Seattle’s name is almost synonymous with coffee, as the city is not only home to one of the world’s most famous coffee companies, Starbucks, but also a hub for independent coffee roasters and a strong local coffee culture.
The History of Starbucks
The story of Starbucks began in 1971 when three friends – Jerry Baldwin, Zev Siegl, and Gordon Bowker – decided to open their first coffee shop in Seattle’s Pike Place Market. The original concept was to sell high-quality coffee beans and brewing equipment, inspired by the methods of the famous San Francisco coffee roaster, Alfred Peet. The name “Starbucks” was taken from the character Starbuck in Herman Melville’s novel Moby Dick, symbolizing exploration and the maritime journeys.
Starbucks quickly gained popularity in Seattle, and more and more people discovered their passion for quality coffee. However, the real breakthrough came in 1987 when Howard Schultz purchased the company. Schultz transformed Starbucks into a global coffeehouse chain, introducing Italian-style espresso-based drinks and creating the friendly, cozy café atmosphere that has since become the hallmark of Starbucks.
Although Starbucks is the world’s most influential coffeehouse chain, many Seattle residents surprisingly distance themselves from it. Nevertheless, the original Pike Place Market location remains one of Seattle’s most famous tourist attractions, and it’s a must-visit if you haven’t been there yet! This copper-clad coffee haven also houses the Italian bakery Princi, complete with a full bar.
Independent Coffee Roasters
While Starbucks has become an international icon, Seattle remains a haven for independent coffee roasters and small coffee shops. The city’s coffee culture revolves around unique and high-quality coffee, and local roasters place great emphasis on the origin of their beans, ethical sourcing, and specialized roasting techniques. Some of the notable coffee roasters in Seattle include:
- Caffe Vita: Founded in 1995, Caffe Vita sources beans from independent farmers in eleven countries using sustainable methods. It’s a Seattle favorite and is located in Capitol Hill.
- Espresso Vivace: One of the original homes of latte art, perfected by co-owner David Schomer in the 1980s! This café offers rich, caramel espresso along with other fine Italian roasts. Members receive coffee shipments, specialized training, and helpful coffee brewing tips!
- Victrola Coffee Roasters: Known for its high-quality, artisan-roasted coffee sourced from the world’s best growing regions. Their cafes are famous for their cozy atmosphere, where visitors can relax while enjoying freshly roasted drinks. They host exciting art exhibitions and regularly support local artists, while also providing the community with delicious coffee roasting.
- Stumptown Coffee Roasters: Originally from Portland, Stumptown has gained immense popularity in Seattle. Their coffee boasts unique flavor profiles and has become a symbol of quality coffee.
Seattle’s Coffee Culture
In Seattle, coffee is more than just a drink – it’s an integral part of the local culture. The city’s residents are true coffee enthusiasts, and Seattle is full of cozy, independent cafés where locals and tourists alike enjoy sitting down with a cup of quality coffee. Seattle’s coffee culture is built around gourmet quality, community-building, and experimentation, and local coffee roasters strive to offer the best beans from around the world to their guests.
Seattle’s residents take pride in being among the world’s coffee capitals! In addition to showcasing Seattle’s best cafés, the Shafer Baillie Mansion offers delicious French press coffee from Storyville Coffee every morning. Plan your coffee-filled trip!
Seattle is rightly called the coffee capital, as it is the birthplace of Starbucks, and the city’s independent coffee roasters also represent top-tier quality. If you love coffee, it’s definitely worth visiting some local roasters and cafés to discover Seattle’s unique coffee culture, which is one of the defining spots of the global coffee community.