explore:NW Spring 2020 explorenw_fall19 | Page 49

Caffe Ladro Herkimer Coffee The Cheers of Seattle coffee, patrons visit Herkimer’s three neighborhood cafes with such frequency the staff knows their names — and often their orders. The barebones menu rarely features anything you’d deem inventive. But it doesn’t matter, as the in-house roasted beans are brewed with such smooth perfection you won’t be asking for any extras. The Greenwood shop is particularly lovely, as four-legged fur babies are among its most beloved patrons. 7320 Greenwood Ave. N verdoorn Expanding its 206 mini-chain empire, Caffe Ladro’s wooden Adirondack chairs and smooth cups of coffee are now available in 16 different locations. It’s even opened stores on the Eastside. Medici lovers are rejoicing everywhere that their beloved orange-scent- ed, chocolate-spiked cup of coffee is now so readily available. The flagship location on Upper Queen Anne remains a favorite, even if parking can sometimes be a pain. But hunting for a parking spot is worth the time if you plan to visit nearby Kerry Park — home to one of Seattle’s most iconic views. 2205 Queen Anne Ave N Fonté Fonté’s original café—located across the street from the Seattle Art Museum and tucked beneath the Four Seasons—feels more like an upscale wine bar than a boutique coffee house. And you wouldn’t be wrong in assuming so. In addition to showcasing their high-end selection of beans they’ve been roasting in Georgetown since 1992, the café offers wine, cock- tails, brunch, and lunch. For a less formal affair, you can visit their newest outpost in Bellevue Square. The coffee’s equally as delightful, though the mall’s noise level can sometimes take away from the leisurely moment. 1321 1st Ave., Seattle kenmoreair.com 47