For many Seattle parents, coffee is a way of life. So finding a spot where you can take your kids so you can fuel up is essential. Scroll through our picks of Seattle’s best coffee shops to find your new parent meet-up spot or respite from busy parenting days.
Editor’s note: We’re making every effort to provide families with up-to-date information regarding closures and re-openings related to COVID-19. As things change quickly, please verify hours and services with individual businesses before heading over with the kids.
El Diablo – Queen Anne
Editor’s note: El Diablo is currently closed to help curb the spread of coronavirus.
This Cuban-inspired coffee shop has been a Queen Anne staple since it first opened more than 15 years ago. Although it’s changed locations (it’s now in a two-story, spacious converted house), the tasty breakfast & lunch menu and spicy coffee drinks remain the same. In addition to the kid’s room upstairs that stocks plenty of toys, books and a kid-sized table, the outdoor space is another seating option for families, especially on a warm day.
1825 Queen Anne Ave. N.
Seattle, WA
206-285-0693
Online: eldiablocoffee.com
The Dane – Crown Hill
Editor’s note: The Dane is currently open for take-out only to enjoy at home or out back on their outdoor patio. The twice-weekly story time is currently on hold.
If you’re looking for a coffee shop that’s hygge AF (their words, not ours), The Dane is it. It’s a Scandinavian-inspired café that brews specialty coffees, serves fresh pastries, sandwiches and salads, and pours everything from local on-tap beer to mules and manhattans if you need a kid-friendly nighttime meet-up spot too. They host story time twice a week on Tuesdays & Thursdays at 11:30 a.m. making this spot a no-brainer.
8000 15th Ave. N.W.
Seattle, WA
206-297-4441
Online: thedaneseattle.com
The Bridge Coffee House – Haller Lake
Another non-profit coffeehouse, this north end shop is one of the best-kept secret’s out there. The coffee is great. The atmosphere is relaxing, and the kid’s playroom has comfy couches where parents can sit in a (mostly) quiet place while they play catch-up. Lattes all around!
2150 N. 122nd St.
Seattle, WA
206-457-8690
Online: facebook.com/TheBridgeCoffeeHouse98133
Ballard Firehouse Coffee - Ballard
Take refuge in the separate play area that makes Ballard Firehouse Coffee a favorite for families. You can sip while your kids play and get caught up on the neighborhood going-ons. In addition to coffee they’ve got pastries from local spots like Alki Bakery and Flying Apron (hello, gluten-free goodies!) and sandwiches that’ll fill tummies if your convo runs through lunchtime.
2622 N.W. Market St.
Seattle, WA
206-784-2911
Online: ballardfirehousecoffee.com
Dubsea – White Center
Editor’s note: Dubsea is currently open for take-out and pick-up only.
A newer coffee shop on the scene, Dubsea has earned its place in the hearts of White Center and West Seattle parents for their welcoming atmosphere and small space set aside for kids. As a not-too-big space, it’s easy to sit at a nearby table while the tots play and thumb through picture books at their own kid-sized table.
9910 8th Ave. S.W.
Seattle, WA
206-708-6806
Online: dubseacoffee.com
Honey Bear Bakery – Lake Forest Park
Editor’s note: Currently offering a limited menu for take-out only. The weekly Play & Learn and story times are currently on hold.
More of a bakery than a coffee shop, this Lake Forest hot spot is the place to be when you’ve got kids. The secure play pit means you can sit back and relax while keeping an eye on your busy tot. The weekly Play & Learn sessions in the Commons don't hurt either. And don't forget story time at Third Place Books (just downstairs) that makes a nice follow-up to your coffee quiet time. No matter how you look at it, this is always a good stop for families.
Lake Forest Park Towne Center
1717 Bothell Way N.E.
Lake Forest Park, WA
206-366-3330
Online: honeybearbakery.com
Vios – Capitol Hill
If you like your coffee with a side of homemade Greek food, Vios is the place to find it. They serve delish traditional dishes like hummus, pita sandwiches and souvlaki plates to hungry families. But you can also just grab a cup of coffee and a Macrina-made pastry to enjoy while the kids color and play in the small area set aside for families. It’s easy to spend a couple hours here (as long as the kids are willing) with friends.
903 19th Ave. E.
Seattle, WA
206-329-3236
Online: vioscafe.com/capitol-hill
Cloud City Coffee - Maple Leaf
Editor’s note: Cloud City Coffee is currently offering take-out and delivery. The outdoor phone booth now stocks pantry and hygiene supplies for those in need.
Follow the flashing yellow arrow to Cloud City Coffee to enjoy fresh brewed coffee and pastries (they serve up sandwiches too) in a retro, updated neighborhood joint. Between the kids play area and the outdoor lending library (in a phone booth, no less), there’s plenty to keep you and the kids coming back to this spot.
8801 Roosevelt Way N.E.
Seattle, WA
206-527-5552
Online: cloudcitycoffee.com
Mosaic Community Coffeehouse - Wallingford
Editor’s note: Mosaic is currently closed for summer.
More than a coffee shop, Mosaic has been a go-to spot for north end families for years. Located in the basement of a church, it offers coffee and pastries at pay-what-you-can pricing, and is almost completely staffed by volunteers. Demitasse, the kid’s playroom, is just off the main room. In it, you’ll find space to sit, gab and sip as the kids play with toys, read books or play games. They’ve got a great selection to keep big kids busy.
4401 2nd Ave. N.E.
Seattle, WA
206-632-4560
Online: mosaiccoffeehouse.com
Kaffeklatch – Lake City
It’s no wonder parents have been getting together for coffee at this location for years. That’s what it was designed for. After all, the word “kaffeeclatsch” combines the German words for “coffee” and “gossip” in celebration of traditional housewife gatherings. With a kid’s table near the window and pastries made from scratch, like the to-die-for apfeltaschen, you can spend more than a few minutes taking a break from things here.
12513 Lake City Way N.E.
Seattle, WA
206-462-1059
Online: kaffeeklatschseattle.com
Grumpy D’s - Ballard
Editor’s note: Currently open for indoor and outdoor seating.
Don’t let the name fool you. This friendly neighborhood coffee house is just what you need when you’re meeting a friend or looking for a place to land (that’s not the library) with the kids. They’ve got a little stage for live music, but your kids will make a beeline for the books and toys that are available for play.
7001 15th Ave. N.W.
Seattle, WA
206-783-4039
Online: facebook.com/pg/grumpydsballard
—Allison Sutcliffe
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featured photo: StockSnap via pixabay
