Empire Espresso
| Address: | 3829 S Edmunds St A, Seattle, WA 98118, USA |
| Phone: | +1 971-232-8089 |
| Site: | empireespresso.coffee |
| Rating: | 4.5 |
| Working: | 6AM–9PM 6AM–9PM 6AM–9PM 6AM–9PM 6AM–9PM 6AM–9PM 6AM–9PM |
Location
Photos 100
Reviews 28
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Karen
Seating is uncomfortable AF. Theres a bar running the whole length of the wall behind the long bench that digs into your back. The tables are so low compared to the bench that you have hunch over and if you so much as move your leg an inch upward, the entire miniscule table starts to topple. Ridiculous. Forget sitting with someone across from you, unless you like cozying up knee to knee. The other chairs are cheap pieces of outdoor crap. The whole experience is like being imprisoned in a childs play set for as long as it takes to finish your mediocre coffee.
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A Private User
Not worth taking a trip. The coffee is the Seattle Works stuff - admittedly not my favorite, but then again thats just my taste. however the turkey sandwich was very thin, and there was little stuff in it. Not sure if thats deliberate, but my it looked like it was stepped on by an elephant which made what little bit of cheese was in it ooze out the sides and all over. Service was good and friendly though
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Josh Grant
A South Seattle gem. Get to Columbia City and visit Empire for great coffee atmosphere and food. Although they dont roast thier own coffee, they exclusively use Kuma Coffee, which does a fantastic job and has some of my favorite single origin roasts and blends. The Fresh Crop espresso comes in bright or balanced and is amazingly smooth. These folks know how to pull a proper ristretto too:)
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Marvin Eng
Pros: Nice low key coffee shop in Columbia City. They have great coffee and some other items such as sandwiches, donuts, and muffins. Staff is friendly Cons: This place has very limited seating. It can get crowded quickly. When its cold outside, they shut the windows and doors so it can get very stuffy and smell like coffee and grilled cheese everywhere.
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Shoshana Mirel
The coffee is seriously good. I never liked espresso without sugar before I came here. Now I realize that everything I had tasted before Empire was burnt/poorly prepared. They do an amazing job of bringing out the flavors in the beans. We are lucky to have this in the south end. Ps- try their new Cap Hill shop too ( on 11th between pike and union)
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Sam Behnam
I ordered their waffle in the afternoon and it wasnt that good. Im pretty sure they were using the batter from morning. Barista was rude and he was very impatient for handing over the shift to his colleague and leave. I liked the setting and coffee was good. Ill give them one more chance but they dont deserve more than 3 star for now.
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Alixx Almstedt
Pros: cute, trendy, friendly. Cons: really very awful coffee. Even after requesting my (very simple) drink be prepared the standard way done by most other shops, including the ones Ive been barista at, he still insisted he do it his way. I know what I want, and its not burnt shots dropped into tap water. Wont be returning.
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Trudi McCleary
This is a true hidden gem, I have tried espresso everywhere and this is the best of the best, the people are great and so are the waffles. If you appreciate truly good espresso you will love it, each cup is meticulously made by hand with a wonderful design on top. Treat yourself to what espresso should taste like
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A Private User
This place is so great its hard to summarize in a little text box. Tino is a gracious and attentive host. They have world cup soccer when its time. They have cayenne mocha. They serve beer, wine and cider. They have secured wifi (smart!) and they just plain rock. Oh, waffles. With raspberry. Nice.
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Felix Wu
It was awesome! My friend and I got the French Press and a waffle, which was delicious. It helped that it was a great day, but the staff was super friendly and we even got a free waffle from a lady who worked there. A little out of the way, but Im definitely coming back!
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Lindsey Miller
Small, yummy, & friendly. Come hungry - theyve got excellent carbs here! Although the cayenne mocha is pretty filling all on its own. Thank you for being a great place for me to sit and doodle in the early mornings, I appreciate your easy going atmosphere.
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Austin Graff
If youre in Columbia City, this is one of the best coffee shops around. Its tucked away on a side street, but has free wifi and great coffee. Its usually full so be sure you go a bit early to grab a table. If youre a hipster, youll like this place.
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unicorns and bacon
Dont be in a hurry. Food and drinks take forever. That being said.. its worth it. Just dont expect to pop in/out real quick. If you want to sit and hang come early as the tables fill up. Especially on soccer game days.
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Aaron Bronow
Aeropress from the slow bar is my favorite. I wouldnt come here if I was in a hurry. 10 small tables on a long bench, 1 medium shared table. Workability: 7/10. Nice for an hour, not good for talking on the phone.
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Michelle Renee Klassen
My americano, mimosas, and panini are incredible. Staff is knowledgeable, professional, kind, and funny - completely made my experience. Going to Empire made my day, and Ill be back very soon. Great atmosphere.
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A Private User
I love these guys. Amazing coffee. Tasty and reasonably priced breakfast sandwiches. Great place to pop in for a waffle on a weekend without having to fight the brunch crowds. Its my go-to place in this hood.
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A Private User
Some folks dont like Seattle Coffee Works coffee, but i like my jo a little on the bitter side. A 12 oz Americano for $2.00! Beat that! The owners are the nicest guys, and all of the help are fantastic, too.
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Von Taylor
Gem of Columbia City- excellent breakfast paninis to accompany delicious coffee and happy hour waffle options for the weekends. Only issue can be finding a seat on a rainy Sunday, but its all worth the wait.
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Mollie Harms
Off the beaten path (Rainier Ave.) Of Columbia City, but oh so worth the stop. Chic, cute, and calm this Sunday evening, but the weather is gorgeous and the coffee is delicious and we wont be leaving soon.
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Lady Stardust
Serves Kuma coffee which is great. I used to get less consistency between baristas, but I feel that now most everyone serves great coffee. The friendly service makes this place worth the stop.
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Jen Havener
Try the grass fed cow milk, as a steamer with flavor it is so good you will never go anywhere else again! Long hours and killer beer choices. Also, the aeropress coffee is not to be missed.
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Derrik Ehlers
Nice little coffee shop in Columbia city with excellent breakfast sandwiches and the best mocha in town. Empire is a must stop for your caffeine fix in Columbia City.
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Will Cheung
Great alternative to the corporate coffee place around the corner. Chill atmosphere, friendly staff, reasonably priced and delicious coffee. Cant beat it.
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Kyle Godbey
I only had espresso, but they did it well and it was delicious! The only problem is how limited the seating was, but I guess thats the price of success.
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Teresa
Absolutely the best espresso in the state! You have to go there and see what can be done to a latte! Just like old school Italy!! Great job everyone!
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Matt Morrow
Excellent espresso made with an exacting touch. Tight quarters but cozy once you get situated. Sandwiches are good and I hear the waffles are good too.
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Siena Rayne
I like the intimate setting of it. The food is good, and the baked goods. The coffee is great. And the employee were happy and personable. :)
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Travis Dailey
Great place, with outdoor (sunny) seating in back. Great iced Chai and cold brew. Yummy grilled cheese at happy hour, very friendly staff.
