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Does this weather have you nearly bedridden with depression? Well suit-up, neighbors, ’cause it’s only just begun. We’ve got some long, dark days ahead when sometimes your only hope will be the liquid sunshine provided by one of the fine south-end businesses below. From independent mom ‘n pops to corporate behemoths and everything in between, we’ve got all the best southeast Seattle spots to get your java on. What’s your favorite?
1. Both Ways Cafe
Both Ways Cafe & Catering is a cozy little kid-friendly spot tucked away in a quiet corner of the Rainier Valley where Genesee Business District meets the Lakewood/Seward Park neighborhood. Breakfast and lunch menu with plenty of vegetarian options, fresh-squeezed juices and homemade biscuits. Yum! Open Monday through Saturday; 7 am to 3 pm; Sunday; 7 am to 2 pm. (4922 S. Genesee St./206-722-5799) Genesee
2. Caffe Vita
This independent, locally-owned company has been roasting coffee in Seattle since 1995. From its humble beginnings at the base of Queen Anne, Caffe Vita now operates nine cafes in the Pacific Northwest, a roasteria cafe in New York City, and a cafe in Los Angeles. Open Monday through Friday; 6 am to 8 pm; Saturday through Sunday; 7 am to 8 pm. (5028 Wilson Ave. S./206-721-0111) Lakewood/Seward Park
3. Columbia City Bakery
Sure, the coffee’s good, but have you seen the pastry cabinet?! Scones, sticky buns, bostok, oh, my! Owner Evan Andres, trained in the art and science of bread at Macrina, bakes some of the city’s best bread, cakes and patries. Open Monday through Friday; 7 am to 7 pm; Saturday and Sunday; 7 am to 5 pm. (4865 Rainier Ave. S./206-723-6023) Columbia City
4. Empire Espresso
Voted Best Coffee Shop in the RVP’s Best of Southeast Seattle Reader’s Choice Awards two years in a row (2009 and 2010), this popular neighborhood cafe recently announced plans to expand with a second Columbia City location. In the meantime, continue to enjoy Empire’s beer/wine, coffee/tea, signature waffles and more at their original location. Open Monday through Sunday; 6 am to 9 pm. (3829 S. Edmunds St./206-659-0588) Columbia City
5. Kaffa Coffee & Wine Bar
This Ethiopian restaurant recently took over the former home of the Rose Cafe and Restaurant. Specialties include coffee, espresso drinks, tea and Ethiopian food. Established earlier this year, the restaurant is named after the Kaffa region in Ethiopia is the birthplace of coffee. Open Monday through Friday; 7:30 am to 9:30 pm; Saturday; 8 am to 9:30 pm; Sunday; 9 am to 9:30 pm. (8136 Rainier Ave. S./206-453-3558) Rainier Beach
6. Mioposto
This quaint little spot is tucked away in a picturesque corner of Mt. Baker right across the street from Mt. Baker Park. Also offering wood-fired pizza and an intimate bar featuring house-made limoncello, local brews, tasty Walla Walla wines on tap & classic cocktails. Open Monday through Friday; 6:30 am to 10 pm; Saturday and Sunday; 7:30 am to 10 pm. (3601 S. McClellan St./206-760-3400) Mt. Baker
7. Redwing Cafe
This sweet little spot just opened up in what some are calling the “cute zone” or “Old Town Rainier Beach.” With great coffee, a lovely ambiance, crazy good sticky buns and other yummy treats, Redwing is just what the neighborhood’s been waiting for. Open Tuesday through Friday; 7 am to 2 pm; Saturday 7 am to 3 pm. (9272 57th Ave. S./206-420-1706) Rainier Beach
8. Starbucks Columbia City
It’s Starbucks, so who needs a description? You’ve got your free wi-fi, coffee that tastes just like it does at every other Starbucks and cashiers obligated to ask about your day, so there it is. Open 7 am to 6:30 pm daily. (4824 Rainier Ave. S./206-721-8871) Columbia City
9. Starbucks Mt. Baker
Former LA Laker Magic Johnson established this popular south-end location in 2000 after teaming with Starbucks to develop cafes in inner-city neighborhoods all over the country. Ten years later, Johnson sold his interest in 105 Starbucks franchises back to the company for an estimated $27 million. This location boasts huge picture windows from which to gaze out on the always exciting Rainier Avenue Speedway. Open 6 am to 8:30 pm. (2921 Martin Luther King Jr. Way S./206-721-1543) Mt. Baker
10. The Station
Home of the (Slightly Less) Bitter Barista, The Station is a hiphop mecca and one of the coolest spots in the city. Owner Luis Rodriguez is extra-proud of the mocha Mexicano, made with Ibarra chocolate. Open Monday through Friday; 6 am to 7 pm; Saturday and Sunday; 8 am to 6 pm. (2533 16th Ave. S./206-453-4892) Beacon Hill
11. Tin Umbrella Coffee
It didn’t take long for this funky little java joint to become all the Rainier Valley rage, as evidenced by its prompt Best Coffee Shop win in the Rainier Valley Post’s 2013 Best of Southeast Seattle Reader’s Choice Poll. Owner Joya Iverson is building community AND roasting her own beans. Open Monday through Friday; 6:30 am to 2 pm; Saturday through Sunday; 8 am to 2 pm. (5600 Rainier Ave. S./206-743-8802) Hillman City
12. Tutta Bella Neapolitan Pizzeria
What? Coffee at the Best Kid-Friendly Restaurant in Southeast Seattle? Yep, but not like they do at Starbucks. No flavored syrup here. Just delicious authentic Italian espresso (with a little Nutella if you’re feeling naughty). Owner Joe Fugere likes to keep it real. Morning espresso bar open every day at 8 am. (4918 Rainier Ave. S./206-721-3501) Columbia City
BONUS: Starbucks drive-thru
We didn’t think this one belonged in a list of sit-down coffee shops, so consider it a bonus. And rather timely since the corporate juggernaut has recently started experimenting with call-ahead ordering for those so entitled among us that $5 coffee just isn’t enough. Must. Have. Now. Open 6 am to 7 pm daily. (6310 Martin Luther King Jr. Way S./206-725-0718) Brighton
Article originally published at the Rainier Valley Post. Photo/The Station
