Cafe Javasti

4.0 star rating
43 reviews Rating Details

Categories: Bakeries, Coffee & Tea, Creperies  [Edit]

8410 5th Ave NE
(between 84th St & 85th St)
Seattle, WA 98115
Neighborhood: Maple Leaf
(206) 985-9903
Hours:

Mon-Fri 6 am - 6 pm

Sat-Sun 7 am - 5 pm

Parking:
Street
Accepts Credit Cards:
Yes
Price Range:
$
Attire:
Casual
Takes Reservations:
No
Delivery:
No
Waiter Service:
No
Outdoor Seating:
Yes
Wi-Fi:
Free
Alcohol:
No
Wheelchair Accessible:
Yes

Review Highlights   

  • user photo
    "not to mention the great coffee and succulent crepes." In 28 reviews
  • user photo
    "For the baked goods alone, a solid recommendation." In 4 reviews
  • user photo
    "...and friendly- great drinks and YUMMY scones and baked good." In 8 reviews
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43 reviews in English

  • Review from Amy P.

    • 24 friends
    • 54 reviews

    Cerritos, CA

    4.0 star rating
    8/4/2011 2 photos 1 Check-in Here

    Had a savory crepe for the first time ever, the chicken mozzarella cheese tomatoes and pesto, and I must say...it's pretty good! I have always only had sweet crepes because savory ones seemed disgusting to me, but this place definitely proved me wrong! Had a sweet crepe here too and it's not bad, except the portion (for both) is much smaller than I'm used to for the price. Then again, I am comparing them to creperies in LA.

    Ordered a white mocha and thought it's really good as well. Tried a sip of their chai tea, not bad either.

  • Review from Philip S.

    • 5 friends
    • 97 reviews

    Seattle, WA

    3.0 star rating
    2/18/2012

    Coffee and cake here on 18 February. A nice little place.

  • Review from Elaine J.

    Seattle, WA

    3.0 star rating
    8/27/2011 1 Check-in Here

    Crepes are tasty but a 25 minute wait is not worth it.
    I guess on a day that isn't so busy though, it's a nice place to find breakfast: Crepes, scones, muffins, fruit, coffee etc.

  • Review from Rainbow E.

    • 0 friends
    • 3 reviews

    St Petersburg, FL

    3.0 star rating
    4/13/2012

    I visit Seattle frquently and have always looked forward to breaking my fast at Cafe Javasta. They always have had the most delectable baked goods that were worth the day's extra calories. But I'm not that impressed anymore. They have replaced their coffee warmers with thermo units that do not keep the coffee as hot as their original ones did. Also, they raised the cost of the Marion berry scones, but the quality is way done. The moist buttery richness has been replaced with a dry crumbly texture and the filling is skimpy. Depending on who makes the  crepes, you can get one with little filling and little seasoning. I will still go there, but not as frequently. And I will stay with espresso drinks, sweet -filled crepes and their sandwiches and other baked goods....as long as they can keep that quality up.

  • Review from Mackenzie F.

    King, WA

    4.0 star rating
    6/3/2011 36 Check-ins Here

    Reasons I Like coming to Javasti:
    1- good sunlight, not overwhelming, but not dark and dank.
    2- DELICIOUS homemeade pastries, sandwiches, soups and crepes!
    3- Good sized tables, with enough room to spread out my homework
    4- Even when it's crowded, there's always somewhere to sit.
    5- Did i mention the DELICIOUS HOMEMADE FOOD?

    Reasons I Don't Like Javasti:
    1- For some reason, everyone knows each other and sometimes you feel like you're invading someone's private party in their living room...
    2- There is almost always one lady with her kids that are running around, knocking over your water onto your homework and then crying while you get a glare from mom for doing nothing wrong....

    Overall, the pros outweigh the cons and the food and coffee are great. If you come here early (like 8 or 9) and not on weekends, you're less likely to run into the cons.

  • Review from Georgia H.

    • 29 friends
    • 18 reviews

    Philadelphia, PA

    2.0 star rating
    2/3/2011

    When I moved right across the street from Javasti over a year ago I thought it would be my new favorite hangout/homework/meet up with friends spot.

    Well, it never did. The ambience is great, smallish, but lots of places to sit, lowered lighting, big front window. The food the few times I've eaten there has been delicious. However, their coffee leaves much to be desired.  I usually have Americanos when I go out for coffee, and it has tasted burnt the few times I've gotten coffee here. The inhouse cappuccino is decent, but not worth repeating.

  • Review from Naomi M.

    • 9 friends
    • 15 reviews

    Bellevue, WA

    4.0 star rating
    1/27/2011 4 Check-ins Here

    Maybe it's because I went around ten but there was definitely no line when I got there. The baristas were really nice and answered my numerous questions without a trace of annoyance. I found out they make all of their pasteries there (props to them) and I will definitely go back to try their blueberry scone.
    Loved the environment. A small shop but for it's size there's a fair amount of tables. Not a ton of people hanging out there leaving lots of table free and they have free wifi.
    I had a double short latte and an apple cinnamon crepe with whip cream. The coffee wasn't amazing but it wasn't terrible. Good enough that it made me happy though for sure. The crepe was not exactly what I was expecting but still really good, especially for the price. My hope is to try one of their savory crepes in the near future.

  • Review from Heidi S.

    • 2 friends
    • 19 reviews

    Seattle, WA

    5.0 star rating
    5/10/2007

    Delicious coffee and ohmigod -- the crepes.  There is no better treat on a lazy weekend morning than to sit in the window with a perfectly-prepared latte, an equally perfect crepe stuffed with ham and mozzarella, and a newspaper.  Bliss!

    Aside from the crepes and coffee, the best reason to visit is the staff.  They are all unfailingly friendly, quick to chat with newcomers and regulars alike.  This is one of the best neighborhood coffee shops in the city.

  • Review from Faith H.

    • 39 friends
    • 38 reviews

    Seattle, WA

    5.0 star rating
    9/11/2006

    This may be a coffee-drinkers paradise because the coffee is no doubt among the best tasting coffee in Seattle - right up there alongside Joe Bar in Capital Hill - but what about the awesome tasting hot chocolates! Some days I am just coffee-ed out and this place makes the smoothest, and if you ask - not too chocolatey - hot chocolates I have ever tasted. Oh, and the crepes - made right before your eyes - are to die for!
    Parking is not always available right out the front but no need to worry - just drive around the corner and there is usually ample parking, or if you live close enough leave the car at home and enjoy the walk.

  • Review from Joel H.

    • 57 friends
    • 204 reviews

    San Jose, CA

    5.0 star rating
    10/3/2006

    I've got to add my two cents about this place. It's warm, welcoming, friendly and they make a damn fine espresso. I could sit here all day.

    If you live in Maple Leaf, this should become your coffee place -- even though there are other fine establishments around. Cafe Javasti rocks.

  • Review from Ray Z.

    • 123 friends
    • 228 reviews

    Paradise, WA

    5.0 star rating
    5/3/2007 1 photo

    I frequent both Javasti locations. The service is always prompt and friendly. Pastries are generally yummy, as are the crepes (even though I do generally prefer more butter on/in my crepes). Coffee is smooth and flavorful, especially the Omar's blend.

    Ryan and Scott are stellar proprietors. They take the time to get to know their customers and always have a ready "Hi! How's it goin'?". And their stock (in my eyes) just skyrocketed when they held the fund-raising dinners for the Tsunami and Katrina victims.

    5 Stars - I love eating there.

  • Review from yin y.

    • 57 friends
    • 141 reviews

    Olympia, WA

    5.0 star rating
    8/28/2008

    Came here on Sunday with my crepe partner.. Donna.
    The place is a little dark then I am used to.
    Small like all other crepe places.
    There was three elderly lady enjoying their crepes & coffee.
    Consuming crepe with fork & knife.
    Stuffed and satisfied.

  • Review from Andrew C.

    • 0 friends
    • 6 reviews

    Seattle, WA

    4.0 star rating
    2/4/2011

    I'm a big fan of Cafe Javasti. I like the neighborhood atmosphere, the staff knows my name, and the crepes & baked goods are terrific. Did I mention the baked goods? I wish I could eat the fruit jumble bars everyday but I'd turn into a blimp. They are heavenly. My boys swear the pumpkin bread is the best thing they've ever eaten. I'm a plain-drip-coffee man, myself, and its taste is a little inconsistent. My wife, however, loves the lattes. I also appreciate the fact that it's a small, independent coffee shop. As the son of a former small businesses owner, I appreciate the hard work that goes into keeping a business afloat so I make it a point to drop in for a cup o' joe when I'm in the neighborhood.

    Keep in mind that It can get really crowded on weekend mornings so if you're claustrophobic like I am or feel panicky in crowds it won't be your scene that time of day.

    Overall, however, I have to say that Cafe Javasti is a great place to stop for coffee, breakfast, or lunch if you're in the Maple Leaf (and Wedgwood) neighborhood.

  • Review from Kristina D.

    • 0 friends
    • 16 reviews

    Seattle, WA

    4.0 star rating
    4/24/2008

    This place is wildly popular.  Always a good sign for coffee shops in Seattle.

    The staff is always pretty friendly but not annoyingly upbeat (and who can stand that).  I don't drink coffee so can't comment on its quality or nature, but the drinks I've gotten from them have been great.  Hot chocolate, spiced apple cider, teas... all good.  

    It's a comfortable place to chill out for a while with friends.  Great place to grab a morning beverage.  They open pretty early and loads of people stop in on their way to work.  

    The shop draws a lot of regulars, and for good reason.

    There also always seems to be a cute dog tied up outside!

  • Review from Jen S.

    • 9 friends
    • 107 reviews

    Seattle, WA

    2.0 star rating
    8/27/2009

    I have a feeling I would give it more stars if I ate their crepes. That seems to be their thing more than coffee. There are always ladies with kids and the older regular set eating crepes all up in that place. Perhaps the idea was for a creperie, but the owner knew s/he would have to make coffee too? The baked goods look good, too. Maybe I should go just for eating ....

    The baristas are always pleasant, in my experience. When I was trying to decide between Javasti and Van Gogh as my regular neighborhood place, I judged based partly on how into conversing with me the baristas were. I had decent luck here.

    Then there is the coffee. It really isn't very good. I believe you can judge a place on its americano. That tells you (1) is the roast good, and (2) are the baristas adept at their pulls. You can hide anything with milk, but an americano bares the soul. Javasti falls flat. I walk the extra three blocks to Van Gogh's.

  • Review from Gordie H.

    • 1 friend
    • 52 reviews

    Seattle, WA

    2.0 star rating
    6/1/2009

    Ever want to just get up and get some coffee and not have to go to a family reunion, garage sale, or church meeting?  You too?  Well, walking into this place is like involving yourself in all of those things simultaneously.  
    There is usually a line out the door and the barista's tend to discuss the scriptures and anything else you can imagine with every customer within earshot.

  • Review from melissa l.

    Minneapolis, MN

    4.0 star rating
    8/3/2009

    Eating the cinnamon and sugar crepe right now! For crepes, you have to eat them quickly or else they become a little sodden and cold. The balance of cinnamon and sugar is quite good, spicy enough and not too sweet.

    It's a little dark for my tastes on the inside, so the outdoor seating is a nice alternative.

  • Review from Jeff S.

    Seattle, WA

    4.0 star rating
    5/12/2011

    Typical of Maple Leaf businesses, Cafe Javasti is a low-key and friendly establishment with great coffee and yummy food. Their crepes are prepared fresh and they are delicious. Choices include both sweet and savory varieties, including black forest ham. Great service, free internets and no attitude.

  • Review from Dan P.

    • 10 friends
    • 66 reviews

    Bellevue, WA

    4.0 star rating
    3/18/2009

    I'm really becoming a fan of Javasti.  I started going in just because it was on the way to work and it seems like their coffee tastes better every time I visit.  It definitely doesn't compare to some other coffee places in the Seattle area (i.e. Zoka) but it is pretty good.

    I'd agree with other reviews that their crepes are really freaking delicious!!

  • Review from Joel R.

    Seattle, WA

    4.0 star rating
    4/21/2011

    There are many solid options for coffee in Maple Leaf, so each must offer something unique to distinguish itself from the rest. Javasti presumably does this by offering freshly made crepes, but I find those somewhat disappointing. However, Javasti more than makes up for thsi by providing excellent baked goods. Muffins, scones, whatever you choose, they're all quite good, and are often prepared in innovative ways. The coffee is pretty good, too. For the baked goods alone, a solid recommendation.

  • Review from Norskie S.

    • 0 friends
    • 17 reviews

    Seattle, WA

    5.0 star rating
    3/2/2011

    Oh - The Scones, The Scones !!!

    Small quibbles:  I wish they would add one more little table, (yes-it's a small place)   plus add reading lights to the tables. And the drip coffee could be better.

  • Review from Jessica E.

    • 13 friends
    • 75 reviews

    Duvall, WA

    4.0 star rating
    9/14/2009

    For whatever reason, I like this Javasti better than their other location on 35th. The coffee seems a touch better, the crepes a bit fuller, and the service a little friendlier. I'm pleased as punch.

    The crepes can take a rather long time to make, especially when it's busy, but it's worth it. So far, this is the only coffee joint I've been to where the uber busy chatter doesn't annoy me. The buzz of customers has always been friendly and warm. For someone who's usually not happy unless she's the only person in a coffee shop, this is a very big deal. Not sure what it was about the other Javasti that left me cold, but this one gives me the warm fuzzies. I'm content to sit here for an hour or two and get some work done on the old laptop.

    The coffee is satisfying (although a bit hit or miss at times), the crepes are delicious, the wi-fi is free, and I'm a happy girl.

  • Review from Jodi S.

    • 14 friends
    • 39 reviews

    Seattle, WA

    5.0 star rating
    5/11/2010

    When we lived in Maple Leaf, one of the perks was being walking distance from Javasti.  Tasty coffee and lattes that always have picture perfect pour art.  The staff is friendly and knows almost everyone by name....man I miss that place!!

    They have their own baker/pastry chef person that makes delicious, fresh daily muffins, scones, and more.  My fave is the peach muffin.  

    The best part of the menu (I think) are the crepes.....perfect every time and great for breakfast, brunch or lunch.

    OK, gonna stop now because Im making myself hungry, and am pretty sure I have to go back there this weekend now.  ;)

  • Review from Maggie C.

    • 0 friends
    • 2 reviews

    Seattle, WA

    4.0 star rating
    11/16/2011

    Delicious buttery scones and cappuccinos.  Next time I'm going in for a crepe!

  • Review from Taylor G.

    • 7 friends
    • 7 reviews

    Seattle, WA

    4.0 star rating
    3/1/2011

    Have been going here for years and it's just one of those warm, cozy, feel-good places...not to mention the great coffee and succulent crepes.  Mushroom pesto and tomato YUM....Strawberries and cream a pleasant treat to start my morning (or afternoon).  Staff always wonderful. It's my go-to for good coffee. love it!

  • Review from Brent A.

    • 26 friends
    • 47 reviews

    Seattle, WA

    5.0 star rating
    12/27/2006 2 photos

    The best coffee shops in Mapleleaf and Wedgwood! My wife and I used to frequent the Mapleleaf location on 5th Ave. Now, we go to the second location in Wedgwood at 8617 35th NE since it's a little closer. Scott and Anne Marie serve up rich Batdorf & Bronson coffee in a pleasing neighborhood shop. The quality of coffee is worlds apart from Starbucks' mass-market approach. It's that attention to detail, and the friendly staff, that keeps us coming in several times a week. Thanks guys!

  • Review from Pamela F.

    • 7 friends
    • 12 reviews

    Seattle, WA

    5.0 star rating
    1/1/2009

    I'm not a coffee drinker, I come here for the crepes...excellent sweet and savory crepes!

  • Review from Kerry S.

    • 11 friends
    • 40 reviews

    Seattle, WA

    2.0 star rating
    8/10/2009

    I'm a total coffee junkie, lived across the street from this place for a year, and never wanted to go in there. Each time I did enter, I had a bad experience. They seem to have a loyal group of regulars (good thing), but the baristas chat with them at the bar for so long that it's hard to tell when they are in line and when you can pick up your coffee. I've picked up the wrong drink more than once. It always stresses me out in there. Somehow Cloud City, with just as many regulars and even more small children, makes it work, while Javasti does not. However, the scones are good.

  • Review from Randi P.

    • 1 friend
    • 23 reviews

    Lake Tapps, WA

    3.0 star rating
    2/25/2008

    The coffee is good and the crepes are great! I've tried several kind and they are good. The only downside here is I have, at times, not been able to get a table. And a crepe is not something I would get "to go"

  • Review from Dion W.

    • 11 friends
    • 5 reviews

    Seattle, WA

    5.0 star rating
    11/22/2010

    Great neighborhood spot. Drinks made with care and the best Crepes!

  • Review from L.J. M.

    • 15 friends
    • 57 reviews

    Seattle, WA

    5.0 star rating
    3/31/2007

    Great place- my family loves it.  Warm and friendly- great drinks and YUMMY scones and baked good.  Try the banana bread- my 2 yr old loves it!

  • Review from Just Y.

    • 50 friends
    • 415 reviews

    Edmonds, WA

    3.0 star rating
    12/29/2008 5 Check-ins Here

    Nice people, good location, excellent in-house prepared baked goods and crepes.  Coffee is just OK, often weak or slightly burnt tasting.

  • Review from Jon W.

    • 27 friends
    • 6 reviews

    Seattle, WA

    4.0 star rating
    6/21/2010 1 Check-in Here

    Good, consistent coffee and tasty crepes.

  • Review from Catherine B.

    • 2 friends
    • 4 reviews

    Seattle, WA

    5.0 star rating
    11/21/2007

    What can I say...my home away from home!  Oh, and the coffee is excellent too.

  • Review from Jessica W.

    • 10 friends
    • 8 reviews

    Seattle, WA

    4.0 star rating
    11/24/2007

    Leave no stone unturned, as least that has been my motto, for the scone par have excellence in Seattle.  I have grown weary, coffee shop after coffee shop, of scones that miss the mark.  Too sweet, too dry, not flavorful enough.  
    I hail Seattle's coffeshops, but have noticed that they are becoming homogeneous in their baked good selection.
    Cafe Javasti  almostly instantaneously won my heart.
    And the scones, oh, the scones.  I can only say perfect, even as I scourge my mind for other great scones I have had in the Emerald.
    What makes Javasti's scones stand out, where do I start?
    They are baked in house daily.  There are a variety of  flavors rotating throughout the week (I tried Orange cranberry, blueberry, and Strawberry Almond).  I hear on the weekend there is a killer Cinnamon Roll scone.
    The balance was pretty perfect in each scone; flavorful, not too sweet, light, but with the buttery richness a scone exudes.
    Javastis' whole baked good selection looked delightful, not to mention their coffee.
    They use a roaster out of Olympia, Batdorf and Bronson, which is a welcomed change in the land of Vita, Victrola, LIght House, ect.
    My latte was perfect and coming from an experienced and critical barista, that is saying alot.
    Did I mention Javasti has a full line-up of in house crepes as well.
    That is for my next visit.
    My, oh my, three cheers for Javasti (there is one in Wedgewood too!)

  • Review from Laura K.

    • 5 friends
    • 12 reviews

    Seattle, WA

    5.0 star rating
    12/13/2009

    Javasti is the best!  Had a great white chocolate mocha there recently.  Nice, laid back neighborhood place, good for hanging out and reading or for mom to have a little break while the kids enjoy their hot cocoa.  The crepes make it more than just a coffeehouse and the staff are great.

  • Review from Paul R.

    • 10 friends
    • 25 reviews

    Seattle, WA

    3.0 star rating
    3/9/2011

    First time visit, late on a Saturday morning, immediately felt contradictory sensations: cozy, perhaps family run, with some nice lighting and colors, but also a bit angular, trying to look to cool. It certainly gave the impression of a clean, professionally run café, and it was certainly inviting enough that I wanted to stay and try a savory breakfast crepe and some espresso! Food: Black Forest ham, with somewhat of a "pancake" style crepe batter (rather than the more traditional buckwheat, at one dollar more), with spinach and mozzarella, cooked just right, and served nicely warm. Flavor was good, but my socks stayed on. I noted, in particular, that there was no distinctive Black Forest element to the ham, and I rate that a key miss. My attention was shared equally between the crepe and a doppio espresso. As a world-traveled espresso snob, I would give the shots perhaps a six out of ten points. They were generous in volume (so many cafés these days seem to equate good espresso with microscopic pulls!) but unfortunately that was because they were pulled for too long, with the inevitable result that they tasted a bit watery and thin as well as lacking good crema and body. The underlying roast seemed like it could produce decent results in the right hands, so it's possible results would be better with a different person behind the counter. I noted that the music was great: not just the content (Jack Johnson, Nirvana, etc.) but the volume was perfectly set to the low level that allows a person to think or carry on a conversation without raising one's voice. I also noted that the room was slightly unfriendly for toddlers, as there were glass bottles on shelves at just the right elevation. While I did not sample a sweet crepe, a pair of teenage girls at the table next to me shared the strawberry and vanilla crème offering and it not only looked delicious, the girls were certainly expressing delight. All in all, a reasonably good place to stop in for a bite if one is in Maple Leaf, but not a destination café like Zoka or the (long-gone) Speakeasy Café in Belltown.

  • Review from Colleen L.

    • 1 friend
    • 8 reviews

    Seattle, WA

    5.0 star rating
    12/1/2008

    I live in Shoreline, and when I can't stand the lame coffee places there anymore I drive all the way to Maple Leaf to get a drink.  Everytime we have people in town this is where I take them for espresso - hands down.  The drinks are perfect - not overly sweet - great espresso.  And, the pastries are made in store and amazing.  Love it, wish there was one in Shoreline.

  • Review from Gina G.

    • 4 friends
    • 15 reviews

    Newport, RI

    5.0 star rating
    1/21/2009

    Great espresso, refreshingly good pastries (just had some zucchini chocolate cake which was delicious), and crepes made to order.  Oh- and free wireless! I'm not sure what more one could ask for in a coffee shop.  I live close by, so I don't know about parking, but there is a bike rack right outside the door where you can hitch your pooch or your bike!

  • Review from Sarah M.

    • 74 friends
    • 145 reviews

    King, WA

    3.0 star rating
    Updated - 4/26/2010

    I know I gave them 5 stars before and I am still a die-hard fan of their crepes but lately I feel uncomfortable coming in here. I know I may not be related to any of the baristas or stop by every day for my morning coffee. But I make an appearance here at least once a week. I end up standing at the check-out for two or three minutes before anyone bothers to greet me. No apologies just "ok what do you want?" Seriously?? When any of the barista's friends walk in, they are all quick to turn and warmly welcome them. I feel pretty unappreciated these days when I walk in. The only reason why I am giving them a 3 star is because the girl who made my crepe yesterday wrote a little note on my crepe box that said "thank you :)" I thought that was sweet but I don't really like the way I feel when I'm here. When I am grabbing something to eat for work, I would rather go and eat it in my car outside then sit and eat it there.

    Listed in: Restaurants, Sweet Treats :)

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    • 5.0 star rating
      3/27/2010

      When I think of neighborhood cafe I think of Cafe Javasti. I had heard a lot about their amazing… Read more »

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