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
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