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Arosa Café
Categories: Food Coffee & Tea Restaurants Sandwiches Restaurants Belgian Coffee & Tea, Sandwiches, Belgian [Edit]
1310 Madison St(between Summit Ave & Boylston Ave)
Seattle, WA 98104
Neighborhood: First Hill
(206) 329-5881
- Hours:
Mon-Fri 6:30 am - 4 pm
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Street
- Attire:
- Casual
- Good for Groups:
- No
- Price Range:
-
$
- Takes Reservations:
- No
- Delivery:
- No
- Take-out:
- Yes
- Waiter Service:
- No
- Outdoor Seating:
- Yes
- Good For:
- Lunch
- Alcohol:
- No
- Noise Level:
- Quiet
- Ambience:
- Casual
- Has TV:
- No
- Caters:
- No
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
About This Business:
Vietnamese Noodle soup (PHO) PHO with Filet Mignon
42 reviews for Arosa Café
Review Highlights
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"Grandpa* Hans is a sweet fella and super cool." In 26 reviews -
"The snack waffles were outstanding." In 8 reviews -
"Espresso & steamed milk can be amazing on it's own, with..." In 3 reviews
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42 reviews in English
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Review from Peggy R.
Updated - 3/21/2012
Hans, you are a magician. I know I said it about ten times when we were there, but it's so very true. The snack waffles brought me in, the excellent mochas keep me there, and the panini (BTW, that word is hard to spell) will keep me coming back for more.
I brought my friend there, because I think that everyone should have a Hans experience on their Bucket List. Oh yes, Hans is the very friendly owner of Arosa, and he makes the whole experience a perfect symphony of taste, service and atmosphere!
We ordered the snack waffle, and as I've mentioned previously, these things are to die for, and are worth a special trip and the fight with parking. Even if they aren't fresh off the waffle press, they are still prize-winning. Sweet, the perfect texture and for me, just the right size. But, you don't need syrup for these babies -- they come with all you could ever want in a tasty waffle; baked right in!
In addition, we decided to split an artichoke and mozzarella panini - it was my first Hans panini experience, and the sandwich was one of the best I've ever eaten. Splitting it between the two of us was perfect, and Hans brought out our split sandwich out on two plates. This is a small gesture, but I love when establishments do that, because it really makes the experience much better!
Oh yes, and I also have to talk about the mocha, because no experience at Arosa is complete without the mocha. We both ordered iced Hans Mochas -- these are sooooo good because of the shaved Swiss chocolate that he painstakingly melts as he steams the milk. I don't necessarily recommend going for the iced if you don't mind tiny chunks of chocolate (I love that, though, and I am definitely an ice queen). I prefer iced over hot drinks no matter where I go. Hans is very sweet and flexible, and will make your drink whichever way you like.
In conclusion, I must sing a happy food song. "Arosa, I love love love you, you make my heart happy, and my tastebuds skip a beat! Aro-ro-rosa, you are the cream in my coffee and the su-ooo-gah in my waffle!"1 Previous Review: Show all »
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1/24/2011
The best mocha I've ever had the pleasure to consume. The swiss chocolate is perfect - not too… Read more »
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Review from Jamie Y.
2/24/2012 40 Check-ins Here
Hans, if he was not married, I would propose to him! Okay, maybe not, but he makes the best hot chocolate ever! He has tainted me for life. This is my usual stop every morning when I go to work. Hans is personable, memorizing everyone's order. You will find regulars sitting in a chair chatting with him.
I love his hot chocolate so much that I purchased a bag of the chocolate that he sells. As others have mentioned, he makes these delicious sticky cinnamon/vanilla waffles. If there is one thing you should do in Seattle, go in and say "h"i to Hans and order a mocha or hot chocolate. Do not go across the street to Starbucks. I promise, your visit with Hans is worth more than the $3 you will spend. -
Review from randi s.
5/12/2012
I love Hans, he is so sweet and makes a tasty panini and italian soda. When I was there with some co-workers for the first time I understood why they talked it up so much. Their snack waffles are also insane good, and they have San Pellegrino in cans, which I love. Cute, unexpected and delicious.
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Review from BigTime T.
Seattle, WA
3/29/2012 2 Check-ins Here
Just imagine if Hans and Frans went into business :-)
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Review from Alice C.
10/17/2011
The snack waffles are delicious! The mochas are delicious! And Hans, the owner, is incredibly sweet. I stopped by for the first time today for a waffle and a mocha after an iffy work shift and before class. The smell in this store is... nothing short of amazing. It's delicious and smells like cinnamon, sugar, butter, and coffee. I luckily snagged a freshly made waffle and saw Hans, the proprietor, light up when the woman ordering before me told us her sister had had a baby a couple hours before (and Hans had served her brother in law a few hours earlier). Hans seemed genuinely happy to hear the news, which made me instantly fall in love
The waffles are the perfect size and reminded me, surprisingly, of a dense churro: slightly chewy and crispy at the same time, with a slight cinnamon flavor and nice little touches of caramelized sugar from where chunkier sugar pieces came into contact with the waffle iron. I paid just over $6 for a double tall (amazingly delicious and rich) mocha and a (amazingly delicious) waffle, and was the perfect little pick me up before class.
The chocolate used for the mochas can also be bought in bags. -
Review from adam b.
2/20/2012
Very high quality turkey panini sandwich. The mocha is excellent as well. Limited menu but fresh and enjoyable.
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Review from Daren D.
10/3/2011 1 photo
Just 2 words: warm & charming.
The food is good! My roasted turkey panini was enjoyable and that snack waffle... O thy snack waffle! Omnomnomnomnomnomnom... the chai is lovely, too.
Grandpa* Hans is a sweet fella and super cool. I asked him if the picture of a Model A Coupe on the wall was his, and upon him saying no, he went on about some car story. It was neat. I believe he retired in '92, only to open a coffee shop... loving to work 20 YEARS---after retiring? Holy smokes! :-)
*I didn't call him that, but I wouldn't mind doing so if it was ok with him. -
Review from Loe B.
6/23/2011
I have Hans to thank for winning over my shark of a boss (she's one tough MD to please..is it weird that i admire that?). I introduced her to the soy mochas and Im pretty sure she makes the trek up from clinic to Hans almost everyday. Why is it so good you ask? B/c Hans ships chocolate all the way from Switzerland on the backs of St. Bernarnds..he then shaves it (the chocolate not the dog) and adds it to Fonte espresso and steamed milk (soy if you please). YUM IN MY TUM
1/1 doctor recommended =) -
Review from Chelsy C.
7/28/2011 43 Check-ins Here
A great gathering place for people who demand a superior espresso or mocha. I am all about Hans' focaccia sandwiches too, my current favorite is the Gruyere. I'm not normally a huge fan of Belgian waffles, but at the Arosa, they are superb!
Well worth a stop in here.
Support a man, not a corporation! -
Review from Andrea J.
4/22/2011 1 photo
Yelp genius, and extraordinary coworker, Loe B, turned me on to this spot today. I was really quite dubious that waffles, which are so often doughy, bland, soggy, or saccharine, could be tasty enough to warrant being an actual draw; however, I was proven wrong by a lovely Swiss shop-owner--or perhaps by his wife, as he told us that she is the one who makes the dough. These are crispy on the outside, somewhat soft on the inside. I would compare these to the coveted top of a really good muffin. To give you a sense of the crumb, I posted a picture of the last remaining waffle morsel before I had scarfed the whole thing down.
The mochas, as many have already noted, are also insanely good. I'm so glad I was acting like a complete hog this morning, and had a double short mocha with whole milk. Fine imported Swiss chocolate (bags of which are sold in the store) and Fonte beans are a perfect pair.Listed in: First Hill
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Review from Allie W.
Incline Village, NV
8/11/2011
Delightful little spot that we almost walked right by, as it is very nondescript.
The soy mocha was delicious - I am hard-pressed to recall one I have enjoyed more!
Snack waffles. Being a newbie, I looked around for different varieties, toppings, etc...nope, just the one offering of something called a "snack waffle". I'm game, let's try it.
Yum! Crispy on the outside, slightly chewy on the inside, delicately sweetened and spiced (I detected a hint of cinnamon). Delicious. Don't be fooled by their small size; one waffle is filling!
It was a pleasure watching the owner, Hans, interact with the other customers too, most of which seem to be on a first name basis with him. He is clearly loved by his regular clientele. Love that. -
Review from Meghann M.
Seattle, WA
4/11/2011
Drank a hot chocolate here this morning, and wow!! supremely delicious. Made from swiss chocolate, imported directly from Switzerland (according to Hans, the very friendly Swiss gent who runs this lovely little establishment). Definitely one of the best hot chocolates I've had.
Hans says mocha and hot chocolate are 99% of his business, so clearly he know what he's doing there.
He also knows how to make a damn good waffle! On previous visits I've thoroughly enjoyed the snack size waffles - best when still warm from the oven. They are WAY good: crispy on the outside with a carmelized sweetness that is just right and not overly sugary. -
Review from Micah A.
1/13/2011 1 Check-in Here
My friend and I were having a "Crepe day" which sounds way more feminine than I'd like it to but in my defense I have never had crepes before so the idea was that I'd eat it at a bunch of different places all at once and see if it blew my mind. In case you're curious: No, it did not. My testosterone is still untarnished.
We were sitting in one of the restaurants when across the street we saw a place that said "Arosa - The Waffle Cafe." It took about 3 seconds to decide that there was no way we were going to skip a place that said "Waffle Cafe." Needless to say we were pretty stoked. So much that I'm using the word "stoked."
We step inside this small little store and see Hans, the grandfatherly awesome guy behind the counter, talking to some gentleman with a gray beard that went to his knees. Over in the corner, I saw a small plate of some really tiny waffles, and I looked at the menu and there was not one single mention of the types of waffles available for order. It was at that moment I realized that this was a coffee shop that had a waffle available. That was a huge letdown.
But whatever. We were already inside and I could use some extra coffee. So I ordered a mocha, my friend ordered a hot cocoa, and we decided to order the "snack waffles" since why not. We went to a waffle bar, might as well try the small, kind of pathetic looking waffles in the corner.
Then the following happened.
- The mocha was perfect and amazing.
- The hot cocoa was rich and delicious.
- The snack waffles were outstanding.
Ridiculous. This place went from the most exciting part of my day, to a complete letdown, to better than I even expected. Great job all around. So while I wouldn't come here and expect to have any interesting waffles, I can still recommend this place 110%.Listed in: Great
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Review from Lynne M.
Seattle, WA
12/30/2011
I always go here for a waffle and a mocha when I finish a major project. The waffles are sublime - light and delicious, with just the right amount of sweetness - and the Swiss-chocolate mochas are so rich and to die for. Hans, the owner, is a wonderful person, and is always engaged and interested in his customers. I haven't tried anything else, but the paninis really look very tasty.
On a side note, the last time I showed up, I'd been caught in a downpour and looked like it. Hans was deeply concerned, handed me a stack of napkins, and went to find an unclaimed umbrella in the Lost and Found, thus saving me from another drenching (or shelling out $10.00 for a cheap umbrella). He didn't even seem to mind that I was dripping all over his immaculate floor. Now THAT'S customer service! (I'm donating the umbrella to charity in Hans' name and will bring him the receipt ;)) -
Review from Christopher S.
Las Vegas, NV
11/1/2010
I recently moved to Seattle and my office is across the street from this cafe. The highlight of my day is heading over there on break to chat with Hans and have him make me a cup of his signature Swiss chocolate mocha. I had given up on mochas awhile back but Hans has restored my faith in what is arguably the best mocha in town. He scoops a seemingly ridiculous amount of fresh ground Swiss chocolate into his mini cauldron of stumptown coffee and steamed milk so what you end up with is the perfect velvety blend of rich chocolate with a smooth expresso finish.
The perfect pairing with this delectable beverage is one of his snack waffles, which is a Belgian Leige waffle, i.e. brioche batter baked with pearl encrusted sugar. Frozen waffles will taste like cardboard once you've sinked your teeth into one of these delightful squares. If you come in at the right time, and they come fresh off the iron, they are truly the cat's pajamas. Heck, if there were 8 waffles on the cooling rack, I would seriously consider ordering 9 just to force Hans make one warm one for me. While there is a trend towards adding toppings to these waffles at other places, Hans' philosophy is "why mess with perfection?" I would compare it to drowning a perfectly seasoned filet mignon with A1 sauce.
If I were reincarnated in Switzerland, I would like to have Hans as my grandfather. He remembered my name on my second visit, has a sense of effortless warmth and sincerity, and takes great pride in his products including the panini sandwiches grilled to order which come in turkey, black forest ham, and gruyere with eggplant and roasted artichokes. He also has a wall which includes pictures submitted by his regular customers so you can definitely sense a feeling of community whenever you stop in. Hans is twice retired and has come back for the pure joy of taking care of his customers so don't postpone a trip to check out this local treasure before it's too late.Listed in: Expresso Yourself
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Review from Bob R.
Seattle, WA
11/11/2010
You know it's a newbie customer at Arosa when you overhear them say "Can I get some syrup for my waffle?" Or even better, if they order two!
Hans, the shop's grandfatherly Swiss proprietor, will gently nudge them to try a bite unadorned- and start with one waffle.
This is because Arosa waffles- the batter lovingly mixed by Hans' wife at home and then made fresh on the premesis- need no added sweeteners. They are sweet, crispy and undoubtedly hearty eatin'. And there is no better way to wash one down than with a hand shaved Swiss chocolate Mocha.
Oooh.. just writing about this place is getting my mouth watering. I think I'm going to have to put my pen down and head over there right now.. -
Review from Jeff T.
Bellevue, WA
12/16/2010
I'm not a fan of mochas but the waffles are delicious!
Waffles = donuts -
Review from Eric P.
Seattle, WA
1/18/2012
Try the artichoke / mozzarella sandwich. Great coffee, great waffles.
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Review from Jenna l.
Chicago, IL
8/16/2007
Hans, please be my adopted grandpa. We both are swiss, and both love chocolate.
Seriously. Come in and have a nice chat with Hans and he'll tell you his life story. That book over there on the book shelf, it looks like it has scenic photos of Switzerland, well his family's farm and where he grew up is right in there. He will go on and on about how terrible Hershey's chocolate is, and I couldn't agree more.
Grab a mocha, hot chocolate, panini, and maybe waffle if you can fit it. I would come here every Saturday after my morning class (i know, class on Saturday morning is a college student's nightmare), and Hans made a point to learn my name. There ought to be more places like Arosa Cafe in this world.Listed in: Seattle -- Top Restaurants
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Review from Alex K.
Seattle, WA
9/30/2010 1 Check-in Here
From what I've gathered from the other reviews in contrast to my experience, I have a little piece of advice: if you're going there for coffee, get the mocha. Otherwise, it's just not worth it.
I have some high standards when it comes to coffee, which has been only encouraged by some of the stellar places I've been to in Seattle. In the course of my experiences, I've discovered a kind of litmus test for coffee drinks. If the coffee is really good and the barista is skilled, you don't need any fancy syrups or chocolate to have a delicious latte. Espresso & steamed milk can be amazing on it's own, with the right ingredients and in the right hands...
Not so at Arosa. Now, the guy (I assume Hans) was super-nice, and talkative in the right kind of way, and there were little waffles that looked pretty tasty (in the downright-bad-for-you way), and I noticed a plastic bin next to the espresso maker with shaved chocolate, which I presume is what he uses to make his mochas. From the ads around, it looks like it's swiss chocolate, and I'm sure it's amazing. But my soy latte was...ok...it felt a little watered down, and just didn't taste as amazing as I was hoping. Maybe I had higher expectations, in part because of the reviews, maybe I ordered the wrong thing...
but it's a nice little place, especially since I work just across the street, but the hours are not the most convenient...it took me a month of thinking "Oh, I should check that place out" before I finally was able to get time while he was open to grab some coffee...
maybe I'll go back and try the mocha, see what all the fuss is about. -
Review from Ellen C.
Seattle, WA
6/5/2009
I rarely get up to First Hill, and when I do it's usually to take my daughter to the pediatrician. This week, after her 18 month immunizations, she walked me straight to Arosa (it's a block away), opened the door, and pointed to the waffles. And she's right, Arosa waffles, hot chocolate and Hans remembering your name does make everything all better again.
Seriously, this place is perfection: Hans makes his own pesto, the waffles are fresh and incredible, the hot chocolate and mochas are to die for, and Hans and the regulars make you feel right at home as soon as you walk in. -
Review from Brent E.
Seattle, WA
6/29/2009
This quaint little place owned and operated by a kind gentleman (Hans Riechsteiner) is a delight. The made-to-order paninis accompanied by "snack waffles" that are sweetened to please are a refreshing break from the rest of the fast food located nearby. I did a panini sandwich, snack waffle, and Thomas Kemper root beer for around $11. I'll likely be back for a sandwich and the occasional waffle.
Side note; if you eat in at the cafe, you may leave with the smell of paninis and other grilled / fried goodies on your clothes. It's not overwhelming, but if you're headed to a meeting and don't want to smell like an elephant ear, take your sandwich to go. -
Review from Diana N.
Silver Spring, MD
11/9/2010
I don't know what is my favorite part about Arosa... the mocha, the waffles, or Hans. Each of them make me feel all warm and fuzzy and would encourage me to come back. The three combined make the winning trifecta that is Arosa Cafe.
Hans is the friendly owner who makes you feel at home as soon as you come into his shop. He treats everyone who comes in with warmth and hospitality- from the regulars to the first-timers like myself.
Another great thing about Hans is that he is Swiss, and the Swiss know their chocolate. The mochas at Arosa are amazing! He uses Swiss chocolate melted into the milk to make a creamy, amazing drink that has the perfect ratio of sweet to bitter. So many mochas can double as desserts because they are so syrupy sweet. Not the mochas at Arosa.
If you go to Arosa, you HAVE to get a waffle. No excuses. These are the best waffles I've ever eaten. They are crisp on the outside, a little crunchy where the demerara sugar has crystallized from baking, soft and moist on the inside, and have the perfect amount of spice to complement your coffee. Delish!
It is easy to walk by this place and not see it, but if you're in the neighborhood, definitely make a point to stop by. You won't regret it! -
Review from Jason L.
Seattle, WA
4/6/2006
If you like real coffee and you work or live in First Hill, don't miss this place. Hans serves quality espresso and even has top-notch gourmet chocolate to make mochas with.
His waffles are especially delicious. They are light enough to eat on the go, but good enough to enjoy as a dessert. Without question, they are a rare, handmade treat in a coffee and donuts world. -
Review from Julian H.
Seattle, WA
2/18/2011
4.5 stars is about right. Friendly service, decent prices and good lattes. This location is a little short on seating. The snack waffles look tempting. The latte tasted like sweet warm milk, which is better than bitter but when you want a coffee drink it's nice to taste the coffee. Next time I'll order a double, or a mocha, which appears to be the house specialty.
Listed in: Cafe Life
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Review from Cliff C.
Seattle, WA
4/21/2011 1 Check-in Here
Best mocha I've had, probably ever. Had a waffle too... Come in and try one. There's a Starbucks across the street, wonder if the people in and out of there have tried this place.... My guess is NO otherwise they'd be in and out of here! :p
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Review from Jennifer S.
Seattle, WA
1/20/2011 1 Check-in Here
Read all the hype, but I actually liked Sweet Iron Waffles downtown much better.
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Review from Meredith K.
Seattle, WA
HANS IS BACK! He spent about a year in retirement, then bought his business back because he missed his customers so much. He even has a sign: "Under Old Management." Yay!
Listed in: Eating out on Pill Hill
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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4/3/2008
Hans owned this place for, I dunno, decades. He has now passed ownership to Michelle. It seems… Read more »
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Review from Dan F.
Framingham, MA
9/12/2010
Expected a full restaurant, but were satisfied with eating several "snack waffles" as our breakfast. It was funny to see all the hipsters come in and talk to Hans like he was their best friend. These were so good, we keep looking for recipes online to find ones this good.
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Review from Jill S.
10/8/2010
I've worked up on First Hill for 4+ months and today was my first visit to Arosa. The soy mocha was as good as I expected based on everyone else's comments. The place was smaller than I expected, but it semlled lovely and I had to exert major self-discipline to pass on the waffle--but I am definitely going to go back for one on another day. The best quality of this place is Hans--he is friendly and treats new people (me) like someone he's known for years. Plus, I found out he's a fellow-Capricorn. Even if the mocha were average, I'd go back just to chat with Hans. He is a sweetheart and I overheard some of his conversations with people stopping in before or after their appointments at Swedish, and he seemed to know what to say to give these people comfort and hope.
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Review from Audrey M.
Seattle, WA
10/22/2009
The Mocha's and hot chocolates are the best in the world. It is really the only thing I get there so I can't speak for the food though the one time I tried the ready to go waffles they were sweet and delicious. The guy who runs it is so nice. I hadn't been in almost 2 years and I went last week and he remembered me! He shaves blocks of Swiss chocolate and melts them into the milk to make the hot chocolates or the mocha's. It is fun to watch him make it while he explains all about how Swiss chocolate is THE best chocolate, you get to talk to a nice owner who cares that you are there AND you get the best mocha in the whole world. I would give it 10 stars if I could.
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Review from Lisa E.
Seattle, WA
12/22/2008
Since I live in West Seattle, I don't get up to First Hill very often. In fact, it seems like the only time I'm on Madison in First Hill is when I am going to the doctor. What makes my trips worthwhile is knowing that I can stop at Arosa and order a mocha and one of those awesome waffles. I am typically not a mocha person, but I do indulge when I am there. I had originally heard about this place from another mom who would stop there after her baby's doctor appointments, so I started doing that, too. Such a nice treat, and Michelle is truly kind. My daughter loves the waffles!
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Review from Bonnie H.
Seattle, WA
6/24/2006
I pay frequent visits to this place for a lunch panini sandwich and some coffee. The owner Hans is very nice and friendly. Most customers seem to be his friends.
I like the coffee there, better than some other chains. I've noticed many people like to order mocha or hot chocolate, for Hans uses a special kind of chocolate from Switzerland, creamy and thick unlike other sugary/watery chocolate.
Hans also makes unique waffles, 1.50 for each. The sugar within the waffle comes from Switzerland, too.
My favorite is his panini sandwiches, especially the vegetarian one--with eggplants, artichokes and cheese in it! They are huge and can possibly fill you up for six hours.
Stop by to enjoy nice coffee and a sandwich/waffle. Conversations in the store can also bring you a brief relaxing break from your busy day. -
Review from Joe J.
Seattle, WA
9/12/2011
Hans is the best. Besides Dutch Bros. out of Oregon and Cafe Fiore in Seattle, this is one of my favorite coffee shops and if I am ever near there, even if I've already had coffee. I stop in and say Hi and grab a tall mocha (with that amazing belgian chocolate) and a Waffle...sweet stuff!!
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Review from Jennifer S.
Renton, WA
1/26/2008
The best mocha in Seattle. OMG. The waffles, so so good. Hans is just precious! I love Arosa.
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Review from Joni M.
Seattle, WA
9/20/2009
Love the snack waffles! Completely scrumptous!! Best coffee on the street.
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Review from Lani A.
Seattle, WA
1/26/2010
I frequent the Madison Park location more often than this one, but I prefer to go to this one. The owner, Hans, is charming and delightful, and an excellent conversation partner while he rings up your order. The waffles are great, too - crunchy with pearl sugar, although not to sweet, and redolent with butter and cinnamon. They taste European to me.
A couple of chairs makes it an easy place to relax while you eat your waffle. Get the mocha if you like them - he adds real chocolate shavings! -
Review from Michelle T.
Seattle, WA
5/16/2011
I didn't know the combination of milk, chocolate and espresso could taste so good. I think we taste Hans' love in each drink. How great it is that he remembers us too! I always skip the starbucks and cross the street for this place.
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Review from Nate B.
Seattle, WA
2/11/2011
Best Mocha and waffle in town. Any time we are at Swedish Hospital this is our treat.
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Review from Wendy B.
Bainbridge Island, WA
3/14/2011
Hans is warm, friendly and will fill you up with his waffles, coffee and sandwiches. He sells Swiss chocolate that is fantastic. I love going to his place whenever I can. It's a little slice of heaven!
