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Category: Coffee & Tea [Edit]
Neighborhood: Central DistrictMon-Sat. 6:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m.
Sun. 7:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.
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I am a fan because of the awesome kid area. There are cafes that I like because I can go alone and get a nice pastry and sit to read or write or ponder, then there are places like this. I mean, I could probably do the sitting alone thing here, too, but Tougo's main attraction, for me and my little one, is the spacious play area. It's big and in a corner, so you can drop your offspring and sip your joe. (But why is the piano crammed into the corner next to it?)
The guy at the counter was nice and happy to chat with me for an appropriate length of time - always a plus. The other patrons looked into the whole scene. Unfortunately, I don't live too close, but I have been a couple of times and will go again and again.
Oh yeah, tasty and STRONG americano action. I was lit up after about half a cup. The pastries didn't look too exciting.
Tougo is the very essence of the coffee shop I spent most of my last two years of college studying in, but better. They recently expanded into the space next door, creating additional seating, a storage (meeting?) room and a separated, partitioned off, non-piano-included space for the moms to watch their little darlings.
I'll agree that the piano sitting next to the play mat was REALLY annoying.
But I digress.
I've successfully tutored a child in math, completed multiple projects for work, met with friends for coffee and missed a bus while sitting at Tougo. Not all at the same time, but I used to live about two blocks away from this place and caught the bus across the street at TT Minor.
The baristas are friendly and know their stuff. The owner is downright delicious to behold. It fits, since he was voted sexiest small business owner in the Stranger this year, if memory serves. Their coffee is consistently good. The art on the walls is actually pretty good, and that's nice. Their new photo collage screen next to the cash register is kinda cool. They also have a nice mix of sizes of tables and seating areas for people with a good number of tables for one or two. I HATE taking up space for four in a crowded coffee shop when I could do just as well with a table for two.
The one downside that takes a star away... I've had to leave sans drink on more than one occasion because the line was too long and they do take an ungodly amount of time to craft their drinks. I left sadly. Very sadly.
I adore having Tougo in my hood! Yes, I am sure this has a lot to do with it's close proximity to my home. Beyond that though, the coffee is delicious. Admittedly, I do not chose this cafe when in a hurry, though I am there every Sat and Sun when I tend to wake well before my plans require and have time to leisurely wander over and wait if need be.
The baristas are pleasant and not super chatty(which I count as a plus) and the tables are full of locals which makes for a great sense of neighborhood. It's also family friendly without being obnoxious which delights my pals with rug rats.
So glad to have you as neighbors. Thanks!
This is the kind of place you can come and bring your work, your headphones/music, a good book, and sit in solitude in the same room as everyone else who is doing the same thing. It's a beautiful, well-lit space, especially on a bright sunny day, and during the day is almost as good as the library, it just has a bit more art and more comfortable furniture and mellow music. I love its openness while it still maintains a lot of intimacy. May I suggest it for a mellow first/blind date at night? They serve Stumptown coffee (mm) and Mighty-O [vegan] doughnuts (mmm...), not to mention normal pastries, muffins, and breads. And one can't discount the occasional little voice that comes from the children's play area in the back, so cute!
One word: Boring. I love eclectic coffee shops and was hoping this one would be cool. Disappointingly, it is just another wanna-be hipster joint.... "Hey, look, we're kinda crazy!!" I won't be going back.
I wandered in here since I was walking around the neighborhood. It's in the middle of a super residential area, so be careful not to miss it. Grabbed a regular ol' cappuccino. Price to me was so-so, but since my drink was well-made I let that go.
They are friendly and do take their sweet time making your drink. I like people who take ownership in their craft, but I probably wouldn't come here if I was in a hurry. I luckily beat out a line that didn't let up until I was done with my own drink and read a couple articles.
The place is spacious and airy, I noticed there's a play area for kids-- must be really useful for parents/babysitters in the neighborhood. The place is decorated with nice artwork... just looks like another urbanista's coffee place. I like that there's different types of seating. I didn't feel awkward being by myself taking over a small table, and I saw a pair meet up at the couch.
All in all, a nice place to stroll in.
Tougo is situated in a desolate and gray little area in the center district. The interior reeks of urban coffeehouse charm, as the beautiful ceiling, newly painted walls, and creative artwork steal attention away from the worn furniture and other imperfections expected to be found in an old building. The place is broken into three parts: between the entrance to the bar are your standard tables, with some high tops near the front windows; there is nicely sized and comfy looking nook with couches and some more tables; and there is a play area in back for children.
In an exercise in stereotyping, I did not expect the baristas to listen to the wonderful polka/eastern european influenced indie contempo that they were, or expect that people would actually bring their children here. It feels like it has a bit of edge to it and a bit of hipster-ness to it, yet middle aged ladies poured in with their children and the metal looking baristas were very nice and talkative.
Personally I didn't feel like I fit this place real well and I'm not a big fan of the area. It has an exclusive community-insider kind of feel, that I just did not feel inside of. But the coffee is really good, the service is pretty good, and this place is about as unpretentious as it gets. The service isn't perma-grinned starbucks but its very genuine and the atmosphere is relaxing.
I went to Tougo (apparently named after the owner's son?) for the first time today for a meeting and I really liked it. There is this great area just for kids, which I really wish I had known about when I was nannying nearby. It's not often that coffeehouses are this super kid friendly, at least not to the extent of providing toys!
This cafe is pretty small, but it doesn't feel cramped at all. I loved the art work on the walls and casual atmosphere. The coffee is great too! I just enjoyed a cup of drip, but it provided the much needed caffeine boost I was aiming for.
I would definitely come back here again!
I've been in twice.
The first time, the barista was playing Bjork's "Debut" from a laptop. That alone required a return visit. The second time, no Bjork, but Santogold (excuse me, Santigold, now, is it?). Not bad, eh?
The coffee is excellent, but a little pricey. Like more than Starbucks pricey (I believe I paid 5 bucks for their largest, which was maybe a 16 oz? 20? Not the "family sized bucket" that other places offer, which is not a judgment. I personally like a bucket of caffeine, can barely function without one. But, again, the coffee was very good, and worth the extra buck +.
The shop it self is cute, with artwork (for sale, I believe) spread through the airy space. Definitely a nice place to sit and enjoy a cup, and large enough that you could feel comfortable meeting a group of friends.
The service both has been good both times I've visited. I mean, I was mostly just bopping my head to the music, but they were very nice in spite of my spazzy demeanor. I'll have to go back, but I'm a bit stuck in the habit of going to Katy's, just a block or two down Union.
Tougo is close to my house and has a great atmosphere and great drinks and eatey bits. I love it but I often find myself studying at Remedy Teas instead, since it closes early (reasonable for a place that exists to caffeinate people, but inconvenient for my inner student).
One great thing is that on a Sunday afternoon there is somewhere to sit, unlike every place on 15th.
This is a BYOL place (Bring Your Own Laptop). So if you like connecting with people on the internet while being surrounded by total strangers who are doing the same thing, this is the place for you.
I kid, sort of. I don't really drink a lot of coffee, so I don't hang in coffee shops as much as a normal Seattleite. But as coffee shops go, this was a really nice one. I liked the art, how open the space was (while still feeling intimate), and the hot chocolate, which was good. If I worked from home, or was attached at the hip to my laptop (as so many of the patrons were), I would definitely consider this as one of my staple coffee places. We don't live in Capitol Hill, so it's not a convenient location for us--but it was a great place for our meeting, so I'll be utilizing their space again.
It didn't get five stars because there were a lot of children there that day, which is something I like even less than coffee. Otherwise, a great experience.
Support your local coffee shops!
Ok. So reluctantly I finally made it back here for a third time but only because circumstances brought me there.
My partner and I were seeing a show at 1412 Gallery next door. After a full day of drinking scotch and sodas in the hot sun we needed a little caffeine pick-me-up during intermission so Tougo it was. I warned him of my other experiences and to prepare himself for a wait and maybe a starey guy too.
Well, apparently after 5pm on a Sunday is the time to go for a quick in-and-out. Although there was no line at all for coffee (the bored barista was reading a newspaper) every table was taken by single occupants staring blankly into their laptops. It was like a scene from a distopian novel. So don't even think about sitting down.
Surprisingly, it took less than 5 minutes for our barista to make and ring up two large americanos. Kudos for that. However, there was still the distressing problem of one barista on the register and the bar and our barista wasn't unfriendly but he wasn't friendly either. A smile or a "How're you doing?" would have been nice. I guess those are reserved for the regulars.
Anyway, the coffee was a delicious as it was the last time I came in. I would like to say I would return but it seems hit or miss, mostly miss, as far as wait time, staff friendliness and seating availability. SInce I live two blocks away it would be a cool place to go with my laptop to do a little bit of writing with fellow distopians but I highly doubt that will happen. I think I'll stick to drinking scotch and sodas on my patio instead.
I've lived in the CD for 9 years in the same apartment, about a block and a half away from Tougo.… Read more »
I just stopped into this coffee shop for the first time and I'm so happy I did. Tougo has an air of calm and relaxing about it that every cafe should have but many don't. I noticed another review said it is usually full of crying babies but maybe I missed that since I got my morning coffee at 2pm? I usually judge a coffee shop by their drip but I opted for an Americano this time and it was really good. Also, I watched the barista make an amazing looking (and huge!) latte for the woman in front of me
It may not be the closest to my house but I think next time I'm looking to go for a little bit of a walk I'll make my way back to Tougo
+excellent coffee
+attractive decor, funky paintings by local artists, spacious with plenty of seating
+free wifi (though that's practically de-rigeur nowadays)
+it's in a neighborhood that isn't already overloaded with coffeeshops (and I disagree with the person who said it's a desolate area. I love my neighborhood! It's pretty and convenient.)
+mighty-o doughnuts. Including the most adorable mini-doughnuts!
+good music, played at an unobtrusive volume.
-not the place to go if you are bothered by little kids running around, turning the light switch on and off, plunking around on the piano (seriously, way to bother everyone else in the coffeeshop), etc. It's cool for parents that there's a "kid-friendly" coffeeshop, I guess, but it's not for me.
Wonderful addition to the neighborhood. Brian (the owner) is smart enough to realize by doing good by the community that the business will come. The other reviews pick up on this. Its as much a community center as it is a coffee house and Brian works hard to make it like this.
Lots of space to sit, good coffee, nice staff and cool crowd.
We need more businesses like this.
I just wanted to update on the response from the owner, Brian. He clearly is not all about his customers. He was apologetic about getting my name wrong, but not on the unacceptable customer service that he dished out on my visit. Here is a string of the responses:
Brian W.'s comment on your review:
Joe, I am certain that you are going to prosper in your wine consulting business and I wish you luck. I appreciate the press that you have given Tougo Coffee Co and hope to see you again. Best Wishes Brian
user photo
Jesse P.
8 hours ago
Hello Brian - The name is Jesse, not Joe. But that's OK. I'm glad you took the time to respond back to the review I had sent you, and "try" to win your customers' business.
user photo
Brian W.
Owner
Block & Report Owner
7 hours ago
Thanks Jesse, I apologize about the name change as I was talking with a friend who's name it Joe. I was not trying to win your business just wanting to thank you for your review, and to wish you luck with your business.
Best Wishes Jesse
user photo
Jesse P.
6 hours ago
Oh OK. I thought when you said "hope to see you again," you meant as a customer at Tougo Coffee ala winning my business. That's cool! Good luck to you too!
In ref to SLU:
I have passed by this cafe many times on the way to Whole Foods, but it was always…
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A perfect balance - a little neighborhood coffee shop, with something for the whole family.
I've got no shortage of coffee shops within a short distance of my house (Fuel, Tullys, Ladro, etc.) but this one has a couple unique things making it worth going to.
One, they've got a small kids' play area in the back - which is great if you have a busy toddler (as I do). It's nice that it's also in the back, too, as not to overly disturb all the patrons hanging out up-front.
Two, the people who own it are super friendly and good at their jobs. My mocha was excellent, and the pastries we shared were also fresh (something a lot of little cafes can't seem to get right - not sure if it's a supplier thing or what). Both owners pleasantly chatted with me and the other patrons while we were there - never once being all superior and what-not like some (cough, Ladro, cough) shops in Capitol Hill.
Three, the decor is pretty cool - although I'm sure it changes with whatever art they have rotating on the wall. I would, however, say 2nd best ceilings. The ones at "How to Cook a Wolf" are in the same vein, but crazier.
I can't say I'd replace going to Fuel with walking here for my regular coffee visits, but if I lived right over here it would definitely be my go-to coffee shop before work/on weekends, and we'll definitely be coming back this summer.
Best ceilings ever. Seriously. Lookup.
Very cozy place to grab a coffee and a paper and waste away a weekend morning (ok, ok, afternoon, fine).
The lattes were better than the americanos and the quick breads were better than the rest of the baked goods.
Free wireless is always a nice touch.
Darlings,
Tougo is a true gem. I suggest running your little rain-boot clad feet over there immediately for one of the expertly crafted lattes (never over-milky) and returning whenever you feel the urge to consume something fabulously de-lish.
Love,
Kelly
P.S. If they are out of the Almond Yum-Yum, it is because I ate them all.
There are a number of cool, distinguishable characteristics about Tougo. (Pronounced Toe-goo) This coffee place is sophisticated and family oriented without losing a hint of espresso bar integrity. I highly recommend this place for a parent needing to take a break and grab a cup of coffee. The creators of Tougo developed a portion of the shop into a soft floor play area for the kids. Toys supplied. Parents can rock in the rocking chairs while their pride and joy takes as much of a needed break as they do.
Pioneer Coffee Roasters, Mighty-O donuts, and The French Bakery are the notable vendors one can expect to find at Tougo. The coffee is good; the service is laidback, friendly, and genuine. Seating is plentiful in an average size space and one can spread out without feeling crowded. I am uncertain whether Wi-Fi is available or not. Art hangs from gentle colored, Zen green walls, and hints of Japanese decoration influence round out the dcor.
Tougo is worth checking out. Tougo offers a very different atmosphere than most places in town do, so it will stand out among the many Seattle has to offer. One can obtain their usual goodies without the usual complaints.
Coffee's pretty good, the ambiance is there, but the music is too quiet.
Minus one star because the barista thought she was way cooler than me, and made it really obvious.
Just tried it this morning. It's easy to miss: the outside of the building is pretty nondescript (the fact that it's pink notwithstanding...), but the inside of Tougo* is a different world. I second all of Bill's comments. The place has a great vibe, and the photos on the walls--all taken by the owner--are amazing. First-rate mochas, too.
* Named after the owner's child, the word means "embrace diversity" in Japanese.
Cute space with some exposed brick here and there, soft green walls, artwork by local artists, the aforementioned ceilings, and dark furniture. They have pastries by Macrina.
Their bathroom is a deep maroon, exposed brick walls, and one drafty window covered with curtains that evoke an English countryside from times past. Please people, shut the damn curtains because it's freezing! There's a good 1/2 an inch gap between the window glass and the surrounding brick on the bottom of the window. Yikes. No need for air freshener in here! Also, there are gaps between the back door and the surrounding frame.
In fact, the rest of the space is frozen, too, hence the 3 stars. Another patron was just complaining that it is colder here than in her apartment. Someone got up to check the thermostat. 60 degrees. No wonder my tea went from hot to cold in minutes.
As we left I noticed that one of the windows near the front door was open. WTF?
I'll come back when it is warm and try out the wooden rocking chairs out front.
Tougo's is one of the best places to hang in this part of the neighborhood. A great place for quiet meetings or to just hang out and get some work done. They also have a new kid-friendly area in the back. The owner, Brian, is righteous. They have a good tea selection in addition to the usual. Great little hidden-away spot in Cap Hill/Central District.
Love this place, it's my home coffee shop. Unlike most Seattle cafes, here everyone talks to everyone else and if there is someone Brian thinks you should meet he'll introduce you on the spot! It's a great chat with friends place, or you can get online and work all day. Very kid-friendly also somehow.
The coffee is great (Vita, made by talented baristas) and after a couple times of coming in you will probably just be asked, "for here or to go?" since they seem to know what everyone is drinking. :)
Ok, so I was so excited for this place that I went a head and got a job here. BUT I still hold strong to everything that I said before. Don't hold it against me
Thank you Tougo!
We just moved from Capitol hill to the CD, twenty third and union to be exact, and…
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This place is awesome. It's so great to take my baby nephew there and have a great environment for him to play in. The other kids and adults there are so wonderful and the storytime on Tuesdays rocks.
And even if you're not bringing a kid it's a great place to chill, use the wireless internet, and/or drink excellent coffee. The food is yummy as well. Good tunes, good vibes, cool owner.
Ya'll gotta check this place out.
I love it.
I drank too much scotch last night and left my car parked near Tougo. When I arrived this morning to pick it up, it seemed like an optimal time to test their wares.
Soy almond latte - arrived really hot so I was afraid it was burned... but nope! It survived unscathed with a little design.
Cinnamon roll - Delicious! Not too sickly sweet, fresh, mmm.
Ambiance - Beautiful interior design. (see uploaded picture)
Sadly I probably won't be here often since I usually go to coffeeshops around 9-10pm and Tougo isn't open late.
Just popped in yesterday evening b/c I had to try this place. I was pleasantly surprised that they serve Cafe Vita coffee. Woohoo! Love it. Also I am a strictly mocha girl, and their mocha has just a hint of chocolate w/o masking all the coffee taste. Exactly what I'm looking for!Great space with lots of different options: studying (grad school you know), reading, chatting with friends, and bringing the kids if you have 'em. Obama supporters - hell yeah! I will probably revise my review to 5 stars but will wait until I actually enjoy a cup of coffee here instead of getting it to go.
This coffee house is the perfect setting. The brick building, ceiling work and lighting take you back to a time when sitting with friends and family drinking great coffee was a treat. And the coffee has such deep rich taste and color, it makes my mouth water as I'm writing this.
Check it out and you'll see what I mean.
The coffee shop that redefined a neighborhood or shall I say a block. Brian has changed 18th Avenue for the best. The staff is incredible. They remember your drinks, name, etc. If you have children this is the place for you. If you don't well you might get a blasted with crying babies. Anyways, this is my favorite coffee shop ever.
New Upscale Coffee Shop in the CD
Posted April 16 at 5:12 pm by Adriana Grant
On the walk to work, I stopped into the newly opened Tougo Coffee which opened at 18th Ave. East and Union on the last day of March. It's right next to gallery 1412, in a short strip of unassuming storefront spaces including a hair salon, and a church that sings on Sundays.
Tougo Coffee occupies a clean, well-lighted space, with a super-cool ceiling. Look up and you'll discover lengths of wood installed parallel to each other, creating a sort of organic, repeating pattern of straight lines. As the affable owner behind the bar explained to me, the ceiling is composed of more than a mile of reclaimed lathe, and it took more than a month to install. He was shy to admit he owned the place, but this cafe seems like one to be proud of.
The Morning Glory chai was good, the almond poppy seed muffin moist and delicious, and I enjoyed a Naked juice as well. They offer Pioneer Coffee Roasting Co. coffee, organic loose leaf teas from Red Star Coffee, and baked goods from Mighty O Donuts (organic, dairy free) and Wisteria Bakery. And the paper cups, as the owner told me, are compostable.
A lot of care has gone into the extensive remodel of this long, narrow space, and the mood of the cafe is warm and friendly. As a resident of the CD, I'm very pleased to see a new business making a go of it here. We could use a few more amenities in this part of the 'hood, and a cozy, neighborly coffee shop is a very welcome neighbor.
Forget the silly inclination that a coffee shop can't get 5 stars, bah. It sure can and this place sure does. This spot has become a staple for my lady and I for the last few months. We've met all the owners and workers many times and get nothing but great service by great people serving great coffee. Cheers Tougo, you're a delight.
I'm not sure I can give a coffee shop 5 stars so I did the next best thing: 4. Coffee is great,… Read more »
Lake Washington Girls Middle School loves Tougo! Our students and staff appreciate Tougo's support of our school. A better neighbor cannot be imagined. This is a coffeehouse where our students are welcomed and well taken care of. The atmosphere is warm and friendly, the conversation generous and the staff really knows their coffee.
L-dub loves Tougo!
What is different about Tougo is that it is a community center. Not in the public works sense, but in the tradition of coming to a place where people are welcomed, where you learn about each other and connect. It is a place where you can bring your laptop or your favorite book and suck down caffeine while enjoying your alone time, or you can pull up a stool and engage in conversation with a photographer you meet by chance or the architect who is rehabbing an old church a few blocks away. It's what coffee shops were originally intended to be...meeting places for new acquaintances, old friends, and commerce. Also, the little quiches are really good.
Good coffee, friendly people, comfy couches, and a nice enough play area for kids with room for parents to sit around in a circle and chat while the kids are playing. Recommended.
After checking out this neighborhood in response to my vintage yearnings at Last Waltz I decided to come back up and try a study session at Tougo.
First things first....they were playing Beirut for a good part of the time. Secondly, my requisite Americano was nicely pulled with a Vivace-esque creamy-ness to the espresso. I really liked that they offered the more user friendly raw sugar (that sugar in the raw is virtually impossible to get out of the dispenser). My gf's iced vanilla latte was a bit strong for her taste (more on par with Vita's style) but if you are looking for an eye opener its a good option.
The ambiance was super chill and tempered my own stress attributed to a growth management paper deadline (don't ask...its just tedious). There was plenty of male hipster eye candy and the installation art all around is better than I have seen in a long while.
Lastly, the pastry options from Macrina and elsewhere were enough to keep me going for many an hour. And extra bonus...they were cool enough to let me microwave a snack I brought from home with nary an eyebrow raise....cheers to you Tougo...I'll definitely be back!
This is how coffee houses are supposed to be! Brian has succeeded in creating not only some of the best drinks, but also an atmosphere where people feel comfortable to relax here. I travel a lot, and I go to Starbucks and other coffee houses around the country on a daily basis, and I've never seen such happy customers in a coffee house... having the kids play area in the back is a genius idea!
The coffee is great. Love the latte, perfect foam on top. I also enjoyed a dill and cheddar cheese scone, unexpectedly delicious!
Come here for a completely different coffee experience than the one you are used to.
This place is wonderful. The owners are amazing and gracious. The coffee is great. The atmosphere is lovely, and the have a nice kid area tucked away if that's your bag! I highly suggest making this your neighborhood coffee joint if you live in the area. Oh, and they have WIFI.
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