Espresso Vivace Capitol Hill — Restaurant in Seattle

The espresso cafe that started it all. Want to visit the cafe where latte art started? This is your spot. Not your average coffee shop. This is where you'll find excellently poured shots and espresso drinks....but don't be thinking you'll get a "drip coffee" they can however make you a beautiful americano.

Vivace is an espresso bar and not a drip coffee shop and after 30 years in the business they still haven't figure out a nice way to say that to customers. As a regular this is all fine, but to the multitude of espresso appreciators and we'll meaning tourists who come from outside of Seattle, Espresso Vivace could appear off-putting or rude.

Tips for ordering: They serve a double ristretto shot(two small short shots) in each drink. Do not confuse this with a double shot, if you want stronger espresso add another shot.

What to order: •A quad americano is a nice strong cup.

•Order a latte for the most beautiful latte art nearly anywhere. The owner literally wrote the book on it.

Bonus: Their whipped cream has espresso in it and is super fresh.

Ambiance: A cozy classic first gen retro cafe vibe. A sort of 90s and 50s Mashup with yellow, red, and brown accents. Not your hipster haunt but a classic.

Where Vivace falls short....

•They are in the service industry but sometimes forget this. There are a few really talented baristas there but a few who have forgotten they are in the service industry.

•They are not consistent with alternative milks and are often out of oatmilk or other alternatives.

•Prices are high and they charge over a dollar extra for alt milks.

•The pastry food options are limited. Like many I feel a delicious pastry can really take my coffee shop experience to the next level. While I am not vegan or GF, more options are needed. Tip: They will not heat up anything and don't ask, as they appear annoyed to have to say this to everyone.

Despite appearing to have lost their passion or forward momentum over the years they remain a pillar in the espresso community and a visit to Seattle would not be complete with a latte...

I’d been to Espresso Vivace several times before today and always found their espresso drinks to be passable. Today, I was hoping to grab a quick coffee while waiting for my cat to be seen at the vet a few blocks away. I left my things at the vet with my boyfriend and brought a $20 bill with me to espresso Vivace. After waiting in line and ordering, I tried to pay with the $20 bill. The barista refused the bill, saying, “oh, we only take cards and Apple Pay, no cash.” I told him that it was all I had and asked if I could pay with the bill. My drink was half-made and the pastries were ready to be handed over. In a gleeful voice, he declined and said “sooorryy.” I left, cash in hand.

I am sure that Vivace, like many other businesses around Seattle, would say that they have implemented this cashless policy in an effort to decrease COVID exposure from handling cash. The harm in this policy greatly outweighs the benefits, especially given evidence that COVID is mostly transmitted through the air, not surfaces. While what I experienced was a one-time inconvenience and frustration, a cashless policy without an exception is actually a discriminatory practice that specifically bars low-income and unbanked individuals from being able to ever purchase food from a business. Cynically, and given the general overt distain held by businesses in Capitol Hill towards many of our neighbors, I now see that Vivace is so satisfied with this “benefit” that they have no problem turning anyone away.

I know that this review might induce eyerolls from, among others, the Vivace crew and management. That’s fine with me, and you’ll be glad to hear that I won’t be back. I only hope to call some attention to this discriminatory nature of this policy, in addition to the inconvenience and lack of evidence backing it, and hope that the management reconsiders its stance on going cashless...

Espresso Vivace Coffee Review

TLDR: They don’t bother measuring or timing their shots, but somehow it works. The espresso is smooth, the crema’s perfect, and the vibe is effortlessly cool. It’s the kind of place where the artistry is in the feel, not the precision—and you’re here for it.

Espresso Vivace is a true gem for coffee enthusiasts seeking an elevated espresso experience. From the moment you step into the café, the aroma of expertly roasted beans envelopes you, promising a journey for the senses. Here’s what stands out: Flavor Profile: Espresso Vivace is known for its signature Northern Italian-style roasting, which highlights sweetness and balance over bitterness. The espresso shots are velvety smooth, with notes of caramel, dark chocolate, and a hint of citrus that lingers delicately on the palate. Crema Quality: The crema is a standout feature—thick, golden, and rich—showcasing the café’s commitment to perfection in every pour. Milk-Based Drinks: Their lattes and cappuccinos are an art form. The milk is steamed to the ideal texture, creating a luxurious, micro-foam layer that blends harmoniously with the espresso without overpowering it. Atmosphere: The café itself is warm and inviting, with a mix of cozy seating and an energetic vibe. Whether you’re there for a quick shot at the bar or to linger with a book, the ambiance caters to both. Service: The baristas are passionate and precise, demonstrating an impressive level of skill in pulling consistent, high-quality shots. They’re also friendly and happy to talk about the beans and process, which adds a personal touch.

Final Verdict: Espresso Vivace lives up to its reputation as a Seattle coffee icon. It’s not just a place to grab coffee; it’s a destination to savor the artistry of espresso. If you’re a coffee purist, this is...