Space : Seattle Sunshine is a neighborhood coffee shop frequented by locals, UW college students and dog-walking neighbors. The interior is spacious and features a popular, quieter, and more secluded second floor. The decor is modest but bright and comfortable, fitting the friendly atmosphere. They offer several pastries and excellent sandwiches. As an added bonus, Seattle Sunshine has locally-made gelato in a small freezer under the counter. Popular with kids, the gelato also makes the affogato a can’t-miss option on a warm day.

Noise: Can be a bit loud when students take over on weekends, but it is generally quiet and comfortable.

Coffee Quality: Lighthouse is the house grind, a popular mid-tier Seattle local brand. The coffee is a little over-roasted but good.

Food: Macrina Bakery pastries, assorted panini sandwiches, all very good.

Standout Option: An affogato while sitting outside on the shop’s Adirondack chairs  

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Space: Fred offers a unique ambiance—arty and cool but still comfortable—located in the almost-hip Roosevelt neighborhood of Seattle. The kind of place where Rick Rubin’s The Creative Act is part of the decor without quite being tacky. The artwork is fun without being distracting and the space is comfortable. Despite being relatively small, the space is exceptionally well-designed. It provides areas near the front suited for socializing, while the back corner with its library-lamp arrangement calls for quiet work or study. Bring your Macbook if you want to fit in. 

The staff at Fred are particularly friendly and would love to talk to you about coffee (ask them about their kelly green La Marzocco espresso machine!).  

Noise: Generally very quiet, though the space is smartly arranged to have quieter and less-quiet spots.

Coffee Quality: Fred brews Broadcast coffee (it’s loosely affiliated with the Seattle-Boise based Broadcast roasters) which is excellent. 

Food: Though they low-key the pastries, they are actually baked in-house and are outstanding. 

Come for the Coffee: Fred is among the Seattle coffee places that has adopted the European style of serving sparkling water with an espresso or macchiato. A macchiato with sparkling water definitely lets you enjoy their excellent brew. 

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