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Empire Espresso
Coffee Shop and Sandwich Spot$$$$
Columbia City, Seattle
This place is famous for their coffee. It's one of the most popular in the city!
"red pepper & feta panini and a cayenne mocha."(6 Tips)
"I love the Ham, Scallion and Cream Fraiche waffle"(10 Tips)
"Get the #2 panini, spinach, provolone, and sun dried tomatoes."(6 Tips)
"They also have great gluten free options."(2 Tips)
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40 Tips and reviewsFilter:
- waffles
- espresso drinks
- paninis
- gluten-free food
- cozy
- (15 more)
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Michael FujimotoDecember 7, 2016This place is awesome! Teas, coffee, food. Quality. Great, friendly service and atmosphere. Can be loud though (not necessarily best quiet work environment), but good place to meet. Wifi available tooUpvote1Downvote
Neel HajareDecember 29, 2022Incredibly cute and cozy spot with decent espresso and waffles as well as records, rooftop seating, and a free-play arcade game
Upvote1Downvote- Sweet potato bar and #7 egg, swiss, ham, arugula and horseradish panini. They also have great gluten free options.
Upvote1Downvote 
Had a delicious cortado with house made cashew milk. Perfectly pulled shot, and the nut milk was delicious!UpvoteDownvote
Awesome staff and customer service! Coffee is incredible. Especially the Cayenne Mocha, which should be renamed the Lebron Mocha! Great place for family and sports. Plus they're Miami Heat fans! ;)Upvote1Downvote
Their house made cashew milk is delicious in a latte.Upvote1Downvote
Alyssa SibbersSeptember 1, 2013Awesome place, especially if you're into coffee. The closing staff is awesome, super cool gal who makes the best drinksUpvote1Downvote
Kuo-yu LiangNovember 20, 2018Classic Seattle coffee shop. Personal sized aero and French press coffee is a stand out.UpvoteDownvote
Marie LjubojevicAugust 26, 2013A nice but crowded little Neighborhood coffee shop. Definitely don't bring your jogging stroller if you plan to sit inside with it.UpvoteDownvote- Jeremy HiguchiOctober 14, 2013Get the #2 panini. It's delicious! Sun dried tomatoes, mozzarella, and spinach.
UpvoteDownvote 
Jeff ShawJune 18, 2012If you are up for a little adventure ask for a pour over recommendation and be prepared for something a little wild but oh so good.Upvote1Downvote
- Love the gluten free granola cookie!! Filled with tons of delicious seeds and dried fruit...highly recommend! My 1yo loves it too!!UpvoteDownvote
Handmade cashew milk! House chai is great!UpvoteDownvote
Rad beans and excellent panini's! A must try in Columbia city!!UpvoteDownvote
Akua Asare-KonaduMarch 30, 2015The waffle sandwich is so good that I almost ate 3 of them in 30 minutes.UpvoteDownvote
Small space but cost. Good coffee and panini. Need to try the waffles next timeUpvoteDownvote- Jeremy HiguchiSeptember 28, 2013Get the #2 panini, spinach, provolone, and sun dried tomatoes.UpvoteDownvote
- I love the Ham, Scallion and Cream Fraiche waffleUpvoteDownvote
Cayenne Mocha. Or happy hour. Both are great.UpvoteDownvote
The space is a bit cramped, but the cayenne mocha and friendly staff make this place a hit!!Upvote1Downvote
Maria NicholDecember 6, 2015The espresso was decent but the barista was very abrupt and seemed like she had no interest in serving me even thou I was only one of three people there.UpvoteDownvote
- Love the cayenne mocha with rice milk...(soy and cow milk available too)Upvote1Downvote
- Get the spinach, roasted red pepper & feta panini and a cayenne mocha. Your tastebuds will thank you.UpvoteDownvote
Sheri DayJanuary 7, 2013This place is too cramped, tables too small. Prices way too high. I doubt we'll be back.UpvoteDownvote
146 Photos
Foursquare © 2025 Lovingly made in NYC, CHI, SEA & LA
Closed until 6:00 AM tomorrow (Show more)
- Mon–Sun
- 6:00 AM–6:00 PM
(206) 659-0588
Features
Credit Cards
Yes (incl. Visa)
Wi-Fi
Yes
Outdoor Seating
Yes
Food & Drink
Drinks
Beer
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- 8.7
"Such a great vibe here. Owners are amazing community members. Breakfast sandwich, cookies, el centro sandwich, donuts, coffee, all delicious. Breakfast sandwiches run out by about 12 or 1 pm!"
Mo F - 7.4
"The small outdoor section is wonderful."
Mel - 8.4
"Great coffee shop; very spacious and they had good coffee - I had the medium roast and I recommend it."
Arash Narchi
Places people like to go after Empire Espresso
- 8.9
"Biscuits are buttery, delicious; corned beef hash is chunky, awesome"
Mr. Huzzfather - 8.6
"I like so many things, but quiche and pretzel rolls are my favorites"
T.A. McCann - 9.4
"Scenic views, playground for all ages, and if you walk the trail halfway, there's a great spot right on the water to take a break so you can enjoy the view of Lake Washington and skip some rocks"
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