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Porchlight Coffee
Rating Details »
Categories: Coffee & Tea, Donuts
1515 14th AveSuite B
(between Madison St & Pike St)
Seattle, WA 98122
(206) 329-5461
- Hours:
Mon-Fri. 7:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.
Sat-Sun. 8:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.
- Price Range:
-
$
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Street
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
- Outdoor Seating:
- Yes
- Wi-Fi:
- Free
14 reviews for Porchlight Coffee
I've never posted a review on Yelp but my experience at Porchlight this morning moved me to write a review! I just moved to capitol hill from the central area and now live about two blocks from Porchlight. I went in this morning to get my usual (a short americano) and had a very pleasant experience with the owner (who is also the barista). I loved the bare bones set up of the shop and that is clearly being targeted to people who actually want to have a conversation with rather than just sitting in front of their computers.
What really pushed me to write the review (besides my very tasty coffee) is the owner. He was incredibly friendly and clearly wants to know everyone who is coming into his shop. I really enjoyed my conversation with him. I hope you support Porchlight coffee!
I will present the facts for you:
I am working today at Fire Station 25 on Capitol Hill. As I like to support (and Yelp! about) local businesses, I've been meaning to give Porchlight a try since they opened earlier this summer. I went in with a couple of other firemen at about 10:45 this morning and we ordered two americanos, a latte, and a mocha.
At 10:53 we were dispatched to an aid response (65YOF/Resp.) and had to leave before our drinks were finished being prepared. As we had paid already, we told the barista we'll be back for our drinks later... We returned at about 11:25 at which point the barista handed us the same (now cold) cups of coffee that he had made about 32 minutes earlier.
We asked, and no, there was no microwave for us to use there.
Now, I don't expect any special service, just because I had to UNexpectedly leave. It's not the cafe/barista's fault. But I just figured they would want to serve their coffee at it's best, as they are a coffee-shop and all. So based on the coffee that they gave me, which sucked: 2 stars. I bet that I would have been able to give their coffee AT LEAST 3 stars, had it been served hot...
Am I suggesting that you should've tossed out four cups of cold coffee, and made new ones? It sure sounds that way doesn't it? Seriously, we buy coffee every single day, and we're good tippers too. Just ask the baristas at Online Coffee Company http://www.yelp.com/bi...
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Comment from Zack B. of
Porchlight Coffee
10/23/2009
All you had to do was ask!
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I've walked past Porchlight a few times since it opened, first noting the sparse decor. I subsequently noticed the turquoise sandwich board sitting outside with just a little hand-painted silver arrow on it. How could you not want to step inside after seeing something so direct?
The shop is of average size for a Capitol Hill establishment but small for a coffee shop. To that end, there's space for about 20 people and very little area taken up by the actual coffee-makin' machinery. The decor may seem barren, but it's so light and airy inside as to highlight the local art on the walls.
Sorry, designer here, I seem to be focusing on all the show and not about the go. The coffee! Had a few lattes so far and they've all been quite yum. The drip coffee is probably the smoothest blend I've tried in Seattle. I obviously haven't hit a Herkimer joint before as that's what's served here. Yes, the drip coffee is served from a large pump thermal carafe, not sure why people think this is a negative. It's sitting on the counter for anyone to grab a refill whenever they'd like!
As for the hours, it turns out the barista is the owner and basically the only employee. If you think it's unreasonable, try putting in a 12 hour day every day for months on end. The guy that complained about this has reviewed things like statues so I'm not even sure he knew he was at a coffee shop.
I live directly above Online Coffee and I'd walk multiple extra blocks just to hit Porchlight instead. I hope this business flourishes.
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I like how small this place is: while it may not be as good for meeting a large group, the redeeming quality is that it's quite enough to actually get homework read, but not so silent that it's awkward to turn one's laptop on, or rummage through their backpack. The coffee is some of the best I've had on Capital Hill in awhile (sorry Stumptown, you don't do it for me anymore), and without the attitude that many shops have. The owner is really sweet, and I'm surprised by how young he is when I stopped in for the first time yesterday. I rarely spend time in cafe's doing homework: often, the atmosphere is too loud/hectic for me to be able to concentrate; however, I spent a solid two hours there getting all my sociology reading done, and am glad to have found a place that isn't the SU library or student center. Am super happy this place is close by!
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I was first drawn to this place to try out the highly-esteemed vegan Mighty-O donuts. As of my second visit, I am a fanatic. The owner/barista is very friendly and witty. The place doesn't seem to get overcrowded and is such a nice departure from the normal busy coffee shops of Capitol Hill. (A side note, the Mighty-O donuts are delicious.)
I'm a soy latte drinker. I don't think I've ever had a better one than this place. Plus there is free wi-fi as well as plenty of outlets for those who wish to do some online surfing/work while drinking some fine coffee.
Great vegan/vegetarian options. This place is certainly out of my way, but I will now make a point to stop in as often as possible.
My new favorite coffee shop. Hands down.
Vegan cream cheese? THANK YOU.
Despite the abundance of vegan food in Seattle, almost no breakfast places will offer vegan cream cheese (I know it's nothing but Trans Fat but god damnit, hummus doesn't always cut it).
And right now I'm drinking the best latte I've had in 2009, without question. This place has gone from promising to exceeding the promise.
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1 Previous Review: Show all »
-
7/3/2009
I was about to type "finally, a coffee joint between my apartment and work!" when I realized that… Read more »
an espresso maker and some chairs on an old concrete floor... this place is so minimalist it almost doesn't exist. it reminds me of 'joe bar' in its very early days, and that is about the biggest compliment i can grant a startup cafe. the coffee is exceptional, the service is cool, the floor, walls, and art show barely a trace of intention and yet somehow it all works pretty well. the clientele is laid back NW mega-hipster, the one-speed bike crowd, a sort of 20-something version of napoleon dynamite. the parking out front is strangely unmetered and, even more strangely, usually available!! plenty of little complaints: the tables are 2 person and unbearably flimsy, there are no table lights so reading can be tough, the hours are short. and yet, and yet: still totally deserving of 5 stars.
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Ok tried this place out as I was walking by at a hour they were actually open
Yeah first big fail your hours suck !!!
second they place is so bland I couldn't remember the name when I got home to do this review
drip coffee in a thermal urn Blah..... need I say more
that is enough not worth wasting anymore words on
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This brand new cafe on the devolping 14th and Pike block is a great addition. There is plently of space, lots of character (I think the owner opted not to use a level when hanging a few things), and the prices are very reasonable.
The opening of this shop has been a long time coming. I had met the owner a few times while passing by and he kept telling me of the permit delays he was not in control of. In case he wasn't around the unoffical mascot (an animated otter with a Porchlight latte in one hand and a tabacco pipe in the other) would inform pedestrians of the targeted opening day. A chalk board sign once read "Opening this week....seriously this time." So I can only imagine how happy the 22 year old owner and only employee, Zack, is about finally getting the doors opened.
Zack has his shop open from 7am-7pm Mon-Fri but is still super friendly despite putting in such long hours by himself. He did most everything decorating wise and it's very well done with a D.I.Y. feel to it. It's a perfect fit into this neighborhood and nice break from all condo appeasing Kirkland-like businesses popping up.
Coffee is everywhere in Seattle but coffee from a 22 year old dude with his financial neck on the line and his heart poured into his shop is a rare find and good reason to go out of your way to stop in.
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It sure is nice to have a local coffee spot that isn't the Online Coffee Co. Not that I have anything against that place, except that my Moon is in Cancer and therefore I will always prefer places that feel small and homey over large, super-populated coffee shops that sell beer and quiche along with cappuccinos.
Porchlight is both small and homey, with super friendly Zach as the barista. Cozy touches like the hand-written menu, basic paint job, and thrift-store looking furniture give the place a relaxed, unpretentious feel. It doesn't hurt that Zach also serves up the most delicious coffee on the 14th and Pine block.
Every latte I've had at Porchlight has been creamy and lovely and the chai is especially delicious, though a bit expensive for every day consumption. Even the brewed coffee tastes fresh and smells nice - not quite what you get at the factory-esque Online Coffee Co. The snack options at Porchlight, though limited, are everything you really need to accompany your cuppa (it's about the coffee, after all), but if you purchase a bagel on delivery day you'll have a religious bagel experience. Trust me on this one.
There's just something really nice about a neighborhood coffee spot that isn't about the looks, the free wi-fi, or the sheer array of menu options. What you see really is what you get and I like what I'm getting. Porchlight is all about coffee and community i.e. heart & soul.
We loves it.
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This place has a very mellow, neighborhood feel and excellent espresso drinks. The owner is also super friendly and nice! On opening day, he did not have his credit card machine set up and was willing to give us our drinks for free. We went back the next morning to pay for our drinks and order two more to show our appreciation. Definitely a place to keep going back to.
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If I could give no stars I would.
I listened to the owner give an interview to a local paper while I was there. The owner's stated goal is to create a community coffee shop. However, his definition of community is very exclusive. I would think that you would want to be inclusive on Capitol Hill.
--He states that most coffee shops in Seattle serve shit coffee. I think it's a matter of taste. (And as he doesn't roast his own beans I don't think he has a foot to stand on.)
-- He doesn't want people to stay and work. He specifically stocked the shop with small tables so people couldn't work.
--He doesn't want the shop to be crowded. There aren't extra chairs-- larger groups can't gather.
So -- he has a "community" coffee shop that only caters to coffee snobs who gather in 2-3s and who don't want to work in the shop, but get their coffee, converse, then leave.
As that definition of community doesn't include me, I won't be returning.
Comment from Zack B. of
Porchlight Coffee
8/6/2009
You obviously don't get jokes. I'm sorry I didn't wheel in a…
More »
This is one of the most minimalist coffee houses I've been to: fairly monochromatic, scattering of small tables against the walls (except that lone one in the middle of the floor), service counter just large to get business done, mini-fridge in the back, and what you see pastry-wise on that dinner plate is it. If I lived here, this would be my chill spot. There is something about the converted garage, somewhat temporary look to this place that made me want to grab a book and enjoy the cross breeze with what pleasantly turned out to be a great pull from a friendly and attentive barista. The roast used was a little on the citrusy side, but well brewed and absolutely enjoyable. This place is certainly worth a little extra walk to get to.
I love this place! Been in a few times and have quickly deemed this place my neighborhood coffee stop. Looking forward to seeing how this place does. The owner is super friendly and the coffee fantastic. So much for my "try to save money by making coffee at home" attempt. I think I'll be stopping by a lot.
Congrats on the new biz!
