Good food, good coffee, super rude and terrible service. If you have a toddler and your toddler happen to be loud, they will tell you to keep your kids quiet. I will no longer go there just because of their awful service. read more

Edit/Update (6/16/18): I was in the playroom and one of the employees handed me a punch card... and ALL 12 punches we're already made. Not sure why they gave it to me (perhaps because they saw me as a harried pregnant mom who was about to lose her shit for the umpteenth time), but I'm extremely grateful. I noticed they have new panini sandwiches. I had the sun-dried tomato one. It was OK. I might try the caprese next time. Five stars because service is always great and it has a nice and spacious playroom. Also, the dedicated parking lot is a huge plus (read: I suck at parallel parking.). The two large bathrooms with actual changing tables (not the plastic Koala ones) are also a plus. Coffee here is OK. I'm not a coffee snob, so I'll drink any coffee as long as it has some flavor. I often go for one of their smoothies, of which I appreciate the simple color-coded names as opposed to the mouthful of a name a la Jamba Juice. This is a great, quiet spot that's close to the heart of Ballard yet far enough from traffic (foot and car). read more

I love the coffee from here!!! It always tastes the same and it is amazing quality. The shop is a nice place to enjoy it as well. Highly recommend Firehouse! read more

Overview: The coffee is decent but I'm giving it an above average rating for service! The staff here are friendly and very helpful so I'm a fan. This coffee shop has a decent amount of seating and an area for the little ones to play in. Additionally, this local coffee shop also has a drive-thru which is a nice feature for those who are on the go. Food: Had a vanilla mocha here and it was good - nothing amazing but certainly decent and on par with your average mocha. I also had a lemon cake since I'm a huge fan of them and this place sells a good one. Overall, I would recommend coming here to try it out if you haven't been. I probably wouldn't choose it if I needed to get some work done since the seats and tables were very large and the place can be a bit loud if you don't have headphones or earphones. read more

Descent food and service is okay. My husband tried their coffee and thought it was awful (I don't drink coffee). I got their smoothie which was too sweet. I like that they have a small play area in the back read more

Understand this is a coffee shop so coffee is priority for review but for food options it was a bit misleading. Used yelp and maps to find "breakfast burrito" walked over a mile to find out it was a microwaved burrito.. I bet there coffees great, will definitely swing back to try that read more

This is a decent coffee shop in the 'Llard. I've ordered a few americanos here in the past and while they've never been life changing, they've always been perfectly acceptable. Nice staff and a decent selection of pastries too... Big Ups and an 'A-OK' stamp of approval goes to any drive-thru espresso place who is also a full service coffee shop, complete with bathrooms. Don't see that at the Starbucks drive-thru on SLU, now do ya? read more

I like Firehouse Coffee. Their prices are a bit on the higher end but the coffee is tasty. It's a good place to bring kids. They have a whole kid's room off to the side of the cafe with toys which is pretty cool. I think it's a little weird they have signs posted saying "90 minute limit". Maybe some people try to camp out there for hours at a time? I wouldn't. When you're greeted with signs telling you to stay and enjoy but don't stay too long, it's a little bit of a turn-off. I would think the type of person who would stay in the kid's room of a coffee shop for more than 90 minutes would probably also ignore a sign telling them that it's not okay. But maybe not. They have a drive through and punch cards, All in all I'm a fan! read more

The service was so bad, I didn't taste the coffee. I was greeted with intense hostility when I walked up to the counter. It may be just the morning person I had the displeasure of being greeted by. Looking at some other reviews seems like there may be one person who is single-handedly dragging the reviews down. I got through most of an order, and a lot of huffy impatience, dark looks and pure indignation at having to take an order from someone who had never been to her establishment; from this person behind the counter and said to myself - do I want to have my coffee spit in this morning? Nah I'm out- so I said to her sorry to have bothered you and left. I just moved to Ballard and am fashionably unconscious, did Me not having a man bun or hipster beard or a miniature puppy in hand make her hate me before I stepped up to the counter? I can only guess. read more

If you are a glutton for a pissy attitude first thing in the morning than this is the place for you. I was asked by the "tall girl" who was very nice, if I had been helped yet and she took my order- very helpful and polite. Then that's when my whole " glass is half full" image of this place completely was shot to pieces! The little brunette gal (kind of pretty) asked me - "what else" in a tone that I'm sure even her mother would not appreciate?? I started to tell her my order and by that time she became extremely impatient and rude......and there was maybe a handful of people dining. I know people have bad days and maybe she wasn't a morning person but that is absolutely no excuse to abuse a customer that is willing to pay their hard earned money for their goods. Do you think I will be going back..........??? read more

I've tried just about every coffee shop in Ballard and this is my go-to. (I usually order an iced oat milk latte for reference). The employees are super friendly and my latte is consistently delicious. I occasionally order breakfast sandwiches as well and they've all been really good. My dog also loves this coffee shop as much as I do because they're always stocked with treats. read more

For years, this was my go-to coffee place. The coffee was great, the staff were nice, and they really went out of their way to make you feel welcome. Unfortunately, the place was sold a few years ago. Now, when you go in, you are greeted by multiple signs with lots of rules on them. The last straw for me was the one that said, "do not accept punchcard from previous owner." Wow, way to ingratiate yourselves with the long-term clientele there. I figured if my multiple full punchcards welcome, I wasn't welcome. Sorry, but you're one of several dozen local coffee shops in the area (to say nothing of the Starbucks locations). read more

I frequent Firehouse Coffee's drive-thru when I'm in the area and in need of a coffee. They are happy to use my reusable tumbler, and have even rinsed it for me when I worried about how clean it was. Iced coffees have been reliably good. I've only been inside a few times, and usually when I go inside a coffee shop I'll be reading or trying to do some homework. The proximity of Gymboree makes it a bit loud to get much done, but I could see it being a nice place to hang out with a friend. Staff is friendly! They'll let you use a credit card for small charges (which I try to avoid, but sometimes you just need your coffee). read more

Consistently great coffee and a very chill atmosphere. I enjoy coming here to enjoy my coffee and sunshine. There are lot of food options and a drive through for even great convenience. A excellent coffee shop for the neighborhood. I believe the owner is different/new (5-6months?) and kind and friendly. read more

Well, Firehouse coffee doesn't open until 6 am on weekdays. This presents a few questions if you show up at 5:30: Is it an acceptable excuse to show up to work a half hour late because you were waiting for a coffee store to open? Is it illegal to break into a coffee shop if you're only going to get coffee and you'll leave a few bucks on the counter? Do I have a problem and should I get treatment for this? Anyways, Firehouse coffee arises at the confluence of the Windermere offices, the Gymboree and next to billions of new Ballard townhouses. As far as location, it's a bit removed from the main strip of Ballard but does have a drive-thru. The coffee is middle of the road in terms of quality although they have some pastries that are fairly good. I've also seen a soup of the day posted, although I've never tried it. Another day perhaps. I've never had trouble with unfriendly service. In terms of atmosphere, they do have a number of comfortable chairs and pretty good seating. On the downside, it is next to the Gymboree and can get a bit loud if you're just trying to relax and read. Of course, if you have kids at the Gymboree or you're an adult who just likes to play there (hey, I'm not judging) then I suppose this is a plus. read more

I like this place. We had a mocha ($3.20) and Chai tea ($3.40) today. The hot beverages tasted great. The breakfast sandwiches were priced affordably ($3.99). Pros: Nice staff; plenty of a eating, nice outdoor seating Cons: Bacon in the breakfast sandwich wasn't cooked enough. I hate raw bacon. Flies...too many flies. But overall the pros outweighed the cons. read more

1st time I've ever done the drive thru. Well I was utterly disappointed by the lack of truth when asked if the 20oz chai latte had coffee in it, the lady said yes there is 2 shots of coffee in the 20oz chai latte. I received my chai as I drove away, I didn't taste it until I was turning to go to the Ballard bridge and it was just a chai? Completely and utterly disappointed that my dirty chai was just a chai! The lady at the window doesn't know much about making a drink or the ingredients in her drinks! read more

Eh I thought this place would be better. It was a nice sunny day,a great day for a Italian Soda that the result was very carbonated bland water .It could of used allot more syrup. The staff was friendly and the firehouse has a nice vibe inside. I would try this place again on the hopes of better quality of drinks read more

This is a nice place right in the center of the main drag in Ballard with good coffee, a wide variety of breakfast items, sandwiches, and healthy snacks. I like the simple yet comfy wooden booths and the overall warm ambiance. The baristas do a great job of managing the drive thru and the counter service without making either group feel ignored. They also have a small closed off area for parents and small children, which is a nice touch in an environment that is usually not kid friendly or kid welcoming. The coffee here is quality, so the drinks are rich, flavorful, and delicious! read more

Wow, a coffee shop with people who actually act like they want to be there! Woo-hoo! Genuinely friendly people, not liek their grumpy counterparts at Cupcake. There is a room with Toys, which is ok I guess, but I don't think I am ready to let my daughter play with them, they're pretty gross. Maybe someday when she isn't in her tasting phase anymore. I like the little fireplace thing, it adds a little coziness. They are only open til 7- so beware late night coffee goers. They have awesome scones and sandwiches. I keep meaning to look where they are from, so good. Of course a drivethrough in Ballard is worth a star all on its own. read more

I'm extremely lazy in the morning before I've had my coffee. And so Firehouse gets one star for the simple fact that it is almost in my backyard. And a second star for the fact that even when I've walked in, in pjs, hungover with crazy-ass exploding post-sleep hair, and barely even capable of ordering the coffee I need so desperately, no one has ever made fun of me. At least to my face, and that's all that really matters to me anyway. Maybe a wince or two, but hey, that's well deserved. They get another star because they never seem to mind my study sessions, which can go on for hours. And a fourth because they are kid friendly - but they have a sliding door so I don't have to feel disappointed at the sight of a loud toddler. Cause while I can always be cool around kids, sometimes, I just don't want to be. Compared to some of the crazy coffee places in Ballard where I have to yell just to chat with a friend sitting right next to me, it's cool to have a chill place with comfy chairs and a fireplace. And soup. In the wintertime, that's about all I need to be happy. read more

I stopped at their drive through this morning, they are the only place with a drive through on my way to work. For $2 (including a 30 cent tip) I got a very small cup of coffee that was not even LUKE WARM. The cup of coffee I got out of the vending machine at work was much hotter and tasted just about as good. I have gone inside of the cafe before also, and have found their latte's to be mediocre, and the length of time their wifi gives you before you have to reconfirm your access is ridiculous. read more

In honor of the old Ballard Firehouse--the minorly iconic live music joint--I figured I'd duck in here to see how the coffee and other acoutraments were. My overall reaction: "M'eh....". They do not serve their own coffee, and like all the newer Seattle coffee houses, they serve Cafe' Vitta. Not that impressed. The decor is fine, the ambiance is enjoyable but if you're a coffee house with that kind of presence, you should probably look into serving a better grade of coffee than Cafe' Vitta. I miss seeing bands here, but I was equally disappointed by the lack of patrons and the fact that there really is no 'feel' for the place. Move along or go back to your favorite neighborhood coffee house. read more

Pretty tasty coffee and nice location, but mostly I love the ambiance: an actual fire going, comfy couch and chairs, and manages to feel like a community coffeehouse, despite all the solo-sitters with laptops. Also seems to be cute-dog-friendly, which I like (but others might not so much). I relaxed on the couch near the fireplace with a book and was utterly content on a frigid day earlier this week. Nice little outdoor benches for when the weather's nice, too. read more

I really like this coffee shop! Nice friendly staff. A parking lot for customers so nice to have in Ballard! Yummy coffee and food/snack options. Great cheery place with good amount of tables and chairs. Also has a cozy fireplace! The main reason we ventured here was they are super child friendly!!! They have a separate room with a big table, comfy chairs, toys, books and more toys!!! The toys you can tell have been loved but my little one had a blast with all the different toys. Such a great place to enjoy coffee while you know your child is having fun and can be loud without fear of mean mugging from other patrons. They also have a drive thru. Will be back! read more

So...how does a $2. Drip coffee become $4.00? Funny math I guess. The place is swarming with flies. The checker has the personality of those said flies. AND not to mention the stupid pet owners who think their fleabag is so cute that I need to eat its fluffy dander too. Why do people feel so compelled to bring their pets into a eating/drinking establishment? The coffee tasted ok and was hot. read more

Favorite cold brew in Seattle! The entire staff is so friendly and the drive thru is reliable and speedy. One of my faves!

As a visitor from out of town, I was looking for a child-friendly coffee shop to take my 2 kids (ages 3.5 and 2). I heard about Firehouse and it was only a few minutes from where I was staying, so decided to try it out. I have to say it was a great experience from foot in the door to leaving. The baristas were both very courteous...friendly, even. While waiting for my drink, I was sitting in a booth by the bathroom and one of the baristas kindly told me that there was a play room on the other side, which we relocated to. It was a great space where my kids could play without worrying we were disturbing other customers, lots of interesting toys and books. We stayed for over an hour and a half. And my coffee was great, down to the cute foam art tree. I got home and was browsing here on yelp, found this site again, and couldn't believe some of the bad reviews! I thought maybe I had a fluke day, where everyone was happy? lol So we went back a second time before we left, this time had some food with my coffee and, Yep, had another great experience. I will definitely recommend this to any friends with or without kids. read more

Nice cozy place in Ballard. We stopped by to do some excel work. Ordered some coffee and got plugged in. Not a bad place to spend on a rainy afternoon. I had the white chocolate peppermint mocha and it's some good stuff. Just the right amount of peppermint and chocolate. Everyone is just so quiet around there which makes chatty conversation seems out of place but a great place to get some work done. I would love to come back and just chill if this was closer to where I lived. read more

I work at coffee houses; I'm at coffee houses six days a week for eight hours a day. My first criteria is dependable, fast Wi-fi. When I know I have a project to finalize, I head to Firehouse first. There is no glitz and bullshit about it. Their Wi-fi is never clogged up or dropped like most coffee houses in Ballard. There is zero pomposity. This is not tender-hearted, moody coffee. They don't care if you're young or hip, they're just there to serve you coffee. Sometimes, the popular chains have this air of grandiosity and it's just not unique anymore. Because I'm sitting all day, I need an option of hard and soft-cushion chairs. They have both, they have booths, they have larger tables for groups, and single tables. It doesn't feel like I'm walking into a warehouse; It feels as if I'm walking into someone's home and that's much better for me. Last week, I forgot my wallet at home and the manager just made my coffee per usual. There was no fuss about it. They told me not to worry about it, but in fact, it told me they care about their customers as long as you're not as asshole. Last remark: They just started selling almond croissants. read more

Can I choose SIX stars?! I love Firehouse coffee! They really make me feel like family. They make the effort to remember lots of customers and their 'regular' orders, and deliver quick service, but excellent quality coffee. Regarding coffee quality, the art of pulling a shot is no easy thing, as I understand it, and I have gotten maybe 2 less-than-perfect out of literally hundreds. (Another nearby indie shop had a ratio of more like 1 in 3 poor pours.) Anyway, this is my shop! Thank you guys (and gals!) PS. The tasty treats on offer are quite good too! (PSS. Is THIS review long enough, you greedy word-hoarder, Yelp?) read more

Don't go for their lack luster americanos or cold air dried scones (2 stars). Do go for their little play area for moms who need their daily caffeine fix whilst juggling a baby with one hand (plus 1 star). Here, the baby can do its own thing in the play area while mom can use two hands to make sure the scalding mediocore expresso drink doesn't scorch them or the baby. The room even has a sliding door for you parents that have vocally challanged (aka loud) children. read more

Grabbed my usual Americano with one of my girls on the way to Golden Gardens for some beach volleyball. IIRC, they serve Caffe Vita roast, which isn't my favorite, but i'll take it over sbux any day. Love the 2 person booths -- cozy and they provide just enough privacy to block out the inane background banter and the eavesdroppers alike! Oh, and I can't forget to mention that they also have a convenient drive up window which offers fairly speedy service. read more

I like Firehouse coffee. It is a decent, reasonable place with good service. Nothing will jump out at you. It's never great. It would warrant 4 stars if the coffee were more consistent. Sometimes it is not very good, sometime it is quite good. it is never great. The space is quite nice a cozy with nice booths and games. The food is also decent, once again not super, not awful. They make a few nice breakfast sandwiches which I quite enjoy. Bottom Line: I would much rather go here than Starbucks, but there are 3-4 better places in Ballard. read more

Anybody reading my reviews knows I'm reluctant to hand out the higher ratings. I can't say anything was really *bad* about Firehouse Coffee, but it didn't stand out as being really great either. I went there for a small meetup with some other moms of toddlers, so the play area was an important factor. I was also hoping for some kind of yummy sandwich since it was lunch time. Pluses: Nicely lit and decorated play room. Relatively clean. Free wi-fi Helpful staff (the barista was particularly cool) Latte was okay, but I may not be as picky as some other reviewers Minuses: Toys in the play area weren't that great (and a little grimy) Limited pre-made sandwiches (though they heat them for you) Unimpressive-looking pastries - I didn't even order one Wi-fi was slow and uncooperative at times I had one of the breakfast sandwiches. It was alright but could have benefited from *more filling*. I suppose I shouldn't complain too loudly because it was $4, which is less than other cafe offerings in Seattle (and less their their other sandwiches here). But the innards of this sandwich were a little scant, IMO. :P I can't comment on the parking, because I didn't go into their lot. I was afraid of what I'd find for parking in Ballard, so I took the first street spot I saw. It was free and had an hour limit. If you're in the area (which I'm not) and looking for a mom/toddler hangout, this would probably suffice. If you are looking for a cafe with good eats, look elsewhere. read more

Big fan of Firehouse Coffee. My husband goes almost every morning for coffee and I join on the mornings I drive him to work and always have the best service! He always gets an Iced Coffee and I've been getting the Pumpkin Spiced Latte with Oat Milk. Very friendly and hardworking people. read more

Redemption for the Firehouse... I had written this place off. Crappy coffee. Simple as that. Everything else about the place was fine with me but the coffee just plain sucked. However, something great has happened. They are now serving Caffe Vita coffee and, as you do not need me to tell you, the coffee is now excellent. So, now I really like the place. The coffee is consistently good, the pastries are brought in from the outside but are pretty good. They have some sandwiches and what not for hungrier folk. The baristas play good music (generally downbeat electronica lately) and I have met several nice folks there while hanging out. So, give it another try. I would say that the change happened recently, maybe August or so. I returned there Labor Day weekend because every coffee place in walking distance of my place was packed (I went to four other places first even though Firehouse was closest - that is how much I dislike this place). What a fortuitous occurrence. I now go pretty regularly. read more

Waiting for my ride to get me. First time here and I love it. The atmosphere is perfect, smoothly perfect (with whip cream mountain) and great baristas!!! read more

Ballard Firehouse Coffee - Strawberry Smoothie (with whip cream mountain!). Love love love it all. - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Seattle, Washington

I love this place because it is so close to my house. Coffee is ok. Never had anything bad but they do range from great to ok. I know for sure they allow dogs outside on their patio but it seems like inside they are inconsistent. Most of the time I've been able to go in and have my dog in there. I've seen other people there sitting and drinking inside with their dog. One weekend, maybe a week ago, I went in and they asked me to sit outside with my dog While I don't mind this at all, I'm now confused on what their protocol is on dogs. Maybe it depends on the barista working... Until this mystery is solved I will be leaving my rating at 4 stars. Will still go back, can't beat the location from my house. read more

Great spot in Ballard to stop by for coffee and free wi-fi with the pup in tow. Any place that is dog-friendly gets 5 stars in my book :-) See full review here: http://doggoneseattle.com/kit-the-papillon-dog-at-ballard-firehouse-coffee/ read more