This tiny café serves us espresso drinks and freshly baked goods everyday. The interior charms a European flare with the chandelier being my most favorite décor. Don’t expect to sit and chat, the two tiny tables inside are there for customers to sit while drinking, not lounge. Like the name, it’s a to go café, although there are some quirky wooden, stadium-looking chairs outside to sit and chat.
Milstead & Co.
Rustic and chic, this is another local favorite that now has a new location, across the street. Tucked away on North 34th Street nearby Troll Avenue (and the notable Fremont troll), Milstead & Co has moved into a brand new space, which now boasts more chic than the good-old rustic charm (something that Seattle is losing fast thanks to redevelopment). This café uses Stumptown beans, one of Seattle’s finest!
If you love coffee and vino, head to Vif. Although many desire to mix uppers and downers, I say stick with the chai tea latte or the coffee and take a bottle of wine for home. The cool part of Vif is that you may get a fancy greeting noted on your latte.
This artisanal modern apothecary is like a walk back into old-charm Europe, but with a modern flare. Whether you want to taste tea, purchase a cup or a bagful of dried stuff, you can find it here at B Fuller’s. Get inspired as the owner, an artist in his previous life, dresses like its 1920. It’s pretty awesome chatting with this guy and his dog is super cute. Down to earth, the mission of B Fuller’s is to inspire people to gain deeper wisdom of the plant kingdom and botanical wonders through tea and tisanes. This is not a traditional cafe, but a shop that serves freshly brewed tea.
Flying Apron
Vegans and celiac patients unite at this dairy free and gluten free café. Besides a plethora of desserts sitting behind a glass case, guests can also order food and various café drinks. The interior boasts that old-school vegan flare, a bunch of random wooden tables with some local art hanging on the walls.
Bright, colorful and vibrant, this establishment is part restaurant, tea and coffee house. Enjoy the all-day Turkish breakfast on the balcony during the summer and get ready to take a sniff of cardamom tea, a local favorite. Enjoy other specialties like Mintaide tea, iced apple or pomegranate tea or the Ottoman’s rose sherbet, a concoction of lemonade and rose sherbert.
The Essential Bakery and Café
Tucked away in a small brick building several blocks away from the main downtown, this bakery has a long past, occupying the original space for the Buchan Family Bakery. Menus change seasonally, due to the availability of certain berries and fruits, but don’t fear the coffee menu always stays consistent.
Lighthouse Roasters
Most people probably don’t visit this corner café unless you live in the neighborhood. The small and modest décor café proudly serves beans from several sources that have direct contact with the coffee farmers. This café supports and encourages local artists so there is something new showcased throughout the seasons. With more than 20 years in the business, Lighthouse has a loyal local following.
Café Vita
Café vita is a popular, local café and roaster with several café establishments in town. Many cafes in town also serve Vita beans, so there’s a pretty good chance you’ve tried it before heading here. Vita is located on the north end of Fremont in another small downtown area nearby Phinney Ridge. I like many of the Vita blends, with Theo and the Bistro Blend being a preference.
This café is a local favorite, especially since the café is an entire house. It’s literally some people’s second home. Sip, drink and chat on the balcony or inside, the choice is yours. There is also a snug little spot downstairs nearby a moldy water fountain. Latte art is a specialty so expect to find some funky designs besides ferns and hearts.
Simply Desserts
This teeny-tiny cake shop is known for its desserts and coffee and tea second. In terms of coffee, don’t expect a Ritz Carlton brand, but a cup is a hell of a lot cheaper here than most places and a fraction of a price of a slice of cake. Plus, the cakes and cookies are sugary and delicious, perfect for an afternoon energy boost. Simply Desserts is cash only!
Stone Way Café
Part café, part bar, part music venue, Stone Way has much to offer in terms of food, drinks and entertainment. Their motto is “beer and coffee,” and there is no lack of options here alongside with quirky graffiti. This is a family-owned business and a great spot to visit eclectic locals.
This is Seattle’s designer Scandinavian bakery and café. Sadly, thanks to Am-holes and Amazon invading Seattle, the gentrification of our neighborhoods have lost its Scandinavian influence and charm by wiping out our old architecture, built on the backs from many Swedish and Norwegian immigrants. Besides coffee, experience a variety of native breads, cakes, sandwiches and cookies, with an American twist. Here you can find unique drinks like the London Fog, Toddy, Dopio, Cider and seasonal Egg Nog.
What's your favorite cafe in Fremont?
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