- Restaurants |
- Nightlife |
- Shopping |
- Movies |
- All
Bauhaus Books & Coffee
Category: Food Coffee & Tea Coffee & Tea [Edit]
301 E Pine St(between Melrose Ave & Bellevue Ave)
Seattle, WA 98122
Neighborhood: Capitol Hill
(206) 625-1600
- Hours:
Mon-Fri 6 am - 1 am
Sat 7 am - 1 am
Sun 8 am - 1 am
- Price Range:
-
$
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Street
- Outdoor Seating:
- Yes
- Wi-Fi:
- Free
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
300 reviews for Bauhaus Books & Coffee
Review Highlights
"And a fantastic view of the Space Needle."
(in 25 reviews)
"Added bonus-ding dongs and lovely space."
(in 16 reviews)
"Excellent people watching."
(in 29 reviews)
Loading...
300 reviews in English
-
Review from Greta P.
Seattle, WA
11/23/2011
I really do love this place... but it's hard to find a place to sit sometimes at night. They're one of the only places open until 1am (please don't ever close earlier, I need you). The coffee is great, and I dunno what people are talking about the baristas being mean, because I always find them to be just fine. So they didn't ask you if the sun shines while your head is up your ass. Get over it. They work hard and don't feel like chit chatting with you at the end of the day, having the same dumb conversation about the rain with every customer. (geez.... can you tell I work in the service industry?)
This is still my favorite coffee place. It has a great location for looking downtown or people watching and I'm a total bibliophile, so the mere presence of books is very comforting.
It is also my #1 favorite place to study... I CANNOT concentrate in silence, and if I listen to music on my own, I just end up distracted. The acoustics of Bauhaus somehow mix the chatter of other patrons with the music played over the p.a. into the perfect intersection of white noise. It is fantastic.
I also like coming here with friends. It's intimate enough to be able to have a semi-private conversation. In the summer, it's nice to sit outside, assuming you're okay with second hand smoke (or are smoking). -
Review from Matt N.
2/1/2012
Looks like the word hipster is the keyword for this place which I would agree with, but from a coffee standpoint, I really enjoyed the americano that I got. I felt the roast and the flavor of the beans was just right.
I didn't have any customer service issues or notice the eccentric customers they had. I must say the music was a tad bit loud to have a conversation, but I could imagine coming back another time to grab some more espresso and keeping it low key.
The parking situation isn't great which will probably prevent me from coming back soon, but if I'm in the area and craving some coffee, I'll be back. -
Review from Damian T.
Seattle, WA
1/24/2012
Their drinks are okay and the space is packed. Fun for people watching and hanging out with people.
Sometimes they play the music a bit too loud.
Open late though, so if you want coffee late night, it's the place to go -
Review from Elibe E.
Seattle, WA
1/15/2012
Bauhaus is THE epitome of the Seattle hipster coffee scene. What's best is that the coffee is pretty damned good - the baristas (and baristos) know their stuff.
I prefer to enjoy my coffee while walking the city, but in the fall/winter...well sometimes you want to dry off a bit.
When I moved here, there were a group of artists that would sketch and draw things on Thursdays - I'm not sure if that still goes on? -
Review from H C.
Seattle, WA
2/6/2012
I ordered a non fat vanilla latte and she made it with him milk, but it tasted pretty good! The cappuccino was decent as well. We ordered a quiche a pizza on a pastry and it was only ok. They have no way of heating it up so it was kind of cold. I don't know how they store it throughout the day, but eating cold pizza and quiche is not ideal. They should probably invest in a microwave. It's also REALLY loud in there, not the best place to get work done.
-
Review from Michael U.
Dublin, OH
Go here if you want to pretend you are cool.
Go here to set your Mac Book on a table and your Iphone on a chair of its own while pretending to read Proust.
Go here to take up a seat while pulling out your oils and a small canvas to paint while looking forelorn out the windows.
Go here if you want "baristas" with skinny jeans and bad attitudes to give you shit about taking an extra packet or two of Splenda for later even if you are a paying customer.
Go here if you want to pay for parking by the hour while drinking sub-average coffee.
Go here for the dirty bathrooms, the dirty patrons, and the dirty looks.
Actually - don't go here unless you are hard up for wi-fi which is free, but which requires a passcode that the "better than you" hipster behind the counter will only give you after acting like you just asked him to run a marathon. -
Review from Jenna D.
Seattle, WA
12/14/2011
Not the BEST coffee, but better than a lot of places. The late hours are nice. Sometimes it is hard to find a seat though. That's annoying. Especially when there is some stinky hipster person sprawled out taking up a ton of room.
But anyway, the coffee is strong enough for me to come back. And they sell ding dongs. I really don't like ding dongs, but that's cool.
Have fun finding parking. -
Review from Paloma M.
Seattle, WA
1/23/2012
I really do love this place! the best part it opens until 1 am, and the staff are very nice! the always remember what I drink! love the art on the walls and the music. The also show one old movie a month, this month metropolis!
-
Review from Lauren B.
1/9/2012 5 Check-ins Here
I love Bauhaus. They have great coffee and really nice pastries, like the ham and cheese croissant.
-
Review from Jason R.
11/26/2011 2 photos
Ding dongs! The correct typeface! Wall-mounted pencil sharpeners! Efficient people!
Oh, and pretty good coffee. I've only been here during the day and didn't sit a spell, but I did quite like my short experiences here. -
Review from Doug C.
11/9/2011
Bauhaus has a reputation for being pretentious, but I really don't think that's the case. If Bauhaus Books & Coffee were a band, it would be something friendly and upbeat like Smash Mouth. Actually, there's a band that fits the analogy better, but you probably haven't heard of them.
(Never mind that if Bauhaus Books & Coffee were a band, it would probably be Bauhaus.)
Anyways, I found the coffee ordering easy to comprehend and there really wasn't any difficulty or snark here. I found my vanilla latte good, which is to say that it was what you'd expect from the high Seattle standard.
The gimmick with most coffee places is the setting and location which works pretty well for Bauhaus. It's a reasonably convenient location with some people watching possibilities out towards the sidewalk plus wifi. Personally, I liked the seats on the upper level allowing you to gaze at the tragically unused books adorning the walls.Listed in: Coffee Crawl?
-
Review from Lanne S.
Seattle, WA
11/4/2011
Bauhaus actually deserves 3.5+ stars in the daytime, and 1-2 at night (earned only because they are open). Since I'm usually in here at night, they get 2 stars from me overall.
I come here to do work in the evening quite frequently mainly due to the fact that they are open late and the coffee is pretty decent. (I order their americanos, not sure about their mochas or drip as I've never ordered them, and my occasional vanilla lattes are so-so).
If you are looking for a place to spend an afternoon soaking up some Seattle culture and conversing with friends, this is a really great spot. I would recommend it to anyone visiting Seattle. The location and views are stellar.
However, at night, if you're looking for a nice place to study or read a book, the only thing Bauhaus has going for it is that it's open. The noise level can get ridiculous, especially later in the evening when the baristas blast the music so loud that turning your own music up all the way will not overpower their hipster-tastic tunes. I really cannot understand why they do this. Sorry, Bauhaus, you are not a dance club, and nobody came here to listen to your stagnant playlist. Additionally, most of the baristas are extremely unfriendly, so don't come here expecting a smile with your order. Finding a seat in the evening, especially if you come with a friend, can often be extremely difficult, so be willing to hover and swoop in when a table opens up. -
Review from Phil C.
Seattle, WA
11/15/2011
I met someone from the internet here once and played chess, the inviting and relaxed atmosphere plenty enough to enliven droll banter to pleasant conversation when awkward moments came up. This is oddly how I see Bauhaus, "A welcoming atmosphere" with the stately Walter Gropius peering down at you, judging your lack of refined post-modern artistic sensibilities.
But that's okay. They have the same shitty Chai everyone else seems to have. Their coffee is pretty good. I used to go often enough that I bought a metal coffee cup tin from them, which I didn't end up using enough to make it worth what I spent on it (though I still really want one of those shirts).
It's a usual stop if I'm going downtown from Capitol Hill, though now it's more out of the way so it's a rarity. But if I'm meeting anyone from the train or just got back in town, it's a great spot to relax after traveling before dumping bags at home.
Or, a fantastic welcoming sight for someone new to the area. A view of the Needle, some good coffee and maybe a chocolate Croissant as the sun sets, while a dozen people are reading around you. You pick up the Stranger and settle in for a bit as the line fills with an interesting mix of people. You sip your coffee and hear some laughter, then you go back upstairs where no one is saying A DAMN THING AND STARING AT SCREENS LIKE BROKEN ROBOTS ACHING TO UNDERSTAND THIS HUMAN LOVE WHY OH WHY CANNOT LOVE BEEP BOP BLOOP
Anyway it's a swell place and I like it. Pro tip: free newspapers + soaked seat = wasteful and/or non-wet-butt.
* Edit: When I first moved here I stayed away from Bauhaus for a year because it seemed terrifyingly hip. This may not be the case, but it seems less so once you go often enough. -
Review from Chris T.
11/4/2011
I lived on the same block for a year before I stepped into this place. Dear god I've been missing out.
This place offers a laid back inviting ambiance. Perfect for lounging around with a laptop. -
Review from Jamie Y.
9/18/2011
The music rocked, the seating was comfortable, and the decor fits.
And they have Ding Dongs.Listed in: When on the Hill....
-
Review from Jennifer M.
Seattle, WA
1/5/2012
They make the best mocha out of any place I've tried. Great atmosphere if you just want to read or fiddle with your laptop, too.
-
Review from Doug D.
Mountain View, CA
12/30/2011
I think the hipsters keep this place afloat because it has some of the worst coffee I've had in Seattle.
-
Review from Beth G.
Seattle, WA
12/29/2011
Great coffee and atmosphere.
-
Review from J N.
10/23/2011 1 Check-in Here
Cute place. Great coffee; not quite a five, tho. Huge seating area. I had heard lots of good things about this place, and I wasn't disappointed.
Bonus marks for the seating outside which is great for people watching. Really packed on a busy street/intersection. The inside was quaint if not eerie with the shelves upon shelves of ancient books. I could see how it could influence one to pick up a book instead of a laptop!
The pastries did not look like anything to write home about, but I'd love to see someone attempt to eat the vintage cereal on the shelves. Sadly, it was not for sale, but it was sure fun to look at. :)
Although there was only one b.r. per gender, bonus points for its cleanliness!
I would return! -
Review from Roy K.
Alpharetta, GA
10/3/2011
A must visit if you are non-local type. Why? Because it's a local spot.
Open very late, sells ding dongs, and i think you get a discount if you have body odor.
All adds to the feel of the place.
They do have good espresso.
Free WiFi
Cool setting -
Review from Ken J.
Portland, OR
10/28/2011 1 Check-in Here
Came here for a cup of coffee to wake up with this morning, and I'm already back again tonight I enjoy the place so much. Bauhaus is an easy favorite for me, I'll definitely be coming back!
Nice subdued lighting inside, comfy, well worn vintage furnishings. Walls full of old books and funky art. Good and varied music at comfortable listening levels. Friendly baristas who make damn fine coffee, and a selection of tasty snacks to go with the drinks. And the location is amazing, both where it is relative to other stuff and the building itself.
Oh, and free wifi, so I can post this review while I'm still here :P -
Review from Regina W.
Cambridge, MA
1/8/2012
2 mochas and a t-shirt. Second floor view. Space Needle, Misty Mountains, Olive Tower, in partial panoramic view. El Captain Apts. Furnished and Unfurnished. The mochas were really velvety, neither bitter nor too bold. The Apple Danish was just okay, nothing extraordinary, but not terrible, which means I won't get it again. The square savory vegetarian tart was good, but the barista didn't offer to heat it up. Good thing it tasted good cold. Were it not for the scenery, the high ceilings, the second-story sitting area, free wi-fi (with code), interesting crowd, and the library-esque back wall raised to the floor, this place would probably earn a stale 3. In short, the setting is what elevates Bauhaus to a solid 4. Would definitely come back.
-
Review from Rick S.
Great coffee, location and atmosphere. I love sitting on the 2nd floor overlooking the main level and street. I'm so glad you can't smoke in here anymore!!!
The employees are super friendly, too! -
Review from Ranny K.
Tacoma, WA
6/16/2011 1 Check-in Here
This is probably the closest I'll get to being Carrie Bradshaw in The City. Since I can't be in Manhattan, I'll settle for Seattle's Capital Hill. It's hard to find a place in Seattle/Tacoma/anywhere in the PNW that's open late and doesn't serve alcohol. So to find a place like this is like finding hidden treasure.
This place is generally busy throughout the day, but it's not hard to find a seat to sit and read/study/write. There are lots of hidden outlets. If you can't find one, like I couldn't, ask...there's one somewhere. It's a spot that you'd find in a college area except it's not crowded with college students.
I love the wall of books. People actually go in to read the books. I think that's pretty cool. Though, they play the music kind of loud--so if you're one of those people who need absolute silence, this is NOT the place for you.
I also love that they have mugs. I have thing for drinking my tea in a mug.
When I start dating again, I'll probably want to go here. I could see my date and I closing this place out. -
Review from Marc M.
Seattle, WA
9/20/2011
I wind up coming to Bauhaus late, after the vastly superior Caffe Vita further up the hill has closed. I can only judge the place based on their late night hours and maybe it's different earlier in the day. But late night this place has a bad vibe. It's trying too hard to be cool and the people working here are not friendly. Maybe they're just giving back what they get from the customers but the place never feels welcoming.
Late night wifi comes at the cost of truly awful music blasting loud and an attitude problem. Oh and the bookshelf might as well be a prop - no one here is reading any of these old books. Totally average coffee. -
Review from Kristine H.
Seattle, WA
7/27/2011 4 Check-ins Here
I've stopped in a few times when I've been on the Hill and Bauhaus has never disappointed. My first time was to meet a friend for coffee and while we were only to have met there and continued on, we ended up staying for a couple of hours having coffee and people-watching from a coveted upstairs table!
The smell of books makes me happy and their late night hours are a perk. On every visit, my coffee was quite good and I experienced good service. I didn't feel any sort of cliquish vibe from the baristas or the customers. In fact a couple of the times I've been in queue for my coffee, I've struck up conversations with strangers. -
Review from Alaina W.
8/8/2011 1 Check-in Here
I came to Bauhaus because I was early for my appointment at Zero Zero, just up the street, and was in need of a little breakfast.
Their coffee was ok... I got a soy caramel latte. I also got a fattyfatfat jelly-filled glazed Top Pot Donut. Yum! There was a wee bit of a wait, but it was fairly busy in there, so it's a given.
Felt out of place, though. And I'm not going to knock it for being "one of those snobby hipster places" because well, it's just not my bag. Simple enough.
However, I LOVE that they sell Kool-Aid! I LOVE that they sell Ding Dongs! And I LOVE the space.
I'd come back... I just wouldn't stay to hang out. -
Review from Lolia S.
San Francisco, CA
4/7/2011 4 photos
Did they hire the same designer as Top Pot? Bauhaus also looks like a library with floor to ceiling shelves filled with books. The gothic paintings remind me of Edward Gorey.
There are many places to hang out with your laptop and enjoy the free wi-fi and/or the spectacular view of the Space Needle. I liked finding the Cool Kids Only table upstairs. The brick walls are covered with customer graffiti.
The pastry case had croissants, scones, cookies and many varieties of Top Pot doughnuts. I didn't notice any lunch type items.
* Latte: the latte wasn't as smooth as I expected, it was strong enough but somewhat harsh
* Chocolate croissant: not bad, big with many layers but the layers of dough were lacking in flavor, on the doughy side, seemed like it could have been baked longer
Since it's open late and has a vibe that I like, I will be back with my laptop. -
Review from Adrienne V.
West Covina, CA
11/13/2011
Open late? woo! Went here to study during my four day vacation. I don't know why they say the servers or whatever are unfriendly. The dude that took my order was nice. Though it was dimly lit, there were plenty of outlets for me. Parking was hard, and I ordered steamed milk w/ vanilla. It seems to be my favorite as of right now. It wasn't too piping hot either, thank God. Anyways, the music is fairly obscure. Sometimes it was pleasant, other times I just put on my headphones. Furthermore, I want to say I like it, but parking is just too hard and it seems a little sketch.
-
Review from Robert Soren S.
Evanston, IL
8/28/2011 3 Check-ins Here
My friends brought me here when I first came to Seattle 12 years ago. This place has the best vibe, but it's kind of a hipster place and I'm probably the only one who's ever come here dressed in A&F.
The espresso drinks are better than most places (including sbux which I also love) but the drip coffee takes a back seat to Starbucks and some of the indie places elsewhere. The pastries are hit or miss. I love the movie nights and the music is usually good, but maybe a little loud sometimes.
It's a perfect place to come in the early mornings or evenings with a book or your laptop and chill. People watching is first rate and everyday I watch someone trip on the curb crossing Pine St.Listed in: Best Coffee
-
Review from Tawny P.
Montclair, CA
10/28/2011
The place it self was very chill and laid back! its a great place to do homework or some research lol...mor of a student hangout which i'd probably like if I lived there. It looked like an Apple store when I went hahaha! everyone who was at the bar by the windows all had a Apple laptop and you can see it from afar lol. The coffee on the other hand....hhmm it taste kinda bitter maybe if I got another drink? I ordered the Mocha Late it wasnt all that good...I've had better here in Capitol Hill.
-
Review from Eli W.
6/16/2011 1 Check-in Here
This is a solid place to read or do some work. There is a good amount of seating, lots of outlets, outdoor seating, and they are open till 1am. (I believe the coffee house that is open the latest in the area aside from Starbucks in U Village)
The joint is constantly busy, which is something I like, but not everyone enjoys the bustling noise of people living.
The coffee is mediocre and not the best example of Seattle Coffee, but for those you go to Vivace, Vita, Stumptown, or Zoka. Bauhaus is a combination of good atmosphere, interesting people, and okay coffee.
As for service, I have not run into anyone that was particularly annoying to put me off to the place. I have encountered interesting/kind baristas.
This place rules for grabbing a cup of joe, smoking a cigarette, and talking about [insert your preferred topic] with a friend.
I would recommend the iced coffee, during the summer months of course. Surprisingly, I would avoid the drip here.
The FREE internet can get slow here, bring work you can get done off-line. -
Review from Christopher T.
Seattle, WA
4/16/2011 86 Check-ins Here
I've been a regular here since I moved to Seattle a few months ago. It's a block from my office, and they serve great coffee. HOWEVER, I must admit/warn that their drip coffee is really strong (as their slogan reminds you) and might be a little too much for some people. It took me a while to get used to, and if I don't have it for a while it hits me hard when I go back.
The demeanors of the baristas here range from pleasantly reserved to could not possibly care less about you. They're gregarious with the very-regulars but matter-of-fact with everyone else. My barista knows my drink, but we don't really make small talk -- for which I am partly responsible.
The espresso drinks are what I consider typically Seattle-level (meaning very good but not standout). The atmosphere is hip in the daytime, but the hipster meter appears to reach its upper limits in the evenings. Skinny moustaches and skinnier jeans, greasy hair, thrift store fashion, and conversations about the hippest things in hipland. But really, I kind of don't mind that.
Cheapskate bonus: If you bring in your travel mug, drip coffee is only $1!Listed in: Fueling the Caffeine Machine
-
Review from Koa M.
Honolulu, HI
6/2/2011 1 Check-in Here
I have been here a time or two since moving to Seattle and am always disappointed. the atmosphere is lacking any type of light. Creates a very "we are hipsters that are so cool" ambiance that really annoys me. The Chai Latte is absolutely the worst one I have ever had. I am not a big fan of rice milk and by some "mistake" they had put that in my drink the first time. The typical crowd in here looks to be 20 somethings that are to cheap to buy internet at there local apartments so they all cram in here and spend the day here.
One positive thing is they have old school "Dads" root beer in a bottle and donuts!
I also really dislike it when there are large "Tip" boxes. If i want to tip I will but when I don't please do not give me some dirty look. If your service sucks and your coffee is subpar don't expect MORE money from patrons. -
Review from Puneet L.
Cupertino, CA
7/20/2011
My first impression of this place, was that its stuffy, with weird rotten milk smell, but that must have been an off day. Given they are open till 1AM, I have spent numerous nights here working (and not working :)). They serve decent coffee, and the music is really nice too.
I visit pretty often, and I would suggest you do too, especially if you are looking to get some work done late in the night. -
Review from Jingwen Y.
Seattle, WA
3/26/2011
I alway pass by this place on the bus and decided to check it out with a friend.
They serve a pretty good cup of coffee. Service was speedy, efficient and friendly.
Maybe it was the Emo like paintings on display, but the atmosphere is a bit dark. I love the fact they have tons of books that looked like encyclopedias on the bookshelves. I felt smarter just by being near them.
The place also has a 2nd floor full of tables, outlets, and a pretty decent view of the Space Needle. It's cute how they used the phone number as the password for their wi-fi.
Music varies from the hits in the 80s, Latin beats, and club songs. Variety is the spice of life.
I think I will visit this place again. -
Review from Vas S.
New York, NY
10/30/2011
Coffee is not the best, but it earns 4 stars for the ambiance, the seating (outdoor, indoor, and upstairs open loft), and for being one of three places open to 1am in the entire city of Seattle.
-
Review from Heather O.
Woodinville, WA
11/2/2011
This is one of my favorite coffee shops in Seattle. The coffee's pretty good, but I always get a chai. Their chai isn't my favorite chai ever, but it's wonderful on a cold day.
What really makes this place amazing is the feel. I love everything about being there: from the friendly staff, to the wide range of patrons, to the giant bookcase lining on wall, to the beautiful large windows lining the other, to the open upper level, to the monthly artwork everywhere.
I've been here many, many times and it remains one of my favorites. Sometimes it can be tough to find a seat, but once you do you can really settle in and focus on what you came there to do, whether it's reading, writing or playing chess.
Their pastries and coffee may not be the best in Seattle, but they are still delicious, and the atmosphere is so comfortable and inviting, and it's exactly what a coffee shop should be. -
Review from Michael B.
Brooklyn, NY
12/4/2011
Cool atmosphere but terrible wi-fi, I felt it was 1996 all over again.
-
Review from Kira I.
Seattle, WA
1/21/2011 10 Check-ins Here
My absolute favorite place to forget myself. For sure. Even before I lived in the area (hehe).
I love this place for 5 reasons:
1) Best place to see people be themselves. Either it's way early in the morning and everybody is as real as life can deal to them that day. Or they are done with the day and even more themselves than they have encountered after a long day at work/school/play.
2) The baristas and owners are always on par. Service has always been preeminent to a fault. I want to say that they have bad days but I've personally never seen them....and I think it may be resulting from the broad range of people that come in. They are always prepared and ready for a diverse crowd and you can tell.
3) Not to say that there might not be a huge line whilst entering, but know that they treat everybody a level of equal respect; something that is taken much for granted these days.
4) The upstairs is the absolute best place to people watch. Period. I used to think other coffee joints in the area where more intriguing, but lately I have seen the benefits of just being there. Something a lot of people may forgot. JUST. BE. THERE. for an hour....3 hours.....5 hours...psht no limit. Upstairs you will see that life goes and comes as easy as a turkey on thanksgiving. Embrace the time you get to chill up there. It's uncanny how every time is a new experience. But definitely don't just take my word for it.....
5) They have ever-changing art and movies even and are part of the Blitz art walk. Yadda yadda yadda- I appreciate this because they aren't just there to be there. They are there to help out the local artists as well and be badass in their decor obviously....!
Secret 6) THEY SELL DING DONGS!!! whoop!
So check them out. You might see me upstairs or lurking in any of their old school chairs outside with a book, but it's always up to you to decide =)
Oh yeah and I aspire to have a library like theirs (including the ladder!) one day!
