Caffe Appassionato

I love this place. It’s been the best coffee experience I’ve had in Seattle in the last few months that I’ve been here and given that it’s Seattle it probably says a lot.
The guy there (Gary?) is super duper friendly. He takes his time making the best coffee possible but he’s great at multitasking and engages in wonderful conversations with you while he makes your delicious coffee. I remember us talking about his new iPod and how it shuffled to an Irish tune as I ordered an Irish crème mocha the first time I had coffee there.
Oh, yes, the coffee. It’s damn amazing. I don’t drink too much coffee by choice so I try only to drink great coffee. Caffe Appassionato’s does not disappoint. I love their rotating daily specials ($ 3.75 for a 16oz specialty coffee) and sadly I was never able to answer the trivia questions right to get a further discount.
There is no seating here (it’s a stand) but it’s great to get coffee here on my walk to UW. I love this place!

An excellent option for when you want caffeine, but don’t feel like going indoors.
My choice of beverage depends on the weather. When it’s cool, I usually go with drip. Many coffee places serve a thin, bitter liquid, hot enough to sear your tongue to a perfect medium-​rare. None of that here. This drip is brewed at just the right strength, and served at just the right temperature to drink on the go.
When it gets warm, I switch to the iced Americano. I used to be an avowed iced-​coffee-​skeptic until I gave this drink a try.
I’ve tried their espresso once or twice. No complaints, but come on; espresso’s no fun in a paper cup.

Awesome coffee and friendly service! I almost never know the answer, but I love the daily trivia question that could get you a small discount on your drink. :)

Great place to grab your coffee on your way down the Ave!
Gary is awesome! He’s super nice and makes the best Chai Tea Latte I’ve ever had. I also have no idea how he manages to go through orders so quickly and efficiently without messing up anyones drinks (and trust me, he doesn’t mess up). If you go more than once, he’ll remember your name.
There is also a great assortment of breakfast pastries e.g. lots of varieties of bagels, croissants, and scones — all of which can be toasted/​heated upon request.
The only marginally bad thing about a little place like this with a guy who remembers your name is that he usually remembers if you haven’t shown up in a while, which tends to make you feel super guilty for not going.
I’m sorry I’m trying to cut back on my chai purchasing Gary! I still heart you!

I love this little hole-​in-​the-​wall café right on the Ave. The owner, Gary, is super friendly and remembers the names of regular customers and what they usually order. In this day of drive-thru’s and speedy assembly line lattes, its nice to be acknowledged. I make this place a part of my daily routine even if I have to go out of my way to do it.