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Irwin's Bakery and Cafe
Categories: Food Bakeries Food Coffee & Tea Restaurants Cafes Bakeries, Coffee & Tea, Cafes [Edit]
2123 N 40th StSeattle, WA 98103
Neighborhood: Wallingford
(206) 675-1484
- Hours:
Mon-Fri 6 am - 8 pm
Sat-Sun 7 am - 5 pm
- Good for Groups:
- No
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Street
- Attire:
- Casual
- Price Range:
-
$
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
- Takes Reservations:
- No
- Delivery:
- No
- Take-out:
- Yes
- Waiter Service:
- No
- Outdoor Seating:
- Yes
- Wi-Fi:
- Free
- Good For:
- Lunch, Breakfast
- Alcohol:
- No
- Noise Level:
- Average
- Ambience:
- Casual
- Has TV:
- No
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
70 reviews for Irwin's Bakery and Cafe
Review Highlights
"Great baked goods, neighborhood feel and good coffee."
(in 11 reviews)
"to their banana bread and muffins (all yum."
(in 13 reviews)
"As always, the cinnamon rolls on the weekends are a treat."
(in 4 reviews)
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70 reviews in English
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Review from Chris J.
Colbert, WA
1/24/2012
I got tired of coffee shops in the U District and decided to try out Irwin's in the Wallingford area.
First of all, Irwin's is incredibly cute and comfortable. I was here for hours doing work, and the wifi worked the whole time without any issues. The place was steadily busy but never overcrowded. It's also right in a residential area, so the neighborhood is relaxed, which I liked.
The quality of the coffee and food was also very good. I had a club sandwich, coffee, and a chocolate chip cookie. Everything was great, and the service was friendly.
The only problem with Irwin's is that their prices are quite high. My sandwich was $8, and a 12 ounce mocha was $4.55, which is much steeper than coffee shops in the U District. I went back for a chocolate chip cookie, which I was surprised to find was $3.30.
Although I'd love to, I won't be back here on a regular basis because of the steep prices. I will be back every now and then to "treat myself," however. Great place with a great vibe -- you just have to realize you're paying extra for a comfortable coffee experience. -
Review from Anna N.
San Diego, CA
1/19/2012
My friend recommended Irwin's for their fresh baked breads and the feta herb muffin. So last Saturday we went there for a few things and a quick breakfast.
I really enjoyed the feta herb muffin. I had my reservations because I couldn't imagine that that particular mix of ingredients in a savory muffin being so delicious but it was! We had the muffin split and grilled (something they don't typically mention as an option), but I would recommend it this way after trying it for the first time! The muffin had a nice crisp toast to it and the cheese was nice and melted. It was perfect for the cold morning. I also enjoyed the orange spice tea latte and the caprese sandwich that came on an asiago cheese bread. We also grabbed a loaf of ciabatta bread and a baguette (both turned out really good when we had slices of it during lunch).
The staff was really welcoming, friendly, and helpful and I can't wait to visit this place again... especially for that feta herb muffin! -
Review from Krystal C.
Seattle, WA
2/4/2012
I'm sorry, Irwin's baristas and bakers. I didn't realize that by opening your doors and standing behind the counter, you didn't want me to come in and order a dozen cookies from you. How thoughtless of me...I should have realized that the baker at Irwin's would rather throw out un-purchased cookies than bake more if they ran out.
I also apologize for ordering a latte. I guess I didn't really need to enjoy a hot caffinated drink. In hindsight, I didn't actually enjoy it all that much anyway. Next time I'll walk over to Kuma, where they also sell coffee and the guy behind the counter is happy to be there. -
Review from Jenn S.
Seattle, WA
1/7/2012
Buyer beware - as of Jan 2012, Irwin's prices have become outrageous. Today, I went in and ultimately passed up my usual drink, a double tall Americano because the price was - wait for it - $3.47! For an AMERICANO! Now, my first thought was that the very nice girl at the counter simply rang in the wrong drink. When I said "Oh, I just wanted an Americano" and she confirmed the price, noting that prices have recently gone up, I still was utterly shocked. Further a plain espresso is $2.50 - and so for water and the labor of pulling back the hot water dispenser for 5 seconds...it's another dollar? Most shops you see a 25-50 cent increase. Now, for comparison, prices at my other two favorite neighborhood shops: Lighthouse in Fremont, charges $2.08. Cloud City Coffee in Maple Leaf charges $2.46 for any size double Americano (no need to charge more for 4 more ounces of water there). (Note Lighthouse is also a roastery, so they are not absorbing the additional cost of buying beans). Even Starbucks only charges $2.46. I am a huge fan/proponent of neighborhood, independent coffeeshops and always support them- I only go to a chain in a pinch, or in foreign countries, like Texas. I also appreciate the small business aspect - times are tough, the economy is down, coffee/milk are commodities. That said, that was my last visit to Irwin's in Wallingford. This kind of pricing is not competive at all. I don't want to feel ripped off for a coffee as it ruins the whole experience of having one. No one should pay that much for two shots and water, including me - so I didn't. I'm sorry to say this because I've always liked the place - but you shouldn't either.
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Review from Elaine J.
7/14/2011 10 Check-ins Here
I've only been here once but I'm a fan already.
I'm not super into either quiche or vegetables and I will now eat both, but only at Irwin'. The veggie quiche is quite splendid. It also came with a raspberry vinaigrette salad. Yum! And this was only a taste of the mister's!
I had the southwest chicken soup. OMG! MY favorite soup ever! Huge chunks of tomato and it was seasoned to perfection. Corn, black beans and nice big chunks of chicken. Comes with a side of garlic bread (small piece) but very delicious as well.
Marionberry scones are excellent. So good, big and fresh!
Organic all the way too! Only complaint would be that the ran out of the pot pie and pizza although in all fairness, this was towards the end of the day. Can't wait to go back to try the marionberry pie and a slice of the chicken pot pie! =)
Good eating to you!Listed in: Lunch date?
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Review from Anton Z.
5/21/2011 4 Check-ins Here
Adore this place. The feta herb muffins are addicting, and essential to our weekend functioning. Their coffee is great, and I love the eggles (egg, tomato, and cheese on asiago is my fav). The yogurt parfait needed more granola, but I've never been disappointed with what we've had.
The space is comfortable and warm, and the staff is incredibly friendly. I love going there in the morning, even before I've had my caffeine for the day. When it comes time for our Saturday breakfasts, this is a fantastic choice! -
Review from Yann R.
Seattle, WA
9/4/2011
A neat little coffee place with nice baked goods to make it a treat. Barista skills vary though. Baked goods used to make it a 4 stars, but dropped a little in quality over the last 6 months. Still quite worth it tough.
-
Review from Inna B.
Seattle, WA
9/23/2010 1 Check-in Here
I like Irwin's as a cozy neighborhood coffee joint.
I like the very residential-area location and the space itself.
The prices, however, seem... high. There area a lot of coffee shops around Seattle and I can't ever remember how much things cost, but their prices looked high. And... this is from someone who got HOT COCOA there.
Great space... but, hot cocoa shouldn't be so expensive! -
Review from Monali P.
3/3/2011
Today I spent a lot of time at Irwin's - breakfast with the luscious sun shining through, and lunch with the rain beating down outside. I remained cozy (thank you for not skimping on your heating) and I would still be there if my bum wasn't so sore - sorry but, those cushioned chairs...well, they're not cushion-y enough for my tushy.
So, this neighborhood cafe is cute. Decor is awesome, very welcoming, staff is nice, bathroom is clean, and not freezing (ahem,Tea House Kuan Yin, Starlife), and music is good. They play Bob Dylan and the like, so you're not annoyed by loud, obnoxious and plain bad pop music blaring in your ear and disrupting your study or social time (ahem, Tully's).
People go in and out, but not in a disturbing way. Cafe Vita coffee is served, and is solid. They bake their own goods and I can attest the ginger molasses cookie is yummy. Breakfast bagel...meh, not so much, melted cheddar cheese adds a layer of grease that's not appetizing. Plus, for a cheaper price I can get a kick-ass bagel at Starlife cafe.
I also had a cup of the home-made chicken chilli soup. Not spicy at all, but very robust (generous portions of chicken, potatoes, celery, creamy base) and tasty, served with a deliciously buttery, garlicky piece of bread, just the way I like it, crunchy, buttery garlic bread goodness. Perfectly priced small meal at $3.50.
I can walk here from my apt and I like supporting a neighborhood joint. I want to try the other baked goods, and honestly, I will be back, but I just dunno if my rear can withstand sitting on those chairs for more than a few hrs. -
Review from Ben D.
Seattle, WA
1/11/2011
I've spent years complaining that Seattle lacks tucked-away neighborhood coffeeshops. It seems to feature a lot of chains and when local shops to pop up, they mostly seem to be situated on busy intersection or popular neighborhood strips. For 11 months of the last 5 years, I rode a bus past Irwin's each day and thought, "that place looks charming... maybe it's what I'm looking for." Now, a full three years after I first saw it, I've finally started coming here and it's just what I've been looking for.
Irwin's has housemade baked goods, which you can smell as you walk in. They offer lunch fair, breakfast sandwiches and a variety of pies, cookies, muffins, and cakes. They carry Mighty-O Donuts, but why have one of those when you can have one of their other vegan specialties instead?
The music is always low and doesn't distract from work and there's usually a buzz of people chatting and catching up with one another. There isn't much seating space, which is unfortunate, but when it's not busy, they don't mind you settling in to get some work done.
Great baked goods, good coffee (Cafe Vita), comfortable atmosphere, friendly staff and daily specials. The only things that could make this place better are more seating (which might come at the expense of the atmosphere) and late night hours (they close at 8).
A great choice for a comfortable place to get some work done or catch up with friends while enjoying a treat and your morning coffee/tea. -
Review from Gautam S.
Seattle, WA
12/24/2010
Nice coffee shop, comfortable and toasty, especially in the winter. Coffee was good, think they use Caffe Vita and the caprese sandwich was yummy. Slightly on the expensive side tho, 4 bucks for a 16 oz latte and 8 bucks for a sandwich. Not cool.
Yes, they have the obligatory mismatched chairs and wi-fi and copies of the Stranger lying around. I like that they're on 40th St, which is 5 blocks north of where I live. They're never too crowded and it's warm and cosy inside. They also have some patio chairs for when its warmer. The service is friendly, if a little slow. Remember the muffins being good, but not great.
Overall, I like the atmosphere and the food and will be back. Next time tho, I might skip the latte and get a cup of regular joe. -
Review from cassie c.
Seattle, WA
12/18/2008
This place could be summed up with this little proverb "my favorite thing about a women is proximity"
coffee = turds
customer service = (can we say scat here? google it, but not at work)
Linda the owner appears to be nice, but everyone else goes out of their way to be a jerk. Alert to the irwins baristas: just because you have bangs doesn't mean you're rad. and if you were actually cool, you'd be working at Bauhaus (capitol hill)
wouldn't it be nice to say "wow! you're so cool, look at you sitting here being despondent and listening to Tegan and Sarah on your OWN personal ipods! how cool are you! ..... wow, youre totally cool.... ooh me? coffee? naww..... go ahead and relax. "
and every time I drive by here I honesty flip the joint off (and make sure nobody can see me doing that, cause I'm a chicken) -
Review from Anna R.
Sacramento, CA
10/27/2011
I am leaving Seattle for a new job in California, and already know that what I will most is having Irwin's right down the street from my house. When I was finishing my Masters degree I was there almost every day, typing away while drinking copious amounts of coffee and nibbling away at an Irish scone. Not only is the food/drink amazing, but the Irwin's community can't be beat! I will miss all the other "regulars" and the friendly, helpful staff. :))
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Review from Cleo J.
Seattle, WA
11/18/2009
Two words for you- Amateur Hour.
Cute-ass little house of a place, my favorite set up for a coffee shop...I was on the brink of loving it before I even walked in...not to mention the proximity ti Chez Cleo.
But...do they only hire clueless teenagers?
I'm fine with teenagers as long as they make a fine cup of joe.
Sadly, this is not the case at Irwins. Bad, bad customer service, Substandard coffee, especially for Seattle, especially when there is so much good coffee in Fremont, in Wallingford...even the U district has Solstice.
We do enjoy reminiscing about the cluelessness we've experienced at Irwin's as we drive past this place daily on our way to other, better coffeeshops.
No thanks. -
Review from Kat W.
Denver, CO
6/26/2007
It's really cute...but suffers from that common coffee shop syndrome of noise. Don't try to study or get any work done. even during the day it is still noisy.
On the other hand, if you just want to chat or read the paper, it's fine, and they added free wifi last year, which is always nice.
The baristas are cute and so is the shop -- mismatched furniture, very quirky and neighborhood. It's packed on weekend mornings and you'll have to jump to get a table. The quiche is delicious but it's hard to get them to heat it up for you, they'd always give it back to me while it's still cold. The best deal is, for like $3 you get a cup of fresh soup that comes with a little toasted garlic bread baguette. can't beat $3 for lunch.
The cinnamon rolls and cookies are okay but most of the other baked goods are so-so. Basically if you live there it's convenient but not worth a trip otherwise. -
Review from Chris L.
Wallingford, Seattle, WA
6/17/2011
Great coffee (Stumptown), great service, great food. Seating can be tight but atmosphere is funky and cool.
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Review from Amanda K.
Kirkland, WA
12/10/2007
I stopped into Irwin's on a Sunday afternoon a month or so ago. I needed to grab a bite to eat and kill about 20 minutes. Perfect.
I think I got the chicken pot pie, but I can't make any promises. I do remember the food being warm and homemade on a crisp fall day.
More importantly, my 20 minutes inside Irwin's took me back to the cafes in New Zealand where my other half and I spent hours chatting, sipping, and nibbling. You know the kind: comfy seats, light music in the background, steady stream of people through the door, a certain neighborhoody feel. Maybe the food wasn't quite as fresh, but the atmosphere really took me back to our trip home this summer. The worst part (other than having to pry myself away after only 20 minutes): I used to live less than 5 blocks away and walk past Irwin's regularly, but that was my first visit!
I might not live in the neighborhood anymore, but you can be sure that I'll make an excuse to stop into Irwin's the next time I find myself in that part of town. For all of you who live near...I'm jealous. Go enjoy on my behalf. -
Review from Morgan W.
Seattle, WA
2/16/2008
This cafe/bakery is exactly what I'd picture in a cozy, residential neighborhood. I went in on a Saturday morning, and there were a few people-- college kids, an old guy talking about his trivia tournament to a pal, and a woman about the same age as the baristas chatting about what have you.
Right as I zeroed in on the pastry case, two huge plates of *steaming, freshly glazed cinnamon rolls* (one with nuts!) were placed on top of the case--FOOD PORN! My taste buds were feeling pretty frisky all of a sudden.
There was a nice selection of breakfast items, but most of the locals were ordering quiche, which I'm assuming is pretty tasty at Irwin's.
My petite apple scone was the perfect size (for me) and a nice accompaniment to the mug of drip coffee (Vita!) I ordered, which had free refills.
The cafe seems to pay attention to detail from what I saw-- from asking customers if they wanted their quiche heated to the small bowl of delicious raspberry jam on the counter with the silverware-- I grabbed a spoonful to dip my scone in. Super yum.
Don't come here looking for hott singlez! or noise or a gigantaceous meal. Low key yet friendly is the idea here. -
Review from Hanna W.
Seattle, WA
5/29/2007
Irwin's - I want to love it. I really, really want to love it. Since I only live a few blocks away it is the perfect little neighborhood coffeehouse in Wallingford, or so it would seem. Honestly, the food is just not that good. The muffins and cookies are by far the best items in the place but skip the main entrees. The pizza and chicken pot pie look like something my college roommate made up The food isn't awful but for the price you might as well just go make it at home. It will probably look and taste the same. Nothing really stands out and many times it has been quite mediocre.
They can make a good espresso drink but it pretty much is the slowest service I have gotten in a cafe. Do not run into Irwin's to grab a quick coffee before catching the bus. I have tried it and missed the bus three times. -
Review from Molly R.
Seattle, WA
1/14/2008
I go to Irwin's for two things:
1) the comfy, neighborhood atmosphere - always with KEXP or other good music playing in the background.
2) their damn good blueberry muffins - baked fresh on site each day.
Yelp Tip #1: If you are lucky to be there when it is not raining - or even sunny(!) out - sit on their patio area for peekaboo views of Lake Union and the Seattle skyline.
Yelp Tip #2: I always tell my single friends to go to Irwin's because for some reason, there's always attractive 20 & 30something people here - way more than your average Seattle haunt!
====
COFFEE REPORT
Coffee bean brand: Cafe Vita
Ristretto: Ya gotta ask 'em
Best Bet Drinks: can't say I've had one that blows me away here
Baristas: B
Wireless internet access: Yes -
Review from Kristina A.
Seattle, WA
10/30/2009
I wanted a favorite neighborhood coffee shop. I looked far and wide ... chains would never do. Checked out a few local haunts, but nothing stuck ... then, I found Irwin's. Familiar with Bjork's, "It's Oh So Quiet"? Yeah, that about sums it up.
They have phenomenal baked goods. Fresh doesn't begin to describe how delectable they are. The first time I walked in, I expected (as usual) to try to pick one or two goodies (or try to convince my boyfriend to get one and I'd get the other). I was deciding - no exaggeration - between five different things. I ended up getting one of the best scones I've ever had. It was apple and pecan. There were paper thin slivers of apple decorating the top (so pretty!) and the inside had some type of delightful gooey cinnamon and appley thing going on. My boyfriend had the banana bread - boring - but he liked it so much, he's ordered it every time since.
This place is beyond good. The wi-fi is a given when it comes to coffee shops these days, but it's an added bonus. I like the hodge podge collection of chairs and furniture (including adirondack chairs in the front outside). You don't have to stress out if you spill something. People are really laid back and the baristas/cashiers are very friendly (but not in a fake Starbucks kind of a way). It doesn't get very loud there unless it's full and then it's just the usual coffee shop banter. Otherwise, it's pretty quiet in a, "I'm on my laptop or reading or studying or quietly chatting" kind of a way.
We also love the local art featured on the walls (my boyfriend may be asking them to show some of his stuff in the near future).
(I have not tried their savories/sandwiches, so I can't speak on their behalf. ) -
Review from Ian S.
7/11/2007 2 photos
This is a cute neighborhood place with punk rawk barista-types and a chill atmosphere.
To date, this has been the only place I have sat and read the Seattle Times.
I returned to this place and spent the whole day on their wifi, drinking coffee, and eating one of their sandwiches.
The food isn't bad, but it doesn't seem to be a real focus as this is a coffee place that can make you a sandwich, get me? (I sound like a 1930s mobster suddenly in this review). It is firmly a coffee place that can make you food, and not a sandwich place that serves coffee. Priorities are firmly in place. Kitchen is limited.
It seemed a fine place to get some cafe vita bean juice and chill for a bit though, so I did. I don't think I'll be a regular, as it isn't exactly a work environment for me. As I'm not a pincushion anarchist, it doesn't seem much of a social place either. This is okay as I can see the appeal, but not for me (anymore anyway). -
Review from Ryan G.
Seattle, WA
2/4/2008 1 photo
My boyfriend and I live in Wallingford, so Irwin's is just our friendly neighborhood coffeeshop. Absolutely perfect to walk from home and grab a pastry and coffee and wake up with the morning sun, if you're that close. Perhaps it's because we come in on Saturdays like clockwork, but the baristas have started on our "regular" before we get to the counter, and their for-here mugs are charmingly mismatched.
We just go on weekend mornings for a cinnamon roll or a scone (which we've found surprisingly hard to find in Seattle!), which are about average. One reviewer described their pastries (negatively) as something "they could bake at home" -- which is actually part of the reason we find the atmosphere so homey.
Would I go out of my way from another place in Seattle? Probably not. Do we go anywhere else? Not really. -
Review from Tom M.
Seattle, WA
3/28/2009
Irwin's gets three stars for their excellent blueberry muffins, the relatively efficient service (including one woman who was over the top excellent), decent coffee, and great wi-fi.
I give them an extra star for pissing of Yelper Cassie C, who is just the type of person who brings a coffee house down. Go smoke yer clove cigs somewhere else, sista. -
Review from Siri N.
Seattle, WA
4/24/2010
Perfect little quirky neighborhood coffee shop. It's in an older building, what used to be the Durn Good grocery, or so my folks tell me. The place has character. If you prefer your coffee shops sterile, this isn't your place.
Not much I can eat there due to diet restrictions (if they got gluten-free baked goods I'd be there even more often) but people seem to enjoy the food. Decent wifi, nice place to work, hang out, meet a friend and chat. Love the outdoor seating.
The employees are sweet, if sometimes a bit busy. The place gets a lot of business. Yeah they're young, but I've seen the same women working there for a couple of years, who know me if not by name, then by face.
The coffee is decent, goes down smooth, never too bitter. Is it the finest artisan cup in town? No. But not every place can have baristas who apprenticed for ten years in an undisclosed location in Italy, pulling shots on gold-ceramic plated million dollar machines. Irwin's is first, and foremost, a neighborhood spot. And it serves that role wonderfully. -
Review from Jason T.
Seattle, WA
3/28/2009
If this place were on campus when I was doing time at a small Midwestern university, I would have been a happy student. It's one of those places with eclectic decor and unambitious food, reasonable but not particularly frugal prices, and it screams college student hangout.
Maybe I've gotten too demanding, but after a couple of visits I feel a little nostalgia for the little place at school, but it's hard to get very excited about Irwin's, even as a neighborhood joint. But it's a cute little place, and if you're ever in the neighborhood and need a little soup and 70s hippie style quiche, it can't hurt to drop in. -
Review from J S.
Seattle, WA
10/6/2008
A few months ago, new to the neighborhood and waiting for our blankety-blank movers to show up with our plates and silverware, my husband and I spent many a morning (okay, who are we kidding, mid-late-11:59-is-still-technically-morning morning) at Irwin's and sampled everything from their quiche (yum!) to their mandarin chicken salad (yum!) to their banana bread and muffins (all yum!).
As non-coffee-loving native Seattleite (yes, we do exist) I have no opinion on their coffee-based offerings because coffee is yucky. My husband is a coffee drinker and seems to enjoy their coffee (or at least hasn't said anything bad about it).
As opposed to a few of the other reviewers who seemed to be resigned to going to Irwin's because it's close, I'm thrilled that it's so close and consider it a perk of the neighborhood. -
Review from Damon C.
Seattle, WA
9/2/2009
Irwin's is certainly my favorite neighborhood coffee shop to grab a drink at and work out of all day. It's not too big, so it doesn't get packed, but there's an interesting crowd coming through on a regular basis.
I used to love Irwin's for their sandwiches as well. But the truth is that they got them from Capitol Hill Cafe. With the opening of their Eastlake location, I guess they started making their own sandwiches because even though they have the same name - the quality is noticeably different. And unfortunately, not in a good way. They took my two favorite sandwiches (tuna melt and almost thanksgiving) and effectively ruined them with low-quality bread/cheese.
That said, their veggie cream cheese still rocks and while I won't be paying the high prices for the sandwiches I'll definitely still grab a bagel, coffee and some wifi.
Sorry, Irwin's. I love ya, but the new sandwiches are a big downer. -
Review from cathy g.
Seattle, WA
11/5/2008
** time changes, opinions, outspoken owner, not alway thoughtful.
That's all i shall say.** 4 went to 2 stars
Yesterday for election day they had a Pay what You Think is Right day.. to celebrate the election adn the economic times.
What cool folks.
I didn't like the soup yesterday... the garlis bread was divine. Tasty-looking pastries. -
Review from Madey A.
Seattle, WA
2/22/2010
I like this place a lot. It's a neighborhood gem. I give it 4, not 5 stars because it's a little pricey, but the food is great. It's a quaint little cafe with lots of character. I love how everything has a vegan or vegetarian option. The sandwiches are sooo yummy.
I haven't had the coffee, I'm not a coffee drinker, but their chai is very good. Service is a bit slow, but who cares. They take the time to make everything right. -
Review from dana s.
Seattle, WA
2/15/2010
Food is great (especially muffins)
Seating is okay
Coffee is mediocre (drip is most reliable)
Service is hit or miss (at least the staff is cheerful, although may not get your order right) -
Review from Kelsey M.
Seattle, WA
6/14/2010
Eat their pesto pizza! And carrot cake! And any of the thick rustic pies! Do it now!
Also, I really really dig their soy latte and sitting in the circle of squishy seated wicker furniture in the sun to read. -
Review from JP L.
Seattle, WA
3/28/2011
Stopped by for the first time today - the cute factor was waaaaay up due to the Scottie in the pink striped sweater sitting outside. Vanilla latte, check. Bagel/eggel, check. Lemon scone, unique and really tangy. Free mini chocolate chip cookie, tasty delight. I'll be back.
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Review from Juliann B.
Seattle, WA
12/25/2009
I like this place when I want to walk my dog to a destination in Wallingford that isn't on 45th. Its cozy inside and the service is friendly enough. The place is never want of customers.
Still the prices are kinda outrageous for coffee drinks with soy milk, even for Seattle standards and the mochas and lattes really aren't that amazing. The food is hit or miss, with my husband's tomato cream cheese bagel being delicious, but the apple turnover I got not having any cinnamon or nutmeg so a little lackluster.
With such coffee competition nearby I can not give this place more than 3 stars. -
Review from Jim M.
Seattle, WA
4/2/2011
It's all good! Nice neighborhood atmosphere and plenty of goodies to choose from.
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Review from Marina M.
Seattle, WA
4/29/2008
This place is really friendly and cozy. There's always a diverse group of people inside, lounging and chatting. Great atmosphere.
I'm at Irwin's pretty much every day. The staff is fun, and while service is not exactly lightning-fast, the bulletin board ads for detail-oriented housekeepers that lack contact information provide for a daily laugh while I wait.
Their iced Americanos are just delish. Far, far superior to Tully's or Starbucks down the street.
Their sandwiches are a bit expensive but delicious and warm. Mmm. -
Review from KDcat T.
Seattle, WA
1/20/2010
I love this place! It is cute and quaint and the atmosphere is warm and inviting, along with the tasty food and yummy coffee. I know some folks have given it lesser reviews, but I must say, in my many many many visits to Irwins (and I don't even live close!) I've had nothing but exceptional service and tasty food. Especially those chocolate chip cookies! They are my favorite!
Also, I ordered two pies for Thanksgiving, one was a pecan and the other a pumpkin, those two were especially yummy, and I will be ordering them again for the holidays. Whenever I am in, I am greeted with a smile and I always walk out with one. I am thrilled with Irwins and have always walked out with a smile and a happy tummy. Thanks Irwins! -
Review from Abby T.
Seattle, WA
8/27/2010
I want to like Irwin's so bad. It's theoretically everything I want in a coffee shop. Great location, amazing baked goods baked on-site daily, cute storefront, nice little setup. However, they lose SO MANY points on the service - and the coffee. After reading other reviews, I know I'm not alone. My parents live a couple of blocks away so if I'm over there on a weekend morning I usually stop in because it's convenient and cute. This morning a 12 oz cafe au lait and a muffin cost me over six bucks, which is almost forgivable if it was really spectacular. The muffin was almost worth it - but three bucks for a muffin? come on. On the coffee front, however, I'm asking for drip and 3/4 of a cup of steamed milk. It's not hard. I used to be a barista myself so I'm not just projecting here. With two (surly) girls behind the counter and only one drink order in front of me, I was surprised to wait more than a couple of minutes for it to arrive on the bar. The last time I was in there it took over five minutes to get my coffee. I don't mind waiting for something that's good, but when you're overpriced and the staff isn't friendly, it makes me a little resentful.
The blueberry muffin, however, was amazing. -
Review from Anastasia N.
Seattle, WA
10/7/2010
I see a lot of peeps are saying that this place is a bit pricey, but hey I don't care. I love this place and even though I don't live in Wallingford anymore, whenever i drive anywhere near there I make sure I go in and get a latte. I get some espresso ground there once in awhile and they always make it just right and even gave me 2 free to go coffee thermos things:) I also love the Caprese Sandwich, mmm. And now I am hungry...
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Review from Emily W.
Manhattan, NY
1/29/2009
Mmmmm, I love Irwin's, mostly for the delicious food and the funky neighborhood feel.
Highlights: the SCONES are effing amazing. I like the apple pecan scone and the marionberry scone best of all.
Muffins are also winners in my book, especially blueberry and pumpkin.
And their sandwiches. I had the Caprese sandwich last week, and the bread was crispy and chewy and grilled just right, plus mozarella and all of the usual fixings. Their soups are also good.
I wish they had bigger, sturdier tables for working and reading, but I love how they feature local artists on the walls.
