☕ The Ultimate Guide to the Best Coffee Beans in Seattle 2025

 Best Coffee Beans in Seattle From Small Batch Roasters | Emerald Palate

Seattle, Washington, is renowned for its rich coffee culture, serving as the birthplace of Starbucks and home to a plethora of independent roasters and cafés. Whether you're a local or a visitor, exploring Seattle's coffee scene is a must. This guide delves into some of the city's top coffee roasters, their signature beans, and what sets them apart.

1. Onda Origins

Located in Hillman City, Onda Origins is celebrated for its deep relationships with coffee growers, often communicating directly with them via WhatsApp and even vacationing with their families. They purchase green coffee upfront during harvest at prices higher than Fair Trade, ensuring a steady income for farmers. Their packaging features artwork inspired by the growers' suggestions, emphasizing the intimate connection between producer and roaster.(emeraldpalate.com)

Signature Beans:

  • Ana Nelly Luna (Colombia): A light roast with intense cocoa and vanilla notes, complemented by hints of strawberry cheesecake.(emeraldpalate.com)

  • Ivonne Herrera (Guatemala): Offers a smooth profile with floral undertones, showcasing the unique flavors of the Santa Elena Barillas region.(ondaorigins.com)

2. Boon Boona Coffee

Founded by Efrem Fesaha, Boon Boona Coffee is a Black-owned roaster with locations in Renton and Seattle's Capitol Hill. They specialize in sourcing beans directly from Africa, celebrating the continent's rich coffee heritage. Their approach honors traditional East African brewing methods, often offering unroasted beans for customers to pan-roast at home.(en.wikipedia.org, emeraldpalate.com)

Signature Beans:

  • Kii Kenya: A creamy and smooth coffee with flavors of hazelnut, caramel, and chocolate, leaving a sweet finish.(emeraldpalate.com)

3. Kuma Coffee

Kuma Coffee, meaning "bear" in Japanese, was founded by Peter Mark after returning from Japan. Operating out of Seattle's Interbay neighborhood, Kuma Coffee offers a range of single-origin beans and blends, focusing on quality and consistency.(emeraldpalate.com)

Signature Beans:

  • Bear Claus: A holiday blend with a tea-like lightness and fruity zing.(emeraldpalate.com)

  • Las Flores (Honduras): Features chocolate hazelnut flavors, providing a rich and comforting cup.

4. Anchorhead Coffee

Anchorhead Coffee began as a cold brew vendor at Seattle farmers markets and has since expanded to multiple locations. They focus on beans best brewed by the pour-over method, though their beans are versatile and perform well with various brewing techniques.(emeraldpalate.com)

Signature Beans:

  • The One: A balanced blend offering notes of chocolate and red fruit, suitable for various brewing methods.

5. Zoka Coffee Roasters

Established in Seattle, Zoka Coffee Roasters is known for its commitment to quality and sustainability. They source beans from around the world, ensuring ethical practices and exceptional flavor profiles.(emeraldpalate.com)

Signature Beans:

  • Espresso Blend: A rich and bold blend with notes of dark chocolate and caramel, ideal for espresso enthusiasts.

6. Lighthouse Roasters

As one of Seattle's original roasters, Lighthouse Roasters has been serving the community since 1993. They emphasize meticulous roasting to unveil unique characteristics in each bean, offering a diverse range of coffee experiences.(lighthouseroasters.com, lighthouseroasters.com)

Signature Beans:

  • Lighthouse Blend: A medium-bodied cup with floral and citrus aromas, clean acidity, and milk chocolate overtones.(seattlemag.com)

7. Caffé Vita

Founded in Seattle's Queen Anne neighborhood in 1995, Caffé Vita is a pioneer in the direct trade coffee movement. They focus on building direct relationships with coffee farmers, ensuring fair wages and high-quality beans.(en.wikipedia.org, emeraldpalate.com)

Signature Beans:

  • Theo Blend: A collaboration with the famous chocolate company, offering a rich and smooth profile.

8. Victrola Coffee Roasters

Victrola Coffee Roasters is known for its commitment to quality and community. They offer a range of single-origin beans and blends, focusing on transparency and sustainability in their sourcing practices.(m.yelp.com)

Signature Beans:

  • House Blend: A balanced blend with notes of chocolate and red fruit, suitable for various brewing methods.

9. Elm Coffee Roasters

Elm Coffee Roasters, based in Seattle's Pioneer Square, focuses on sourcing quality beans directly from farmers. They emphasize freshness and transparency, offering a range of single-origin coffees.(emeraldpalate.com, thespruceeats.com)

Signature Beans:

  • Colombia Jonathan Caicedo: A light roast with floral notes and a smooth finish, showcasing the unique flavors of the region.

10. Caffè Umbria

Established in Seattle's Georgetown neighborhood in 2002, Caffè Umbria is known for its Italian-style espresso and commitment to quality. They source beans from around the world, ensuring consistency and flavor in every cup.(en.wikipedia.org)

Signature Beans:

  • Piazza D'Oro: A rich and full-bodied espresso blend with notes of chocolate and caramel.


Seattle's coffee scene is a testament to the city's dedication to quality, sustainability, and innovation. From small-batch roasters like Onda Origins and Boon Boona Coffee to established names like Caffé Vita and Lighthouse Roasters, there's a bean for every palate. Exploring these local roasters offers a glimpse into the diverse and dynamic world of Seattle coffee.

Whether you're brewing at home or visiting a local café, these Seattle-based beans promise a rich and flavorful coffee experience. So, grab your favorite brewing method, select a bean from this list, and savor the taste of Seattle in every cup.

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