Top Shops

Top Shops

1. Java Bean, Ballard- Great Atmosphere, personality, delicious coffee

2. Bahaus Coffee and Books, Capitol Hill-Amazing views, good coffee

3. Tully's, Ballard- Family Atmosphere, great service

Ballard Tully's

The first thing I noticed when I entered the Ballard Tully's was that is was very clean and well organized. All of the shelves were well-stocked, and the tables were all wiped, there was no trash, and even the condiment bar was immaculate and well-stocked.

The store was busy, several people sat at tables talking, sipping, and studying. One thing that was interesting was the number of families and children in the shop. I had not seen many kids at any other shop. At this Tully's, there was even a small table just for children. The atmosphere was friendly and easy-going, which was a welcome change from the hustle and bustle of most other shops I'd visited.

The barista, Shelby, was very friendly. She was the only barista working, but the store wasn't busy, so I didn't have to wait.

She conversed with me throughout the entire transaction and during drink making. She told me how much she enjoys working in Ballard. She loves the mix of people who visit the store, including families, and the Ballard fisherman. She likes the Tully's company, and the team she works with.

Shelby made my Americano perfectly, and it tasted sweet. I was impressed by the overall quality of the drinks and atmosphere in the store. I recommend this Tully's for any families or anyone visiting the Ballard area.

Java Bean, Ballard

I continued my quest to find the perfect Seattle coffee shop at a small shop in Ballard. The Java Bean was voted "Best Coffee in Ballard" in 2001, and a giant sign on their window proclaims it. I definitely had to stop in.

The shop is extremely "homey" and eclectic. They have Polaroids of regular customers and baristas on the walls and underneath the glass table coverings. Antlers adorn one of the light fixtures, and miniature teepees sit atop some of the tables.

The store had just one other customer, a older gentleman sipping a drink and reading.

I spoke with Asia, a bright and extremely cheerful barista. She had obvious pride for the shop. She talked willingly about how much she loves working as a barista, and the relationships she builds with the regular customers. She told me the name of the other gentleman in the shop, and explained that he is a long-time regular who sits in the same place every visit, and orders the same drink. She talked about another woman who drives from West Seattle to get a panini from the Java Bean, which also sells egg sandwiches and other breakfast food.

I noticed the baristas made drinks carefully and with precision, which was amazing. Java Bean definitely rates high on my scale of shops. Not only do they have AMAZING customer service, they make stellar drinks. It is rare for a coffee shop to master both aspects.

Definitely visit Java Bean in Ballard!

photo courtesy of pdgibson, www.flickr.com

Seattle's Best, 4th and Spring

In addition to scoping out coffee shops for you, readers, I decided to see which major chain is the best to work for, in case anyone wants a job as a barista. I began at Seattle's Best on 4th and Spring downtown. This shop was very clean, and cozy with big stuffed armed chairs and red-painted walls.

There was no line, but a few customers were seated in chairs around the store. This Seattle's Best is underneath the Executive Suites Hotel, so many of their customers are hotel guests. I spoke with Millia, one of the shift supervisors at Seattle's Best.

She has worked at Seattle's Best for one year, and she loves her job. Because Seattle's Best is owned by Starbucks, she is actually employed by Starbucks Co.

She explained that Starbucks has many opportunities for employees to advance in the company, which she'd like to do one day.

In her opinion, Seattle's Best focuses most on Customer Satisfaction. She said they aim to run their store in a way which please the customers. This is accomplished by making sure all members of the Seattle's Best team have a good knowledge of all aspects of the store. They do not focus heavily on making drinks, but rather interaction with the customer and creating a welcoming atmosphere.

I definitely noticed the atmosphere of the store was clean and welcoming, and the baristas were friendly. My drink, a caramel tea latte, was delicious. Millia's says her favorite drink is a Caramel Macchiato.

Millia enjoys the downtown location, as they get a variety of customers. She loves talking with the different people.

I would encourage anyone who wants a welcoming, friendly atmosphere, and who loves interacting with people to visit Seattle's Best.

Ballard Starbucks

I decided to venture away from the Downtown/Capitol Hill area and explore some coffee shops in different neighborhoods of Seattle. Armed with my backpack crammed with studying material, I headed over to Ballard. My first stop was the Ballard Starbucks. I noticed, standing on the corner of NW 45th, that from my vantage point I could see three different coffee shops. A Tully's, a Starbucks, and a Chai House. I expected these shops to be extra good in order to beat their close range competition.

I entered the Starbucks and was immediately greeted by the barista, which was impressive. The store had a few patrons, but wasnt busy. The barista's immediately whipped up my Americano, however, I noticed the barista demolished the crema (the description of a crema and the proper way to make an Americano were mentions in the post about Starbucks on 12th and Columbia, if youre interested), so it tasted slightly bitter. I am beginning to think bad Americano's is the norm at Starbucks.

Anyway, after I got my Americano I settled down to enjoy an afternoon of studying. This Starbucks was the perfect place as it was not too busy, like the stores downtown, nor were there many people in the store to distract me (like the stores on Capitol Hill).

Although the coffee wasnt that great, the atmosphere was perfect. I will definitely return to Ballard if I need some intense study time.

Starbucks 4th and Seneca

Wow! Its been a long week, and Ive been visiting coffee shops like crazy as I try to stay awake for my last few days of class! I was downtown the other day and stopped by the Starbucks on 4th and Seneca. A homeless man was seated in a seat right by the front door, and asked me to get him a donut and coffee as I walked in. I realize this is a public place, but it still made me uncomfortable.
This shop was really big, but most of the seats were filled, and there was a line. As I waited I looked around the shop. It is a typical downtown mix of people: Business men, students, a few transients and an older couple reading the paper. The store was slightly messy, there were empty cups on many of of the tables, a few spills on the floor, and newspapers strewn all about.
The line moved quickly despite it's length, and I ordered an Americano. The barista was nice, but in the name of being efficient, didnt try to converse with me.
I noticed they had six baristas working, which is more than Ive seen at any other shop. I liked that they were all working hard taking orders and making drinks. None of them were standing around.
My Americano tasted delicious, but my bliss was interrupted when the homeless man yelled at me as I walked away. Oh brother.