In the past, I have talked about my favorite coffee shops that my hometown of Seattle has to offer. I don't just drink coffee in Seattle, I make coffee a destination in every single city that I travel to. Coffee can bring the best out of a city and turn a gray and gloomy day into a warm and delightful one. On my short stop over in Brussels I took a walk north of downtown to the lovely coffee shop known as MOK. It stood out to me on Google Maps with more photos of coffee than food (always a good sign), and had that hipster vibe going. Hint: this usually indicates good coffee.

After a short wait I was able to find a seat right at the coffee bar, and order a series of amazing drinks and food. I started with their Colombian coffee pour over. The barista (and all of the staff) were super duper nice even though I don't speak French anymore, and guided me through the tasting notes.

Light with hints of citrus, this coffee hit the spot. It was also their normal filtered coffee of the day, which has the bonus of having a free refill. I found that their pour over (only 1.5 euro more) provided about 2.5 cups, which was delightful. What is that in the background? Avocado toast of course! The food selection was absolutely delightful with options for everyone. I had a tough decision, but this toast did not disappoint.

While enjoying the coffee and toast, I also got tons of work done on the delightfully fast internet provided by MOK. There were several individuals working on the counter, and the space was large enough that I did not feel so bad pulling out my laptop for the nearly 2 hours that I spent at MOK. After the food and coffee were gone, it was time for more coffee. A delightful cortado it was, 2 shots with equal parts milk. I did have normal milk with the cortado even though they did have oat milk, I forgot to ask, but it was still delightful.

This coffee shop is absolutely delightful and I couldn't recommend it enough. They source their own beans and roast them in Leuven (where they have another location). I was very tempted to pick up a bag for home, but with another week on the road I decided best not to and write this blog entry instead.

I love coffee! I can't go a day without a cup... or maybe four cups and then finish the day with a cappuccino. I make a coffee a desination when I travel, seeking out the finest brew that every city and country has to offer. I fell in love with Seattle on my very first visit in 2010. Walking around there was a special feel to the city, it was alive, it had everything, and coffee was at the core of this experience. While I brew my coffee at home almost every single day, it doesn't mean that I am not out exploring the city trying to find great coffee...because I am. After nearly 8 years being here I figured I would share the essential coffee spots that I know and love.

Downtown

Are you downtown? I got you!

Monorail Espresso

When I lived downtown this was my weekly stop each and every Sunday to get a 8oz burnt cream latte! Monorail is a staple in the city and delivers the best espresso drinks hands down. Don't judge it by the size and the fact that they are cash only, this is THE place to stop when you are downtown or at a conference.

Victrola

Just a short walk half way up to Capitol Hill is Victrola coffee. With their iconic logo and absolutely delicious coffee this is a must stop when looking for a good cup of coffee. Their main roastery has a good vibe and very close to tons of great places to eat and visit in Seattle.

Espresso Vivace

I may have visited Espresso Vivace the most out of any coffee shop in Seattle. Espresso is in their name and is what they do. You won't find drip coffee here, but you will find the most amazing espresso drinks around. They also have some great apple cider and other drinks for anyone who doesn't want to get their coffee fix on.

Around Seattle

Explore a little and get some good coffee! Most of these are VERY close to downtown :)

Milstead & co.

Milstead has moved back and forth a few times during the construction of a few new buildings in Fremont, but their coffee is absolutely delicious. They have great drip coffee via aeropress and of course delicious espresso drinks abound. Sit in their lovely shop and take in the sights of Lake Union and then walk over to Gas Works Park or up the hill to the Troll!

Slate

Slate is a bit newer to me, but ever since they opened up their U-District shop I have been a believer. Their drip coffee is one of the best in the city and their locations always have a great laid back vibe. Don't miss this one while in town.

Because you have to

If you are a tourist, or being a tourist in your own city then there is one place to go:

Starbucks Reserve Roastery & Tasting Room

Yeah, I had to put Starbucks on here. Well you don't really need to drink coffee here, but you do need to stop by and experience it. This deluxe reserve roastery is one of the most beautiful things to happen to coffee.... since... coffee. This is like no other Starbucks you have ever seen before.

There you have it, my top picks that you should not miss! Have a favorite? Leave it in the comments below.

I could not be more excited to announce my latest podcast adventure with my good friend and International Chess Master, Daniel “Danny” Rensch that we call Coffeehouse Blunders.

Join us each week on Coffeehouse Blunders as we discuss the latest in chess, coffee, tech, and anything else happening in our wonderful lives and around the world. Danny’s life as an International Chess Master collides with my mobile development and public speaking background for absolutely adorable and astonishing conversation.

Checkout our site for all the latest episodes: blunders.fm

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Here is Episode 1: The Perfect Coffee Stirrer