Categories: Food & Drink

Best Coffee Places in the PNW That Aren’t Starbucks

Since the opening of the first Starbucks in 1971, many coffee places in the great Pacific Northwest have made their mark in the growing history books. These are just a few of the best coffee places in the PNW that exclude the popular chain, as you can get Starbucks almost anywhere in the nation.

Woods Coffee

This first of many PNW coffee places gives the woodsy feel that amplifies the nature that surrounds the Western Washington area, as well as parts of Canada. With a family-friendly and servant hearted environment, along with delicious drinks, Woods has an objective to make a difference “in the lives of the people around us and Have Fun along the way. We care deeply for the people we serve on a daily basis and we want nothing more than to make them smile. If we can make a guest’s day just a little better, then we have succeeded in a big way.” And, if you don’t reside in the town of Bellingham, you’d sure want to pay a visit that’s right by the water at Boulevard Park. The best times are when it’s warmer and sunnier to enjoy the sun setting over Bellingham Bay

Trove Coffee

Why not make your next trip to Bellingham a two-nighter? This next café, among the many coffee places in such a rural part of the state. And, much like their marijuana dispensary, which happens to be located next door, it is one of the many rustic feel coffee places in Bellingham that makes you feel right at home. Along with a variety of pastries delivered from places from Avenue Bread and Wake n’ Bakery, you get greeted with “coffee, sustainably sourced beer and wine, and outstanding customer service. We believe that each decision we make, big and small, impacts the world not only today, but also for the future. We are passionate about environmental sustainability, sourcing locally and reducing our footprint by using compostable products whenever possible.”

Milstead & Co.

Bringing it down south to Seattle, this next place is located in the Fremont neighborhood right under the bridge. Along with have their own blog so their customers can watch their progress “as we build out our space, and learn with us as we experience coffees from special guest roasters.” With a comfortable, rustic environment, this of many Seattle coffee places showcases “highly skilled roasters must source and prepare beans from passionate farmers throughout the coffee belt.”

Black Ink Coffee

Going even further down south in Oregon City is a veteran-owned coffee shop founded in Maine. “To offer the best subscription-based specialty coffee to our customers through a direct partnership with farmers. Not only will we be offering our customers a healthier cup of coffee, we also aim to pay the farmers what they deserve. With an open line of communication, we will be able to maintain a personal relationship with our supplier, which will help produce an overall better product for our customers!” Their philosophy starts with the word ‘begin’.  According to Black Ink, this short but powerful statement “is what we stand for at Black Ink Coffee Company and it is embedded within our own beginning. We believe that every dream should be followed and every story should be written. No matter how big or small, we want our coffee to be the catalyst that gives you the courage to ink your story.”

Seattle Meowtropoliton

What’s better than enjoying a nice cup of coffee in a cozy setting? How about enjoying a nice cup of coffee surrounded by CATS? Yes, you read that correctly. The very first of many coffee places to add furry friends to the mix, they’ve partnered up with the Regional Animal Services of King County (RASKC) to create a safe place for both species. Sometimes, they’re even put up for adoption if you just don’t have the heart to leave them once you’ve enjoyed your punny beverage (yes, the names of the drinks have added their own puns). Besides, who doesn’t want to cuddle a cute ball of fur after a long day of adulting?

Wake ‘n Bakery

Let’s look back up from trove, and then get higher in the mountains to one of the many unique spots you can find with every kind of view of Mt. Baker. Best known for their pastries with love and passion in every savory bite, and delicious coffee, this nifty café also has a “wide selection of handmade jewelry, blown glass baubles and locally made pottery” along with their branded hoodies, tie-dye shirts, and ski beanies. It really can’t get anymore Washington mountain town than that, one of the many reasons why it’s so adored.

Ugly Mug Café

The principle of this next Seattle-based java shop is comfort and goodwill, so it’s bound to feel warm and inviting the second you step inside. And they provide no less than what they promise. And that’s with their hospitality and their coffee. Along with very well balanced drinks, Ugly Mug caters a “comfortable and accessible atmosphere for our patrons to enjoy our quality product is what we strive to achieve and It is that act of providing amalgamation of Quality and Hospitality is what our mission is all about.”

See Also

Dutch Bros.

You would be living under a rock next to the many Evergreens in the Pacific Northwest if you live in it and you haven’t at least heard of this local chain of coffee places. Based in Oregon, with several locations in Washington, you’re greeted immediately with kindness and a variety of drink flavors to choose from. It also happens to have a drive-in for your convenience.

Purrington’s Cat Lounge

Bringing back the company of a cat curling at your feet, another Cat Café! And this Portland lounge gives its own quirky taste that brings visitors back every time. And, like its Seattle neighbor, the furry felines roaming around freely are sometimes placed for adoption. It is another café proudly supported by the Cat Adoption Team based in Portland. With a seasonal menu and comfort for humans and cats, it sure is one worth visiting, especially to relieve stress.

Insomnia Coffee Co

One of the many antonyms for the word “insomnia” is relaxation. And that’s exactly what this Oregon-based java provides for their customers; a comfortable, relaxing environment that ensures every customer that they belong. With three locations in Hillsboro, one in Cannon Beach, and one in Beaverton, they serve a variety of “espresso, brewed coffee, looseleaf teas, and pastries! Insomnia Coffee helps our customers relieve their daily stresses by providing peace of mind through great ambiance, easy access locations, friendly customer service, and products of consistently high quality. We hope that everyone who comes into our cafes feels like its a place where they belong.”

Which of these coffee places would you stop by for your next cup? Let me know in the comments below!

Featured Image Source:https://buyoya.com/the-first-original-starbucks-coffee-seattle-washington/

 

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Tags: city life
Hannah Brockman

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