A goto staple in the U District. Consistently good and quick. Drip coffee reasonably priced as it should be. I hope I don't jink it with this review and find it more expensive next time... read more

Drinks were nice and strong, and the space is really homey. This would be a great spot to have meetings or to do some reading. read more

Cafe Solstice - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Seattle, Washington

I met up with a someone here it was a cute and cozy place to catch up. Word to the wise pay with cash they charge a fee for using your card. read more

Cafe Solstice - Ambience - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Seattle, Washington

Low key coffee cafe with beer and baked goods. Dark quiet decor with a small outdoor patio. Just had coffee and sat outside for this visit. Service was quick and friendly. The coffee was solid, balanced, and smooth. read more

Cafe Solstice - Coffee - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Seattle, Washington

Expensive for what you get. Warm lattes are good but I advise against the iced lattes. They are pretty milky. I've been here three 3x and two of the times the staff was blasé and unfriendly. Looked like they were having a bad day, making lots of noise while putting dishes away. read more

I stopped here on a Monday afternoon to work. It was busy with students working, which I think led to the Wi-Fi being slow. The coffee was okay, but not great. Also, they encouraged me to pay with cash because my transaction was under $5. I get it, there are fees to taking credit cards. But cash is actually less safe for a business to have on hand, so let's stop incentivizing customers to pay in cash. read more

I am a huge fan of big menus and Cafe Solstice has a pretty expansive menu from what I would expect of a coffee shop. I have tried the white mocha and caramel latte + vanilla latte and they all lacked the sweetness I was looking for but were well made drinks. The service was incredibly nice when taking my order and giving me my drinks. This place prefers cash (which I did not have) and I felt a bit bad but they do take card and stuff so it was ok in the end. A ton of seating is available and the inside is warm and super cafe like. read more

Cafe Solstice - Caramel Latte - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Seattle, Washington

amazing vanilla latte. stopped by to grab a coffee, but it seems to be a nice place to sit and work as well. plenty of different types of seating such as couches or booths/chairs. read more

Cafe Solstice - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Seattle, Washington

This is a great cafe close to the University of Washington. It is a convenient place to stop by on the way to work, and service is quick (even if there is a line) and the workers are friendly. I love their white chocolate banana bread, and would recommend coming here for it. It's a great combination of flavors and the potion is usually big. Their coffee is decent as well. One thing to note is that they do prefer customers paying in cash, but take card if needed. read more

Cafe Solstice - white chocolate banana bread - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Seattle, Washington

The cheddar jalapeño scone was good and the chai was ok. The barista was kind of grumpy with me though unfortunately. They told me before I could order "Just you know we're closing really soon" (in about 20 minutes). I replied I was aware and planned to get my order to go, but they were still fairly prickly when I asked about their chai. The ambiance seemed like a good atmosphere to study or work and most of the tables were full of people doing that still before close, but I was grabbing to go and probably wouldn't have felt welcome to stay or return after that interaction. Probably wouldn't come back given my order was just ok. read more

Cafe Solstice - Cheddar jalapeño - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Seattle, Washington

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I loved the vibe here! Great for catching up with a friend or even for studying! The guy taking my order was very nice and friendly. As for the actual hot chocolate, it was very smooth and creamy, and not too sweet. I would definitely recommend for a great place to sit down and enjoy a coffee! read more

Cafe Solstice - Hot Chocolate - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Seattle, Washington

You already know what's up. No frills, super fast drink service. Wi-Fi is slow but serviceable. They offer food and some breakfast burritos, which are a bit worse than the cafe average (note the 8 oz Americano for scale). Also wish they had condiment packets because this baby was just begging for hot sauce. It was super busy when I came here on a Wednesday morning, so be prepared to hunt for a table or at least don't get your hopes up during UW's midterms season :) read more

Cafe Solstice - Santa Fe breakfast burrito and Americano - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Seattle, Washington

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First time here! Ordered a turkey panini to-go. Nothing "out of this world". Not sure if the lady at the front was having a bad day, but she was pretty rude while I was ordering - nasty glares and tone. Maybe work on having better customer service? read more

Cafe Solstice - Turkey panini - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Seattle, Washington

Absolutely stunning place with an amazing environment. It can be noisy at times, but if that bothers you, get noise-canceling earbuds like everyone else. The girl at the counter was so helpful, and I will definitely be coming back. read more

Ordered a 8oz oat latte for $4.50. I'm no coffee connoisseur but I thought the drink tasted great and the latte art was a delight! Reasonably priced with a great taste, I recommend! Took off a star because the cafe was very noisy and a bit too dimly lit for my liking. The service was super fast, the barista basically made the drinks while the customers said their order! I'm so used to waiting at least 5 mins at Starbucks lol so this was a pleasant surprise :) read more

Cafe Solstice - Oatmilk latte - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Seattle, Washington

Conveniently located near campus making it easy to grab my personal favorite which chocolate banana bread! So so yummy, definitely try it out! It's a huge cafe with plenty of seating that can fill up quick! read more

Cafe Solstice - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Seattle, Washington

Great coffee and atmosphere. The jalapeño scone and southwest veggie breakfast burrito are delicious!

I've been wanting to try this place for the past three years, but never got around to trying it. Cafe Solstice always looks packed from the outside because I always see people chilling and sipping coffee on their outside seating area. I walked in and was surprised by how dark and warm it was inside. I also didn't see their espresso menu right away, but it's on the post next to the register. The font is really small though, so you have to be literally right in front of the register to be able to read it. It would be nice if they had a big board menu for indecisive people like me who don't want to hold the line up behind them. Thankfully they weren't too busy this morning, so I didn't have to worry about that. Their menu includes all of the classic espresso drinks (drip coffee, lattes, breves, americanos, macchiatos, cafe au lait, etc.) as well as some tea drinks and sandwich options. I ordered a 16-oz soy iced latte to-go. My total ended up being $5.35 including tax. They have a small sign that says cash preferred, but I didn't see it before paying so I paid with card. The latte was smooth, but I can't say it tasted much different than any other soy latte I've had. I didn't find their coffee to be super strong, but maybe the caffeine rush just hasn't hit me yet. In the future, I'll probably ask for light ice- about a third to a half of my cup was filled with ice. As far as atmosphere goes, the inside is pretty dark and warm, kind of like Tea Republik. It's a lot more spacious than Tea Republik though. They have colorful guitar cases hanging on the walls as well as some hipster artwork. It honestly gave me Central Perk from Friends vibes. Service was excellent, but I also went at 8am on a summer day. I got my latte within 5-minutes. Both the cashier and barista were friendly. They also had complimentary peanut butter cookie samples at the register which was a plus! (They probably should have an allergy label on it though...) 4/5 for drink, 5/5 for service, 4/5 for atmosphere, 5/5 for the buffalo logo :) read more

Cafe Solstice - 16-oz iced soy latte - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Seattle, Washington

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Not enforcing social distancing? Not limiting capacity? Not washing hands before and after touching food? No, thank you. My fiancé and I liked coming here for mornin coffees and breakfast burritos, but we won't be coming back after our stop on February 27 around 3 pm. When we went inside, there were about 6 parties sitting around chatting and not social distancing. It's kind of strange that now, even while COVID is still going on, people blatantly don't care for and disregard other people's safety. We also had to wait 7 minutes to be served because the guy working was in the back cleaning or washing dishes. Whatever he was doing, when he came out to serve us, we ordered burritos, and he didn't wash his hands before touching our food and putting it in the oven. That was really gross and weird. The guy working was nonchalantly talking to another guy for a long time too. It's nice to see this business is not taking COVID seriously and putting their customers at risk and not following proper health guidelines and acting like everything is back to normal. Literally do not recommend this place. We left the food and drinks and that is the last $20 we will ever leave them. read more

I used to love this place quite a bit back in my student days. Great place to study or work, and indeed that's what most patrons were doing the busy afternoon I came by with a friend. Luckily there were a couple tables still open by the time we moved through the line. The guy on the register was super friendly and welcoming. 5 stars for him. The barista sadly didn't do it for me, though, as my split shot oat latte tasted simultaneously watery and a tad burnt. Not sure if that's the coffee itself or the oat milk they use (didn't note the brand). Not undrinkable but not very enjoyable. Also found it annoying that I was asked if my order was for here or to go, to which I replied "here," and listened to my dude state that to the barista, only to have my food and beverage handed to me in/on to-go cups/plates. I had my own mug with me and would have just given it to them when I placed my order if I hadn't been given the option of reusable dishes. I think the barista maybe was just having an off day? My friend received all her items for dining in, and I don't think it was personal in any way. Anyway, they have a few premade sandwich and burrito items as well as snacky pastries which is nice. Just wish my recent experience had lived up to my memory of Solstice. read more

The cashier, a girl wearing glasses, was incredibly rude. I understand it can be frustrating to work in food/customer service but if you feel that way, you should be looking for a job in a different field. The music was also way too loud. Overall, not a very welcoming environment. Food was serviceable. read more

Racist and sexist server. The women of color working 7/6/23 @ 3:45 pm told me she's closed. I just walked 18 min in the hot sun to just grab a quick cold beverage as I awaited my ride which would be arriving at 4pm. As I'm writing to my ride ride that I can't be picked up at Cafe Solstice a women of color walked up to the counter and was served by the women at cafe solstice who just refused me service. When I confronted the worker who demanded I was being rude because I want my coffee so bad that I just have to leave and go somewhere else. When I'm fact I never asked for a coffee nor was I going to order a coffee. I wanted a cold beverage from the counter. When I asked her why I can't buy a cold beverage and that women could she stated that I'm being rude and she can refuse service to anyone. I asked but why why am I being denied service read more

Cafe Solstice - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Seattle, Washington

As much as I loved this spot and the convenience of its location, I can't say the coffee was anything to write home about. I ordered an iced latte today but sadly had to throw it out after a few sips. Truly heartbreaking. It was 16 ounces of straight milk with hardly any hint of espresso. Hoping this was a one off bad day because the cafe itself is a really cool study spot with lots of seating. read more

Good coffee for the price!! I got a decaf latte and my friend got a mocha. They finished our orders quickly and the latte art was pretty. We popped in here after seeing the cherry blossoms and it was super cozy, dimly lit with good music. I liked that each table was differently decorated, it contributed to the whole cafe's character. read more

I've come here many times over the last decade. It has been very consistent. Consistent in that the service always leaves a lot to be desired. Often there is only 2 or 3 words exchanged (or none, like today). Never greeted coming in, even when the place is empty. They use Lighthouse coffee roaster beans- local and very dark roast. Really, there is only one reason I ever come back, and that's their pastries. Namely, their white chocolate banana bread. Also consistent- it is very good. I've had other things too: their cookies and their berry bar. I assume their pastries are made in house because I haven't found the banana bread elsewhere. I even brought my parents here a few years back and they still remember the blueberry scone they had. not thehey still ask "is this where we had that delicious blueberry scone" every time we pass a coffee shop . So- if you're looking for somewhere to not be bothered, or you don't like to have to talk to anyone, it might be worth checking out for their pastries. For good coffee, or a pleasant cafe experience, this probably isn't your place. read more

Cafe Solstice - Front entrance (street parking only, limited) - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Seattle, Washington

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This is my favorite University District cafe! Amazing and friendly staff that care about the quality of their coffee and always serve it with a smile. Highly recommend their grilled cheese, it's delicious. Great place for studying, plenty of outlets and ambience is perfected with the music. read more

Coffee is decent. I've always liked this place. Stopped in today and neither barista were wearing masks. I literally watched a little bit of spit fly out of one barista mouth while he was making a drink and talking to the other barista. Which means spit is getting into drinks. This is just gross. Go somewhere else. read more

Very bad coffee and service. Casher was very rude. I will never go back there and no recomend for everybody. Coffee was so bad read more

Amazing coffee and pastries I've been coming here for over a year now on weekly bases. Also they have great breakfast and lunch sandwiches! read more

Cute cafe near the University of Washington campus. I much prefer it to studying on campus because there's more ambient noise. Coffee was good! I was disappointed by gluten free food options, but most cafes near campus struggle to deliver solid options, and it's understandable given Covid restraints. Hours are less than ideal, closing early-mid afternoon before I'm even on campus most days. read more

Not to be that person but no one who works here wears a mask now!!!! Like I understand with the vaccine out, regulations are a bit more lenient but this is food service you know? Also, I've been coming here for almost 5 years now since I started undergrad at UW and it's definitely gone to the dumps now. The people working here are more rude and no one seems to want to help you out at all. read more

I am an infrequent regular. It's been two years and I order the same thing. Sans coffee for red wine blend. Friday afternoon vibe. Students studying. Me working remote. The music ambiance is groovy. They remembered my name, that's a star plus. read more

This cafe is such a cute spot at the bottom of the Ave! It's a great study space as the music isn't too loud and the lighting isn't too harsh or dark. They also have an outdoor balcony space in the back and one in the front as well. I ordered an 8 oz caramel macchiato ($4.00) and my friend ordered a chai latte, mocha, and White Chocolate Banana Bread. The drinks were all amazing. There was just the right amount of foam to drink. The latte art on the mocha and caramel macchiato were also supe pretty! The pumpkin bread was a little on the dry side, but the flavor was very strong and amazing. read more

Cafe Solstice - @yufoodjournal - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Seattle, Washington

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Good Coffee, good people, somewhat slow service on a sunny, Thursday afternoon at 5pm, but it brings me back to when I was in college, and they kept me going, almost 15 years ago, and they are still going. Wood tables, weathered by laptops, spills, scratches, and dents, it all tells a story. I appreciate good coffee, and they serve tasty stuff. If you are a UW student, visiting, or just walking by, so worth it! read more

Cafe Solstice - Cold brew - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Seattle, Washington

they forgot to add my vanilla and is overall not very much a sweet drink , so if you don't like your coffee dumped in sugar like Starbucks this place will be good for you , I give three stars cause I found the girl working there a bit rude, but the guy was very nice read more

Cafe Solstice - Vanilla decaf latte 8 ounce - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Seattle, Washington

My first time in Seattle, and I aim to do as many coffee spots as humanly possible. Why? Well, Seattle is the birthplace of the bean as I have been told. Having sampled the range from Stumptown to Starbucks, I am the hummingbird to the brown nectar and must feed. So Solstice was on my list. Late in the evening, my first visit after enduring the ubiquitous awful journey in a beer can with wings. Dragging luggage thru airports and up hills to my lodging. Needed some civility. Wandered down University Way after consulting the Oracle that is Yelp. Walked in to wooden warmth, a melange of tables and chairs and funky diverse music spilling from big-assed spakers perched off the wall. As soon as you enter, your eyes settle on the well placed bakery items. Two kinds of brownies, plethora of cookies and handsome cakes are waiting for you in the counter. Sitting atop are a variety of scones. A coffee bar with well buffed from many butts to the rear, drops down in steps to the barista station in the center. I had a scone, Cardamom cake,Chocolate chip cookie, Berry coffee cake (not all at once ok? An iced coffee, and a breve. Verdict: Who would eat the fake-o crap at McStarbucks when you can feast like a queen on great portions and fresh ingredients that taste like these? I mean really. The scones were done like somebody who knows scones, The cakes, not gooey sweet but each one I tried was a perfect compliment to the coffee beverage. The cardamom cake (a first for me) had a fabulous crust browned to perfection , a nice top with chopped nuts. Divine. The berry coffee cake had the berry swirls mixed in with a kind of sour creme I thnk. Not gooey, but a really rich, indulgent decadence that just puts places like starbucks to shame. The music is so diverse, stay long enough and you'll roll from country, to indie, to funk and probably back. The only drawback is the staff doesn't seem to smile at all. They've got the cool vibe going on and there seem to be no women here behind the counter pulling espresso (maybe they bake). I'll be back. read more

Cafe Solstice - Sweet. Rich, delight with lace down to the last drop. - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Seattle, Washington

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Disappointing & over-rated. I used to LOVE this place, but their menu is a fraction of what it used to be (so long tomato basil soup), and the pastries (the cardamon cake & brownies) are dry. Their coffee was never my fave, too watery, not rich & luscious enough. Now that they have really reduced their hours, I cdn't really find the open time to support them even if I wanted. Not a huge loss. read more

I had a London Fog and it was really tasty! The service was quick and friendly. I thought it was a bit pricey, but enjoyed it nonetheless. I will be back! read more

Talk about a place that still breathes the heart & soul of Seattle! The owners started out with a coffee cart in Capitol Hill, and then established this gem! They make their own baked goods insight, and serve lighthouse coffee. The tea selection is excellent as well. The baristas are top notch, far better than I, who is also a barista with 6 years experience. İ went here frequently when I was a student at UW and called this place my second home. İ was constantly doing homework here, hours of time spent weekly pouring over chemistry books. Anytime I'm in the neighborhood i stop by here, circling the block a few times just so i can get a great cup of coffee. Love you guys! Please donate to their go fund me during this COVİD situation. The less talkative barista guy makes the best cup of coffee! Anyone who doesn't care for his charm just needs to take a sip of their drink;) read more

I've been to cafe solstice so many times. The environment is loud, social, so I would highly recommend for meeting up with people in a casual setting. If you get lucky and come in on a quiet day (in terms of crowd), they have comfortable and cozy seating in the back couches. It tends to be less busy early in the morning and late at night. In terms of pastries and food, wow! My most recent dessert here was the espresso cream cheese brownie and it is delicious. It is rich and creamy, you can't taste the cream cheese but you get undertones of espresso - mixed with rich chocolate, w o w. I got it toasted so the chocolate was melted, though it would taste great cold too. For pastries, it's mainly look-and-you-can-tell if it's good and fresh, so trust your eyes; you can get amazing food, or mediocre. The drinks are not the best I've ever had, but they're decent. I've tried their teas, hot chocolate and coffees. The teas can be too strong, hot chocolate less sweet than expected, and if you have a specific way of drinking your coffee, this'll come across as mediocre and general; it's what you'd expect at any cafe. If you're like me and tend to work at cafes, this may not be the best place to get on that grind. It gets hard to focus with the music so loud - but if you come on a sunny day and grab a table outside, that is perfect for studying! read more

Cafe Solstice - Espresso cream cheese brownie - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Seattle, Washington