Bus Stop Espresso

4.0 star rating
33 reviews Rating Details

Category: Coffee & Tea  [Edit]

800 NE 65th St
Seattle, WA 98115
Neighborhood: Roosevelt
(206) 528-5997
Hours:

Mon-Fri 6 am - 6 pm

Sat 7 am - 6 pm

Sun 8 am - 5 pm

Price Range:
$$
Accepts Credit Cards:
Yes
Parking:
Street, Private Lot
Outdoor Seating:
Yes
Wi-Fi:
Free
Wheelchair Accessible:
Yes

Review Highlights   

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"They use Vita coffee and Morning Glory Chai here." (in 4 reviews)
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"They use Caffe Vita, which I was previously unacquainted..." (in 3 reviews)
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"...warm, and my god this last latte I had was perfection." (in 7 reviews)
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33 reviews in English

  • Review from Michael F.

    Brooklyn, NY

    4.0 star rating
    10/16/2011

    Making my way through seattle coffee shops with a donut and a coffee at each place. French toast donut and iced coffee here, was the best so far. The iced coffee was delicious, no acid at all, and the server steered me away from making iced coffee mistakes. The donut wasn't particularly french toasty but was different enough from a normal donut and also very good.

  • Review from Eileen G.

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    • 0 friends
    • 7 reviews

    Seattle, WA

    3.0 star rating
    9/1/2011

    My carpool meets right across the street at the park and ride, so I have been getting coffee almost daily here.  Its a cute little shop.  I used to live across the street and study here because they have internet.

    A little pricey ($3.50 for a 12oz latte) and although they have a pastry case, there is never anything that catches my eye to eat.  It's also kind of difficult to park in their small parking lot as it it requires taking a left turn and then immediately pulling into a tiny parking lot.  Much easier to walk to than to drive to.

    The staff is really nice and they do offer a punch card which is an advantage for the daily customer :)

  • Review from Micah A.

    San Jose, CA

    5.0 star rating
    4/3/2011 1 photo 30 Check-ins Here

    It took me a while to write a review for this place because even though I've Yelp duked it like a champ, it never really wowed me. I have a little crown at the top of this page, and yet it was just a regular little coffee shop. The coffee was okay. Not bad, not great. The place is small, not bad, not great. Everything is meh. No, that's not fair. Maybe Meh+. That's a capital meh and a plus sign. It's on the high upper edge of meh.

    I didn't want to write a Meh+ review for a place I frequent regularly. Luckily, I discovered they had something called a "Mexican Mocha" the other day, and that drink is excellent, so now I can finally give them the five stars I wanted to give them.

    ~~~~

    They let me bring my dog inside when I order coffee, which is the main reason I give them so much business - enough that I managed to out-Duke a frequent Yelper with the Yelp app. Speaking of which, Yelp, the women that Duchess a place should get Tiaras. Crowns are not necessarily gender neutral.

    Since I've been going here they switched owners. Everything is pretty much the same, except they run out of cookies and bagels more quickly now. Also, the floor is sometimes a little dingy. Still, the workers are pretty social, which is nice. Or I guess it would be nice if I didn't have caffeine headaches every time I walk in. They may as well be talking to an equus africanus asinus. I'll wait while you Google it.

    Otherwise, I like this place a lot. I might have to change my review if they ever ban dogs since it's not really an official policy for them to allow pets inside. But then maybe I'll still go back, because at least I wouldn't keep spilling coffee all over myself because my dog really wants to chase a motorcycle. I really wish I paid attention in that class on Osmosis.

  • Review from Julie S.

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    • 7 friends
    • 46 reviews

    Seattle, WA

    1.0 star rating
    7/22/2011

    Texting and smoking in the garden area is more important than opening up shop, even when you can see you have customers waiting. Chairs still inside waiting to go out, shades drawn at 5:59 am (due open at 6 am).  I have a bus at 6:08 and don't think I would make it unless they were actually ready to go right at 6 am. Unlike some folks, I actually open up shop on time.

  • Review from Corey S.

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    • 7 friends
    • 10 reviews

    Seattle, WA

    3.0 star rating
    8/24/2010

    The Bus Stop has one thing going for it ... location.  True to it's moniker, it's very close to the Green Lake Park and Ride which makes it convenient to grab a nice eye opening Americano before hopping on the bus.  

    But beyond the convenience, I don't see a lot of redeeming qualities here.  For example:
    - In the summer months, I like iced coffees.  I have literally been charged 4 different prices for the same iced coffee.  I guess "iced coffee" means different things to different baristas.  
    - The milk/sugar station offers up cream and soy milk.  What, no skim?  I gotta keep my cup o' joe light to justify the pastries!
    - The coffee seems a bit acidic to me.  I recognize that this criticism is specific mostly to me ... I'm sure there are plenty of folks out there that like their java a little on the tart side.

    I don't hate Bus Stop Espresso.  I just don't love it either.  I'm somewhere in the middle with a firm, "meh".

  • Review from Sarah S.

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    • 36 friends
    • 54 reviews

    Seattle, WA

    5.0 star rating
    Updated - 6/16/2011

    This review is for Bus Stop's rich, sweet, cold brew coffee.  Seriously. It's delicious. With the same amount of calories as an Americano, it tastes like I'm drinking a mocha (almost).  The Mukilteo coffee beans really sing in a cold brew. Try it this summer!

    Listed in: Seattle Circa 1998

    Was this review …?

    1 Previous Review: Show all »

    • 5.0 star rating
      4/5/2008

      This is my neighborhood coffee spot.  The staff are warm and friendly while making great coffee.… Read more »

  • Review from Necia D.

    Seattle, WA

    5.0 star rating
    1/29/2010 16 Check-ins Here

    Bus Stop is about 23 strides from my house, or 15 if you're skipping (which I do with my 8-year-old when he knows there's a bagel in it for him.) If you haven't been here in a while, you should swing by; there's a new owner, whose name is Steve. He's dead-friendly, extremely warm, and my god this last latte I had was perfection. Ask Arthur about the music he makes, too. He's knowledgeable and has a sweet, candid expression which is very endearing. This place was good before, but it's even better now.

    I was having a rather calamitous day when I swung in. But Steve, the  unfortunate recipient of my description of said calamitous day, gave me a free cookie to make it all better, and it really did (well, for a while, anyway.)

    A few days earlier, I was in there and it was this happy, chatty little compressed hive of neighborhood goodness. The garbage collectors were enjoying a mug, too, and everyone was talking to each other in this sweet cat's cradle of conversation that went across every demographic imaginable. I don't think I've ever seen such cheerful garbage collectors, by the way. And did I mention the coffee was SO DAMN GOOD. Mind you, it takes a LOT of persuasion to make me forsake my French press and embark on those whole 15 skips plus one flight of stairs more to go out and buy me a coffee. But until mine tastes like THAT, well. The garbage guys are definitely onto something.

  • Review from Alli D.

    Seattle, WA

    3.0 star rating
    1/26/2009

    Three words for you: Peach. Passionfruit. Scone.

    It was delicious. The drip coffee was on the cool side and not very strong. Service was OK; they weren't that busy but were kind of sluggish and not overly friendly. I guess you have to be a regular for that to happen.

    I'll go back, if not for another scone then for another local coffee shop with free wi-fi.

  • Review from Sophie J.

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    • 11 friends
    • 36 reviews

    Seattle, WA

    5.0 star rating
    11/24/2006

    The Cafe Vita coffee here is quite flavorful.  I love that they somehow make this a pleasant stop even though it is right near the freeway underpass.  It's a strange location, but somehow they make it work.  They even have a nice back patio.
    I'm never really in this area, except for when I go to the dentist (which is located across the street), and I always make this my post-dentist stop.  Gotta make the dentist visit fun somehow, right?

  • Review from Mina A.

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    • 10 friends
    • 58 reviews

    Seattle, WA

    5.0 star rating
    1/20/2008

    Great corner location with a little parking lots on each side for a quick coffee run in the morning. Honestly, I went in with pretty low expectations the first time.  The staff was warm, fast and the coffee was EXCELLENT.

    Cozy, eclectic seating with newspapers always around to browse.
    Sign says free wi-fi, but haven't tried it.

    The outside window is a great option, especially when grabbing a coffee with the dog in tow (or at times being towed by the dog). The staff has always said hello to my pup and offered doggy treats. :)
    Little things like that keep us coming back.

  • Review from Tim O.

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    • 542 friends
    • 655 reviews

    Seattle, WA

    4.0 star rating
    4/29/2007

    Caffe Vita, nice pro staff, and the option to order inside or outside. What's not to like?

    Name comes from the fact that the building actually use to be an old bus stop. Betta ya didn't guess that one, huh?

    I haven't used the walk up window yet, but I love having that option.

  • Review from Randi P.

    •  
    • 1 friend
    • 23 reviews

    Lake Tapps, WA

    5.0 star rating
    3/5/2010

    Friendly neighborhood good coffee.
    I like the idea of punch cards, buy 9 get 1 free I think. Otherwise good prices, art on the walls. Your typical coffee shop but not nearly as snobby as most. And I appreciate that.

  • Review from Devon D.

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    • 2 friends
    • 11 reviews

    Seattle, WA

    4.0 star rating
    6/13/2009

    Decided to check this place out a couple of weeks ago and I'm so glad I did.  An iced soy mocha is the yardstick by which I measure any coffee shop, and I have to say, this place takes the cake so far in Seattle.  They use Caffe Vita, which I was previously unacquainted with.  I have no idea what kind of chocolate or soy they used in the drink, but the results were fantastic: a rich, cold creamy drink, not too sweet but without a trace of bitterness, and a nutty quality that provides a perfect finish.  Sceptical that any coffee shop could make a drink so utterly delicious, I went back again today to see if they could replicate it.  They did.  I am in throes of ecstasy over this coffee.  Ohhh chocolate orgasm...

    *ahem*  Excuse me.  The staff is also very nice; it's been the same person both times I've dropped in, and each time I've been greeted with a smile and engaged in friendly conversation while the object of my complete adoration has been created.  They have great art on the walls to stare at while you dream of the coffee you are about to receive.

    They don't get five stars because their parking options are very limited and they charge a little more than most places do for the same drink.  Then again, other places just can't make it this good.

    Now... back to my mocha... ahhh...

  • Review from Amy H.

    Chicago, IL

    1.0 star rating
    9/29/2010

    I've gone in about five times and the baristas have never been friendly. In fact, downright rude at times. I'm not sure why they refuse to put my tea bag in the hot water, or visibly roll their eyes when I ask what pastry selection they have. But hey, if that's how they want to treat a customer, go for it. I just won't be back.

  • Review from Alice C.

    Seattle, WA

    4.0 star rating
    11/3/2010 1 Check-in Here

    I miss living in Ravenna, because on the weekends I would walk here and get homework done (as to avoid the crowds at Brown Bear before it became a restaurant) before walking to work. I'm not too much of a mocha fan, but the orange mochas are pretty good, and the baristas have always been good at putting less chocolate in when I've asked for it.

  • Review from Jessica W.

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    • 12 friends
    • 15 reviews

    Seattle, WA

    4.0 star rating
    1/29/2011

    Good location, and great coffee! Also a bonus that the staff actually know the difference between an Italian soda and a creamosa!

  • Review from Mike I.

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    • 1 friend
    • 8 reviews

    Seattle, WA

    4.0 star rating
    1/25/2010

    I stopped by here the other day after a long absence.  It seems to have undergone a makeover (for the better) since my last visit.

    The staff was very nice.  The short Cappuccino I had was amazing, and sported the closest thing to foam perfection I've experienced in a long time.  I'll be back.

  • Review from Danika M.

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    • 363 friends
    • 218 reviews

    Seattle, WA

    4.0 star rating
    6/12/2008

    The best thing about the Bus Stop is the staff.  Levi is a rad cartoonist, Lara is the Leonardo of the Bus Stop...They are all pretty f*ing cool.  Decent coffee (Better than Whole Foods or Starbucks..) and a fun atmosphere.  They use Vita coffee and Morning Glory Chai here.

  • Review from Christiaan B.

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    • 10 friends
    • 12 reviews

    Seattle, WA

    2.0 star rating
    11/3/2010

    Had a cup of coffee a friend picked up for me here.  I realize they do espresso mostly but the coffee was undrinkable.  I think it had been sitting for a long time or was not brewed properly.  I like small business and try to support it so I will be back to see if I can up the stars.  For now 2 because if you serve coffee in Seattle it at least has to be drinkable, I mean I could have gone to the gas station next door and had a better experience.  Sounds like "fresh" is not working out for Bus Stop Espresso reading some of the other reviews here and considering my experience.

  • Review from Vi N.

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    • 3 friends
    • 13 reviews

    Seattle, WA

    3.0 star rating
    11/3/2010

    3 stars only because of location and quality of coffee.

    Stopped by before my ride came at the P&R.  Saw no postings of flavorings and couldn't see the bottles behind the counter, so I asked...and got a bad look and a "what do you mean?"  :/  

    Ended up with a yummy pumpkin spice latte with one of those awesome espresso designs on top.  Too bad the bran muffin they gave me was at least a day old...crunchy muffin top and a dry middle?  meh.  Not the best way to start my morning.

    I'll only be back for coffee if I truly feel like I need a coffee.

  • Review from Eddie M.

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    • 0 friends
    • 12 reviews

    Seattle, WA

    5.0 star rating
    5/25/2008

    Great coffee shop! I live near several coffee shops (Starbucks, Revolutions, Peets) and I always go to the Bus Stop. The people that work there are totally awsome AND make great coffee.

  • Review from Y L.

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    • 1 friend
    • 6 reviews

    Seattle, WA

    3.0 star rating
    3/14/2010

    Normally I love this place.  However, I have noticed that there is a new owner (who sorry, doesn't seem friendly at all), and my most recent latte was only half full.  I'm not sure if it's an honest mistake or a deliberate attempt to save on milk, but it was weird.

    I'll give this place another chance, only because I've been going for years now.

  • Review from Sara F.

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    • 9 friends
    • 75 reviews

    Anchorage, AK

    2.0 star rating
    11/12/2009

    This place seriously annoyed me. They gave me my coffee but only after it was ordered & prepared did they tell me they charge a whopping .50 cents to use your debit card! That's my first beef. THEN, they forgot to put the vanilla in my "Vanilla Latte"?? WTF!! A medium sized drink, (which comes to $3.91 at Starbucks), cost $4.46 here!! R U SERIOUS? It didn't taste great either, just decent. Even though their close & even though I like to frequent & support local coffee shops versus the chains, I won't ever go back here. Poor customer experience, it really put a bad taste in my mouth :(

  • Review from Kimberley D.

    Seattle, WA

    4.0 star rating
    4/2/2010 1 Check-in Here

    Friendly and supercute barista. Morning glory chai. I couldn't stay and hang out because I had to go catch a bus, but they were playing good music and it seemed cozy. There were a bunch of inside tables w/outlets and an outdoor area too.

  • Review from Rachel J.

    Mukilteo, WA

    4.0 star rating
    3/21/2010

    Today I was sent on an errand that gave me 45 min to kill... which is how i ended up at the bus stop. I have been here several times before and decided to give it another go. I am always glad for the coffee but really never receive nice service. Today was a nice lady and we agreed we both like cinnamon. I will keep returning to the bus stop hoping for more nice laid back service.

  • Review from Dan P.

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    • 51 friends
    • 186 reviews

    Seattle, WA

    4.0 star rating
    2/4/2006

    As always. I wish it could be cheaper, but this small comfy place has great CateVita coffee, and quick service.

  • Review from Maria C.

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    • 335 friends
    • 792 reviews

    Seattle, WA

    4.0 star rating
    3/7/2006

    I'm not normally a coupon cutter, but this one was for a free second cup of coffee when you buy one and I AM seriously caffeine addicted, plus I often drive by here getting off the freeway to go home, so long boring story short, I stopped by and got my 2 cups to go because I didn't want them to know I'd be drinking both one after the other. Great coffee. Caffe Vita. I'll also be going back because they serve Morning Glory Chai here too. I was the only customer.

  • Review from Margaretta L.

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    • 2 friends
    • 78 reviews

    Seattle, WA

    4.0 star rating
    4/15/2006

    The service here cannot be beat.  "Flexible, understanding, able to smile genuinely at everyone" must be written at the top of the job description for baristas here.  A lifesaver of a coffee stop before commuting north.

  • Review from Laura P.

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    • 4 friends
    • 36 reviews

    Seattle, WA

    5.0 star rating
    10/29/2008

    Just plain good stuff. Baristas are consistently friendly and good at their jobs.  So I know I will always walk out with a good beverage and a pleasant experience.  And I adore their  butcher paper wall questions.  So interactive.  Seriously, this is what coffee shops want to be.  And they have a great selection of chocolates, including dilettantes.

  • Review from ID T.

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    • 0 friends
    • 19 reviews

    Seattle, WA

    2.0 star rating
    11/2/2009

    I've been going to Bus Stop off and on since it was Dave and a cart outside of the copy shop. It's always been my go-to stop for a really great latte and great service.

    I know, I've been broke lately, haven't been in a lot, but recently it's just been a lackluster experience. Hot dogs? Rude service? I can go elsewhere for that.

    I know, everybody has a bad day in customer service now and then (and I know from my own cs jobs) but ...

    What happened?

  • Review from T. Y.

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    • 4 friends
    • 26 reviews

    Seattle, WA

    5.0 star rating
    11/2/2008

    Great mochas and americanos.  Haven't tried a latte there mainly because when a shop offers Dilletante's chocolate, it's a crime not to get a mocha.  They offer several other chocolates to choose from as well, which I find unique, a great idea, and wonder why more shops don't do.

    The interactive questions on the wall (markers supplied to respond) add a great note to the atmosphere.  I wish I lived closer!

  • Review from Leslie W.

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    • 7 friends
    • 6 reviews

    Seattle, WA

    5.0 star rating
    12/21/2010

    Best coffee in the city of Seattle.

  • Review from Margo W.

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    • 2 friends
    • 13 reviews

    Seattle, WA

    5.0 star rating
    3/21/2010

    Love Bus Stop. Also love that the new owner started serving really great pastries. :)

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