Two words: chocolate bread. Come here, buy it, eat it, rinse and repeat. It's friggin' bread... that's chocolate. I suggest buying some and then getting some bacon, jalapenos and some cheese and making a chocolate bacon, jalapeno and cheese sandwich. You can thank me later for this brilliant idea. We'll call it the Jayseph. They make a mean Americano here and have all sorts of snacks and sandwiches. You really can't go wrong with their selection of lunch offerings and the staff here are wicked friendly. And, ya know, who doesn't want to support a local business?! Put your hand down! I really only have two minor complaints about Espresso By Design. One is that the building is a bit hidden behind trees and shrubbery (we want a shrubbery!) and the other is how little space is inside of the joint. There isn't much room for the few tables and the people using them and for the folks waiting to order their coffee. But these are both pretty minor things since in some weird way they add to the charm of the place. If you find yourself off the beaten path and need caffeine and something to nosh on this place may well save your life... or at least satisfy your needs for caffeine and a snack. I'm a fan! read more

Todd and Molly are AWESOME!!! I used to come here all the time when I worked in Georgetown (I changed jobs about 4 years ago, just to give you an idea). I now make it here every 2-6 months(?) give or take and still to this day, Todd remembers my drink and asks me if I want my normal wheat bagel w/ the works. I just find that amazing! He did it again this morning! read more

They ALWAYS mess up my coffee order. I work right next to the place and have had to come here a few times and have always been disappointed. They are slow, and the coffee is not as delicious as surrounding coffee places. Also, full of hipsters. read more

Best Dirty Chai in town! Great service and great coffee! I am addicted to the dirty chai tea and the staff are awesome. Great small selection of fresh soups, salads and sandwiches. The owner is almost always there and working like a mad man. Much respect for such an outstanding independent business. Seattle needs more of them. read more

The annoying guy who sings isn't there anymore. That's good. Prices went up a tad. They got rid of the honor system drip coffee station. That's bad, for the honor system and drip coffee drinkers who don't like to stand in the line that seems to be getting longer since they're under staffed more lately. There used to be funky yet functional furniture in there and now it's uninviting Ikea crap no one wants to sit on. The hands-off landscaping philosophy seems to be working as there are some lovely sunflowers sprouting up in the yard. Coffee is mediocre. Nice roof top deck! read more

I second the awesome opinion. I have just started a temp gig 1 day a week in the area and after having their coffee I'm sad that I live in Shoreline. The staff was VERY friendly in a snarky way, especially after my frined told them I own my own shop. Lots of industry jokes. I have to say that this is the finest iced americano I have paid money for. They have sandwiches, bagels, pastries and soups for nibbles and lunch. We sat in the cute little garden out front and enjoyed the sunshine. All in all a delightful find! read more

There's nothing better then supporting an amazing local coffee shop that offers an inviting and unique Seattlite feel. The shop is a little house with a balcony, but inside it's super clean with industrial inspired furniture and some really stellar employees that make the place feel warm and inviting. The white chocolate mocha is incredibly tasty and precise. read more

One of the BEST independent Coffee Houses in town. Always fast, friendly and great cup of espresso. The food is tasty too! Love the outdoor seating area and friendly staff......worth a trip! read more

i come here once in while when i forget to bring lunch to work,their sandwiches and bagels are so good ! i mostly get the tuna sandwich :) they are very fresh and yummy to my tummy !!! ipb read more

Great tucked away hidden gem of a coffee shop! Great flavored espresso from Caffe Vita, sandwiches, soup and salads. Cutest outside garden and the hidden party deck upstairs! Good prices on drinks, know you by name and drink, don't forget you can buy a pre-paid card of your favorite drink. They hustle like crazy to move the line, Michelle makes Thursdays & Fridays a treat to come in! read more

The mom and pop coffee shop with super amazing coffee. Enough said... The service here is above a chain store and everyone knows each order and they remember your name. =) It's a little out of the way for me but worth it when I want drive. Come here to enjoy a high quality cup of fix up, you won't be disappointed. read more

Cute, cute, cute little place in the middle of industrial buildings. I had the chicken sandwich it was delicious. The service was awesome, outside seating was comfortable. Will for sure go again! read more

Excellent/reasonably priced food (I recommend the Toasty Chicken Sandwich), friendly owner, and cute patio. Off the beaten path so not too crowded. I also had a soy chai tea latte, which was delicious. I will be back! read more

Everyday for 5 yearsI would come in and get the best Mocha ever. I miss Todd, Molly, Ed and the whole gang. Now too far away for my EBD fix. If you are in the neighborhood you should definately stop by. read more

They hire and train great people who make a point of remembering your name and order. Michelle, Christy, and Armani are always friendly and do a great job with my coffee orders. It's a great little oasis in Georgetown and I highly recommend giving them a try. Thursdays and Fridays are the best time to visit. read more

I love to go here on my day's off.. the employees are awesome..Todd and Michelle.. alway's greet you by name.. they know your drink, what you like to eat, and how to prepare it..I love the bagels, salads.. and my favorite!!!!!! THE TUNA SAMMICH! I have tried all the different cheeses,... cheddar, swiss, and provolone.. My fav..is the Provolone but they are all equally delicious! Thank you for being so friendly & personable!!! I look forward to coming in this week on my day's off! read more

Would have loved to try it based on all the great reviews, however I showed up at 545 (hours on Yelp and on door say they open @ 530) and there was no indication they would be open and serving before 615. Either update hours to reflect your actual schedule or open on time read more

Best Latte I have had in 15 years!!! I work near here and finally stopped in to grab a quick coffee. I was a big SB drinker but after coming here not any more. The atmosphere is wonderful! The food is fantastic! I cant stop telling my coworkers about this place!!!! read more

My co-workers & I have been doing EBD every morning for the past 4 years. It is by far the best JOE in town. It is the best part of the day. Todd is a hoot...& new gal is AWSOME...I can't wait to see her again. read more

Cute coffeehouse close to where I work. Great espresso - got a drink in the AM and then came back for another the same day after finding out I had to stay at work a bit later than expected. Delicious espresso, cute interior, friendly service. Strong work, Espresso By Design, I'll see you frequently. read more

Super cute. I love the off the beaten path of Georgetown. The staff is great and nice. The drip coffee is great!

Never had a complaint, never had a bad visit and never wished I went elsewhere. I can't judge the coffee since I don't drink it, but I still make the walk out a couple of days a week for the bagels and soup. I'd have to agree with Kat G., the staff is snarky and awesome, and a lot of fun to interact with. read more

The coffee was good but I was shocked by my experience. As I entered, the barista was on her way out the door taking out the garbage; she was very nice and said "I'll be right back". She promptly returned with empty garbage cans, set them on the floor, took my money and proceeded to make my latte. All WITHOUT washing her hands nor touching any kind of cloth to wipe her hands after taking out the garbage. All right in front of me! I wonder what happens when she knows customers aren't watching. Ewww! read more

Secret hidden spot with secret garden. I had turkey croissant sandwich with jasmin tea. Perfect weather and good quality of food! AAA+

So, this place isn't just another coffee shop. I mean, it is. But, just hear me out. The latte here is seriously one of the best I've had in the city. The owner uses cafe vita coffee, which is definitely a contributing factor to how magically delicious these beverages are. My partner works right around the corner and I look forward to dropping him off at work in the morning because I know that means I get to pop into espresso by design! The owner is efficient and always plays a variation of classical music which I really enjoy, especially in the early morning. There's also never a line so skip the boring Starbucks latte and try this joint! The food selection is also pretty impressive considering the only staff member I've ever seen in a year of coming here is the owner. They have sandwiches, fresh soups, local baked goods, sandwiches, salads, fruit, and a bunch of snacks, like hard boiled eggs and granola/protein bars. read more

I normally order White Chocolate Mochas as normal coffee from coffee houses sucks. The acidic, burned taste of Starbucks and every other coffee stand I have been to in my eight years in the Puget Sound Area was becoming overwhelming. I was ready to give up coffee all together. Then I visited Espresso By Design. I thought I would give it a chance. It ended up being the best White Mocha I had ever tasted in my entire life. No bitterness, no acidic aftertaste, no burned tang. It was delicious. The pastries look good too, but I only want coffee. The service was fast and friendly. It is located in Georgetown right next to the Seattle Design Center so if you have time, grab a coffee and check out the setups they have; it is free to look around. Best Coffee Ever. Thanks! read more

Things and people have changed over the years, not better or worse... just different... but this is STILL my favorite little coffee shop in Seattle-land. They know your drink and probably your name after just one or two visits. Friendly and fun ... artwork rotation for display and sale... snacks, goodies, and charm. read more

Nice little spot with great coffee and food. It has a peaceful, quiet ambiance. The owner is super nice and welcoming too. You should check it out! read more

Service was fine, but my coffee was terrible. I couldn't even finish it, because my latte was so curdled. Cute place, but I don't think I'll be coming back. read more

Great little hidden gem in the middle of industrial zone. Had bagels and coffee. The outdoor patio in the garden was great. The barista was amazing to watch read more

On our way back to LA we stopped by this little gem and was happy we did. The latte here was one of the best we've had in Seattle !