Caffe Ladro

09/05/08

You Can Do Much, Much Better

by huskypal at Citysearch

Remember the anti-social chap who served soup with an insult on Seinfeld? I believe his relatives staff this outwardly attractive coffee house. It's understandable that a bad day can lead to less than stellar charm, but coldness capable of reversing global warming seems to be the habit here. The staff's behavior could make Vice President Cheney a Mr. Rogers by comparison. Just one example; on a very wet Seattle day, having snagged the rare open parking spot, I ducked inside to ask for change for parking to evade a meter maid grimly striding down the street, explaining I planned to come in for coffee and a snack. The barista glared at me and told me to wait like everyone else. With so many fine coffee houses staffed by genial baristas in our beautiful city, there's no need to support Ladro's sour folk.

• Pros: It's Convenient
• Cons: Service

08/09/08

Nice coffee shop but service has a long way to go

by lqagrl at Citysearch

As other reviewers have said before, the coffee and desserts are pretty good, and the atmosphere is comfortable and cozy. However, they could do much to improve their service, which tends to be cold and unfriendly. On one winter day, I walked in and stopped halfway between the door and the counter to try to see if there were any available seats. There were none (this place tends to be pretty crowded). I was about to walk out when the barista asked me if she could help. I explained that I was checking to see if there were any seats but, unfortunately, there were none - to which she replied, stone-faced, "You can sit outside." Now, it's true, they do have a couple of tables out on the sidewalk, but it was about 45 degrees and raining, for God's sake! You don't suggest that somebody sit outside in that kind of weather. That's just rude. Did she think I had to have their coffee so bad that I'd be willing to sit under the cold rain to drink it? At the very least, you say something like, "Well, we do have outdoor seating, but that's probably not going to be very comfortable today because it's so nasty out." That said, I might still go back there, but only because they're close to my house and are open late, and it's a good place to work on your laptop because the background noise isn't too distracting, although, as I said before, the place does get crowded. Actually, I wonder if the unfriendly service is really a way to reduce the number of customers because they have too many!

• Pros: Decent coffee and desserts
• Cons: A bit pricey; service is usually bad

07/05/08

very rude employees. bad customer service.

by seattlegal1 at Citysearch

do not go here. these days, you have to pay too much for a latte and you might as well have a pleasant experience while you do it - which is NOT the case at cafe ladro. they are so rude to their customers. its like, that soup skit is kinda funny on Seinfeld re-runs ...but its not funny when you are paying your hard earned money for someone to treat you badly. do not go here. go somewhere else that is pleasant and has good energy.

• Pros: none
• Cons: very bad customer service. they are very rude to customers.

11/04/07

Great Coffee, Terrible Service

by micava at Citysearch

I was staying in the area for a few weeks and heard great reviews about the Ladro coffee. I was pleased with the espresso, but just horrified by the service each time I was there, save two, in which a nice young man was very pleasant, and a gal in the wee hours of the morning was also kind and respectful.

Most times, a young girl is just curt and rude while I must deal with her for my espresso, and it is a most unpleasant experience. My husband and my girlfriends also have the same opinion.

Such a shame to have such a convenient location and wonderful coffee and terrible service.

• Pros: coffee
• Cons: service

10/14/06

Excellent blend, well made drinks.

by tangotraveller at Citysearch

The Lower Queen Anne Ladro can be counted on for an excellent latte. Shots are poured consistently and the baristas all have plenty of experience. I frequently get a latte at this location and have never been disappointed. I would, however, avoid the upper QA location, as I've consistently had sub par drinks from there. Fremont Ladro is always good.

• Pros: Consistent excellent coffee
• Cons: In the shade, bathroom waaaaay down the hall

05/16/05

Good Coffee, Good Service

by ryynoo at Citysearch

Cafe Ladro has good coffee consistently and good friendly service. On top of this, they have the best outdoor chairs i the city!

• Pros: Friendly, Consistent, Good Coffee

This local chain brings expressive personality to the morning coffee break.

by Contributor at Citysearch

In Short
In Spanish, Caffe Ladro means "coffee thief," and, as its name suggests, these neighborhood coffeehouses have clearly made off with a number of caffeine fans from the nearby chains. Customers toss their coats over their chairs and the regulars feel comfortable leaning over the counter to use the phone. A variety of pastries are available to munch with espresso drinks--a slice of deep dish fruit pie is a filling, if totally unhealthy, lunch.

07/26/02

THE HOTTIE ON MONDAY NITES!

by aja_in_seattle at Citysearch

I LOVE this place. It is a must be on Monday Nights! Dan is as Yummy as his coffee he makes. When he is there the place, if filled with great positive energy. I look forward to my Monday nights - its the best way to start the week!

THANKS DAN!!

• Pros: MONDAY NIGHT GUY, THE COFFEE HE MAKES

05/23/02

What's the problem?

by Dave at Citysearch

I've gone to the 15th Ave Laddro a couple of times and had no problem. This is not rocket science. Sounds like the folks down the street are concerned about the competition. I have never had a bad cup of coffee at Laddro. But then again, it's only coffee...