Pilgrim Coffeehouse — Restaurant in Seattle

The first time I went to Pilgrim, a coffee shop in a strip mall called Oak Tree Village, I was ready to dismiss it as a slightly better alternative to Starbucks. I couldn't be more wrong. The moment I stepped into the store, I noticed the genuinely convivial energy, starting with the friendly and attentive staff taking good care of everyone. The space takes in a ton of natural light, the beige color high bar and wood tables paired with steel chairs look orderly and unassuming. The split-flap board above the counter cheerfully shuffles between menu highlights, weather, and words of wisdom.

The joyful vibe set me up in a good mood and I went for a full breakfast. Coffee was on point, croissant was excellent (that's how I discovered Rila Bakery in Lynnwood), made-in-house breakfast sandwich was tasty and creative. I took my time to enjoy the breakfast but mostly to savor the relaxing atmosphere.

Every time I return to Pilgrim, my first impression is only reinforced. When it's packed, it feels bustling but not chaotic; on a slow day, it feels mellow but not cold. I tried some other pastries and food items. I usually don't like sweet stuff, but their apple cheddar flatbread turns out such a satisfying bite, even as breakfast!

I enjoyed some nice chats with Josh, an upbeat, friendly barista. He has been with Pilgrim since when it was just a coffee truck, parked regularly in the same plaza where they opened this brick and mortar store earlier this year. I can only imagine how excited they were to have the opportunity to serve the same community that they started this journey with.

At its heart, Pilgrim is a neighborhood coffee shop, few would come from Capitol Hill to get coffee here (that is, except me, haha). It even feels like a roadside coffee stop, since it's next to the Highway 99 that connects Seattle and Everett. But no matter how you define it, it's a great...

5 stars because we need all the indie coffee shops we can get and I spend a lot of time in this area and am a big supporter of the revitalization - take Aurora back!

Great service, 5 stars too.

Now for the owners.

The Good: Keeping the restrooms code free. Runners, walkers, and occasional customers (meaning they didn't buy something that day) should get the "3rd place" community benefit of a place to drain the weasel, squeeze the lemon, or release the kraken. No gatekeeping except in extreme situations.

The Bad: Price with the "oat tax." It should be embarrassing to go to Starbucks, let's bring that back. It should be embarrassing to be caught holding a Starbucks drink. However, my 12oz oatmilk latte today was $6.90. Goddamn! Sbux comes in at $5.13 for the same mofo. That's a 34.5% upcharge and I hate to say it but when a customer gets hit with a price like that it affects your employees tips, whether subconsciously or not. It's sticker shock.

The Ugly: Nothing ugly, really. That subway flip board in the background is neat but I'll bet if I spent an hour in there it would be a little grating and an 8hr day as an employee, idk, maybe it fades/numbs with time. I love that you offer vegan milkshakes! I'll be back for that one...

I seriously do like Pilgrim Coffeehouse. I like the coffee they serve, (Americano please, no sugar, no cream thank you very much), and my experience is the staff there is consistently pleasant to customers. BUT...the Overall Three Stars above, and the Atmosphere Two Stars is due to the noise. I've been here four or five times, and usually always the stereo speakers are turned up louder than they really need to be, in MHO. The loud music, with the un-carpeted concrete floor, all the hard surfaces of the tons of glass windows, the music just bounces around in there. Each time I've been there, there have been a couple or three tables with three or more folks at each table, and they are having to talk VERY LOUDLY because of the overly loud music. So now there is what some might call bedlam. Add in one, two or more little children who run around, (who's parents never seem to notice their little tykes bouncing around like heathens), and it's just unpleasantly loud. I was there again today, Oct 28, 23, and it was the same. I usually take my coffee outside to enjoy the coffee, read a book. Great in the summer, but now were reaching into fall, and sitting outside isn't going to be...