PLUS84 — Restaurant in Seattle

Nestled in Seattle's vibrant cityscape, Plus 84 Cafe offers a slice of authentic Vietnamese cafe culture that transports you straight to the bustling streets of Hanoi. Located in a welcoming corner space, this cafe has become a Sunday morning haven for both locals and tourists seeking respite from the Pacific Northwest drizzle. Arriving at around 10:30 AM, the gentle morning light filters through large windows, illuminating a thoughtfully designed interior that strikes the perfect balance between modern minimalism and traditional Vietnamese charm. The spacious layout immediately catches the eye, with ample seating arrangements that cater to various preferences – from comfortable individual nooks perfect for solo coffee enthusiasts to larger communal tables that encourage conversation. The clean, uncluttered aesthetic features warm wooden elements contrasting beautifully with white walls, while subtle Vietnamese architectural details and carefully placed artwork pay homage to the cafe's cultural roots. Potted plants and flowers strategically placed throughout the space add life and tranquility to the environment. The star of my visit was undoubtedly the Hanoi-style egg coffee (cà phê trứng), a beverage that tells a fascinating story of Vietnamese ingenuity. This unique coffee preparation dates back to 1946 when Nguyen Van Giang, a bartender at Hanoi's Sofitel Legend Metropole Hotel, created it during a severe milk shortage. The scarcity of dairy during the First Indochina War led him to experiment with whisked egg yolks as a creamy alternative, inadvertently creating what would become a beloved Vietnamese coffee tradition. Plus 84's version honors this heritage while adding their own subtle refinements. The drink arrives as a work of art – a layer of golden, creamy egg custard floating majestically atop rich, dark Vietnamese coffee. The egg mixture, prepared by whisking egg yolks with condensed milk until they reach a decadent, meringue-like consistency, creates a velvety crown that slowly melds with the robust coffee beneath. Each sip becomes a delightful exploration of textures and flavors – the silky smoothness of the egg cream contrasting beautifully with the bold, intense coffee below. What makes their interpretation particularly special is the careful attention to temperature and timing. The coffee is brewed at precisely the right temperature to ensure it doesn't cook the egg topping while maintaining its optimal flavor profile. Traditional Vietnamese robusta beans, known for their strong, full-bodied character and higher caffeine content than arabica, provide a solid foundation that stands up to the rich egg custard. The friendly staff adds another layer to the experience, readily sharing their knowledge about the drink's preparation and history. Their genuine enthusiasm for Vietnamese coffee culture is evident as they explain how the drink should be enjoyed – first sampling the egg cream alone, then slowly stirring it into the coffee to create a harmonious blend of flavors. What's particularly fascinating is how this drink, born from scarcity, has evolved into a sought-after delicacy. In modern Vietnam, egg coffee has become so popular that some cafes now offer variations including coconut egg coffee and even egg chocolate. Plus 84 Cafe stays true to the traditional preparation while serving it in a setting that feels both contemporary and timeless. For Seattle's coffee enthusiasts and curious tourists alike, Plus 84 Cafe offers more than just a caffeine fix – it provides a cultural experience that bridges the 7,000-mile gap between the Pacific Northwest and Vietnam. Whether you're seeking a unique coffee experience or a peaceful spot to while away a Sunday morning, this cafe delivers with grace, authenticity, and a perfect cup of egg...

This place appears to be using the same Google listing as the previous restaurant, because it's now a cafe, not a restaurant. I visited during their soft opening. There was only one person taking and preparing orders, so it took 20-25 minutes for our 2 drinks and baguette. Very friendly service though!

The menu reminds me of the cafes I visited in Saigon - a creative mix of coffee and tea drinks, including the option to add toppings such as boba.

The interior is spacious with somewhat of a minimal/industrial vibe. Lots of gray and concrete. But it's comfortable and well-executed.

I ordered the oolong jasmine milk tea and the lychee peach tea. Both were delicious - finally another good tea shop in Seattle! The tea is strong, and the ingredients are fresh. Sweet, well-cooked brown sugar boba. No artificial powders as far as I could taste.

The hai phong baguette was tasty - it's a thin, toasted baguette filled with mayonnaise and pork floss, with a Sriracha (?) dipping sauce.

They also sell Vietnamese style coffee and matcha. Excited to try both, and will update my review once I do!

And finally, I'm so happy they're open til 8pm. Looking forward to stopping by during my evening dog walks.

Notes for the business: consider having at least 2 people working the cafe, it would be very bad if more than a few groups of customers came in succession, with only one person working the crushed ice was kind of annoying because it would get sucked into the boba straw the baguette photo shows multiple baguettes, but you only get...

So after visiting Plus84 nearly every day since their soft opening back in December, I figured it’s about time I should probably leave a review. It’s been so great being able to watch the place grow over the months since they’ve opened. All the drinks are phenomenal (have tried almost all of them at this point), they’re all the highest quality and it’s so easy to go a week having a different drink every day and enjoying every one (their matcha is unbelievable). The food is also great, the croissants are incredible to start the morning, and the fries and chicken hit every time.

But what really sets Plus84 apart are the people and the atmosphere. The vibes are always so good, the music playlists are all bangers, and the energy when the place is full is unmatched. The owners are also the loveliest people, and it’s been a real joy to see all the work they put in to make this place the best it can be and constantly improving wherever they can. That also goes down to the staff who are always the friendliest people, making the best drinks, and creating such a welcoming atmosphere.

Really can’t say enough good things about this place, just looking forward to going back...