The people at Zoka were extremely friendly. I ordered a latte and asked the woman behind the counter to pick a doughnut out for me. She asked a few questions about what I liked before she picked one out, which showed me that she was actually putting though into her selection. The doughnut she picked was chocolate and delicious, and the coffee met the standard of expectations. The place was big and had tons of space for people to take advantage of the free WiFi. There was a variety of seating which included small table perfect for one, and also large wooden tables which featured bench seating. This was perfect for a larger group, or for a communal experience which would allow you to meet new people. I generally drink coffee from home, but occasionally a place like this is a good substitute for the library as a place to study. I will definitely be back. read more

I am absolutely in love with the spacious seating area and the relaxed ambiance of the store. The divisions of the store accommodates a wide range of customers who are either there to study, read, chat with friends, or simply enjoy a cup of coffee. This is by far my favorite coffee shop to study at because of the low noise level and the population it caters to-graduate students and professionals. The coffee, on the other hand, fails to arouse my taste buds for the lavish prices they offer them. It lacks the rich and authentic flavor and often served lukewarm. My experience with the baristas has been erratic, with some being extremely friendly and others being very cold and inhospitable. Aside from those two marks, I would recommend this coffee shop to anyone who needs to get work done in a quiet and lucrative environment. read more

The coffee is great at Zoka and it's a great place to study. Only set backs is that the Internet is spotty and sometimes you'll get charged if you use for too long... All in all the coffee is pretty good. Its not my favorite coffee in Seattle but its definitely good stuff. As for studying, its pretty legit. Lots of room, lots of table space with lots of outlets. It used to be a regular place for me. Maybe you'll like it too! read more

The quality of the coffee made here has decreased over the last 6 months but it still beats the crap out of anything starbucks could produce. This Zoka has also been overrun with students during all hours of the day so don't be surprised if you show up and can't find a seat. Definitely worth a visit though! read more

From Texas to Seattle - got the Toddy iced coffee which is similar to a cold brew at Starbucks, it definitely was a kick of unique flavors and it wasn't too strong like at Starbucks. The atmosphere was unique with a lot of college students studying and a lot of space read more

Zoka Coffee - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Seattle, Washington

Recently they have expanded, and the place seems to be larger than the Greenlake coffee shop. Great selection of food (for a coffee shop), and very tasty coffee. Great place to grab a big chair by the fire, and settle in for a good read. Parking on any of the residential street is hardly ever a problem (except on UW football game days) read more

Coffee is a bit overrated and my last two iced peppermint mocha's were bitter. Pros: College Hangout Great place to study Free Wireless Cons: It's a College Hangout No Parking Coffee is Mediocre read more

Yup, it's a coffee shop with free wi-fi. It's a bit coffee shop with free wi-fi. It's full of college students using the wi-fi. They have a very nice little selection of fancy teas (which I appreciate) but they packed that tea so tightly into the tea-baggie thing that it couldn't steep properly. I bet 99% of the tea drinkers out there would never notice, but I'm a tea snob and when I order expensive tea I reserve the right to be snotty about how the tea steeps. The atmosphere was very nice to start with. Very laid back coffee-shop feeling (go figure!). A good place to sit and chat or get some work done. Then, at about 10PM this loud hipster-techno-remix-mashup stuff starts booming over speakers. Kinda killed the mood for me and I quickly decamped. Overall, could be a great place if they learned how to serve their fancy tea and at least turned down the volume when playing crappy music. read more

I love Zoka. In my opinion, it's the one of the best coffee houses in Seattle hands down. Not only do they have good drinks, but they have free wi-fi and lots of seating. It does get crowded...really crowded, but I think it's part of the charm. Zoka is a great place to study, surf the web, or read a book. If you are looking for a place to do any of these things around UW, skip the remodeled Starbucks in U-Village and find a seat here. They also have locations in Greenlake and Kirkland read more

Located north of the parking garage in that little strip of a bastard child of U Village. This a probably my favorite cafe north of the Montlake Cut. Barista(o) are friendly and skilled, the coffee is pretty good quality, the music is newer, the crowd is young/academic and the wifi is blazing fast (via Comcast). I have to put in the good word for the drip coffee here. They grind it fresh, per cup, and brew it by hand, running hot water through the grounds in a filter over the cup. It can get overwhelmed on mornings and weekends (like any coffee place) but generally there is enough seating and few of those seats are without a receptacle; so you can juice your laptop while you buzz your nerves. I've witnessed varying degrees of success for people who try to study here. It is a bit noisy just because it's so big. But if it's not busy, you can find a corner or a big comfy chair to hide away in. There's even the bike rack of the overhanging apartment complex that's right next to the door, for those of you who are bi-pedaly inclined. Oh, and they passed the I-really-hope-this-mocha-isn't-carp test with flying colors. Full marks for the U Village Zoka's. read more

Um, it's a Zoka. I've always had hit/miss experiences with this local chain. I used to study at the location in Tangletown, but the people who worked there were such assholes I just started avoiding the whole chain. This location is nice, the space is lovely, though a bit underutilized. My american was reasonable, not much in the way of crema, but not scalding hot. It's probably the best coffee within walking distance of U Village, so I'll be back! read more

I've been to this Zoka multiple time when I am sick of studying at the cafes in the U district. I dont know why but I really dislike the drip from Zoka, it is sour and has a weird taste. I normally order Americanos or drip from every coffee shop I go to but it was awful here. I did like their chai and sitting. read more

Zoka Coffee - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Seattle, Washington

Great study spot and great coffee! My fave was the lavender mocha :)

Probably one of my favorite coffee shop in Seattle. I love their coffee, tea, Italian sodas and pastries! Got to try their chai if you are a chai-lover. The staff is always super friendly too. The UW location is great for studying. They have outlets almost everywhere for laptops. I used to study here for hours when I was a college student! read more

A French Press of Colonel Fitzroy blend in the back corner of the shop is the best place to study in Seattle! I often buy a pound to take home as well. This is the ONLY coffee that I enjoy at home. But, as for the location...Wifi is free, lots of power outlets, lots of tables of varying sizes, nooks and crannies to dive into and pour yourself into a book or computer, and free water. Great energy! read more

Great spot! We love walking here from our house! Baristas are great and drinks are awesome! Jam dots are great! read more

Zoka Coffee - Starting him early! Double Capp with 1 raw sugar! :) - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Seattle, Washington

I live nearby and come here all the time. Tea is good (though I wish they had a bigger variety of black teas), jam dots are good, sandwiches are ok. Music is usually good. Bonus points for lots of tables and outlets. Bonus bonus points for reliable and free wifi! read more

Zoka Coffee - Interior - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Seattle, Washington

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Vanilla latte & a croissant on the side always makes for a delightful morning stop into Zoka. The vibe is always chill too... not too loud but enough background noise so you can enjoy reading or doing computer work. read more

I live right across the street, and I come in at least three times a week. I've always received great service until today. Whilst ordering, I believe I accidentally said my drinks were "for here" as in, my drinks in ceramic cups instead of paper. As they were ready, the barista called them out and instantly, I became confused and felt bad and then politely apologized, and asked if I had asked for my drinks for here. She rudely interrupted me and condescendingly said "Well I didn't take your order, remember? I can put them in to-go cups", as she snatched the ceramic cups away. Like damn.. my bad on accidentally saying "for here" instead of "go to"... I was too busy tipping you 50%. Might need a new local coffeehouse. read more

My favorite local coffee place. After you taste Zoka's coffee, Starbucks will never taste right... Only ding is finding a place to seat, as despite the size it is often full of people studying/working with their laptops (read: free wi-fi)! read more

They just changed their food. The new food sucks. The breakfast sandwiches are made on generic dinner rolls. Way too much bread with way too little filling. The lunch sandwiches are flat, one white bread, salty as all hell, not filling at all and bland. Whoever is in charge of the food at these is asleep at the wheel. Perhaps they need to skip some trips to look at coffee and take a few to France and Italy to see what cafe food should be. read more

If I had reviewed this place a year or two ago, I would have given it 5 stars. But unfortunately, it just doesn't live up to its past hype. They used to make their own scones (which IMHO were the best in Seattle), but now they stock the same bakery items available at every other coffee shop. Gone are the innovative flavors and combinations, with plain ole blueberry here to stay. They've also raised their prices quite a bit in the last year or so. When before I'd be perfectly happy to shell out the cash for a delicious scone and drink, now the price is significantly higher and the baked goods not as great. The non-coffee drinks seem particularly expensive for what you get. They also recently imposed a minimum charge (and time limit) for using the wi-fi, which I understand from a business standpoint, but just seems like another way to nickel and dime us. So why am I giving it even 3 stars? The atmosphere is great. It really is one of the nicest coffee shops for sitting down and getting some work done. It almost makes up for the rest. read more

I think this is a solid place to work or study. I'd even go as far as to say that I don't mind spending a bit extra for the comfort and quiet. With that said, latte art doesn't usually do a lot to impress me, and although I can appreciate the effort, I would dissuade anyone from paying $5 for a drink if they plan to walk back out the door. read more

I've been coming to this location for years now and everything has pretty much improved markedly, even the seating arrangements--- but they recently "updated" their coffee bar and the owner/manager(?) has insisted on converting an old black bookcase into serving as an honor bar. I really rarely write reviews because Yelp is literally the cancer that is killing the food and beverage industry and I feel a little bit like Luke being tempted to the Dark Side by Darth Vader every time I put in one of these arbitrary god damned stars and potentially harm someone's business. But something needs to be said here, because there is now suffering. Okay, look, I get it. You thought it might be cute to put things in a book case! Because aww, coffee and books! You're upcycling!(or whatever the hell the kids are calling it these days). Then you didn't want your cute idea to actually suck, so you continue to defend it. But it is indefensible. The coffee gods are displeased. First, it took me about 2 minutes upon this revision to actually find the lids. Because they are black. And stacked into the rear wall of a black bookcase. Because that's smart. I will never see that 2 minutes again. Second, who thought this was smart? Is making things more difficult for customers fun? Third-- what, is this to protect the new bar or something? Jesus Christ, get some protective mats or a butcher block or something. Are you running a food and beverage business or showing a house with white furniture? This isn't hard. So now, instead of getting your coffee, and logically, getting your lids/syrup/napkins/etc. from the same place that you get your drink, you have to walk about 12 feet to your right around a low wall with hot, open liquid container in hand, sometimes around children or other waiting patrons, and reach around a bunch of crap just to get to a lid. "But Olivia! All you have to do is set your drink down once you get there and use common sense!" But you see, this is where you are wrong. I know how to dodge around people because I had the "privilege" of spending the majority of my early twenties shouting "corner!" and being hyper aware of my surroundings at all times while carrying hot things. Expecting normal, uncaffeinated people without serving experience to be able to ferry steaming liquids without spilling them across a stretch of room and around other human beings is not only highly inconvenient for them, but stupid, even dangerous. My fiance, a lifelong IT specialist, can barely carry a glass of water from the kitchen to the dining room without spilling it. Normies just don't have a restaurant worker's cat-like reflexes and impeccable balance. It's not their fault. This also results in a lot of spills on the "barcase"(We're going to use this hideous compound noun for the purposes of this review) since the structure is quite deep, and all the straws, syrups, lids, spoons, etc. we used to be able to reach easily are now stuffed into small, narrow rectangles, and I literally have to stand on my tiptoes to dispense water. Other things now require... squatting? All because the person who came up with this idiotic idea doesn't want stuff "cluttering" up the newly refinished bar, or something. Gee, it's a good thing I'm not arthritic or in a wheelchair. Well, newsflash-- your staff all hate it, and since their wages probably depend on them relenting to a good portion of your dumb ideas so they can keep their jobs, something had to be said by someone. I had to laugh because the person responsible for this dumb idea had a daughter? who was there at the time they were setting it up/discussing it, and even a kid her age thought it was a stupid idea. Your staff all hate it, your kid hates it, your customers hate it-- have you considered that maybe it's not them, it's you? Put the condiments and lids back on the actual coffee bar, please. 13 years of getting lids from the same place, and now we've devolved to a game of Operation!: Boiling Coffee Edition. This is dumb. ***Also, Zoka baristas, I love you, and you are perfect angels with perfect cool hair, in every way. This review in no way reflects your performance or the quality of your work and I will not stop giving you business or tips because of a shelf. But I will probably give your boss exasperated side eye for the foreseeable future. read more

Their store at green lake is honestly the worst and the staff can be super unfriendly, unprofessional and unpleasant. If you are planning to go there to sit for a few hours, prepared to be driven away by the assistant manager who's just incompetent and does NOT have the slightest sense of customer service. Prepare to be yelled at by this assistant manager even if you are following COVID precautions to the best of your ability even when actively eating/drinking. Prepare to be forced to buy something if you want to sit there- they feel like they are doing you a favor by letting you sit there for a few hours and using their wifi. Even if I almost always buy coffee there, I accidentally brought in coffee from another place one day without EVER being reminded of the expectation that I wasn't supposed to be bringing outside food even though I have seen other people do it. They need to be explicit in their new/more recent COVID precautions, write it down and know how to remind people POLITELY instead of yelling at them. For the record, I DID not tell them that I was not going to follow the expectation AT all, agreed that I would not make the mistake again, gladly threw my drink away out of respect and they still did not like the fact that I did not buy anything there on that day. A polite reminder would have sufficed but instead they chose to pick a fight - their staff member literally was forcing me to buy one of their (stale) pastries and tried to pick a fight, straight up attacking with arguments multiple times - I've been targeted and yelled at multiple times even if I agreed to follow their expectation. Some staff members need to be desperately provided training on customer service and how to talk to POC customers without yelling. They were SO rude, be prepared to be talked down to and they really treat their customers worse than their employees. It is impossible to talk to the staff because they seem to be coming from a place of anger and not logic. I understand how me bringing outside food was a safety risk, going to impact their business but a simple reminder would have been enough but they just blew it out of proportion even if the expectation made sense to me - just shows a lack of RESPECT for me as a loyal customer/POC. The store manager needs to be replaced unless she knows how to talk to customers without being EXTREMELY HARSH, rude, unapproachable and argumentative with several customers. I have no clue how she got hired- she yelled at me multiple times to my face. THE WORST CUSTOMER SERVICE-I have been going there consistently since July, have been a regular customer who literally spent so much $$ and this is how they treat their regulars. I will gladly take my money elsewhere than tipping the staff here. DONT GO THERE UNLESS YOU KNOW HOW TO WEAR YOUR MASK EVEN WHEN ACTIVELY EATING OR DRINKING (if thats even possible)!!! They wont let you take your mask off even its when drinking their stupid coffee for a few seconds. No one wants an unpleasant, disrespectful, impolite environment to work from where the staff is hounding you EVEN if you follow COVID precautions to the best of your ability. read more

I have been coming to Zoka for 2 years since I moved to to U District. Coffee is good, and I love the chai with almond milk. Gluten free pastries available infrequently. Ambiance is great, and the place generally attracts an interesting crowd during non-pandemic times: students, cyclists, and other locals. Generally a good-natured and friendly crowd. Service is usually friendly. read more

Love this place! The baristas are a little quirky, but cool. They are helpful and knowledgeable about their coffee and teas. Lots of seating in a variety of arrangements. Does get loud when it fills up, but that's a no brainer- more people = more noise. Lots of outlets and free wifi. BEST chai I've had so far. I get the 50/50 version and it's excellent. And my favorite cold drink is the Zoka Way blend iced tea. It's a nice flavor and a pretty pink color! read more

The ham cheddar melt is better than starbucks and the lavender coffee is exceptional! Great music and lots of tables to study ore hangout. Also they have a water station not only with ice water but room temperature water!! read more

Zoka Coffee - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Seattle, Washington

Very relaxed, chill environment. Incredibly spacious. Great place for studying or getting work done. Baristas are freindly. Coffee is less than satisfactory. read more

Big place. Had brew there today (and most times I have to venture through this area.) Feels like a So Cal venture, but I understand it to be local. A little too big for me. Hard to get a table. read more

Zoka has the best drip coffee in Seattle. Although the drip changes from day to day, it is guaranteed delicious. Zoka also has a very impressive selection of teas. Ask for a recommendation. They will find a tea that suits your mood. They also have delicious pies (albeit pricey) and cookies (try the chocolate truffle cookie). They used to have a great selection of sandwiches, but these days are unfortunately gone. This also one of the few places that will allow you to stay for hours, and the wireless is free. Verdict: a great place to hang out. Beware: rainy week-ends can be crowded. read more

Zoka's is fantastic! It's a great atmosphere to study--there are tons of tables and outlets everywhere, plus they have Wi-Fi. It's also a good place to just meet up with someone. There coffee is absolutely fabulous, the baristas are friendly, and their pastries are yummy. The only downside is that it can get pretty crowded, but you can usually stake out a spot. Highly recommend! read more

The coffee is delicious and the baristas are wonderful. It's hard, I want to buy this coffee. I want to live off the espresso, I truly believe the product and the people behind it are wonderful. The problem is the company, the owners who barge into the shops and interrupt the baristas while they work. The arrogance and self import is off putting. The company itself obviously does not put value behind the care of the space, the people or itself. This for me, is a deal breaker. How can you support a business that clearly treats people like garbage? I see the same people at all of its shops too often to kid myself that they are not working over 40 hours a week. They don't care to take care of the shops, the university one has never fixed the bathroom issue not to mention the "meeting space" which is just a curtained off area with poor lighting. The Kirkland shop has dust and flies. It's constantly changing, there's no consistency. The Tangletown location has needed new floors for about ten years now. The food and pastries has gone down hill the last few years. There was a noticeable shift and I can only guess that they probably lost the food manager or whatever they were calling it. There has been nothing new. They used to try new things out and now there is an absolute lack of creativity. What is going on with this company?? It should have grown or sunk by now. I feel like the "barely holding on by a thread" vibe is painfully noticeable in all three of the shops. Just make a change, a positive one or get out before people figure out what you're really doing to your employees. read more

As a busy student and coffee lover this is my go-to coffee shop. The coffee is absolutely delicious, and they have a nice range of teas and chai flavors too. I've been going here for years and have seen many up beat, skilled baristas come through. Always great service, but more importantly, great coffee. It's also a great place to study, free wi-fi and lots of study space. Nice music selection too. And if you have a sweet tooth you have to try the infamous Zoka Bar. read more

Delicious coffee. When I was younger I couldn't understand why anyone would drink coffee black - then I tried Zoka coffee. Their coffee has so much flavor and body. It slows me down, and I chew the drink. Baristas are funny and friendly. The ambiance is nice. It can get a little loud, but it all blends in to create that sort of cozy white noise unique to coffee shops. There are a couple of big tables there that are great for doing collaborative work as well as comfy chairs for nestling into a book, but as a warning, it gets BUSY on weekends. Demographic is mostly students, young families, and some older ones. The location is amazing. I used to live a block away and whenever I'm in the area I stop by. It's right by University Village and just off the Burke Gilman Trail. I know there are like 4 Starbucks's'es's' (plural?) at University Village, but next time you're there, take a walk over to Zoka. You won't be disappointed. read more

Minus one for the service. Two for the barista's attitude. I asked for a no foam latte--- it came with foam! The barista's excuse was that when the coffee cooled, the foamy layer forms! Hmmm!!!Problem is, I've had no foam lattes before and foam is not caused by a cooling effect... it just means she didn't scoop it out or poured it with foam. My irritation was definitely the lack of effort and it's a $5 cup of Joe!! She pointed out I could scoop it out myself with the spoons... thanks!! Great service! Can't wait to never come back. read more

Best coffee in Seattle with a genuinely comfortable interior. This is one of the few coffee houses where I can read or do some work (if I can find a seat). They don't play terribly loud music which is nice (other coffee places should take note of that). Coffee itself is very good. read more

Person's name I don't' remember - "Wow I haven't seen you since high school!" Me - "I know, it's been a while" Person's name I still don't' remember - "What have you been up to all this time?" Me - "Looking for a place to drink my coffee in peace" Ok, it didn't go down exactly like that but if it did, it most certainly would have made the conversation more to the point. Zoka is not the best place for a quiet break. There's usually lots of people, many which are studying, but the place is seemingly made out of sound bouncing wood so there's always noise. It's a great place to get together with friends (whom you actually care about) and just let the hours pass as you talk and drink. However Zoka's steady rise in popularity means you'll inevitably run into people you don't know, or don't care to know. If the latter is the case, there unfortunately isn't a good place to hide in the establishment. You could always spill coffee on yourself and say you have to go to the bathroom to clean up. That's a sure fire way to end the conversation quickly read more

Coming from California, this is what I expected out of Seattle and it's legendary coffee status.The place has the college feel you'd want out of coffee shop located next door to a university. There's plenty of U Dub students cracking the books along with the occasional bike riders stopping by for an afternoon coffee break. There's a lot of outlets along the walls so bring your laptop and surf the web for free on their complementary Wi-Fi. I've tried several of their espressos and have never been disappointed. Their pastries and pies look enticing too, but I've never satisfied the urge. read more

Slow service (painfully so) and so-so coffee. At least they've been consistent in this. I'd recommend trying elsewhere in the area.