethically sourced and perfectly brewed options to get you through the last few weeks of school.
- Koto Jelly Coffee – Capitol Hill
The first time I tried Koto at the 2025 Seattle Coffee Festival, I was immediately blown away. In the fashion of a popular Japanese dessert, they use agar to turn coffee and matcha into plant-based jellies, topped with milk or even ice cream to create a unique spin on a classic latte or affogato. The result is a combination of a classic jelly texture with their complex espresso, which, though it isn’t too sweet, feels like a perfect cross between coffee and dessert. Their menu also features decadent parfaits and Japanese toasts. The toasts, over an inch in thickness, come in every flavor from pizza to yuzu avocado, and are as aesthetic as they are delicious. Unfortunately, their location in Capital Hill is small and seating is at a premium, but they do have comfortable options if you can get lucky.
- Herkimer Coffee – Phinney Ridge, Ravenna, Belltown
With more traditional offerings, Herkimer makes up for its simple menu with consistent quality.
Interestingly, for those who order an espresso-forward drink, they have a selection of coffees with different roasts and origins, from fruity to more vanilla profiles. For other drinks, like a latte, their classic, dark-roasted blend is nutty and chocolaty, with a slightly bitter aftertaste that feels perfect for a sunny day. Still, if you prefer drinks more on the sweet side, they offer classic syrups, as well as fun flavors like hazelnut or orange blossom. One of the most sustainable options in the city, they maintain strong relationships with small coffee farms across the globe, offering fresh-roasted beans daily for a perfectly brewed cup. Admittedly, their pastry options are mediocre at best, but the coffee takes center stage and doesn’t disappoint.
- Aroom – Fremont, Downtown
Aroom’s atmosphere is among the best in Seattle cafes; their spacious Fremont location includes comfortable seating, free Wi-Fi, and, though it’s a hotspot for studying, never feels overcrowded. Specializing in Vietnamese coffee, a style of sweet coffee that often uses condensed milk, Aroom offers a broad menu, spanning traditional drinks like their Bac Xiu, drinks inspired by Vietnamese flavors such as pandan and sesame, and specialty coffee like their banana latte with Nutella cream. Among my favorites is the Nutty Cloud, a plant-based drink that tastes like peanut butter, without the sticky consistency. Another hit is the Pandan Latte, a slightly more coffee-forward drink with subtle sweetness from coconut milk that’s topped with a brightly colored pandan cold foam.
- Anchorhead Coffee Co. Downtown, Capitol Hill, Pike Place Market
I couldn’t write this without including my personal favorite, Anchorhead Coffee Co. Their menu highlights coffee classics with many syrups, sauces, and flavorings for customization; additionally, their seasonal offerings always include a range of creative lattes and matcha-based drinks, ranging from stroopwafel lattes to ube matchas. Though there’s so much to choose from, don’t be distracted: their Honey Bunches of Cold Brew drink is the highlight of this menu. Made with oat milk, this cereal-inspired cold brew is sweet and creamy but not overpowering. It’s the perfect iced drink to try as the weather gets warmer.
