Amy tipped us off that a new cafe has opened in the spot vacated by Starbucks back in April, on the northwest corner of Stone Way and 45th. Sounds like it’s called Cafe Approcionta (or something like that) and Adriana tells us it’s locally-owned.
West Wallingford, we want more details! Does it have wi-fi? Baked goods? How’s the foam?’
Update: We had the name wrong, it’s Cafe Appassionato, and the reports are good. Lisa writes:
Caffé Appassionato (45th and Stone) is in fact an awesome spot to sit back with a warm drink, watch the cars go by and type up a letter to the local blogger (: Also, it’s a franchised coffee house, each being independently owned, and this one’s been opened two weeks now. Wi-Fi – check. Baked goods – check (from Essential Bakery, no less). Foam – made even better with a perfectly shaped chocolate heart.
http://www.caffeappassionato.com/
like, omg, the service there is like, da bomb.
Owners are good people, but Lisa is correct, this is a franchise. I don’t know who runs this location.
Good coffee…good pastries. Also a good attempt at warming up a large space with carpets, funky furniture ect….But I think they need to warm it up a bit more..maybe some ambient lighting for the dark days…you gotta make people want to hang out a while, and right now I don’t. From being in biz for many years…there’s lots of factors involved in some places succeeding and others not. Creating an inviting social space is crucial so the owners need to get it right. Theres LOTS of good coffee to be had in Seattle.
I tried this cafe today for the first time and was very happy with the quality of the not too loud music, delicious coffee and muffin, helpful barista, and overall inviting atmosphere conducive to writing and reading as well as for those sharing a conversation. It could use more indirect lighting on the tables.