Fall used to be about brisk weather leaves changing colors, and celebrating after the first official day of autumn. But nowadays, fall starts earlier and earlier, usually while it’s shorts weather outside. I blame this on one thing– The PSL.
Ever since the pumpkin spice latte became the beacon of the season everyone eagerly lines up to get their first taste of pumpkin pie in a cup. I’m not trying to throw shade on the PSL (ok, I am and I’m not the only one who has feelings toward the conventional PSL), but I’m here to say that you can still celebrate fall with an alternative option to the average chain coffee store pumpkin spice latte. Luckily, Seattle is the coffee capital of the country, so there are many tasty options to choose from. To help you get a start on your quest to find the best latte in Seattle this fall, I’ve rounded up a few of my favorite.
9 of the Best Lattes In Seattle That Are Far From Basic
The Birdhouse (West Seattle)
3507 SW Henderson St, Seattle, WA 98126
If you’re craving the flavors of fall, The Birdhouse makes its own version of a PSL. It’s not overly sweet and reminds you of grandma’s pumpkin pie. But, we’re here to talk about not-so-basic bevies and they have a menu item that I haven’t seen at any other coffee shop– the slushie.
Yep, you read that right. A freakin’ slushie. And not just a slushie but seasonal flavors that rotate. This fall they are offering a vanilla cold brew and a caramel apple cider. These are perfect picks for warmer fall days or days that you want to sit in your car with the heater on and pretend that it’s still summer. Oh, am I the only one that does that?
Youngstown Coffee (West Seattle)
6032 1/2 California Ave SW, Seattle, WA 98136
Youngstown is my latest coffee shop discovery. I’ve quickly become obsessed with this queer female-owned little spot nestled in the Admiral Junction in West Seattle. They use Silver Cup coffee beans and offer seasonal menus using their Queen City blend.
I have to say, they brought their A-game to their fall menu. It’s hard to pick one cup to recommend when there is a Blackberry Chai Latte and a Nutty Maple Latte on the menu, but I’m going to suggest the Spicy Tess. This drink was developed by barista Tess and features cold brew, chai, pumpkin sauce, your choice of milk, and a dash of cayenne for a little kick. Basically a PSL, but add a little spice.
Moonshot Coffee (white center)
9622 16th Ave SW, Seattle, WA 98106
Moonshot is my go-to neighborhood coffee spot. I’m a regular there and while they have a seasonal menu that features a Butterscotch Latte with house-made butterscotch, I have to recommend the drink I get a few times a week– the iced mocha. Their mocha is also made with a house-made sauce that features Theo’s Chocolate, another local favorite. In case you’re wondering, I drink my latte iced even in the dead of winter. It must be the Florida girl in me.
Ghost Alley Espresso (Pike Place Market)
1499 Post Alley, Seattle, WA 98101
Ghost Alley Espresso is located in the famous Pike Place Market in downtown Seattle. It’s in the alley, right by the notorious gum wall and if you aren’t paying attention you may miss this teeny spot. But trust me, you don’t want to do that.
The window coffee spot serves their own Ghost Alley Espresso Blend which is made by Middle Fork Roasters. Like all the other spots, you can get your usual coffee fix but I opted for mystery mocha. It’s a hand-crafted mocha where the barista will create your special brew. Mine was rich and chocolatey with a hint of pumpkin spice. Can we say the best of both worlds?
Oh in case you are wondering, yes there are ghosts– hence the name. In fact, the whole area has a haunted history which is why I featured it in my guide to spooky things to do in Seattle.
Moore Coffee Shop (Belltown)
1930 2nd Ave. Seattle, WA 98101
While the flavor in your cup is key, who can resist a latte finished with a pretty piece of latte art? When you visit Moore Coffee, you will quickly learn that not all latte art is created the same and that holds true at this spot. Every latte at this Latina-owned coffee shop has a different design, often with cute animals! The matcha latte is a must-try and looks adorable with a design. Get ready to take pic of your cup because it’s sure to be gram-worthy!
One thing to note, the Belltown location is the first location and where it all started in 2011, but Moore Coffee Shop also has a second downtown location and spot just south of Seattle in Burien.
Lighthouse Rosters (Fremont)
400 N 43rd St, Seattle WA 98103
Lighthouse has a special place in my heart. They are the first roaster I committed to after trying their Lighthouse blend a few years ago. This small-batch roaster converted me from a commercial coffee gal to the artisan coffee lover that I am today. Lighthouse Roasters roast all their coffee on-site and if you go early, you can watch the beans get roasted in their vintage cast-iron roaster while you sip on your latte.
I don’t have a favorite drink here or one I’d like to recommend because it’s all about the coffee blends and seasonal features for me. I personally love their Lighthouse Blend, with notes of dark chocolate, almond, and cherry. My recommendation is to visit the roastery and coffee shop and pick out your favorite latte using one of their signature blends. Ditch the flavors here because the coffee is all the added taste you will need.
Papa Chango (Ballard)
5410 22nd Avenue NW, Seattle, WA 98107
As a fellow South Florida girl living in Seattle, this little slice of home feels like paradise. The space is super cute and cozy and reminds me of the Cuban ventanita (window) coffee shops back home. I mean it kind of is a window since it’s tucked on the side of September, the popular Ballard boutique.
Speaking of home, you HAVE to try the cafe con leche (made with Panther coffee, another Miami staple). If you’re feeling adventourous, add in a flavor shot of papaya or guava to your cup.
I should also mention the pastelitos (pasteries). They’re all delish so get the sampler if you want to try them all. My current fave is the papaya scone with guava butter, it always hits the spot for me.
Diva Espresso (Greenwood)
10555 Greenwood Ave N, Seattle WA 98133
It’s so hard to pick one fall drink from Diva’s curated coffee menu for fall, so I will suggest two options.
If you are looking for an elevated take on the PSL, you have to try the Jack-O-Latte. Not only is the name totes adorable, but this latte is literally Halloween in a cup. It has pumpkin, vanilla, and toasted marshmallow. My friend Jenn put it best, it’s like a pumpkin pie s’mores!
Another interesting option is the orange blossom. This is a vanilla latte with a fun twist with cardamon and orange zest!
Starbucks Reserve Roastery (Capitol Hill)
1124 Pike St, Seattle, WA 98101
I know, I know, I know. Starbucks isn’t exactly what everyone thinks of when craft coffee comes to mind. It actually goes against what this post is all about. But hear me out.
The Starbucks Reserve Roastery in Capitol Hill offers a far from basic coffee experience. This beautiful and expansive location features specialty drinks (like Affogato and espresso flights) that are not found at your run-of-the-mill locations. They even have a barrel-aged cold brew you can try!
A fun fact: Only the BEST Starbucks baristas are hired to work at the roastery and it’s an immersive learning experience for those who like to nerd out about coffee like me. I visited for the first time when I visited Seattle in 2016 before moving here and I had a Charlie at the chocolate factory experience. I highly recommend it for locals and visitors alike.
The Station Coffee Shop (Beacon Hill)
1600 S Roberto Maestas Festival St, Seattle, WA 98144
The Station prides itself on being more than just a coffee shop, but a hub for the neighborhood. They are mission-driven and give back to marginalized and homeless members of the community, while also acting as a voice for those who are not always represented. When you visit, you will feel the love.
Their menu offers all of the usual coffee options, but their candy-inspired menu is where it’s at my friends. I’m a chocolate lover so I always opt for the junior mint latte (chocolate and mint) but next time I visit I plan on trying the Snicker Doddle Latte, a vanilla latte with a touch of cinnamon.
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