5 Stones Coffee Co — Restaurant in Redmond

I love Five Stones! I come here regularly, at least once a week and I’ve had a pleasant experience every time. Probably my favorite coffee shop in the greater Seattle area. Highlights of what I love:

They have fun drink specials that I’ve never heard of before! The Golden Oreo was delicious, and their signature Cafe Stefano is my go-to! Never had a bad pastry here. Are some better than others? Of course! But I’ve never regretted a purchase. The maple scone and Nutella cruffin are my favorite Staff is always so kind and friendly! They answer all of my questions graciously (I have a hard time committing to trying new things sometimes 😂) There’s ample street parking! I saw some negative reviews about parking, and I personally disagree. I’ve been between 7am and 2pm on multiple occasions (weekday/weekend) and not once have I not been able to find free street parking. 🤷🏽‍♀️

Things to be aware of: They are BUSY! Sometimes the line can be long, so if you’re in a hurry, it’ll test your patience. I recommend ordering ahead on their mobile app if you want to skip the line. I do that a lot when I’m grabbing on my way to work. They’ve never not had my coffee ready on time. :)

Limited-ish space. The coffee is GOOD, so naturally it can be hard to get a seat. Just be prepared that you might not get a table, but you know what? The coffee is so good that I really don’t mind. 😂

Outlets! While there are some, every seat has great access to an outlet. If I’m planning to work from their shop, I just make sure to bring a fully charged laptop, just in case I don’t get a seat by an outlet. :)

-Not the comfiest furniture, for me personally. I’m pretty ready to leave after 1.5/2 hours (which is probably the goal tbh lol). It’s very aesthetic though!

Overall, I love this coffee shop. It warms my soul each time I get coffee and a pastry....

I really wanted to like this place. Its So close to work and my co-workers just raved about it. I just had a pretty unfavorable experience here. I tried to give benefit of the doubt, maybe the girl was just having a bad day, I get it! But as I waited for the coffee I coulsnt help but notice how cheerful and smiley she was to everyone after (and before) me... I ordered what I always get, it was super crowded, I was in lunch so I didnt have too much time. She let me know they don't carry artificial flavors ... Hmm I had no idea white chocolate mochas WERE artificial...? None the less, I anxiously started looking thru their drinks menu they did serve and because I never went here before, I wish she would have suggested something at this point but no such luck.... On how about a mocha? Do you carry chocolate here?( Idk, i started losing confidence at this point) yes? Awesome, oh and can I get that blueberry muffin too please? I pointed to it.. She looked at where I was pointing with a confused and irritated face and snapped at me "huh?? What are you... Uhh, you mean the VEGAN, gluten free, mixed berry loaf..?!"( And yes with a hefty dose of attitude)... At this point I lost any confidence what so ever and just prayed I could still count to pay for this meal... I guess if she had given the rest of the customers after me even a LITTLE bit of the 'tude she gave me, I wouldnt have felt like SUCH an idiot. What was with the bread thing? Nothing else even had berries in it of course i was talking about the 'whatever berry bread'.... Sorry ive started to ramble on, but point being I don't think I'll be returning. My lunch breaks are only 30 minutes and it sucks to return to work after being belittled in...

4.5 Stars. I have a high bar for cafe reviews - so on the positive side, I liked the food, atmosphere, and service today. Latte art was good, which is not always the case in the Seattle area. This is Redmond, so perhaps that explains the higher quality. There was a lot of movement and chatter behind the counter, but it was in good spirits (the employees seem to be friends). Lots of seating and tables for doing work or studying. Clean environment.

I also was greatly heartened to see an American flag on the wall. This lifted my spirits greatly and made me feel at home. In Seattle city, in cafes and many restaurants, one sees flags of various rainbow hues and chromatic divisions. Although rainbow flags in the zeitgeist of our time purport to represent "inclusion", I contend (with all due respect), that rainbow flag actually point out our divisions. I like rainbows in the sky caused by moisture and sunlight. Atmospheric rainbows are wonderful. Pots of gold are often at the end of them. But flags ... flags are symbolic and the only symbol I want to see on a daily basis here in America is the American flag and the flag of the state of which I am in. The American flag is the only true flag of unity and inclusion. "And for the republic for which it stands ... liberty and justice for all...." that's the pledge of allegiance I grew up with in 1984... no rainbows ... no divisions ... unity under red and white stripes and crystal stars on field of brilliant blue. I don't even own an American flag. I have no clothes with flag patterns on them. It's just good to see it raised proudly in an...