The past week or so, Wallyhood readers have been treated to posts about Gypsy Cafe and (sort of) Essential Baking. So, in the spirit of covering all the coffee shops in a single 2 block radius, we’d like to tell you about Solsticio at 34th & Stone Way. They’re not strictly Wallingford — but they’re only a few feet on the wrong side of the boundary, so we’ll think of them as Fremont-on-the-cusp-of-Wallingford.
Solsticio opened October 1st in the old Speedy Reedy bike shop space, which is a former train station at 1100 N. Northlake Way. They serve up organic Caffe Vita Espresso drinks, smoothies, teas, and this time of year — spiced apple cider and egg nog.
Breakfast consists of breakfast sandwiches, burritos , quesadillas, bagels, oatmeal, and baked goods including apple maple muffins and Julia’s zuccini bread. For lunch, pick from various sandwiches, burgers (turkey, garden, or salmon — no beef), wraps, big garden salads, fries, quinoa salad, chili and other items.
This cozy cafe is staffed by friendly, well-trained baristas whose faces you may recognize from the former Gypsy Trader. Todd Olsen, Andre Leknovich, and Nicole Sonne are proud owners of this new almost-Wallingford business. Next time you’re at 34th and Stone Way, or biking along the Burke Gilman trail, be sure to stop in. They’ve got free wi-fi, (some) free parking, and a warm little electric fireplace in the corner to warm your tootsies.
And have I mentioned the aroma of freshly baked cookies? Mmmm.
Solsticio is open Monday through Friday 6:30am – 6pm, and weekends 8am – 6pm. If you’re ordering food you can call ahead, dine in, or carry out — though if you’re in a hurry at lunchtime, you might want to call ahead in case one of the neighboring businesses has placed a large order.
Just as a note, this is a very comfortable place to write or study. Especially with some tables having electrical outlets right next to them on the wall – not on the floor. Also, the Julia’s pastries are danged yummy and the baristas are among the few who ever make my vanilla mocha right every time!
And the food! Everything I’ve tried is delish! The folks there put the little extra effort to make it just right. Be warned, though … the sweet potato fries are addicting!.
Change the picture – the interior is NOT pink! It’s a calm, contemplative space, warmed by southern sunlight and a stove in one corner. Very relaxing.
It’s mauve & it was a sunny day, so I guess it looks pink here. But it’s a nice warm mauve.