Food & Drink
Seattle Coffee Guide: Kid-friendly Coffee Shops
For parents in search of a cup of coffee and some grownup conversation—and a way to keep kids occ
By Lauren Lynch December 15, 2010
Firehouse Coffee
With its rustic décor and cozy chairs, this Ballard coffeehouse (which uses beans from Caffé Vita) creates a cabin-like atmosphere for parents and their energetic toddlers. Gymboree is right next door, so having a designated playroom for kids makes a lot of sense. The room has tons of toys for the kids, plus café tables for adults. Even better: The playroom is separated by a doorway, so folks in the main café don’t have to hear the kiddies. Ballard, 2622 NW Market St.; 206.784.2911
Cloud City Coffee
Take a moment to relax and sip one of the blends from local roaster True North while watching your wee ones tumble on a large rug or attack the play box full of toys in the corner of the café. A comfy couch in the play area also provides moms with a place where they can breastfeed, away from the front-door traffic. Maple Leaf, 8801 Roosevelt Way NE; 206.527.555
Sip & Ship
Travel up a few steps into a loft area, where children can play in their own mini oasis. Heavily stocked with books, toys and even a drawing table for the ambitious artist, this gated kid zone can also be a heavenly retreat for parents sipping on roasted Caffé Vita brews. Ballard, 1752 NW Market St.; 206.789.4488
Tougo Coffee Co.
Owner Brian Wells designed the shop’s play area with his own son in mind, getting down on his hands and knees to ensure that every square foot was used in the best way possible. Tiny steps lead children into an expansive area where they can spend hours at play, or listen to Seattle librarian Stella Shafer conduct story time twice a month. For grownups, Tougo offers beans from Stumptown, Chicago’s Intelligentsia and San Francisco’s Ritual Coffee Roasters. Central District, 1410 18th Ave.; 206.860.3518
Coffee to a Tea WITH SUGAR
Past the coffee bar (that uses beans from Vashon Coffee Company) and the long cases of sugary treats sits a raised stage that comes equipped with old church pews found at a yard sale. Tables brightly painted with Candy Land figures and geographical destinations decorate a child-friendly corner, and the endless supply of toys invites kids to sit down and stay a while. West Seattle, 4541 California Ave. SW; 206.937.1495