The Best Coffee Shops in Seattle for Coffee and Bagel Pairings
Seattle is celebrated around the world for its coffee culture. Known as the birthplace of Starbucks, this city boasts extraordinary coffee shops that serve up more than just a great cup of joe. Add a fresh bagel to the mix, and you’ve got a match made in foodie heaven. Whether you’re a local or just visiting, here’s a guide to the best coffee shops in Seattle where coffee and bagel pairings create perfect moments.
1. Cherry Street Coffee House
Cherry Street Coffee House is a local favorite, with several locations around Seattle. Known for its friendly staff and welcoming atmosphere, this shop offers a variety of bagels to pair with your coffee. Their plain bagels lightly toasted with cream cheese are a simple yet satisfying choice, but their everything bagels also stand out. Pair your bagel with their famous “Beecher’s Latte,” named after the locally loved Beecher’s cheese. The creamy latte complements the chewy bagels perfectly.
Cherry Street Coffee House also caters to dietary preferences, offering gluten-free bagels and oat milk for your drink. If you’re exploring downtown Seattle or Pioneer Square, this is a great spot to grab breakfast, relax, and feel the connection to Seattle’s rich coffee culture.
2. Herkimer Coffee
Herkimer Coffee is well-known among Seattle coffee enthusiasts for its excellent roasts and simple, minimalist vibe. While this isn’t a chain, it has a few locations in the city, each designed for coffee lovers. Herkimer Coffee works beautifully with a classic sesame bagel or an onion bagel topped with cream cheese. Their coffee is known for its smooth taste, so pairing it with a savory bagel brings out the flavors even more.
Don’t miss their espresso-based drinks, such as lattes and Americanos. The staff is dedicated to quality, and the experience feels relaxed without too much fuss or frills. Herkimer Coffee is perfect for anyone who wants great coffee to pair with a no-nonsense bagel.
3. Storyville Coffee Company
Located in Pike Place Market, a Seattle landmark, Storyville Coffee Company is a hidden gem. Its cozy interior, complete with warm lighting and comfortable seating, makes it a perfect spot to enjoy coffee and a bagel. Storyville is known for its velvet-smooth lattes, which pair wonderfully with their slightly toasted asiago cheese bagels. Add cream cheese or a smear of butter, and you’ve created a pairing you’ll want to repeat.
Storyville Coffee has a great view of the market, so you’ll feel connected to the bustling energy of Seattle. It’s ideal for starting your morning or ending an afternoon of exploring the nearby waterfront shops.
4. Zoka Coffee Roasters & Tea Company
With its award-winning coffee and welcoming vibe, Zoka Coffee Roasters is a Seattle treasure. It has several locations, the most famous of which is in the Green Lake neighborhood. Zoka is all about crafting coffee that stands out, so their coffee blends pair wonderfully with sweeter bagel options. Try their cinnamon-raisin bagel alongside a rich cup of drip coffee. Their nitro cold brew also makes an excellent pair with breakfast-style bagels like ones topped with peanut butter or almond butter.
Zoka Coffee is a hub for families as well as remote workers who enjoy a quiet atmosphere. It’s a spot where you can sip thoughtfully and enjoy bagels loaded with your favorite toppings.
5. Milstead & Co.
Located near Fremont, Milstead & Co. is beloved for its innovative brewing techniques. Their pour-over coffee is one of the best in the city, complete with layered flavors that shine in every sip. Milstead focuses on high-quality coffee from around the world, and their flavorful drinks pair excellently with bagels that offer contrast. Try pairing their coffee with a plain bagel topped with smoked salmon and cream cheese, or opt for a nutty whole-grain bagel with avocado.
Milstead is modern, stylish, and all about quality over quantity. While the shop is on the smaller side, its coffee and bagel pairings make it worth the visit.
6. Cafe Vita
Centrally located in Capitol Hill, and with other spots scattered across Seattle, Cafe Vita offers a memorable coffee experience. Their dark roast coffees are especially popular and pair well with hearty bagels like poppyseed or whole-wheat varieties. In colder seasons, their hot mochas are worth trying, especially when paired with sweeter bagel toppings like honey or jam.
Cafe Vita has an inviting atmosphere where you can talk with friends, work on your laptop, or simply enjoy the city’s vibrant culture. Their locally roasted coffee adds an authentic Seattle touch to your coffee and bagel breakfast.
Why Coffee and Bagels?
Coffee and bagels might seem simple, but they’re a powerful duo. The rich, complex flavors of coffee balance the chewy texture and slight sweetness of bagels perfectly. Whether you’re looking for savory or sweet options, Seattle has plenty of coffee shops to cater to your taste buds—and your early-morning cravings.
Conclusion
Seattle is a coffee lover’s paradise, but its bagels bring an extra level of joy to any coffee break. From hidden gems in Pike Place Market to iconic local chains, you’ll find plenty of great spots for coffee and bagel pairings. Next time you’re in Seattle, start your day with a freshly brewed coffee and a toasted bagel—it’s a small taste of this city’s magic.
Which coffee shop makes your favorite coffee and bagel pairing? Let us know in the comments below!
