1.11.2010

Cruisin' Cafes: Seattle, WA

I have forever harbored an infatuation with the glamorous locale of Seattle, Washington. The nonstop drizzle, overcast skies, and ever so slight chill that lingers languidly in the atmosphere has always been an aspect that piqued my interest and struck a chord deep within me; a haunting elegance put forth that makes one instantly think of gothic, Victorian mansions pinpointing quiet neighborhoods and meadows full of dew-drenched flowers. But it is not just the ambiance of the Emerald City that is so appealing. For a café lover, such a forecast creates a truly fabulous setting for finding cozy coffee shops for one to take up residence in – even if just for a few hours. A sophisticated stop-off made with helping one to escape the cold climate and warm up with a luscious latte, a dreamy hot chocolate, or simple cup of Joe. Here, a duo of my dearest!

Katy’s Corner Café Darlings there is truly something to be said for a place that effortlessly emanates that home-away-from-home vibe that so many spend years searching for, but very rarely manage to find. Katy’s Corner Café is such a location. Small enough to feel like the living room that you’ve just vacated at your very own humble abode, yet harboring enough space to prevent any type of claustrophobic feelings from the customer; Katy’s is the spitting image of the cozy, comfortable neighborhood coffee shop one is bombarded with images of on the small screen, with the simple difference that it is, to be sure, a reality.

A shabby chic aesthetic created by the crimson-colored walls proudly displaying the quirky, “for sale” art of local artists converges with picturesque windows which allow beams of sunlight to pour in upon the leather couch, loveseat, and small smattering of tables decorating Katy’s; a charming mix that is just as eclectic as its clientele. But it is the abundance of perky personalities and friendly faces that make one want to return again and again.

The baristas, and Katy herself, embrace the words of Gary Portnoy’s Where Everybody Knows Your Name (aka the Cheers theme song), and have no qualms about remembering the orders of their patrons, and shooting the breeze with everyone from stroller-pushing soccer moms to hipsters styled in skinny jeans and Dick Tracy-inspired fedoras – an attentive quality that further encompasses the irresistible homey elements. Don’t miss the Caramel Latte – a scrummy treat that forgoes the typical caramel flavoring syrup, and is instead made with true caramel sauce. 2000 East Union St., Seattle, WA 98122.

Bauhaus Books & Coffee Like Seattle itself, libraries are full of hidden mysteries and secrets, all waiting to be discovered by those who take it upon themselves to spend the time to do so. Couple that elusiveness with the sweet smells of peanut butter and chocolate cookies, hot chocolate loaded with luxurious piles of winter white whipped cream, the very offbeat addition of a Ding Dong or two, and a perfect view of the Space Needle, and you are left with the very eclectic Bauhaus Books & Coffee.

Bauhaus is the quintessential coffeehouse; a diamond in the rough that pays tribute to the sophisticated yet gritty noir of yesteryear so eloquently described by the likes of F. Scott Fitzgerald and Ernest Hemingway via incredibly large bookcases brimming with magnificently musty old books, antique typewriters, and a warehouse-like design that extends from the first floor all the way to the second.

Opened in 1993, Bauhaus is the epitome of cool, allowing people from all walks of life to pop in for a snack, and virtually get lost in daydreaming as you watch the foot traffic pass by the oversized windows, strike up a conversation with a handsome stranger, or simply while away the time with a classic in one hand and a croissant in the other. Order a Kool-Aid in addition to your Americano to relive the innocence of your childhood! 301 East Pine St., Seattle, WA 98122.

Which of these Seattle cafes would you like to cruise?


Fashionably yours!


Thanks to Tumblr for the pictures.


Don't forget to enter the Lady in Red Giveaway for your chance to win a Melinda Sequin Bag in Red from Mimi Boutique.
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62 comments

Dream Sequins said...

This makes me want to book a trip to Seattle, STAT! I have lived in Southern Cali and Northern Cali, but never thought to go up north. Go figure! Now that I'm on the East Coast, I'm craving a trip over to the NW... xx

Diane said...

any and all seattle coffee houses sound good to me! even though i have yet to visit, one thing everyone knows is that coffee is king in seattle and you'll find good java wherever you go :)

glee said...

i'm actually sad right now coz my bunny broke my best mug, huhu. But this post makes me admire more mugs. ;)

COCAMIA said...

I love Seattle! I have not been in a few years. Thinking about visiting this year! I will keep these hot spots for java in mind!

Daydream Believer said...

Yay!! I'm totally going to all of these cafes if Rick and I end up in Washington!

KP said...

I cannot believe I've never been to Seattle-all of these sound amazing xo

FASHION SNAG said...

I'd cruise any of them, but the Bauhaus one sounds the best to me (hint: eclectic). I haven't been to Seattle yet. I love your writing style. I am always drinking my morning coffee when I read your new posts Erika! Thanks for all the love on my blog. xoxo

www.FashionSnag.com

ediot said...

id love to go to the u.s.. as soon as possible.. i watch greys anatomy-which takes place in seattle-right? love that tv-show.
hope youre having an great monday.take care xx ediot

Couture Carrie said...

Would love to check out all of these, darling! What better place to sample various coffees than the birthplace of Starbucks?!

xoxox,
CC

Stylista Fitness said...

Seattle is beautiful! You have to try this place called Bakery Nouveau in West Seattle. AMAZING!

Shannon of HAPPINESS IS said...

How bad of a Seattlite am I that I've never been to either of these places! ;) And you're making me remember why I adore living here...it's pouring down today and I'm cozied up inside. Love it! xo

Leah said...

The birthplace of Starbucks... definitely those cafes are a must-try. I have this notion that coffee tastes best in Seattle. Hahaha!

PS... did you get my mail already?

Aline said...

i love seattle...such a beautiful city!

Anonymous said...

I must say, your description of Seattle makes me want to go there now! AND pay a visit to Bauhaus Books & Coffee! xo

PS You should do a Cruisin Cafes post for Los Angeles! Unless you've done one in the past and I've just overlooked it..

http://labelllefille.blogspot.com/

Rachel @ The Haute Notes said...

Going to a cafe for coffee in Seattle would be fantastic. I would love to visit Bauhaus Books & Coffee. It sounds absolutely delightful. :)

Mimi said...

I actually have family who live in Seattle. Not sure if I want to because of the constant rain, but the city looks like a beautiful place to visit. Btw, I put you on my list of "Stylistic Bloggers." Let me know if you want to exchange links as well. Thanks and have a great week!

Denisa L said...

ALL OF THEM...
one day..one day..

Leah said...

PS... Sorry about the handwriting on the package. Hahaha! I know it sucks.

Sharon Lei said...

Me and the hubby took an overnight trip to Seattle a few years back (we drove from Portland)... and I feel in love with that city. I wish we could move there... and maybe who knows, one day we will! I want to visit both those cafes. They sound dreamy. I wish we had more cafes here on Maui. :) Wishin' you a beautiful Monday Erika!!

Love & Aloha, S
www.elisharon.blogspot.com

SabinePsynopsis said...

I can't wait, I can't wait... to go to Seattle in spring! Thanks for all the tips. Sabine x

Jen said...

Bauhaus Books & Coffee sounds like my kinda place! I'd love to curl up with Pride and Prejudice and while away the hours.

Taylor Sterling said...

when I go to Seattle again I am printing this out! Love! The first one is shabby chic? I am there. You should write for a travel magazine! APPLY

Caitlin @ Candyfloss & Persie said...

Right on with Seattle! Great Coffee, whenever I go up there I get coffee instantly yum, yum!!!!

Phie Preston said...

I would love to visit Seattle one day! I am slightly addicted to starbucks so I'm sure I would love it! I hope you can check out The Fashion Smoke and follow, we are following you now :)

http://thefashionsmoke.com
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Tights Lover said...

Great reviews. Bauhaus sounds perfect!!

The Blonde Duck said...

Both sound adorable!

Joanne Faith said...

I love cafe's that feature art for sale on the wall. Always pretty to look at! :)

Sherin said...

Bauhaus Books & Coffee sounds like a dream! The atmosphere there sounds wonderful. I would love to just sit for hours and watch life pass me by while chatting to a stranger.

ana said...

I'm in the mood for the Katy's corner cafe... it sounds so cozy and confortable, perfect for a long girl talk...

Anonymous said...

confessions: i'm not a fan of places that are grey and rainy (and especially not cold) and i'm not so much of a sit in a cafe and watch life pass by.. however, you always have a way of making places seem absolutely delightful and make me want to sit and actually enjoy my coffee instead of the usual grab and go! in short, you're fabulous dear!

Emily said...

Seattle sounds amazing..I have always wanted to go there :) And now you've given more reason!

Jessica said...

I'll check out all of them - I've never met a cup of coffee or a coffee house that I haven't liked!

WendyB said...

That last one looks so good!

K said...

Well, if you make another trip, try Bedlam Cafe over at 2231 2nd Avenue, Seattle. Their Nutella Mocha is amazing, and my friend is obsessed with their lavender and rose mochas.

sssdawna said...

i get so bored with my hair i have to change it always! lol glad u liked my post.

i would want to see each of the cafes! i love tea, coffee, all kinds of drinks...and i've never been to seattle, but you make rainy days sound pretty = ]

That Chelsea Girl™ said...

I love Seattle. As home to Starbucks and the grunge movement, it's such a beautiful city, very easy to get distracted in its glory.
Regarding your comment: Ya, why aren't you in Austin?! The Austin Fashion Week isn't until August, so make a trip over!
Take care :)

Elaine said...

I've never been to Seattle but I definitely want to go just to check out these recommended cafes!


clothedmuch.blogspot.com

Elizabeth Marie said...

I love Seattle.

I need to talk to you.

Unknown said...

Ah, I live in Seattle. And you described my city (which will have nonstop rain everyday this week) a little more romanticly than I would. :)
XOXOX
Libby
http://fashionconfectionairy.weebly.com

Anonymous said...

Yea I love these posts! I always think of Seattle when I think US coffee, just cuz they are the starbucks inventors... I need to go to Seattle, it is on my list :)

BonBon Rose Girls Kristin said...

You manage to give me java last and wander lust at the same time!

Dylana Suarez said...

These places sound so fab!

megara said...

Katy's Corner Cafe - i would love to walk into a a place and have everyone know my name :)

freshbrownies

The F Word Online said...

I've never been to seattle, but this makes me want to go now. I've always wanted to go !

xx lue

Treacle said...

Yay! You featured my (new) city! I've been to Bauhaus and it is indeed awesome.

I'd also recommend any of the bubble tea shoppes in the area...they're sooooo good.

You have to do Atlanta (my hometown) next you know. ;-)

Sam said...

Being a Sydney gal I think of "Grunge" and "Frasier" and the home of American coffee (I might be mistaken on that last one - Starbucks perhaps?) when I think of Seattle! Would love to visit someday!

Sam said...

I think of "Grunge" the home of American coffee and "Frasier" when I think of Seattle! Would love to visit someday!

Etrapar said...

hmmm Seatle...hmmm coffee...love the idea ^.^
kisses

Nina said...

Erika ... you make me want to drink coffee everyday all day!

michelle_ said...

okay i officially wanna go to seattle now ! i went there like 15 years ago, so i dont remember a thing about it . hahah

thanks for dropping by at my blog !
glisters and blisters :D
dont forget to check out my latest post on my vlog DIY Tutorial of my Patchwork Jeans !

Chicago Chic said...

I lived in Seattle for a while, and I totally love what you have described about the area here. There is such a diverse environment and there is SO much character here, unlike any other city! These places sound wonderful too!

xx
Rachel

Anonymous said...

I really need to get up to Seattle- hopefully I can do a trip over a 3-day weekend in the summer- do you think that's enough time to explore? Both places sound great, esp. love that Katy's has that living room vibe! Hope you have a great week! xo, mel

Audrey Allure said...

you make me want to visit seattle even more! <3

Melissa Blake said...

That's it...I have to go to Seattle. There's no other choice!! xoxo

B a la Moda said...

While drinking a coffee I would like to announce you that you are one of the winners of my give away. I am so happy! I would need your address.

xoxo
B* a la Moda

Jill VT said...

I am a native Seattleite, and also went to UW...next time you are there, park yourself at one of the cafes on University Avenue, or "The Ave," as we called it! You will feel like you woke up in a Pearl Jam video.

Now I'm in Tulsa, OK...how did THAT happen?

farisita said...

Born and raised in Seattle, there's no place like home...

much love for the shout out to the 206... I'm glad you love just as much as I do.

xo farisita

Little Bow Prep said...

Lovely pic!

Anonymous said...

I have yet to make it up to Seattle (living in LA) though I've always wanted to go! Will def. keep this post in mind and re-visit it when the time comes and I book my travel there!

Thanks for sharing!

xo, Becs

Cafe Observer said...

A very satisfying article!

Frannie said...

Do you visit all these places!You are my role model! I am soo going to start travelling every chance I have even if its somewhere close by. Experience is always valuable.

undomestic mama said...

I love Katy's ( and Katy herself) I think the best thing about Katy's is each cup is hand decorated. It takes a ton of time, but Katy won't give it up :)

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