Café Presse

4.0 star rating
615 reviews Rating Details

Categories: French, Coffee & Tea, Bars  [Edit]

1117 12th Ave
(between Madison St & Spring St)
Seattle, WA 98122
Neighborhood: First Hill
(206) 709-7674
Hours:

Mon-Sun 7 am - 2 am

Delivery:
No
Accepts Credit Cards:
Yes
Parking:
Street
Attire:
Casual
Good for Groups:
No
Good for Kids:
No
Takes Reservations:
Yes
Price Range:
$$
Take-out:
Yes
Waiter Service:
Yes
Outdoor Seating:
Yes
Wi-Fi:
Free
Good For:
Lunch, Dinner, Breakfast
Music:
Background
Best Nights:
Thu, Sun, Sat
Happy Hour:
No
Alcohol:
Full Bar
Smoking:
No
Coat Check:
No
Noise Level:
Average
Good For Dancing:
No
Ambience:
Hipster, Trendy, Casual
Has TV:
Yes
Caters:
No
Wheelchair Accessible:
Yes

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614 reviews in English

  • Review from Rey D.

    • 1 friend
    • 14 reviews

    Seattle, WA

    5.0 star rating
    5/10/2012

    i went for the first time on a very busy morning--to watch "el clásico," the spanish la liga soccer match between real madrid and barcelona.  café presse was recommended by another yelper after i'd posted a question about where i might be able to catch la liga games in seattle.  thanks again for the tip!

    the hostess was very welcoming and accommodating.  i was alone but she asked if it would be okay to share a table.  i said sure, so she seated me at a comfortable table.  being bistro-style, of course, you can't expect the place to be very roomy.

    i had the jamon cru sandwich.  it was different--it's french, after all!--but tasty.  i also had a half-pichet of gascogne and later a cup of drip coffee.  all outstanding and reasonably priced.

    as an aside ... as it turned out, a friendly couple from spain shared my table.  the guy was from madrid and a real madrid fan.  his girlfriend was from bilbao and was a barcelona fan.  but it was all cordial.  :)

  • Review from Kevin C.

    Renton, WA

    4.0 star rating
    5/14/2012 1 Check-in Here

    This place was really good for breakfast!

    Definitely get the Croque Madame. I love sandwiches with eggs, but this one was super delicious.

  • Review from Angie C.

    • 10 friends
    • 19 reviews

    Lynnwood, WA

    4.0 star rating
    5/13/2012

    Omnomnom

    It was super busy, but service was fast, and the coffee and food I had was delicious.

    The only tip I would offer the server, is don't bring me my check before I ask for it. I was going to order desert, upping my tab, and therefore your tip, but was asked to pay before I got a chance to order that course. Was alright, walked around the corner to get a cup cake.

  • Review from Tom B.

    Brier, WA

    4.0 star rating
    5/11/2012 1 Check-in Here

    Been meaning to try this place for probably 20 years now, if I am thinking of the right one. It's clearly a well-told legend of late night dining. You learn that, you'll pass the pop quiz you're taking later. The rest is details.

    It's right next to the Stumptown on 12th, and can get packed or it can be very sparse. You walk in and you're confronted with a magazine rack. Buy one and it's added to your tab. Cool.

    The bar and dining room have that classic downtown shoebox orientation. The staff have that classic downtown facial hair orientation. The barback is all about liquor and spirits; they have a few wines but the beer list is pretty meaningless. Decent choices but unspectacular (which is fine). The menu's where it's at. The whole damn thing's in french, which is great if you read french, and sort of an adventure in maybe getting what you thought you ordered if you don't read french. Well, actually, it's pretty clear what you're ordering, to be fair. And more to the point, the food is really good.

    We split some frites and each had IPAs and croques madame. The sandwich here is fantastic; the egg is perfect, the sauce is tangy, the meat and smoke flavors come through, it's all goodness from top to bottom. And, despite the fact that they serve it with a steak knife, you can cut it cleanly with a fork.

    As the last of the other customers were leaving, the staff announced that for them, they would play a farewell tune. This turned out to be the talents of R Kelly, showering down upon us. I thought my buddy was going to have a lifelong giggle fit, and it was kind of hard to tell whether the staff was actually playing the record sincerely or not, but they left it on. Honestly, even though I was able to keep a straight face, I think some better music might make this place a five star stop on a different night.

  • Review from Oanh L.

    • 0 friends
    • 3 reviews

    Fountain Valley, CA

    4.0 star rating
    5/23/2012 1 photo

    Yum went here for a late night dinner. Ordered the steak frites and croque madame on the first visit. The fries were delicious, the texture is great. The steak is perfectly seasoned and is juicy. The croque is good. On the seconds visit we ordered steak frites again, eggs with ham and gruyere. We finished dinner with a nougat glace, it was fluffy and crunchy at the same time. It had a bit of tartness from the cherry which was balanced out with the sweet honey ice cream and dark chocolate sauce.

  • Review from L K.

    • 0 friends
    • 6 reviews

    Seattle, WA

    5.0 star rating
    5/24/2012

    O.M.G. My friend was so excited to take me here. I've been wanting to try it for years but finally had a chance to go so I was excited. It lived up to the hype and man was it good. You know when you're given something in a smaller portion and you take forever to eat it because it's so good? That's exactly how our brunch went. Got the croque madame and pate with bread and it was amazing!! Can't wait to bring others here and the service was friendly as well.

  • Review from Chi D.

    Seattle, WA

    5.0 star rating
    Updated - 4/19/2012

    Consistently topnotch.

    Tried different dishes the last 2 times and I was a happy camper. Mushroom omelet was delicious and the sardines celery salad was a surprisingly good. And of course it wouldn't be complete without ordering the 'frites' here.

    Note to self - I like to seat in the back area, much roomier. I had to squeeze to get through whenever I got seated in the front, always felt like I was part of the neighbor's table.

    Was this review …?

    1 Previous Review: Show all »

    • 5.0 star rating
      11/10/2010

      I took my parents to Cafe Presse for lunch on Sunday and they loved it, as much as I do. We order… Read more »

  • Review from Carly C.

    Seattle, WA

    4.0 star rating
    4/17/2012 1 Check-in Here

    I am a fan. This place has a cute atmosphere and the food is very good. At my table 2 people got the Croque Madame and 2 people got the OEufs plats, jambon, fromage (I just copied this from the menu for spelling- its a fancy name for ham, two eggs & gruyere cheese). Both were very good- full of flavor and cheesy yumminess. Both items are very rich and do not come with a side. We shared the fries and YUM- I would go back just to eat those bad boys.

    The menu is on the smaller side but if you're craving something extra cheesy and gooey- go here!

  • Review from Kate S.

    Seattle, WA

    4.0 star rating
    3/19/2012

    I am a notorious ham hater. Try as I might, it just ain't the thing for me. Sure, other pork offerings are finding themselves more and more on my table -- but not ham. I have to say, for disliking it so much, I really really liked my Croque Madam here. Did I pick out half the ham? Yes. But I did also eat half of it as well with no complaints. How could I when I have a THICK piece of toasty bread full of ooey-gooey cheese, topped with more slightly charred cheese and a fabulously runny egg on top? Even with ham, this thing was divine. Add the ambrosial shot of espresso I had here and I have a fabulous late night or Sunday brunch meal.

    Service last time was spot on. That waitress with the cute short blonde hair is great.  Layout is a bit weird to me, but both the front and back areas are nice -- humming with conversation and the sounds of  silverware and glasses clinking.  Atmosphere is relaxing -- which is appreciated after a night out with the usual suspects. I need a place like Cafe Presse and I am so glad it is there.

  • Review from Amanda B.

    • 11 friends
    • 23 reviews

    Seattle, WA

    5.0 star rating
    Updated - 4/9/2012

    Woah nelly, what was I thinking. I chock that last review up to bad service, I think the restaurant had just opened.

    I love this place. Love love love. The Croque Madame, French onion soup (actually all of their soups), sandwich en baguette and salade verte are my staples. And I don't know what kind of magical ju ju they put in their butter but it's seriously amazing.

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    1 Previous Review: Show all »

    • 3.0 star rating
      7/29/2007

      After hearing about Presse from friends who raved, I thought I'd go and check it out for myself. I… Read more »

  • Review from Kristin C.

    Kirkland, WA

    4.0 star rating
    Updated - 3/5/2012 1 Check-in Here

    It's been years since I have been here, I missed the delicious croque monsieur, so when the awesome Corinna K offered to be my Brunch companion, obviously I said yes. I mean, a croque monseiur AND Corinna? That's a no brainer.

    I really feel like I was unfair to this place because of the ambiance, but turns out it was my own fault for going around dinner time, this place is much better as a brunch spot. The front room and back room are completely different, but both have their merits. The tables are close together, you can hear everyone around you's conversation, and honestly, I love that about this place.

    What's going to keep me coming back though is the Croque Monsieur, I have never really ordered anything else on the menu. The baguette is good, and the frites are delicious, with a side of mayonaisse. But really, all I need is the delicious sandwich. The French really know what they're doing. Plus, its a super cheap meal. $6 for a filling sandwich, and $3 for a delicious cappuccino.

    If Corinna will have me, I will definitely drag her back here for more delicious Sunday Brunches.

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    1 Previous Review: Show all »

    • 3.0 star rating
      2/4/2009

      I was craving some good french food, specifically a croque monseiur. After reading a few reviews on… Read more »

  • Review from Candace W.

    • 2 friends
    • 11 reviews

    Seattle, WA

    5.0 star rating
    4/12/2012 1 photo 1 Check-in Here

    Tried this place for the first time today, and it is great! It is French to a T, but unpretentious, casual and welcoming. There is ample street parking, outdoor seating,  and a great ambience inside. They were pretty busy, but the servers were quick, friendly and attentive.

    I got my order to go (which is VERY un-French of me)--an iced latte and a croque madame with no ham. Got everything within about 7-10 min, and it was all delicious!! Definitely not the cheapest option, but oh-so-worth it. I would love to go back and dine in for the full experience.

  • Review from b t.

    • 2 friends
    • 45 reviews

    Pasadena, CA

    5.0 star rating
    5/18/2012

    Wow, fantastic pork chop!  Everything was well priced below $17 an entree and drinks were well priced as well.  The entrees didn't come with much as sides but appropriate given european style servings are less on the "make it a biggie" mentality. Cute small space, would definitely come again the next time I'm in Seattle.

  • Review from John P.

    • 0 friends
    • 1 review

    Seattle, WA

    4.0 star rating
    5/10/2012

    Croque Madame and frites hmmmmmm.... don't forget the steak tartare!
    open early, open late.  A regular stop for me.

  • Review from Jill S.

    • 13 friends
    • 21 reviews

    Seattle, WA

    5.0 star rating
    4/4/2012

    Cafe Presse is my new girlfriend. Just don't tell my girlfriend. I love love LOVE this place. Tucked away from the main haunts on Capitol Hill. Light and airy inside. Intimate without feeling too claustrophobic (and some of those tables are super close together). Actually, I'm convinced there is some social engineering going on - one evening I went to the cafe with a friend and we ended up chatting it up with one of the tables next to us!

    I love the french fries, the baked egg with cheese dish, the chicken liver terrine, the sandwiches, etc. In other words, every thing I've eaten here I adore. Can a girl marry a restaurant? No. Okay then.

    The prices hit the sweet spot, and there is never any pressure to vacate a seat. I've been for breakfast, lunch and dinner as well as afternoon snacks. I only hope this doesn't become even MORE popular, or I will never get a damned seat when I go. So go, just not when I want to go.

  • Review from Shalan G.

    Seattle, WA

    4.0 star rating
    2/2/2012 1 Check-in Here

    Oh my dear Lord, I am home. And it feels so good.

    After asking Yelpers where would an excellent place for a steak frites, I was recommended among many others, Café Presse. The menu had me in tears - it's been a while since I was last in France, which I have always considered my second home.

    It's a cosy little café with seating in the front and back - busy and loud.

    We had the Steak Frites and Omelette au choix. The steak was delicious and cooked perfectly.  The omelette was fluffy and buttery. Perfect portion sizes for a light dinner.
    The baguette slices were crisp and soft, the butter salty, and completed the meal.

    We had Pastis with our meal.

    We indulged in Caramels au beurre and Glace ou sorbet de jour - which was nutella ice-cream.

    A espresso ended the meal on a high note. Sigh! I am in love.

    I am so happy that a place like this exists in Seattle. I count the days when I can be back.

  • Review from Kirstin H.

    • 18 friends
    • 18 reviews

    Bellevue, WA

    4.0 star rating
    2/8/2012

    Cafe Presse is a fun French bistro on Cap Hill. They offer simple fare such as pommes frites, croque madame/monsieur, onion soup, charcuterie, as well as larger entrees such as steak, quail, hot/cold chicken, fish, and raclette. All very tasty, seasonal, and their prices are not offensive.

    Catering to a hipster/intellectual/college crowd (since it's next to Seattle U), you'll find students and professors at lunch, and a more bourgeois scene at dinner. Waitstaff are not always the most attentive, but I think the food makes up for the handful of I'm-too-good-to-refill-your-coffee waiters.

    Must Try:
    Pommes Frites
    Croque Madame
    Chocolat Chaud (mad love!!)

  • Review from Dublin Fitzgerald K.

    • 0 friends
    • 48 reviews

    Seattle, WA

    1.0 star rating
    5/1/2012

    Every once in a while, a friend will suggest we meet at Cafe Presse for a bite.  I shrug and say "Sure."  It is not my favorite, the tables are way too close together, the food is uninspired and the servers always act like I am bothering them when they are taking my order.  But the last two times I have eaten there, I found a HAIR in my food.  Not just a short one, but one that seemed to be structurally holding together a large portion of the food on my plate.  A fucking load-bearing hair.  I bring it to the server's attention and they offer to bring me another dish.  Why?  Like I want more chances to find another hair?

  • Review from Sonali R.

    • 6 friends
    • 18 reviews

    Seattle, WA

    5.0 star rating
    3/12/2012

    Presse is our go-to place for bistro lunches and dinners.
    The bartender and hostess is always nice to us and the waitstaff, equally so- even when it's busy. Our favorite reasons to go is to watch soccer. It reminds me of being back in the 16th in Paris-- there's a nice community of people who come here from our neighborhood, and it feels like our really it's our neighborhood bistro.
    One of the best reasons to come here is quite simply for the reliably good food at great prices. Steak Frites , Croque-Monsieur and their seasonal tuna salad are the 3 things I usually choose from-and I'm never disappointed.

  • Review from Dana D.

    Seattle, WA

    4.0 star rating
    3/6/2012

    A wonderful French restaurant/bar scene on 12th Ave. The architecture of the building is completely exposed inside (steel beams, concrete slabs, etc).

    A great place to go for breakfast or late food and drinks. Caution, the food is very French style, so if you're looking for a cheeseburger, this is not the place for you.

    MY FAVORITE: order the Croque Madame ($7) -Great anytime of the day, whether it's 10AM or 1AM, you can't go wrong with this choice.

    *AFFORDABLE, DELICIOUS FRENCH FOOD.

  • Review from Kristen H.

    • 1 friend
    • 4 reviews

    Mercer Island, WA

    5.0 star rating
    3/19/2012

    Cafe Presse is a frequented lunch spot as I work nearby. It is a great place for a quick and tasty bite without huge portion sizes. They have seasonal soups, of which the pumpkin in the fall is my favorite. They are based on French cuisine with many options to choose for lunch at reasonable prices, as well as larger meals if you're looking to spend a bit more. I enjoy the yogurt with honey and walnuts, the frisee salad, and the croque madam.

    The service is always friendly and great at keeping a bottle of water on the table. Visit for a meal or just coffee and a brioche. I love Cafe Presse.

  • Review from Corinna K.

    Seattle, WA

    4.0 star rating
    1/9/2012 1 Check-in Here

    This is the best croque madame in the city. You heard me. THE BEST. It can even ameliorate the effects of a 40+ hour bender, which I think anyone would have to admit is an impressive feat. It's also the most cost effective, clocking in at a bargain $7.25. Where else can you get a toasty square of perfectly melty cheese, ham, more cheese, bechamel, and a gorgeous fried egg for $7.25? Yup, nowhere. Bless.

    The service here is so-so. Can be good, can be haughty, you might get water, you might not. Completely depends on the hour and the server. Do I care too much? Nope. Because they have the best croque madame in the city!

  • Review from Tommy K.

    Seattle, WA

    5.0 star rating
    2/25/2012

    I love coming here for breakfast. In fact, the only regret I have about this place is that it's not closer to where I live so I could come here more often. The service is excellent and in the mornings it's a place quiet enough to read a paper while eating but with enough going on that it doesn't feel dead.

    The food is fairly simple. It's a French bistro style menu so don't expect American breakfasts (or American portions).

  • Review from Adam V.

    • 7 friends
    • 9 reviews

    Seattle, WA

    5.0 star rating
    4/21/2012

    If this place was not only a few blocks from the apartment building where my husband and I reside I would still venture there almost daily to feast on the gruyere sandwich and a corpse reviver #2 to wash it down with.  Best Meal EVER!

  • Review from Brian H.

    • 19 friends
    • 9 reviews

    Seattle, WA

    4.0 star rating
    Updated - 2/22/2012

    Fretfully protesting (but craving a delicious croque madame), I recently returned to Presse and was pleased that the service issues had been (mostly) resolved.

    Now I just have to re-train myself to visit them regularly.

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    2 Previous Reviews: Show all »

    • 1.0 star rating
      8/13/2010

      Café Presse is now on my "Horrid" list.

      I stopped in here several days ago with some friends to enjoy… Read more »

  • Review from Sarah O.

    • 3 friends
    • 27 reviews

    King, WA

    1.0 star rating
    Updated - 1/3/2012

    Sigh. Went back this afternoon, and, even in the presence of the owners, the service was unbelievably terrible. And the owners themselves not only seemed indifferent but downright sour. The waitress I have had before, who was really nice before refused to even make eye contact. And then for the third time going there - after the waitress  re-carded our party after switching servers (odd) - she tried to over charge me...3 TIMES this has happened! This time it was the worst though---added almost double everything to my tab! Good thing I looked over it, I saved myself nearly $30.00! I am beyond disappointed. The owners OBVIOUSLY don't care so I don't know why I am even taking time to re-review this place, except to spare someone else their shitty attitude.

    But hey, if you like being ignored, scowled at, overcharged, and rushed PLEASE go to Cafe Presse. This is your spot, grungy residents of capitol hill! They LOOOOOVE treating you like crap.

    One silver lining to the horrid service - food and drink. The drinks are always strong and generously sized. The guy with the glasses and choke collar necklace is a great bartender who actually seems to kind of care about guest satisfaction. The food is delicious always and comes out quickly.

    Yet again, after spending a considerable amount of my hard-earned money on their product, and introducing friends and family to their establishment, I was shafted big time.

    So frustrating. And to the owners - shame on you both, letting your surly waitstaff let their trendiness and grunge get the better of your customers. My friend had to get up out of her seat to order us another round of drinks and dessert after being ignored for 20 minutes. Unacceptable.

    I am so embarrassed to have taken people I cared about to your establishment.

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    1 Previous Review: Show all »

    • 3.0 star rating
      9/7/2011

      I wish I could give this place more stars, because up until my last visit, everything has been so… Read more »

  • Review from Lilly T.

    • 68 friends
    • 147 reviews

    Seattle, WA

    3.0 star rating
    2/6/2012 1 Check-in Here

    I don't get the hype! We came here at around 10pm on a Sunday for a late snack. We heard their croque Monsieur was the best so we ordered that to share and just weren't impressed. The sandwich wasn't as dense as we like it and I think it was because of the bread.

    Service was ok. A little on the cold side but they have a friendly bartender. Atmosphere was very cute & romantic. I'd like to go back and try other items on the menu though.

  • Review from Ryan C.

    Bellevue, WA

    4.0 star rating
    3/24/2012

    come in during school breaks and it's quiet! oh, coming in the morning helps too in parking...

    had the croque monsieur.. it's the madame without the egg.. yumss... had it with the dijon mustard and ketchup... well, i don't think it's french if you have ketchup right? oh what the heck, i like my food flavorful!

    as some reviews said, get the breakfast/brunch/lunch.. dinner kind of dissapointing? btws seattle mag voted it's frites as the best in 2012.. i missed it when my friend ordered his steak and frites... so no help here! ahhaha!

    service was... so-so, i think my guy server was having his period. when we gave cards for our bill (4 ppl), he grabbed the initial combined bill and tossed it in the trash. i'm sort of offended? oh well, people have their days right?

  • Review from Matthew M.

    Bellevue, WA

    5.0 star rating
    1/8/2012 1 Check-in Here

    This is a small restaurant that is tucked closed by to Seattle University. The food is great and is something that you would expect in a small French cafe. The French Onion soup and salads are great for a lighter meal. The Steak and Frites is great for those who have a large appetite. For being a French restaurant the prices are reasonably priced. The atmosphere is cozy and it gets pretty loud in there as the place starts to fill up with patrons. All the cocktails were great, but the best part of the meal was the desserts, coffee, and the freshly baked bread.

    Something that I thought was pretty neat is that they hold conversational French lessons during the week...and the are FREE!

    I will definitely be going back soon!

  • Review from Hayley V.

    Seattle, WA

    5.0 star rating
    Updated - 12/1/2011 1 photo 11 Check-ins Here

    If you go to a place 10+ more times after your original review you should be required to grant said establishment a default 5 star review update. New yelp rule. I just made it up. Adhere bitches.

    P.S. I love you Presse. I take back everything I said about the marys, you were probably just having an "off" day or something, amirite?

    Listed in: ROTDs

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    1 Previous Review: Show all »

    • 4.0 star rating
      9/7/2009 ROTD 1/18/2010

      Presse this food right into my pie hole! I like Le Pichet so I'm not surprised I dig Café Presse.… Read more »

  • Review from Sam T.

    • 12 friends
    • 11 reviews

    Seattle, WA

    4.0 star rating
    1/10/2012

    One of my favorite spots to take someone...good date spot...

    Get the chicken terrine, fries (promfrites?), croque madame (basically the best ham and cheese sandwich you'll ever have...EVER...)  They put a egg on it...very impressive...coffee is good...atmosphere is fun...

    Worth checking out...

  • Review from Lo L.

    Bellevue, WA

    4.0 star rating
    1/10/2012

    Croque Monsieur was one of the first foods that I learned about in my middle school French class. I remember my teacher telling us that it's like a French-style grilled cheese, a sandwich that I am a huge fan of. Even after drooling about it in French class, and having gone to France in 8th grade, I had yet to try one...

    And then I went to Cafe Presse for brunch. The little cafe does have a French-esque ambiance, and the staff were taught how to pronounce every dish correctly which made me want to sharpen up my very rusty French.

    Anyway, the food is delicious- rich and creamy dishes served in moderate portion sizes, it's so, well, French. The croque monsieur was better than I'd imagined- slightly crispy bread that when cut, every bite oozed with cheese and was enhanced with the salty-sweet flavors of the ham...Mmmmm

    Since my wallet won't allow for a trip back to France anytime soon, I'll settle for a visit to Cafe Presse for now.

  • Review from Myra P.

    • 34 friends
    • 54 reviews

    Seattle, WA

    3.0 star rating
    1/3/2012 1 Check-in Here

    This place makes me want to learn French.

    We came to Café Presse one Saturday evening to meet up with my co-worker from LA. She was staying in the area so my fiancé suggested this spot. I had a champagne cocktail - I can't remember the name - that was absolutely delicious. I was still nursing a hangover from my first night out in Capitol Hill the night before and the drink was light enough for me to enjoy twice. We ordered a couple of pommes frites to munch on with our drinks. They were satisfactory. We arrived at around 10pm and stayed until closing - the ambiance was casual, relaxing and perfect for chatter amongst strangers.

    I loved the French vibe at this place. They hold French round tables for anyone who wishes to practice their français - even the "All Employees should wash their hands" sign is completely in French so you can practice your French while you - you know - wash your hands.

    I'm not sure if I'd ever return just for this place, but if I find myself in the area, I would be happy to stroll in to try their entrées.

  • Review from Uhura J.

    King, WA

    4.0 star rating
    10/29/2011 ROTD 3/12/2012

    If you know me, you know I love France and French culture. So it should be no surprise that I enjoyed Cafe Presse. I would hang out here more often if it weren't stupid packed all the time because of its delicious food, solid service, and little slice of French culture on the hill - but apparently the late night scene is where to begin.

    I like that the food is simple and good, with traditional items described on the menu and that the staff is always ready with a suggestion or opinion if you're unsure. I went with friends and was immediately jealous that I didn't order the Croque Monsieur even though our cheese plate was complete perfection.

    In general I'm a fan of any place with a slower, leisurely pace; where you share a meal with friends over conversation - not shovel endless piles of food down your gullet in a rush.

  • Review from Kara C.

    • 12 friends
    • 4 reviews

    Coto De Caza, CA

    4.0 star rating
    1/29/2012

    I could live in Cafe Presse for the following reasons:

    #1 - The croque madame at Cafe Presse is the only item of food I could eat every single day for the rest of my life and die happy. It is so delicious.
    #2 - The interior of the restaurant is so cozy and cool. From the exposed brick and beams and beautiful. I wish my house looked the inside of Cafe Presse.
    #3 - The vibe of the whole restaurant is pretty cool. The music and people are both very  eclectic.

    My only complaint about Cafe Presse is the service. While they are all cool, hip, and young, they are a little cold. I sort of feel like an inconvenience to them while I am there. Maybe it's because I am not 21 so I am not ordering drinks. Regardless, I wish they were a bit more friendly.

    But nothing can keep me away from that croque madame...

  • Review from Melissa L.

    Seattle, WA

    5.0 star rating
    3/12/2012 1 photo 1 Check-in Here

    here or le pichet are my go to's for french cuisine.  the foods are relatively the same and everything is so affordable it really can't get much better than this.  i do like cafe presse a little better just bc it's bigger. all the bartenders and wait staff are super cool and are more than happy to help with any questions or suggestions.

    i love coming here on the weekends for a glass of wine or champagne, pomme frites and their divine foie.

  • Review from Victoria C.

    Honolulu, HI

    4.0 star rating
    11/3/2011 3 photos

    So on our short visit to Seattle my BFF took me, my fiancé and his friends to Café Presse for a late luncheon!  I was pretty excited especially cause I love French cuisine.  The place is pretty small but luckily there was enough room for us since we came later in the afternoon.  My friend made some suggestions since she had been here before and I knew right away I had to try the Croque Madame.  I also ordered the French Onion Soup since I LOVE French Onion and we shared the pommes frites.

    What I love about French food is that it's very simple.  I also loveee how they eat mayo with their French fries.. yes I know it's so bad but so good!  When the French fries came with mayo I was in heaven.  Seriously.  Anyway, the French Onion Soup came in a BIG bowl.. biggest portion I've seen but then again it is $11.  I'd def recommend this though.. it was very good with all that cheesy goodness.  My Croque Madame tasted as good as it looked.  It was perfect in every way!

    I really liked this place even though our server was a little on the snobby side but I guess it added to the hipster atmosphere eh.  Oh yeah btw, I don't know if people in Seattle just have a heavy hand and a high tolerance for alcohol but man their drinks were strong!  My mimosa gave me a good buzz after a couple sips lol.  But it was delish and a great way to start my day.  I wish we had more places like this in Hawaii!

  • Review from Sherry V.

    Los Angeles, CA

    5.0 star rating
    12/24/2011

    My sister wanted to try a nice coffee/brunch joint that was not Starbucks affiliated. We made the trek from dtown Seattle to here. I had the croque monsieur and she-- the croque madame. The only difference is that the madame has a sunny side egg on top-- nothing to do with a sexist sandwich. This was my first time trying a croque, and it was certainly heavy /cheesy but simple & delicious. I take comfort in the fact that we walked 3 miles after consuming this breakfast. We also shared pommes-frites which were fried to a nice crispness. I still haven't caught on with the whole mayo and fries thing-- even though I've tried Pommes Frites in NY. Ketchup all day errday! I also had a cafe mocha which was made from in-house chocolate.. pretty good!

    Nice dining experience here. There's plenty of room in the back, which you wouldn't be able to tell from the front of the restaurant. The service is attentive/fast and the rest of the menu looks legit and tasty.

  • Review from Rachel A.

    • 1 friend
    • 16 reviews

    Renton, WA

    5.0 star rating
    3/19/2012 2 Check-ins Here

    Fabulous ambience, dim lit, cool crowd, laid back europeanesque staff. As many have pointed out delicious Croque  Madame! Whether sipping champagne in celebration or having morning after breakfast with friends you can't go wrong with Presse.

  • Review from Grace E.

    • 1 friend
    • 19 reviews

    Renton, WA

    1.0 star rating
    4/28/2012

    The mussels were ok, but had better.  The bread didn't seem fresh.  Boiled chicken tasted bland, they forgot to season it.  Seats are very close, it seemed as if your sitting together with the next table.

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