Seattle, where the streets are abound with coffee snobs

I think the urban dictionary sums it up well in their definition of a Seattleite, “pretentious coffee snob due to the thousands of delicious coffee houses and rostaries that surround them."

Seattleites LOVE their coffee. And many are very specific about where and how they want their cup of java prepared; from pour-over to drip to Americano to Café Au Lait. If you want to awaken your taste buds with the hot beverage there’s absolutely no shortage in Seattle. According to Discover America’s website there are 2.5 coffee shops for every 1,000 citizens giving Seattle “the greatest concentration of coffee houses in the country, which underscores a key element of Seattle’s reputation: the city is awash in caffeine.” Because the availability of coffee is so pervasive there’s also no shortage of coffee snobs.

Coffee is more than just something you drink when you wake up or the jolt to help one stay awake. It’s a pastime. Coffee is an integral part of the city’s fabric that’s usually accompanied with a book, friends, a laptop or all three.

I started my day with a cup of coffee brewed in a single serve pod machine. I’m pretty simple. I like it strong. I want it black with some cinnamon and honey or raw sugar. Those who don’t drink it are missing out and in the minority.

You can’t discuss coffee in the Emerald City without addressing Starbucks. Seattle is a city that thrives on unique locally owned businesses so of course that would apply to coffee. You’d be hard pressed to find a litany of chains in Seattle proper but Starbucks is one you see on every corner. Some shopping centers will even have multiple locations.

First Starbucks, Pike Place Market. Opened in 1971.

Depending on who you talk to, you will likely get one of two reactions to Starbucks. Both are visceral. I learned very quickly to just steer clear of THAT conversation. For some part of the issue with Starbucks is their CEO, Howard Schultz. After he sold the Seattle SuperSonics the new owner moved the team to Oklahoma City. There was a lawsuit, a rally and a lot of hurt feelings. There's still plenty of bitterness. People here can hold onto a grudge (another reason why this year’s Super Bowl win was monumental). Others just flat out don’t like the taste. I heard someone say all they serve is burned beans. It’s a tough coffee crowd here. Before relocating I had absolutely no idea the chain was so polarizing.

I personally still like Starbucks but it’s not just about the coffee. For me it’s an experience plus my reloadable gift card is registered. With each purchase I gain a star which turns into free stuff (yes!). I’m at the gold level now. There’s no way I can turn back. Also, I love the Christmas blend. It’s only available at the end of the year and I get SUPER excited about it. It’s pretty much the only thing I like about the holidays hahaha. In years past I’ve even stockpiled the VIA packets (single serve) so I can enjoy it all year long.

Grande French Roast with a spinach savory square. Mmmmm.

It shouldn't come as a surprise that there are a litany of coffee snobs here, there's plenty of beer snobs too. 

"I am a coffee fanatic. Once you go to proper coffee, you can't go back.

You cannot go back."
-Hugh Laurie