Our Favorite West Seattle Coffee Shops

There are few things better on a cold winter day (or, let’s be honest, any day) than a hot cup of coffee from one of our favorite West Seattle coffee shops. The hard part is that there are SO many good ones that it can be a challenge to pick a place to go!

Check out this list of just a few of our favorites, and who knows? Maybe you’ll find a new morning spot, too. While we can’t go in and sit inside these shops right now, they’re still a comforting, normal way to start the day. And some take-out now will help ensure that these spots are around in the future.

Realfine Coffee

Quaint and inconspicuous, Realfine Coffee is one of managing broker Kristen’s favorites, and it’s not hard to see why from the moment you step inside. Locally owned and operated, Realfine is dedicated to creating a coffee experience. They have a high standard when it comes to coffee, but they have also worked hard to cultivate a genuine community.

If you want perfect foam, temperature, and roast, you can’t go wrong with any of the coffees on the list. Realfine also has a solid pastry selection if you need something a little more substantial. Word of warning that the parking is a bit limited, but it is oh so worth it.

Where to find it: 4480 Fauntleroy Way SW (hours here)

The Birdhouse

The Birdhouse, formerly known as Bird on the Wire, is a gem of a coffee shop. They even give dog treats to our four-legged friends. The shop has a cozy interior with a comforting bird vibe, which you will get to experience again when the pandemic is over. It’s on the corner of a peaceful, residential neighborhood.

If you’re not sure what to get, try the oat latte. They’ll add extra spice to any of the drinks, too. This is also the place to go for a substantial, hearty breakfast—not something you can get at every West Seattle coffee shop. Try a breakfast sandwich or burrito, and yes, they have really good vegan options. This is also a great place to get some fun West Seattle merch!

Where to find it: 3507 SW Henderson St (hours here)

Ampersand Café

If you’d like to have a go-to coffee shop on Alki Beach, you need to try the charming Ampersand Café. When there’s not a pandemic happening, this is the perfect place to spend a rainy morning on the beach, and when it’s sunny, they have a cute patio and often have music playing. You can’t beat the killer view of Seattle.

For something unusual, try the Spicy Mexican Mocha or the Lavender Earl Gray. We’ve also heard great things about the Fizzy Lifting Drink. These folks get really creative with their coffee and tea creations, so go here if you want to try something that you can’t get anywhere else in West Seattle. Don’t forget a house-made bagel, and we have to say—their sixty-cent cookies (yes, sixty cents!) are truly delicious.

Where to find it: 2536 Alki Ave (hours here)

West Seattle Grounds

West Seattle Grounds is a locally owned coffee shop right in the heart of the Admiral neighborhood. It’s got modern vibes with lots of seating and outlets for you to work, but it’s also the perfect place to just relax.

West Seattle Grounds serves Caffe Umbria coffee and Rishi tea. They have breakfast and lunch sandwiches and pastries, and if you’re gluten-free, vegan, or have nut allergies, this is the spot for you. Try the delicious chai latte (get cinnamon on top), and the croissants are a must.

Where to find it: 2141 California Ave SW (hours here)

C & P Coffee Company

C & P Coffee has been building a friendly community of coffee lovers since 2003. When there’s not a pandemic happening, they’re well known for their live events including music, open mics, poetry, storytelling, and lectures PLUS a gorgeous garden in the back. We look forward to that coming back! Honestly, this feels just like going to a friend’s house to enjoy a coffee (in part because it’s in a stunning older West Seattle home). Enjoy the gorgeous garden outside.

C & P serves Lighthouse Roasters Coffee and Macrina Bakery baked goods. They also have a rotating selection of wine, beer, and seasonal drinks. If you’re not sure what to try, get the chocolate mocha.

Where to find it: 5612 California Avenue SW (hours here)

Sound & Fog

They’re not shy about it—Sound & Fog is obsessed with coffee and sharing their knowledge of it with you. They offer different domestic and international roasts in their shop (plus beer and wine). Here’s an ever-changing list of what they have available. They also have subscriptions, if you need a cool gift idea. The truth is that if you appreciate coffee as an art form, this is where you want to come to indulge.

Their cookies are rich and pair well with the drinks, so make sure to check those out. They also have a delicious matcha latte and unique drinks like a blue tea latte. But if you just want a quality, traditional espresso, you won’t be disappointed. One of their recent innovations is bottled espresso drinks, perhaps something good to come out of this pandemic.

Where to find it: 4735 40^th Ave SW (hours here)

Youngstown Coffee

This family-owned coffee shop in the Morgan Junction neighborhood is a small coffee shop looking to make a big difference in the community. They regularly feature local organizations and businesses doing good in our area and are working to dismantle injustice to build a brighter future for everyone. If you want to go to a coffee shop where you’re remembered when you come back in, Youngstown Coffee is the place.

Try the PS I love you (espresso steamed oat milk, honey, cinnamon, and vanilla). They also have delicious salads and breakfast sandwiches, and they’re also known for their incredible seasonal drink menu.

Where to find it: 6032 California Ave SW (hours here)

Nos Nos Coffee

Recent startup Nos Nos Coffee is in a light-filled space with stunning tile work. Nos Nos serves the traditional Moroccan nos nos drink (coffee with half espresso and half milk). They’re combining traditional Moroccan flavors with unique drinks, and we have to say—we like the combination.

Try the Moroccan Spice Latte or Moroccan Spice Drip for lots of flavors. The Moroccan Mint Tea is also a winner. The best part is that they have all the alternative milk available, including coconut, almond, oat, and soy.

And the FOOD. The Lamb Meshwi has oven-roasted lamb, blueberry mayo, caramelized onions, and the Kefta has Moroccan spiced beef meatballs, garlic-cilantro mayo, and caramelized onions. They also have a few delicious vegetarian sandwich choices.

Where to find it: 6080 35^th Ave SW (hours here)

Please leave us a comment and tell us about your favorite West Seattle coffee shop. We would love to check it out.