Seattle has no short-supply of coffee shops and many of them make the perfect places for an afternoon reading a good book. Here are my recommendations for where to go when you want to read somewhere that’s not your home.
Living in Seattle that is grey 8-9 months out of the year, it’s important to still get out of the house and not let the weather deter you. Whether it’s raining or you want a low-key (and low cost) day out of your house, heading to a coffee shop to read for a little is the perfect outing.
Artemis Coffee (Ballard): Artemis Coffee, formerly Assembly Coffee, is only a couple of years old but has quickly become one of my two favorite coffee spots. Whether I order it iced or hot, the coffee is always smooth and flavorful. The staff is friendly, and the cozy, quaint atmosphere makes it a great place to sit down and work or read.
As someone who works from home, I visit frequently to get work done during the week and settle in with a book on the weekends. Artemis has also established itself as a true third space, something I think our generation really needs. Beyond coffee, the shop hosts game nights and other community events that bring people together. I’ll always recommend Artemis to anyone visiting the area.
Address: 5507 17th Ave NW, Seattle, WA 98107
Fremont Coffee Company (Fremont): This was the first coffee shop I ever visited in Seattle, and it set the bar high. The coffee is some of the best in the city, so it’s no surprise that there’s often a line out the door. Despite its popularity, there’s no shortage of seating. Good outdoor seating can be hard to find in Seattle, but their spacious patio is perfect for a sunny day. In the winter, the various rooms offer plenty of cozy corners to settle into. My fiancé and I often make it our reading date spot during the colder months. Housed in a converted home, the space has a charm and character that make it feel like so much more than just a coffee shop.
Address: 459 N 36th St, Seattle, WA 98103
Storied (Queen Anne): Another former home turned café, Storied is one of my more recent finds. In addition to coffee, they sell home goods and host concerts on their patio during the summer. And that patio? It’s the crown jewel of patios. Located in the heart of Upper Queen Anne, Storied is especially worth a visit in the spring or summer, when you can soak up the sunshine with an iced coffee and a lighthearted book. It’s the kind of spot that makes you want to linger a little longer. If you’re looking for a light book to fit patio season, I’d recommend these books that feel like a summer daydream.
Victrola Coffee (Ballard): If you visit Ballard, you’re unlikely to miss Victrola on Market Street. The building still says Ballard Coffee Works, as the signage was never updated after Victrola took over. There’s plenty of seating, making it an easy spot to settle in with a book and a hot coffee. I also love grabbing a bagel to go with my coffee, sourced from another local favorite, Backyard Bagel.
A tip for readers: If you’re hoping for a quiet reading session, avoid Sundays before 2 p.m. The weekly Ballard Farmers Market brings in plenty of foot traffic, so it can get busy!
Address: 2060 NW Market St, Seattle, WA 98107
Olympia Coffee Roasting (Downtown): You’ve probably seen Olympia Coffee on TikTok or Instagram, and it’s easy to see why. The space is massive, beautiful, and enough to make anyone reconsider their stance on green tile (myself included). The coffee is strong, and there’s plenty of room to settle in with a book or get some work done. In the heart of downtown, it feels like a quiet little oasis away from the hustle and bustle.
Address: 1420 5th Ave Ste 103, Seattle, WA 98101
Photo: Olympia Coffee Roasting, via Google Maps
Storyville (Pike Place): I’d only recommend reading here during off-hours, as it’s right in the heart of Pike Place Market and draws plenty of tourists. If you can catch it during a quieter stretch, the views of Elliott Bay and the market are stunning. It’s also worth visiting during the holidays, when the Christmas decorations are up and the fireplace is lit, making it an especially cozy spot to settle in with a book. If you do read here, I’d recommend a book set in Seattle or the Pacific Northwest.
