Caffe Vita — Restaurant in Seattle

A Capitol Hill institution, it's coffee is pleasant enough, and the staff are polite and professional. The baked goods aren't anything remarkable, but they suffice in a pinch if one is in need of a quick snack. But the missing ingredient to Vita is the absence of their upstairs seating area, now an office space. It's not the end of the world, but the upstairs, like the one at the erstwhile Bauhaus, was a different and calmer world, altogether. It provided a view of the street and was bathed in the reflected light of the neighbouring buildings. It was a place of uncommon repose, though only slightly less grand than that of Bauhaus's latticed, ersatz promontory. Students gathered there to study and debate in hushed tones. Games were played; books were read in peace. No more. Vita is good enough. But it could be better.

UPDATE: Vita changed hands in the intervening years, occasioned by chaos and the gnashing of teeth. At issue here was the former owner's hatred of the homeless, a curious condition of the soul that has infected Capitol Hill's plumed popinjays, and caused them to clutch their trust funds and stock portfolios a little more tightly. To the point: as a result of this outbreak of heartlessness (coupled with the searing pandemic this hapless country continues to blunder through), I began to call Vita "I Hate the Homeless Coffee," owed to the habit of its hipster staff and management to hurl day-old pastries at the less fortunate. Charming. I shall never again patronise this vile little café nor drink its wretched-tasting coffee. Avoid,...

Great coffee, strong, meaning full bodied, full flavored, just enough intensity without being bitter, acidic and with no unattractive aftertaste, yet the rich flaver does linger ever so deliciously! (This refers to the French-Press brew standard. Here the 'drip' brew is a specialty, not a standard. There is special cold drip brew on offer, as well as a special hot drip brew. (Come see the specialty drip brewing machines, and try the wonderful pallette experiences of each.)

The in house produced, Espresso roasts are magnificently superior to other local offererings. The temperature is perfect! Emediately tastable, while highlighting the delicious citrus, dark berry notes, followed by velvety tabacco smoothness.

The environment is perfectly simple. Small square 2-tops, wood tables and chairs. Plenty of electrical outlets for electronics while relaxing. A huge glass front, with respectfully openable windows. A very smart retail section. As well as, at the rear of the seating area, a large window for viewing the in-house...

Excellent customer service, professional adherence to the COVID-19 precautionary measures, and delicious coffee drinks! Their mixed coffee drinks are not overwhelmingly sweet. The flavors of the coffee come through and the mixers add just enough sweetness to complement the flavors. The straight espresso is brewed im such a way that there is no noticeable bitterness and acidity. The customer service is wonderful. I called in with a question and the manager was friendly, enthusiastic, and helpful. While in the shop, I noticed that the employees were all masked and gloved. There was a plastic shield in front of the cash register to protect employees and customers from exposure. They also have markers on the floors to provide visual aids to encourage social distancing. Overall, it was a lovely experience all around. Oh! And be sure to bring card payments as they are not currently accepting cash (to prevent spread...