12/30/08

Great cappuccinos by the shot

by gelagela7

Yum! Their espressos are pretty good, rich.... I would say their soy lattes are some of my favorite---- iced or hot. If you want any pastries or biscotti, they've got'em. I love the baristas---- they're such quirky people! And expert at the coffees. Usually is super busy in the mornings, lines may go out the door. For some reason, you can find seating regardless of how busy this branch is---- and despite it looks small inside! Opens till 11pm, which is good, has WiFi :) If you like this place, I'd also try out Bauhaus Books&Cafe---- hard seating when busy, but they open till 1am which means if you're a hard-core nighttime studier, go there :)

• Pros: awesome baristas, great espressos
• Cons: only have one sugar-free syrup (vanilla)

11/11/08

easily my favorite latte

by Makami

I used to work at a coffee shop, so when I go to a new one, I always watch the baristas. Do they foam the milk too much or steam it too long? Do they knock and swirl the milk pitcher? Do they pull the shot too long? Is the cappuccino the right proportions of milk, espresso and foam? When I get the drink, is there latte art? Does the coffee taste burnt?

Vivace is the only place I've seen where they consistently do it right, and you can taste the results. Properly roasted beans and milk that hasn't been over-steamed result in a latte so sweet that I never need to add sugar. The non-coffee drinks are also good, and while they don't have chai, they do have the "beautiful Stephanie," a steamed milk and earl grey tea drink that's delicious.

The service is good, too. I've never found the baristas to be snobby or rude, even when a customer asks for extra-hot or extra-dry lattes, which destroy the sweetness and texture of steamed milk. They do warn customers that they can't make lattes too dry, but they do it with a smile and no condescension at all. The baristas are always smiling and friendly, no matter how busy it is.

The atmosphere has its strengths and weaknesses. It lacks any big comfy chairs, and in the winter it can sometimes be a little cold, so it's not my favorite place to go when I want to curl up with a novel. Usually I enjoy the music they play, but can be too loud. On the other hand, they have a separate room that's quieter and perfect for studying, and the little tables make it a great place to hang out and chat with friends.

Their other drawback is the pastries, which are the same as like every other Seattle coffee shop's, with nothing particularly exciting.

Overall, Vivace is excellent for those who like perfectly executed artisanal coffee. If you prefer extra-dry, or more bitter lattes, or you care more about a cozy atmosphere or yummy snacks, you may want to find another hangout. In Seattle, that won't be hard.

• Pros: perfect lattes, study room, good service
• Cons: mediocre pastries, a little cold, no armchairs

02/02/08

Delicious Coffee, but frigid atmosphere

by mimnar

Yes, they do have some of the best coffee in Seattle. But, the music is horrible and very loud and the baristas don't care about patron comfort. It is freezing cold out, and the door is wide open as I write this. I asked them if I could close it, and the barista replied that it was too hot behind the machines. While I can sympathize with being too hot, and having to deal with discomfort in the workplace, the people they are serving are cold. Everyone is in their coats. People are hugging themselves from cold. My drink went cold in a matter of minutes. If they disregard the customer's comfort entirely, why should I care about theirs?

• Pros: Good coffee
• Cons: Freezing cold, both physically, and emotionally