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Victrola Coffee Roasters
Category: Food Coffee & Tea Coffee & Tea [Edit]
310 E Pike St(between Bellevue Ave & Minor Ave)
Seattle, WA 98122
Neighbourhoods: Capitol Hill, First Hill
(206) 624-1725
- Hours:
Mon-Fri 6:30 am - 8 pm
Sat-Sun 7:30 am - 8 pm
- Price Range:
-
$
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Street
- Outdoor Seating:
- Yes
- Wi-Fi:
- Free
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
175 reviews for Victrola Coffee Roasters
Review Highlights
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"Friendliest baristas in Seattle, and amazing coffee." In 26 reviews -
"I went for the FREE public cuppings on Wednesdays at 11:00..." In 5 reviews -
"Had a cup pour over Ethiopian here." In 5 reviews
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174 reviews in English
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Review from Katy H.
4/6/2012 1 Check-in Here
All the years I've lived in Seattle and somehow writing a review for Victrola had escaped me. Till now!
WIth great coffee, great service and a gorgeous space for people to sit and chat, work, or just hang out, I'm not sure if you could ask for more. I had tea but I heard their lattes are downright amazing.
If you're hungry they've got Macrina baked goods (yum!) and various treats to eat. I ought to work from a coffee shop more often. No one makes me lattes at my home office! -
Review from Trudi C.
All my Seattle friends recommended I check out Victrola, and would you credit it, the hotel I was staying at was right nearby (fate!). A lovely big open space, nice and quiet on a rainy Sunday morning (nothing like the packed out Vancouver coffee shops I'm used to), totally chilled.
I had a delicious pour over coffee. It took a little longer than I expected to make, but it was worth it and hey, what's the rush? Lots of flavour, and quite strong (so I needed to add a lot of sugar as I'm weird and unhealthy like that). Side note - the parfait was not sweet, so I had to add some syrup. It probably mentioned that, but I'm usually used to a more vanilla/sweetened yogurt.
I would definitely return, is nice to find a relaxed coffee shop :) -
Review from Alice C.
4/16/2012 52 Check-ins Here
Victrola is my go-to place for coffee when I'm off the clock and not making coffee for others; as one of three coffee shops near my home, I find Victrolas atmosphere more relaxed and conducive to sitting and relaxing with a book or my laptop than Bauhaus (too loud) or Stumptown (too cramped)- don't get me wrong, I like both places, but Victrola wins over both most of the time. This joint has the open windows, strategically placed Edison lightbulbs, and exposed bricks that are seemingly always popular, and feed my secret inner hipster.
The baristas themselves definitely have some mad shot pulling skills, and while when I first came here I thought of them as perhaps Seattle freeze-eriffic, over time I've realized they're just polite and pretty chill. I usually get lattes when I stop by, they're sweet and not bitter or acidic. I don't really do tea, so I can't attest to if the stuff they have is good or not. -
Review from Kate S.
4/16/2012
Love the space and atmosphere.
Service was way lacking (Hey, look at me maybe? Or do more than mumble?).
On top of that, my coffee sucked.
This is Seattle and there really is no excuse for the crap I received. First off, no iced coffee but iced chai's are fine? Whatever. Fine, I like a dirty chai anyway. What I don't like is an overly expensive cup of iced MILK that tastes faintly of cinnamon and coffee. Total fail. That monstrous excuse for a latte took way to long to make to even bother to go back and rectify the situation. After a couple sips it went to the trash, as long as my desire to ever come back here again.Listed in: Take Off, Eh!
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Review from Leanna G.
5/26/2012 1 Check-in Here
This is the perfect cafe to Get Things Done in. Plenty of big tables, cozy but not too cozy, noisy but not too noisy, big windows to stare out of as you think. The barista even made me a cortado on special request! I was, however, photographed by a tourist through the windows, which was a bit disconcerting. Local flavor?
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Review from Java B.
San Francisco, CA
5/24/2012
This place was actually really good. Their espresso has a good flavor to it and it isn't too too strong. A little nutty, a little chocolaty. My favorite. So good. So, so good. I think they roast locally. The service is also very good. The inside has a nice feel to it and they also have some areas outside along the sidewalk to sit at. Prices seemed a little up there, though.
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Review from Daren D.
4/26/2012
Their chai is wonderful.
It's cool. It's spacious. It's full of people on their take-your-pick electronic device. The girl handling my order was cool & charming. My chicken curry wrap was cool & charming, as well. -
Review from Jamie J.
3/22/2012 1 Check-in Here
Best coffee in town!
If you're a big time coffee lover, you have to come here! They roast their beans to perfection, and also create both classic and unique drinks that show off their roasting abilities. You can order anything from here and you will be happy.
Pay attention to their different origins, blends, and preparation styles. A lot of work and thought goes into preparing their menu, sourcing beans, and serving coffee. This is what I love about Victrola - just plain good ole' coffee, done right! -
Review from Lauren B.
4/19/2012 2 Check-ins Here
Their granola is too healthy for me... I don't like those hard little nut things. But their yogurt was tasty! And I really like the Freebird sandwich altho prefer it cold (they'll warm it for you if you want). And their coffee is quite delicious. Oh and their decor is charming and the room labeled "roasting room" reminds me of Willy Wonka. Cute!
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Review from Jessica G.
San Pedro, CA
2/22/2012 1 Check-in Here
This coffee house/roastery is right around the corner from where I stay when I'm in Seattle, WA (Capitol Hill). I stumble in every single time I'm out wandering around for an afternoon breve and to purchase beans.
As a former barista and coffee aficionado, I had a lot of questions about the roasting process, which they perform in-house. The staff was more than happy to answer and talk about their beans, etc. I was really impressed with their depth of knowledge.
This is one of the few coffee houses I know of that actually sells Huehuetenango beans (when they are in season and do no run out). *IN LOVE* I love, love, love these beans. I recently purchased some Tanzanian beans, which I am eager to try out. Beans can be pricey, but they are worth it. *points at self* Not a Starbucks girl. -
Review from Travis M.
Kirkland, WA
3/7/2012
Beautiful location! Lots of light. This is a great place to stop for a while on a sunny day.
Victrola has some smooth coffee (if you're a Starbucks person, try Stumptown nearby), and the pastries here are pretty good as well. So grab a cup and a scone and sit by the window in the sun :) -
Review from Fouzi H.
Seattle, WA
Victrola was the very first cafe I visited in Seattle during a quick trip recently and boy was I impressed. It's funny because the first and last were the two best. The last cafe I hit up was Analog which I found out about from the Barista at Victrola.
Being from the SF Bay Area I had very high hopes for the Seattle Coffee Scene and Victrola certainly didn't disappoint but I have to say that overall I was not that impressed with the Seattle Coffee scene and I wish that more cafes would rise to the level of Victrola and Analog. It seems that Seattle has become complacent and is resting on its 90s era laurels when cities like San Francisco have moved the needle forward with the likes of Ritual, Blue Bottle, Four Barrel etc.
The cap I ordered at Victrola was perfect. The shot was clean and smooth and the microfoam was spot on. They roast their beans on site (see the pic I added of their roaster) which is a huge plus. The Barista who helped me (I think his name was Ben) was very friendly and knowledgeable. We had a great conversation about coffee.
I hope that more Seattle coffee shops take their cues from the likes of Victrola and Analog.
Here are the technical details:
- Locally roasted coffee beans: Check. They roast on site (see photo I added of their roaster)
- Baristas with proper training on pulling espresso: Check.
- Microfoam quality and Latte Art: Check (See the picture of the cap I added) -
Review from Mia C.
Seattle, WA
12/16/2011
I live up the street from the place and walk past it every morning to catch my bus, so lemme tell the readers what my coffee priorities are when I'm running late to work:
1. I feel tired and cranky on this gray morning and I need my coffee to taste good
2. And give it to me g*damn fast.
Does Victrola provide to Need #1? Weeeeeeell, yeeesss...their lattes are second to none- seriously. Beautiful proud foamy concoctions with a sweet hit of that dark sultry espresso. Super good. However- I'm not a super big fan of the regular coffee. I'm pretty sure they process it in a special way that I just don't like. It tastes a little weaker than regular brew and sometimes I wind up with a mouthful of grinds at the end. Not sexy.
As for Need #2, this is the main reason why I avoid this place in my mornings. Baristas are sweet, well mannered, and love to chat with their customers meaning service is sllllooooow. I've literally had to rush in, stare at the line, see the barista share anecdotes with customer #1 out of 10, and rush back out again, wishing I had gone to Stumptown's instead.
No knocks to the quality of the product or the baristas, it's just not a great place to hit up when you're in a rush in the morning, and that's fine. -
Review from Maylee L.
12/22/2011
Fantastic environment! High ceilings and awesome music!
Although, the bakery foods are from Macrina so it is not home made from their cafe. Either way it is still great! I love Macrina! -
Review from Eric N.
Seattle, WA
12/28/2011
This place is solid. The coffee is great, and each one comes with a refill. The giant coffee roaster behind a window certainly gives it more of a coffee shop feel. There are plenty of small tables, so it's a good place to go to get some studying/reading done by yourself or with another person.
Pro tip: since the cafe is right on the bend of Pike Street, if you walk in the door and sit at the counter on the right, you get a nice view all the way down to the convention center. -
Review from V R S R.
Seattle, WA
1/19/2012
Ordered a medium sized cappuccino the other day ($3.55 plus tax). The regular size cup looked like it was designed for a double espresso. Appearance and taste were fine but the drink had one major flaw-the temperature of the drink was tepid! Really too cold. For the price I expected a better quality product. Hopefully it's just a one off.
I thought to say something, but didn't want to be "one of those people" (I've been on the other side of the counter). If it happens again I'll say something. -
Review from Grace Y.
11/3/2011
The coffee here is delicious. Really, among the best I've tasted in Seattle.
Very hipster and laid back atmosphere, lots of seating with huge windows to people watch. There are some pretty strange people that walk by/in, but that's why you go to a coffee shop right?
All street parking, which can be a little tough in this neighborhood, but the coffee is worth it. -
Review from Brendan M.
Seattle, WA
10/9/2011
I've walked past Victrola dozens of times on my way from Downtown to Capitol Hill, but I never went in because, honestly, I thought it seemed too exotic and unfamiliar. Now I know better.
I heard from another Yelper that Victrola offers cardamom syrup. Really -- cardamom syrup? I love cardamom, or at least the taste of it. I don't like getting it in my teeth when I'm chewing through a slice of Finnish sweet bread. Anyway... I had a short cardamom latte, and it made my day. The intense espresso went nicely with the sweet cardamom, and the velvety microfoam added the perfect texture. Nota bene: Victrola uses double ristretto shots in all their drinks -- as coffee shops ought to. There's also free wi-fi, and you don't have to jump through hoops to use it.
Now I'll know not to walk by, but to walk in! -
Review from Jason R.
2/16/2012
Good coffee, and a great amosphere for relaxing or finishing last-second slides. For me, this was far enough from the conference center that I didn't have to worry about constant interruptions from co-conference-goers. The Kenyan coffee kept its brightness through a french press and thermos, characteristic of freshly roasted and rested coffee.
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Review from Justin M.
8/3/2011 2 Check-ins Here
Good coffee on Capital Hill, cafe is fairly cramped but overall doesn't detract much from the experience.
I love Victrola coffee and the service here is always pretty good (with a few fun stories thrown in). Chill atmosphere, not much really to say for a coffee shop... but overall... cool!!
4 caffeinated-Seattle-indie-coffee stars out of 5Listed in: Coffee sans the Slutty Mermaid
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Review from Stef M.
2/12/2012
Five stars for serving me up a cup of pour-over coffee that I didn't even need to add any cream or sugar to. PLUS, they have delicious sandwiches that they will toast up for you - try the egg omelet with cheese and carmelized onions!
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Review from Michael M.
Seattle, WA
3/7/2012
A coffee shop in Capitol Hill with tables large enough for your coffee and a computer! This is a great place to study or do work. The baristas are friendly, the coffee is good, and the big windows let in a lot of natural light. Also, plenty of outlets.
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Review from Lolia S.
San Francisco, CA
7/14/2011 6 photos
Laptop camper here. Top notch coffee roasted daily on site, free wi-fi, and pastries (croissants, scones, muffin, cookies) from the best bakeries in Seattle (Macrina, Hiroki, Mighty O Donuts , Parisian Star, Le Fournil) make this spot a favorite of mine. Like Vita, they use the phrase, farm to cup.
The roasting room is visible to patrons. The interior has a modern, industrial feel with brick walls. They have free public cupping events every Wednesday and Sunday. Coffee accessories and beans are available for sale.
* Latte: extremely smooth and fresh, nice foam art, comes with one free refill of drip coffee
* Brioche: soft interior, buttery and rich, topped with big pieces of sugar
The music isn't too loud and it's quiet enough to read a book or get some work done. The employees seem nicer here. The atmosphere is very conducive to laptop camping.
You know you love me. X0 X0, laptop camper. -
Review from Matt V.
San Francisco, CA
2/13/2012 1 Check-in Here
delish coffee! Friendly staff and yummy food!
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Review from Christopher T.
Seattle, WA
9/13/2011 15 Check-ins Here
Victrola is one of three fine coffee shops near my office, but because it is a.) not my #1 choice (that's Stumptown), and b.) not directly along my walk to work, it is the one I visit least. That being said, I do really enjoy visiting Victrola.
The coffee drinks here are top-notch. I can't remember ever having a bad one, and they roast their own beans on the premises. I trust that the baristas at a coffee roaster will know how to make a terrific coffee drink, and Victrola is no exception. The crema on my Americano is (pretty much) always perfect, and although I find their cappuccinos a little on the milky side (personal preference), I don't have any complaints.
The room is big, somewhat industrial with concrete floors and lots of wood and windows. In the back of the cafe are large windows allowing you to watch the entire roasting process. I've only been around to see bits and pieces of it, but it's pretty excellent to watch. The front of the cafe also has large windows that let in a lot of natural light and give a great view of Pike Street. Despite its size and the roasting going on in the back, the cafe is always very quiet and conducive to low-volume conversation. If they have music playing, I am mostly unaware of it. And although I am a music lover, it's nice not to be bombarded with loud music when you jus want to enjoy your coffee and company. The ultimate testament to Victrola's inviting, low-key atmosphere is that I feel comfortable bringing job interview candidates here.
The baristas here are very knowledgeable, and always pull great shots. They are laid back, generally quiet, and always cordial. Baristas on Capitol Hill seem to have a bad rap as being unbearable hipsters (sometimes warranted), but the baristas at Victrola are just nice people who maybe also are a little more "hip" than me.
Victrola also offers free "Public Cuppings," the name of which makes me giggle inappropriately. I have not attended one (I fear my palette is not quite refined enough), but they seem to be the equivalent of a wine tasting. And that is a pretty excellent example of their coffee expertise.
Finally, they do serve some food, which appears to be prepared elsewhere. I have only had the Lumberjack Breakfast sandwich, which is A-OK. But they have other sandwiches and foods for lunch as well as some fine looking pastries.
(Actually, writing this review makes me want to visit more often. It does sound awfully nice.) -
Review from Celeste T.
Seattle, WA
9/11/2011
Best crema in Seattle! Victrola and Tougo are definitely the two most outstanding coffee shops in the city, and Victrola manages to hold it together in spite of having multiple locations.
I love this location especially. The large windows are pretty amazing. The service is always attentive and helpful, and the pastry selection is pretty amazing. -
Review from Roy K.
Alpharetta, GA
9/18/2011
Can't go wrong here. Roast their own and you can taste how fresh it is. Very knowledgable staff and not pretentious at all.
Only had the french press / standard coffee and it was very good. Drink it naked. -
Review from Dan R.
7/27/2011 1 Check-in Here
The guy who won the 2011 brewer's cup asked me if I went here after I told him I'm from Seattle. People know Victrola.
Free cup of french press when you buy a bag of beans! -
Review from Evan J.
Seattle, WA
2/14/2012
I have had one incredible macchiato, several fantastic shots of espresso and one very strange barista-customer interaction here. Theirs may possibly be my favorite coffee roasted in Seattle, and the cafe pulls some damn good espresso.
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Review from A. B.
Seattle, WA
12/31/2011 1 photo
If you get a latte, DONT put anything in it. Amazing just the way it is. Not burnt tasting and has lots a flavor. Best coffee Ive ever had.
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Review from Madeline P.
Seattle, WA
6/18/2011
Since this is a coffee shop, starting this review with the fact that their coffee roast is consistent and consistently delicious is the most important. The company goes as far as to focus on single origin coffees and creates their blends with single origin coffees. All of that wouldn't matter if the coffee wasn't good. Fortunately for Victrolla, they make an awesome roast that is pulled by experienced baristas. yum.
As a destination, I like the Capitol Hill location in rain or shine. I enjoy meeting clients, friends or just walking up the hill for a little breaky-and-lappy session.
They have fast free wifi and a milieu of outlets for digitally powered folks like myself. A seemingly endless supply of snickery-snacks from mighty-o vegan donuts and $3 yogurt parfaits are available to pair with your coffee choice.
I love the one-free-refill-of-coffee that you can get with any coffee purchase. -
Review from Kerri K.
Bothell, WA
Their coffee is simply the best!! Velvety smooth and delicious!
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Review from Christopher I.
Boston, MA
8/31/2011 1 Check-in Here
Amazing.
Very friendly staff! When I went back to get a different drink after realizing I ordered a drink I didn't like (even though it was made well!) She said, not to worry about it, talked about different options, and then made me a new (more expensive) drink at no charge!
They have free coffee cupping classes once a week so that you can meet the staff, roasters, and manager and taste their newest batches while learning about the process.
1,000 stars to them. -
Review from Meggie B.
Seattle, WA
9/12/2011
Coffee that tastes good, served by people that are nice to you when you haven't gotten your brain-to-mouth coherent speech connection working yet in the morning.
Their pastries are also really yummy...the macaroons are awesome, as are the thumbprint cookies (jammy and crumbly and just right).
It never seems to be very busy when I go, and I really appreciate the fact that there are tables that are big enough to spread stuff out while I'm working. -
Review from Jenny R.
Lexington, KY
1/9/2012
We came here every morning while we were staying down the block. The server was friendly and sweet, even at 7:00 am. Good coffee and a nice atmosphere. Pretty much exactly what we wanted: local roasters and a place that isn't Starbucks. This place is very not evil.
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Review from Jeff B.
Seattle, WA
3/21/2011 2 photos
Of all the coffee shops in Seattle this is my favorite. Here's why:
The staff is always pleasant and accommodating. No pretentious attitudes here whatsoever.
The space has great daylighting and is always very calming.
They offer pour overs where you get to chose your roast. If you have yet to try one, I highly recommend it.
They roast their own coffee. The only places that I've ever been really impressed with roast their coffee. (Philz, La Colombe, etc.). I buy their beans for my morning brew and the stock on the shelves has always been roasted within the week. (Check the bottom of the bag)
The bulk coffee may seem a little pricey, but I just realized they include the tax on the price essentially making it 10% off!
Lastly and somewhat I guess most importantly...The coffee is delicious. -
Review from Ginger A.
Rosemead, CA
1/12/2012
Had their Kenya Matiras made with v60 drip method. Unreal! High Acidity, medium body, sweet and with no signs if bitterness.
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Review from Jeff R.
Lexington, KY
1/9/2012
We went here twice since Homewood Suites - just down the road - where we stayed had awful coffee. Every hotel has awful coffee. Why have such awful coffee when there is an excellent roaster right around the corner? Coffee was quite good. Roasting goes on there as well. It's great to see a place like this in the town that gave birth to the Starbucks monster. I drop them one star because when I asked if the egg and cheese breakfast sandwich was fresh, the guy behind the counter said, no, it had been there for a few days. Listen: THROW OUT an egg sandwich leftover from the previous day or even "a few days." I don't want a three day old egg sandwich. Other than that, loved this place.
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Review from Ju L.
San Diego, CA
5/31/2011
*I preface this review by saying in San Diego there are no local, artisan coffe roasters. There is Starbucks, there is Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf, and if you're lucky enough to live close to one, the occasional Peet's. It's a bit like eating at a nice burger joint for the first time after having only McDonald's to compare it to. You would declare it the best burger of all time, when in reality it might just be a Red Robin. That said, I still think this place was great and would happily go back and recommend it to others.
I walked here from my hotel over on Madison one morning last weekend, picked up a cappuccino and pastries to go, and walked back. My cappuccino didn't make it the trip back. I downed it in all its frothy deliciousness!
I was there way early, so there was just one guy manning the place. He was great. Super friendly, zero snob factor. I apologized for being difficult about picking out pastries (I'm annoyingly indecisive), and he waved off my apology with a smile. This guy knew what he was doing. I've worked in a coffee shop, so I cringe everytime I'm stupid enough to order a latte at Starbucks and hear the barrista burning my milk beyond recognition (it's not supposed to make that screeching noise, people!). Here, I could hear happy milk bubbles forming quietly and calmly, as they should. It was one of the best cappuccinos I've had. The espresso was stong and smooth (I actually prefer it a little more bitter), and the milk was lovely foam with tiny, velvety bubbles.
The pastries were a bit hit or miss, and I was disappointed when I saw the selection. Great coffee deserves great pastries (at least when I'm on vacation and need breakfast!). I almost deducted a star, but then I remembered the raspberry flax muffin. It tasted like it had walnuts in it as well. It was just the right amount of everything - not to sweet, not too dense, but dense enough to taste nutty and whole, and the raspberries gave a nice bit of sourness. A lovely muffin. I wish I could have another! The chocolate croissant and blueberry scone I also got were fine. The croissant was not a normal dough, it was denser, almost like a bread dough rather than puff pastry. It tasted good, but it's not a croissant. The scone was your typical too buttery, too sugary confection. Tasty, but it feels more like eating dessert. -
Review from Joseph H.
Laguna Hills, CA
7/15/2011
"you should goto victrola" - a man working at a local pet store told me.
As I found myself searching for this cafe using the quickly jotted directions from bellview to capitol hill, I came across this place 5 minutes to closing.
The barista, despite in a hurry in closing down the store, quickly brewed me a cup of macchiato and even spent some time describing me their different roasts.
Muy bueno!! Their cafe went down smoother than butter sliding down a hot pan (ok. that's a weird analogy). Most of the time when i get a macchiato, I can't help but notice the slight bitter, and sharp sting when i take them by sips.
Not this time.
me. gusta.
go here. try some of the best seattle has to offer.
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