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Caffe Ladro
Categories: Food Coffee & Tea Food Bakeries Coffee & Tea, Bakeries [Edit]
108 Union StSeattle, WA 98101
Neighborhood: Downtown
(206) 267-0600
- Hours:
Mon-Sun 5:30 am - 7 pm
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Price Range:
-
$
- Parking:
- Street
- Outdoor Seating:
- No
- Wi-Fi:
- Free
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
64 reviews for Caffe Ladro
Review Highlights
64 reviews in English
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Review from Nadia B.
Pleasant Hill, CA
4/11/2012
So I come in, all hoiety toiety, because I'm from San Francisco, and think I know everything about coffee. My mother, bless her heart, started me off on coffee at 12 because of my chronic insomnia (yes, I know that I will have a heart attack at 30), and since then I've become kind of an enthusiast. I drank coffee from all kinds of cafes here in the SanFran, LA, San Diego, Oakland, Berkeley, and other fancy cafes in California.
So I was in Seatle for PAX (and yes it took me a while to write this) and of course, during conventions, YOU DON'T SLEEP. Which is kind of how I go about my life anyway, so no biggie. My boyfriend, however, was slowly losing his mind to sleep deprivation. Oh, the fun!!!
Now, the dude at the counter was all by himself since opening (he cheerfully explained to an impatient customer), and it was around noon. This guy was TIRED. Yet somehow, he was still singing, and was friendly with everyone. Even the impatient jerk.
Now because of his condition, I was not expecting anything super with my order. I ordered an espresso to make his life just a little easier.
This espresso.
It was creamy without cream. The smell was intoxicating. After a sip I knew that this was the best 2 shots of espresso I have ever had. I held it in my hands like it was a new born kitten.
And now, every year when I go to PAX, I will be here, too. -
Review from Jess C.
3/19/2012
Organic, fair trade coffee. Super friendly service. Free Wi-Fi. Small coffee shop connected to a fancy office building. And yet I had no trouble snagging a seat. They also serve several baked items (no sandwiches).
I think the espresso is good quality, but it has too many notes of fruit and acidity. I prefer my espresso more smooth.
Most whoopie pies I have a somewhat stale cake, BUT HOLY MOLY the whoopie pies here are delicious. Soft, dense cake with a creamy, delicious cream cheese. I love that it's not too sweet.
Note: Free Wi-Fi (Ladro - no password) -
Review from Amne H.
3/1/2012
Friendly. Good treats. Damn good coffee.
Dropped in for a quick espresso before seeing Gauguin at Seattle Art Museum. They have AeroPress here too! I resisted (it was VERY difficult) but I spotted a HUGE apple pie on display that looked delicious. Almost mouthwatering to be quite honest. -
Review from Colin O.
Seattle, WA
3/17/2012
Great coffee, and great service.
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Review from Alice A.
9/28/2011 1 Check-in Here
I first discovered Cafe Ladro in Queen Anne years ago, where I used to stop by on the way to see my dress maker, Renata.
I had lived in Seattle already a few years back then, and not really new to espresso drinks. But the cappuccino at Cafe Ladro would kick my butt so hard, I would sit there feeling like the terracotta-colored walls were pulsating.
So when, many years later on my most recent visit to Seattle, I happened upon Cafe Ladro in downtown, I had to stop traffic and tow my girl friends in there.
It's a smaller space than the Queen Anne location but there were still enough tables and as always, friendly baristas.
Alas, the cappuccino was only ok. Was it because my memory of the early experience has faded with years of being away? Maybe, but I still have Seattle on a pedestal when it comes to coffee, what I had on my first day of visit was a bit disappointing. I wish I had had enough time to visit the original location but I did not. Hopefully next time I will.Listed in: Coffee spots
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Review from Mutant O.
Berkeley, CA
Updated - 10/28/2011
Still masquerading as a daily morning runner (probably fooling no one), and Ladro is the last stop on my return to the hotel.
Grabbed a bag of Queen Anne beans for my carryon bag this time, and recommend this action highly:
1. The beans will make your luggage smell great.
2. Freshly ground, the beans make a marvellous morning brew that almost makes up for having to go back to the office.Listed in: Absolute essentials !
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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10/8/2008
I'll get up early, whip out of my hotel and up the street for a civilizing perfect latte at Cafe… Read more »
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Review from Yang W.
Bellevue, WA
2/27/2012 5 Check-ins Here
I just want to quickly added that, if you are a regular, go get their card: you will have 2 free drinks for every 10 drinks you buy. You end up paying less than Starbucks.
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Review from Daren D.
8/24/2011
Is that a small art gallery connected next door? Hmm... pretty neat! I really like the table for 6 - those chairs are super comfy and would be a cool chill spot for a small group. Nice, modern crisp lighting and space. They have sweet (Sattwa) and spicy (Morning Glory) chai --- Sattwa's a new one to me so def trying that!
....---ooo, niice.
Service was ok, if only a bit preoccupied. I wish they had actual sleeves and not extra cups for handling hot cups.Listed in: Chai is nice
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Review from nancy c.
1/17/2012 1 Check-in Here
Cafe Ladro is my 2nd favorite latte place (yes, I'm a Starbucks addict). Weird location (glass cafe in the bottom of an apt building). Inside is stark and in my opinion dated. However, the barista girl working was awesome and my drink, grande Medic, fantastic. I love that they don't put to much chocolate in and rea orange peel. Will definitely stop here again it I come by when they are open!
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Review from Jon L.
2/20/2011 1 Check-in Here
I have passed by this place many times. Easy to do, since the location is in the lobby of an office building across from the Seattle Art Museum. I was meeting up with my cousin and his GF over for lunch next door at Japonessa, so I decided to lounge at Ladro a bit before they arrived.
The interior is small. It is akin to a hiding place. There is an unusual door to the side which was a few feet above the floor. Almost like this is a makeshift space never intended to be a coffee shop.
The coffee counter is on the small side too, but they seem to carry a good amount of baked goods here. While I was here, a couple people were discussing living in Tokyo and how places there are small. Come to think of it, this space is kind of how I would imagine a coffee shop in Tokyo to be. Small, tightly quartered, yet efficient with space.
I got a double tall latte ($2.95) and a lemon tart ($2.75). The double tall latte was nice. As solid as any of the other good coffee shops that I have tried. An enjoyable drink while I browsed the web on my iPad using the wifi while generic coffee shop jazz music was playing in the background.
Saved the lemon tart for later and I thought it was just okay. A little too tart for my taste and the crumbly type crust was just fine. Needs some sweetness. It does have a very creamy texture that I like. If only this had been a lemon custard tart, it might have won me over.
Overall, I like Ladro. The location is centrally located in downtown and the coffee is good. The ambiance is okay. Not much you can do with this small space to make the square footage seem larger, but it is a reasonably comfortable place to hang out.Listed in: Bakery Bonanza, Coffee & Tea Shops
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Review from LAURA D.
San Francisco, CA
1/3/2012
This review is only for the espresso.
It is short as it should be, but the taste!!!! It is terrible..... -
Review from Jason R.
11/26/2011 1 photo
Hidden behind the scaffolding, this Caffe Ladro was open west coast early / east coast late when I needed a quick travel breakfast. Can't say much for the atmosphere; I wasn't yet awake. The Queen Anne blend was quite nice and pretty well balanced for a cup that won't displease. Muffins were a tad dry, but I suspect they don't have much early-ish Sunday morning business. Pretty solid place with a good counter-lady that early on an off day.
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Review from Melissa R.
Seattle, WA
12/19/2011
My favorite place for coffee downtown. I love that they use organic, fair trade coffee. All of the people that work at this location are very nice, and remember you by name if you come in frequently. I would highly recommend Cafe Ladro to any coffee-lover.
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Review from Michelle W.
Seattle, WA
4/18/2011
Caffe Ladro on Union is my version of "Cheers".
Everyday I walk in and David or Danielle or Stacy or Carmen or Amanda or Eric (you get the picture)...they all know what I want. I mosey up to the bar, semi-conscious and sometimes surly and they take my mixture of talkative and silent moods in stride.
This is a place to go if you like EXCELLENT coffee.
If you want a rush in / rush out place...sometimes this isn't the place for you. Ladro is a victim of its own success. Some mornings, there's a line trailing towards the door. Other days, just one or two. -
Review from Jennifer D.
Seattle, WA
7/21/2011 6 Check-ins Here
I love consistency, who wants to be disappointed? This location is no different than the others in offering knowledged baristas who take pride in the coffee they make. Love me my Medici's! Even got my husband hooked ;)
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Review from Patty H.
Flagstaff, AZ
11/21/2011
Normally I don't like flavored coffees but their medici latte has just the right amount of orange flavor & chocolate to make a wonderful cup of coffee. It's a must stop for any trip to Seattle.
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Review from Tabitha W.
Redmond, WA
3/8/2011
Perhaps in my haste I didn't take the time to stop and really taste the coffee, but I've been hunting for this place since hearing about how wonderful it is from fellow Yelpers. It's a little hard to find - I didn't expect it to be jammed into an office building lobby space. Upon entering and perusing a little, I asked the barista what was in the Medici and was told chocolate and some orange.
Well, I thought, this could be either a fall from grace or it could be the best thing I've shoved in my face all week. So I tried it.
Either my taste buds were having an off day or something, but it was...not really that great? The chocolate taste was a little weak, and I couldn't really taste the orange in it either. It was more like a suggestion of chocolate and orange mix with some rather nice coffee. Now, I think if I had gone with a latte and some flavoring, it would have been awesome. Unfortunately the Medici was just not to my liking. It was fun to watch her peel the orange though.
Maybe I should stop by another time and try something else? -
Review from Molly M.
San Francisco, CA
7/7/2009
My sister and I visit Seattle a few times a year and when we do this is the first place we go to. I only wish there was a Cafe Ladro in San Francisco!
Just thinking about their foaming cup of deliciousness is making my mouth water. Furthermore, you can tell the espresso is good quality.
I get the the non fat or soy vanilla latte and it is outstanding. My only strife with the place is the decor is too contemporary and the seating is not that comfortable. But, other than that we love this place!Listed in: My favorite places to get…
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Review from Brendan M.
Seattle, WA
8/31/2008
I went to Caffe Ladro once. Never again. I can't think of a single good thing about my visit.
When I first walked in, I looked around for a menu board or some guide to drink sizes and the number of espresso shots contained in each. Seeing no such thing, I kindly asked the barista if he could give me a quick run-down, which he reluctantly did. It wasn't until he was finished that I saw a menu board in the corner, and the text was printed on mirrored glass. Be any harder to read?
...When my iced triple 12-ounce latte was ready, I thanked the barista and sat down to drink some of it before I left. The cup was over-filled, so some of the drink sloshed over the side and onto my hand when I put the lid on, and some more came up through the hole when I put the straw in. Not acceptable. I grabbed a couple napkins, wiped off my hand, and took a drink. Weak. I could taste the espresso, but the drink didn't have the punch I wanted or expected, so I stirred it thoroughly and took another drink. Still weak. I went back to the barista to make sure it had three shots of espresso, and he said it did. At this point, there wasn't much I could do, so I walked out, drank about half of my iced latte, and threw the rest away.
Oh yeah, and the music inside was much too loud.
It wasn't until I found the nearest Starbucks that my craving for a good iced triple tall latte was satisfied. -
Review from Jay V.
West Hollywood, CA
10/11/2010 1 Check-in Here
Cool place to grab a chai tea latte, spicy even.
Playing The Beatles over the speakers.
Chill. -
Review from Erica D.
Phoenix, AZ
9/18/2011 1 Check-in Here
I was pretty disappointed, the coffee tasted a little burned and they didn't have any coffee cozies. It seemed like a cute little place though, and proudly featured local stuff there. There's better coffee in Seattle though.
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Review from Sarah B.
Seattle, WA
9/6/2006 2 photos
Tasty coffee and great service.
I love this location since it's in the middle of downtown but hidden away enough to relax in. The shop itself is small but a great place to relax for a bit and great for free wifi.
The baristas are awesome. Always laid back, nice and act like real people. They have great recommendations too.
They serve shade grown organic coffee too, which is pretty sweet for the environment and makes a damn good cup of coffee.Listed in: I'm talking DOWNTOWN.
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Review from Jon Y.
Sunnyvale, CA
10/1/2008
From what I gathered before my trip, there were a few top choices among yelpers for great espresso drinks in Seattle.
Three names that consistently came up:
Monorail Espresso
Espresso Vivace
Caffe Ladro
I'm giving Caffe Ladro (downtown Seattle on Union) five stars because it takes the crown for the best espresso drink I had the pleasure of experiencing while in the Seattle area.
I'd put Vivace and Monorail in a very close 2nd and 3rd (respectively).
Highlights of Ladro:
-Their espresso is smooth yet strong. Of the two days I had Ladro, they used two different roasts. One was definitely bolder than the other (I prefer bolder roasts), but both tasted great and were extremely smooth.
-Milk was not oversteamed. Didn't scald my tongue 5 minutes after receiving the drink.
-Nice foam and cool little foam art.
-Friendly baristas. -
Review from Joanna M.
3/23/2008
The best cappuccino in the U S of A.
It's because of Caffe Ladro that I do not ever order one anywhere else, except in Italia.
I'm whipped.
(coffee humor!)Listed in: My Requisite Caffeine List
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Review from Ivan S.
Seattle, WA
8/7/2008 7 Check-ins Here
A damn good latte, and I love those little vegan rhubarb thingies.
They get 4 stars because the big table in the middle makes me feel like I'm in a conference room... plus, when I brought my sister here last year and she ordered a cappuccino, they served her what we old-timey former Seattle baristas used to call a "tourist" - a shot in the bottom of a 12 oz cup, and filled to the rim with that nasty dry crunchy foam.
Fuck it, they get 5 stars - I laughed my ASS off that they got my sister at our old game!Listed in: My Neighborhood
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Review from Dennis D.
9/29/2010 1 Check-in Here
Medici
While the place could definitely use a cleaning (especially the front counter), their coffee is quite tasty.
And the barista has some good recommendations!
So good in fact, that I now have a new favorite coffee-beverage. The Medici! -
Review from EurJean C.
Santa Clara, CA
8/19/2009
My bf and I stumbled on to Caffe Ladro on our way to Pike Place Market while visiting Seattle and it was the perfect break from the crowded noisy shops.
First, the iced blended mocha was delicious and made from real espresso (not from a mix and thrown carelessly into a blender). Second, the barista was helpful and kind. She noticed we ordered one drink to share and poured us a larger cup than what we bought. She also gave us poor tourists directions to the famed bubble-gum wall.
Next time we're in Seattle, we'll definitely be back.Listed in: Seattle
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Review from Ross C.
Bainbridge Island, WA
11/13/2008
I've been to one other Ladro but this is still one of my favorite coffee joints. I usually get a tall Americano since I hate milky coffee. Anyhoo, I love the free wifi and the big table in the middle of the room. The folks who pull the shots are often quite friendly, sometimes not but no worries.
I occasionally meet Wamu clients there so it's convenient. The huge windows make it a good people watching site and I like how you see hipsters, hard-hats and wamu drones all coming in. Another cool thing about this spot is the music. They play some great tunes. Not sure who is programing it, but i doff my hat to ye.
Personal pratfall: I was talking to a client recently and I actually dumped a near full Americano on my lap. Still made the dealio, but had to slosh over to Macy's to buy some dry pants. Fortunately they were having a sale. -
Review from Sam H.
Redmond, WA
9/7/2007
I dunno... maybe we hit it on a bad night. I LOVE espresso and drink it regularly. There's was terribly sour... not bitter. Sour. And it's too noisy. They need something to tone down the ambient noise. Really I'd much prefer cafe vita coffee or even better... caffe umbria. Fortunately the company was good or it would have been a bust.
Also, one of the reviews says that's Tony's. I don't think so... I used to live in Bellingham and drank Tony's almost every day for 5 years. If someone is brewing Tony's at Ladro, they are destroying some really excellent coffee. If you want good Tony's coffee in Seattle, they serve it up at PCC Markets.
Service was nice enough... so not 1 star. -
Review from Sara A.
Baltimore, MD
5/14/2009
I really like Caffe Ladro, and when I am downtown, this is my go-to for coffee that is not Starbucks (or Tully's or Seattles Best...), which I think is difficult to find downtown. The space is small, and a little lacking in ambiance. There are usually not many people (or any people) hanging out here when I go in. They seem to have better hours than a lot of places downtown, but still limited. The barista was nice, but a little standoffish. Its nice when someone lets me know they are ready to take my order.
Anyway, while not the best of te Ladro locations, certainly one of the best places for coffee downtown. Also, try the apple pie. Go Ladro! -
Review from Sarah P.
Seattle, WA
6/23/2009
Oh the days I worked at WaMu....one of my fondest memories is going to Ladro. We had a starbucks in the building, but I'd like to "treat" myself to Ladro's on Fridays~ Now here I'd always get something w/ soy - because they offered it. Tad more expensive for a cup of joe, but worth it.
Coffee here is rich & flavorful. The baristas are nice & know their regulars.Listed in: Coffee Runs
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Review from Jon L.
6/21/2011
Friendly atmosphere, great coffee -- what a great way to start the morning. Not much more to say other than if you're looking for a great cup of cawfee and is in the area, no need to look any where else; Caffee Ladro is where it's at.
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Review from Giri S.
Seattle, WA
9/21/2009
It took a lot of coffee drinking to finally settle on exactly what I like to drink. (single or double espresso with a little bit of whole milk and some sugar.) No place does it better than Caffe Ladro. I don't go here often, but when I do, it's always on point. Lots of crema and a great dark roast that's not too acidic.
Don't go here for the cafe ambiance, just for the quality of their drink.
It was good enough to drive me to get an espresso machine at home to stop drinking the stuff at the big chains (starbucks, tully's, etc). -
Review from Brian G.
4/5/2011 1 Check-in Here
This is one coffee shop that I simply don't care for. The feeling I get from the surroundings as well as the staff is nothing but cold, sterile, "I have better things to do" type of vibes. I could overlook those observations if the coffee was outstanding but it's not. The coffee isn't bad but I don't exactly care for it either. I recently bought a pound of their "Queen Anne" beans to brew at home and I eventually had to give the rest away after the second pot because it was so bland. Luckily this is Seattle and there are many other choices to be found.
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Review from Lily S.
3/5/2009
2 words: SAVORY SCONES.
There are no other coffeehouses that have savory scones. I swear to Buddha this is the only coffee place that has them. And I looooves me a savory anything, so when we stopped in here on the way to work to get coffee, I almost jumped out of my skin when I saw that they had savory scones.
That being said, my soy latte was pretty good too. The baristas are snarky (in a GOOD way), it's a convenient walk from where I live to work, and again....the savory scones.
Ladro is a happy place. -
Review from NYSD G.
San Diego, CA
11/23/2010 2 photos
we told ourselves since we are coffee lovers that no matter how cold, wet or dying for a cup we are, we will not step into a starbucks. suprising to see that with all the great coffee shops downtown seattle has to offer your starbucks remain more packed than any other coffee shops. weird..
we went here for one thing, the Medici. all i can say is wow and where can i find this in SD or LA. we've had orange mochas before but not like this, noaaat like this. this was something out of a dream, i cannot say in words what i tasted on that first sip. it was pure coffee magic. -
Review from Prema J.
Seattle, WA
5/6/2007
I've been to several other Caffe Ladros but this one is the best designed. They have an elevated outdoor patio, floor to ceiling windows, and bottle trees- veerrrry cool. There was lounge music playing when I was there with a bunch of locals hanging out with their dogs. Oh sorry, the soy latte was delicious too! But sometimes the setting makes a coffee place for me. What is the point of a really good latte on the run? It is more about getting your fix than the experience at that point. Sip your coffee and smell the roses dude- life is short.
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Review from Shekinah S.
Seattle, WA
9/10/2008
This review basically covers all Ladros since I've been to most of them. My FAVORITE thing is the iced blended lattes. SOOOO GOOOOD!! Except twice when they added cinnamon or something I didn't ask for. Yucky. But I did have a pretty bad regular iced latte once at the Fremont location. Oh well, I'll just go elsewhere for an iced latte (I didn't throw it away, unlike the worst latte I ever had which was at Tully's) . The service varies wildly by location and well, barista. Usually they are friendly and great, but I've gotten some sour pusses in lower Queen Anne. I keep meaning to try the pastries, etc, but the ice-blended drink is always enough to make me too full and guilty to eat anything else. I appreciate that they support organic farming, and even have some program where you can use their leftover beans for compost, or something like that. Go Ladro!
Listed in: Best of Seattle, Latte List
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Review from Mariana P.
Cincinnati, OH
2/22/2008
I have a secret.... a deep dark secret. I work for Starbucks and I LOVE this place. I was waiting for someone to pick me up downtown and I stumbled into this place because it was the only coffee shop in the area that was open. Good stuff. Great scones! Yum yum! Also, great drip coffee. The barista was also really cool and they were playing awesome music.
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Review from Winona R.
Updated - 2/25/2010
So, when I originally reviewed this cafe, I was in fact thinking of another location, but the review's details ring true, for the most part. I recently revisited the 1st & Union location, and while their coffee continues to delight and amaze, I think I prefer the 8th & Pine location as a place to hang out. This cafe is great for a quick stop--grabbing a coffee to go, or a quiet moment to yourself in the middle of a hectic day--but I don't think I would choose this as a cafe to study in as it is pretty small and there was a fair amount of traffic while I was in there. I love that they share the building with an art gallery, because it gives you plenty to admire should you pop upstairs to use their restrooms.
Listed in: Getting Caffienated
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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11/1/2007
Do yourself a favor. Put down the Starbucks coffee and walk over to Caffe Ladro, get a soy latte,… Read more »
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