Venture Coffee

Discovery Espresso is the definition of "good"--not great, but it gets the job done. It's a solid…read morespot if you need a quick caffeine fix before hitting the Loop Trail at Discovery Park, but don't expect a curated boutique experience. The coffee is decent and the muffins, while likely store-bought, at least taste fresh. The barista was friendly and polite, which goes a long way. The main downside is the interior. There is none. It's incredibly cramped, and there are boxes of supplies stacked everywhere, which makes it feel pretty cluttered. Honestly, they'd probably be better off converting the front door into a walk-up window, as there's essentially zero room to move around inside. Bottom line: Great for a grab-and-go on your way to the park, but not somewhere you'd want to hang out.

Was super excited to hit this spot on the way to the park, but regretted it vibes were super…read moreweird, the barista was like on the phone the whole time I was ordering ? So I felt super weird existing in his space and then felt even more weird about how much money it cost...with the amount of awesome coffee spots in the city, I will unfortunately not be going back to this one.

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Cardoon

4.7(65 reviews)

0.2 mi•Ballard

Really cute cafe in Ballard with relatively easy street parking. The space is quite small, but cozy…read moreand there's a bit of outdoor space as well. I got the egg sandwich and a chai. Both were ready pretty quickly. The chai was spicy and not too sweet which I really liked. The egg sandwich was yummy too. Thick egg filling, with the chili sauce went well together. Pickles were a little too salty for me especially just to eat on the side. I guess you could put it inside the sandwich? But still, quite salty. Service was super friendly and welcoming, would definitely come again to try more of their seasonal drinks and food. A cocktail here sounds interesting as well!

Cardoon is a cute little coffee shop in Ballard near the National Nordic Museum with a unique…read moreseaweed latte that's full of umami and perfectly balanced. One thing to note is that, in terms of alternative milk, they only have oat milk, which was a bit of a letdown. I also tried the infamous honey cake, which was impressive with its many layers, but I found it overwhelmingly too sweet. However, it's not an ideal place to "work from home". While there is free WiFi, there lacks adequate seating and tables fit for working. There are two benches with low coffee tables and two rows of bar stools without backs, no "regular" tables. It made it difficult to work, but it would be a cozy spot to have a conversation with friends or read a book. The other downside is that they close at 4PM, which is quite early.

Egg and cheese sandwich

Sunbeam Spritz

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Alcohol Free Shiso Salty Cocktail

Valentina’s Cafe

4.3(114 reviews)

0.4 mi•Ballard

Updated review: I…read morejust love stopping by Valentina's anytime I'm in Seattle! This time we ordered a breakfast burrito and quiche. Both items were delicious!!! I also ordered their Valentina's Latte-- my favorite!! It's the perfect balance of coffee and sweetness! Service was quick, even though they were busy! The only downside is parking, but that's not their fault. Can't wait to go back!

I was excited to try Valentina's after hearing good things, but it was a letdown. I ordered the…read moreMexican mocha, and it tasted like a lukewarm kids' hot chocolate from Starbucks. My husband even took a sip and asked, "What's Mexican about it?" It lacked the rich chocolate and spice you'd expect from a Mexican mocha. What made the experience worse was the customer service. The staff came across as dismissive and unwelcoming, and I didn't even feel comfortable asking them to heat up my drink. Overall, it was not worth the visit and I don't plan on returning. There are PLENTY of better coffee options nearby.

Valentina’s Cafe - The entrance is welcoming, with a few covered tables and chairs outside the doors. The display cases are filled with DELICIOUS pastries.

The entrance is welcoming, with a few covered tables and chairs outside the doors. The display cases are filled with DELICIOUS pastries.

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Miro Tea

4.2(630 reviews)

0.3 mi•Ballard

I've been coming to Miro since probably 2014. It is my favorite tea shop in Seattle. Easily the…read morebest selection of teas (greens, oolongs, blacks, rooibos, and herbal (get the midnight blue!). The staff has always been extremely kind and helpful from Jeannie down to every employee I have known there. They are even patient when I ask for the gyokuro that needs to be steeped at the lower temperature, and I appreciate that a lot. Anyways, why is there like no art on the walls? It is so nice when there is art on the walls (like when the staff did their own art with the Kate Bush theme). I for one think the current lack of art is worse than whatever happened with the matcha lattes. More art would be so great. It would definitely make enjoying my favorite tea even more special.

Miro Tea in Ballard is an outstanding shop for tea aficionados. They have a small menu of iced…read moredrinks available to order and a binder full of loose leaf teas that they sell by weight or if you want a full tea experience (cup, pitcher, kung fu tea size). Their tea selection is excellent and they also sell tea accoutrement like tea sets, cups, pots, etc. I do think prices are pretty high with the iced drinks running you just under 10 bucks, but vibes are excellent and they sell croissants from Maddy's Bakeshop, which are absolutely banging. Vibes are excellent, but only a few tables have power outlets if you're hoping to stay for a while. Crowds on Saturday are pretty manageable, but during the Ballard Farmer's Market on Sunday, it can get a bit crazy with lines out the door.

Interior

(12/31/25)

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(3/18/25)

The Outer Rim

4.7(42 reviews)

1.8 mi•Magnolia

Are you looking for a coffee shop that makes you feel like you're in a spaceship? I know... a…read morepretty niche category, but this coffee shop is exactly that! Coffee was perfect temperature right off the bat, no scorching drinks here. Coffee was great, just the right amount of sweetness to coffee bitterness ratio. Comfortable seating, lots of chair space, and one couch. It is a small place, but there is lots of sci-fi character. And the staff were super nice.

We stopped by The Outer Rim around 11 am on a Saturday. It was incredibly busy, and most of the…read morepastries were already sold out. The decorations are super creative, fun sci-fi theme. Their specialty drink menu is fantastic. I'm usually hesitant to order heavily flavored lattes because I worry they'll be overly sweet and mask the actual espresso (almost like a dessert or boba drink). However, that wasn't the case here at all. The flavors were perfectly balanced, and the quality of the coffee really shined through. We ordered: * Ceti Alpha 5: A lovely lavender and honey latte. * Romulan Cloaking Device: A toasted marshmallow and hazelnut latte. Highly recommend for both the fun atmosphere and the genuinely great coffee!

Merch (10/29/25)

Love the interior (12/23/23)

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Chocolate Cornetto, 16oz mocha, and a cafe sticker (12/15/24)

Caffe Appassionato

3.7(111 reviews)

1.1 mi•Interbay

I come here nearly every day with my dad as part of our morning routine, and let me say I can't…read morethink of a better place to start your mornings than here. The staff is very helpful and kind. We always get our drinks pretty quick. I sit here sipping a mocha with a breakfast burrito, watching the roasting machine make some delicious looking coffee beans. In the morning, it's genuinely packed but not too loud. Given the opportunity, I could sit here for hours. Side note: Appassionato is also across from the fisherman's terminal so on sunny days it can be nice to park or walk across and sit with views of the water.

Coffee was great but baked stuff weren't good. The location is nice too and I'll return for coffee…read moreonly

Entrance

12oz hot and iced drinks

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Petit Pierre Bakery

4.4(235 reviews)

2.3 mi•Magnolia

A very cute lowkey bakery with some of the tastiest baked goods…read more We tried the savory scone, pistachio croissant and the triple chocolate mousse cake. Omg, every single baked food we tried was insanely tasty. The standout was definitely the pistachio croissant! Loved the filling the super crumbly texture. The mousse cake was sooooooo indulgent and the scone had a great flavor, although they should cut down on the baking soda a bit. We also tried their Cortado and caramel latte. The ambience is a bit basic, but who cares when the food is soooo good.

I stopped by Petit Pierre Bakery one morning with some friends because they were craving pastries…read moreand wanted to try a new spot. As soon as you walk in, you'll notice there's a huge selection to choose from, which made it hard to decide! I ordered the savory chorizo croissant, while my friends got a blueberry pastry and another sweet croissant. I tried some of theirs, and both had just the right amount of subtle sweetness, they were really delicious. My chorizo croissant had great flavor too, but it wasn't warmed up. I understand the pastries sit out for a while, but I wasn't asked if I wanted it heated, so I ended up eating it cold. Even so, I still enjoyed it. I was still a little hungry, so I went back and ordered a ham and cheese croissant, this time asking for it to be warmed. It was simple but tasty, although the inside was still a bit below lukewarm. Not a big deal, just something I noticed. Overall, I enjoyed the bakery, especially the variety of pastries and the cozy atmosphere. If you're nearby in Magnolia, it's definitely worth stopping by and checking it out!

The pastry case

Pistachio raspberry brioche

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The treats with very rude experience

Victrola Coffee Roasters

4.0(323 reviews)

0.2 mi•Ballard

Not happy with my visit. Perhaps, I'm not familiar with the coffee types here, but we were visiting…read moreSeattle and wanting some coffee to start our day. We walked by Victrola Coffee Roasters, and were quite excited for their unique theme. The interior was quite interesting as expected. There were patrons sitting all over the cafe and we assumed it would be a great experience. I ordered their honey lavender latte in their smallest iced size and an oatmeal cookie. The baristas made my drink and had forgotten my cookie, so we had to ask for it. The rating comes from the drink itself. I think I revived about 70% milk and ice. I couldn't taste the coffee at all. When I asked my partner, he said it didn't taste like coffee either. I could also barely taste the honey lavender in it. Generally, my coffee is always strong or too sugary. It's been a while since I've had a drink like this. The cookie was also odd. I was very disappointed. Overall, everything about it was not the best. Just okay.

A household name in the coffee scene for nearly two decades, Victrola Coffee Roasters has made its…read moremark in the Seattle coffee scene through its various locations around the city. This location in Ballard has been a steady hub for locals, serving as a destination for a quick coffee run, an ideal coffee date destination, and a productive remote working spot. As much as I appreciate little cafes, I have an affinity toward places that boast a spacious interior as much as this one. With numerous tables and seating options, it's an ideal spot for groups. On excellent weather days, I think the outdoor seats are perfect for people watching along Market St. The plentiful outlets, fast Wi-Fi, clean bathrooms, and dedicated community room (#1) certainly don't hurt either. There is a lot to appreciate on the coffee front. heir cold brew was potent and refreshing during a summer afternoon. The latte art is on point. There is even a whole rack of non-coffee oriented drinks and ready-to-go food options like being at the airport. (#2) Food wise, there are a number of baked goods on display that include cookies, pastries, muffins, scones, biscuits, and a beautiful of range of carby options. While I think the lemon citrus bread and banana bread are tasty, it feels a little pricey at over $4 a slice. Since they've been acquired by Seattle Coffee Works as of a couple of years ago, I suspect all the locations will be a bit heavier with the branding and likely more consistent across the board with tangible product sales such as merch, coffee beans, and coffee making products. The service has been good overall and I appreciate their stance on coffee education. __________ (#1) Which can be reserved for various functions. (#2) Airport pricing too. Sheesh.

Inside

Inside - Non-coffee drinks

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Inside

Homage Coffee

4.5(33 reviews)

0.5 mi•Ballard

I love this place! The coffee is delightful and they clearly care a lot about what they make you…read more Everyone here is so nice, even the customers. It is also a nut free cafe! Great music, cute interior - I think this just became my new go to place in Ballard! No WiFi and food is small pastry items if that's important to you.

Great vibes, truly a good slow coffee experience with folks who know a lot about coffee. Great…read morelightning, fun place to hang. Well curated selection. Do not expect quick service here - that is not a critique, it's just not the goal.

After items were rearranged (1/22/25)

(1/22/25)

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Drink menu

Freya

4.5(42 reviews)

0.3 mi•Ballard

Everything you'd want in a museum cafe. Definitely had Scandinavian flair. We opted for the Pork…read moreTenderloin smørrebrød and the Salmom Gravlax. I was thinking I would prefer the salmon but hubs and I shared both. The Salmon Gravlax had creamy dill as a base, topped with pickled red onion & dill. Very tasty, very satisfying. Hubs was enjoying the pork, and once I tried it, I could see why. The horseradish aioli was the exact combination with the pork tenderloin. I think it was our favorite of the two. This was a great option after visiting the museum. Very enjoyable morning!!

An amazing cafe right inside the entrance to the Nordic museum (no admission necessary)! They serve…read moreunique Scandinavian food like smørrebrød and pickled herring alongside staples like avocado toast and drip coffee. I LOVED my Stockholm steam (black tea with cardamom syrup, nutmeg, and steamed milk). Comfort in a cup. The star of the show was the Rømmegrøt, a Norwegian sour cream porridge. It tasted very rich, creamy, sweet and just slightly tangy with a velvety smooth texture. The generous toppings balanced it out perfectly and it was served in a beautiful Fortessa bowl. The presentation elevated the deliciousness. The staff also cleaned up a broken plate knocked down by a little girl and handled the situation with kindness and grace. Freya reminds me of the cafe Off the Rez at the Burke museum: a beautiful tribute to the museum's heritage and a way for visitors to experience its culture.

Lava chocolate chip cookie

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Autumn Salad

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9 reviews that are not currently recommended

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Marissa S.

150

7 years ago

"Just as we built on tradition, we value innovation" was written on the sandwich board announcing Java Bean's rebrand; when walking into Venture Coffee you can really see how beautifully they've balanced the two. You still get a cozy PNW vibe from the fireplace, big comfy couch, sturdy wood tables, and welcoming greeting when you walk in. The space is clean, comfy, and inviting with tables set up so you can choose to sit one-on-one with a friend or come in with the whole family. But enough about the superficials... The most important things (to me) when choosing where to spend my time and money is the quality of food/drink, and quality of service. On both of those fronts, Venture coffee truly shines. The staff is welcoming, relatable, and always helpful in finding you a drink or snack best fitted to your mood. They focus on highlighting high quality, sustainable coffee, which is nothing short of delicious every time I order (which they've only been open for a week, and i've been in every day!) The food is the same delicious sandwich menu as before (with some small improvements and additions,) and from the sound of it they're planning on doing food specials and seasonal menu items in the future which i for one can't wait to try! read more

Allegra R.

205

7 years ago

New to Seattle and wanted to find a coffee shop in my neighborhood I could "move into" so to speak and I got settled into my new house and job. Venture has 100% become that spot! The staff are friendly and helpful, and even when it's full and the baristas get busier I never feel forgotten and the small waits are always worth it. Their pastries from the Tall Grass bakery up the street are delicious, and their sandwiches are filling and tasty. The coffee is delicious, and they always seem to be brewing up some new concoction that pushes the boundaries of what I thought was possible with coffee! The other day I got to taste a lavender pistachio something or other that was out of this world! You can tell the workers like being here and their attitude is infectious. I'm so glad I live so close, this is exactly the kind of place I was hoping to find! read more

Mia T.

216

1 year ago

I absolutely love Venture Coffee! From the moment you walk in, the staff is always incredibly friendly and welcoming, which makes each visit feel special. The coffee is consistently amazing. I also love supporting a woman-owned business, and it's clear that the owners pour their heart and soul into everything they do. It also had Scandinavian baked goods which are AMAZING. If you're looking for a cozy spot with great vibes and even better coffee, Venture Coffee is a must-visit! Highly recommend! read more

Jess C.

5 years ago

I used to love venture coffee but I overheard a really upsetting encounter today that totally has me changing my mind. It seemed like the manager was attempting to fire an employee right outside the coffee shop. The poor girl seemed surprised and distraught (like did they not give her any advice or warnings before this?). I like the coffee and food at venture even if it is a little overpriced, but no coffee is worth exploiting young workers and a cruel environment. read more

Jasmine S.

Elite 25

444

454

1756

3 years ago

I visited my friend's favorite neighborhood coffee shop and had a delightful experience. I opted for the unique espresso tonic with juniper, a refreshing afternoon alternative to coffee, and the Seattle fog latte, perfect for non-coffee enthusiasts. The cafe offers ample seating, and I noticed someone working on their laptop. A cozy spot for both coffee lovers and those seeking a caffeine-free treat! read more

Brad H.

123

6 years ago

Such a lovely and cute neighborhood shop with serious coffee knowledge and intentionality and great people. The space and the quality improved drastically after the re-brand from the old Java Bean. If you can stop in on a know day when the garage doors are open, you can't beat the vibe. read more

Kristina M.

7 years ago

I love the new space! I went for the first time since they reopened and it was a perfect spot to spend a sunny afternoon. Everyone is so wonderfully friendly, the windows are big and full of plants, and the music is good and not too loud. Will definitely be back again. read more

Jhon C.

3 years ago

Very happy that you gave me a service, it was very fun and enjoyable. Thank you very much for that. I will recommend you to my friends

Lab L.

2 years ago

great vibes in this place! sweets are really satisfying, coffee could be better! sometimes it has long lines

Venture Coffee - coffee - Updated September 2026

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Woodland Coffee

4.4

(139 reviews)

A good day always starts with a good cup of coffee!…read more On our first morning in Seattle, my daughter and I found this little coffee shop nearby with excellent reviews, and it turned out to be a wonderful start to our day. My daughter ordered the June special, the Fruity Pebbles Cold Foam Cold Brew, while I chose the Brown Sugar Latte. The special drink was beautifully presented, and my daughter loved both its unique flavor and refreshing taste. My latte was made with Stamp Act Coffee, and I really enjoyed its clean, smooth, and naturally rich flavor. You can definitely tell they use high-quality beans. For breakfast, we paired our coffees with a croissant and the pumpkin nutty bread. Both were decent and convenient for a quick breakfast, though the coffee was definitely the highlight of our visit. If you're looking for a cozy neighborhood café with excellent coffee to start your day, this is a great spot to check out.

Cute cafe tucked in a quaint Ballard neighborhood. I've been to their Bellevue location and have…read morealways loved their coffee concoctions. Service was quick, no line at all. And a shoutout to the server for toasting my scone. It came out warm, not dry, not too cheesy, just how I like it. Matcha latte w/ almond milk was alright, knowing this can't be compared to what I can get at tea cafes. I love how they make this place green w/ all sorts of indoor plants. Plants do light up the area and mood given that Seattle can be so gloomy around this time. Def coming back if I'm in the area again.

Anchored Ship Coffee Bar

4.1

(180 reviews)

This is a super cute coffee shop! They have delicious specialty drinks and matcha. I love the iced…read morestrawberry latte or the lavender latte. They also feature great locally made pastries. I haven't tried the savory food like burritos yet! They feature local artists that rotate monthly. It's also attached to a wine shop!

A lovely local coffee shop!…read more We happened to pop in on a Sunday afternoon while strolling around Ballard and were pleasantly surprised. The barista was super friendly and the space was nice and cozy. We got an Iced Latte (our go-to drink)- super solid!

Cafe Bambino

3.9

(92 reviews)

Updating my initial review from 3/22/14, it's coming up on 12 years later I purposefully detoured…read moreand stopped by on 3/12/26. It was because of an IG post from Pufftown Bakehouse mentioning that their pastries are available at Cafe Bambino. This is an amazing pro tip to not have to drive all the way to Pike Place Market...traffic, parking, risk of items sold out, and with my current mobility issues - this is a major score! I was able to find nearby street parking and joined the queue of folks at the walk up window. I noticed that there were also people seated in the adjacent covered area. This also gave me the opportunity to look at their pastry case with nicely arranged pastries, bagels, and scones from purveyors, including Pufftown Bakehouse. There's also tea, coffee beans, and other merch available for purchase. Pleasant and efficient customer service. My vintage stamp card was no longer valid, but their POS uses the Joe app so I was able to accrue points for my purchases: an excellent well crafted 16oz mocha, and three PB pastries including ham & Wensleydale, spicy chorizo, and blood orange cinnamon. My halves later consumed were fresh and delicious. Glad to be reacquainted again with Cafe Bambino!

Super friendly barista, good coffee, and a great selection of baked goods. It feels like a…read morecommunity vibe from this walk-up shop, and they serve Pufftown pastries which is awesome. A lot of love has been put into this cafe, and I was surprised by the lower than average Yelp score. It sounds like they recently went through new ownership, and I think they are doing a great job.

Mabel

4.3

(76 reviews)

This is your classic neighborhood cafe with a welcoming and friendly vibe. It's easy to become a…read moreregular here. I like that they make their own seasonal special drinks. I recently tried their Ballard Fog, their take on a London Fog, but with local Zen Dog Earl Grey tea and their own house made Secret Garden syrup. It was a floral and fragrant version that I quite enjoyed. It's a good spot to meet folks for meetings but be aware they close at 3pm.

Stopped in this morning for coffee and had damn near the best iced lavender latte of my life. Will…read morebe trying to come back to this cozy spot before heading home!

Homage Coffee

4.5

(33 reviews)

Caffe Umbria

4.2

(161 reviews)

Italian Coffee! The aroma is out on the street and the…read morecoffee is amazing. Loved the biscotti too! The overall ambience, decor of this coffee place is great!

Cute little coffee shop in the heart of Ballard. Nice staff and gave me a few recommendations in…read morefood. The cafe can get busy but overall a chill vibe. Parking can be hard and expensive in the area but super walkable being in the middle of everything. Food coffee and food. Would definitely stop in for a break especially on a raining day like today

Discovery Espresso

4.1

(52 reviews)

Fremont Coffee

3.9

(490 reviews)

A charming cafe in a converted cottage. Sitting outside on the porch on a sunny day, watching…read morepeople stroll by while enjoying a pastry and coffee- just doesn't get better. Buk wait. It does! The coffee is fantastic. Beautiful, rich flavor. Note to self: pick up a bag of Boneshaker beans for those days where you don't feel like leaving fhe house. Service is prompt with a delightful interaction. Pastries are sourced thru Macrina bakery; always a safe bet. Don't just walk by this gem; pop in, get a cup of coffee, and relax and soak up the atmosphere!

We were in the area and stopped here when a friend wanted coffee. It's a cool place…read more I got Vegan Raspberry scone and loved it. My friend liked her mocha.

Cafe Feva

4.6

(31 reviews)

I come here before work basically every day to buy an iced espresso beverage because I never plan…read moreto own a home. That said, day-old baked goods can be had half-off, so it's actually not even that pricey to get an iced coffee and a pain au chocolate to get me through my day. The staff are all very nice. It's a very queer-friendly spot. My espresso has tasted a little burnt once or twice, enough to be worth mentioning but not enough to hurt their score in my opinion. Wait times are short, although it does get pretty busy sometimes. The decor is cute and they get bonus points for their funny stickers and for selling their own blend. They have a restroom and it is kept clean.

Adorable coffee shop with indoor outdoor seating. They had some fun June specials and an adorable…read moretoy espresso machine. For food - we got a pb&j which was okay..would love to try more options next time. Service was great overall.

Valentina’s Cafe

4.3

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