Where can you experience Washington’s celebrated coffee culture firsthand? Almost everywhere. While Seattle is home to the original Starbucks, the state’s many independent coffee roasters are what make Washington truly special for coffee lovers. From big cities to mountain towns and coastal communities, small-batch roasters are crafting some of the country’s best brews. Whether you’re looking for robust espresso or an inventive seasonal latte, come discover why Washington is synonymous with great coffee.

Explore Washington State Coffee Roasters

Lighthouse Roasters, Seattle

There’s something special about the Seattle roasting scene. Known as the epicenter of the country’s coffee culture, few roasters have been around as long as Lighthouse Roasters. Founded in 1993, this Seattle-local roaster was among the first of its kind. Utilizing vintage cast iron machines to roast their beans, Lighthouse produces small-batch house blends daily. Swing by their historic Fremont cafe and order a French press cup of Captain Bert’s Breakfast Blend and savor the sweet spice, red grape, and caramel notes throughout. Tip: Visit Seattle during winter for craft coffee paired with a cozy atmosphere.

Camber Coffee, Bellingham

Washington State Coffee Roasters: Interior bar seating in Camber Coffee, in Bellingham
Washington State Coffee Roasters: A rolled napkin, latte, and a glass vase with flowers sit on a marble table at Camber Coffee
Photo Credit: Caleb Young courtesy of Camber Coffee

Housed in a former comic book shop, Camber Coffee in Bellingham was once named one of the best roasters in the country by Thrillist. The Rwanda Horizon bean—one of their most popular—is known for its caramelized effect with ginger and orange spice notes. Another local favorite is the Guatemala Plan de la Vega roast, a fruit-flavored drink with a hint of rose. Their charming downtown cafe is open daily so you can fuel up as you explore the city.

Also See: Bellingham City Guide

Blue Star Coffee Roasters, Twisp

Located in the town of Twisp in the scenic Methow Valley, Blue Star is known throughout the state of Washington for roasting big, bold coffee blends. Voted one of the top three micro roasters in North America by Roast Magazine in 2017, Blue Star has been serving award-winning, hand-roasted coffee for more than 25 years. Sample crowd favorites like the Honey Bear—two shots of espresso, combined with honey, cinnamon, and oat milk—or a freshly brewed cup of the Highway 20 House Blend brewed using an aero press.

Mela Coffee Roasting Company, Wenatchee

A person creates latte art at Mela Coffee Roasting Company
Photo Credit: Courtesy of Mela Coffee Roasting Company

This Washington State coffee roaster in Wenatchee brews its coffee in micro batches, sourcing its beans from farms around the world. Located in the foothills of the Cascade Mountains, Mela is the perfect place to pick up a cup of Joe and a hearty breakfast before embarking on an outdoor adventure or visiting one of the state’s outstanding local cideries. Order a coconut latte and a slice of quiche, and drink in the scenery.

Caffe Umbria Artisan Coffee Roasters, Seattle

With nearly a century of roasting heritage, Caffe Umbria’s traditional atmosphere and coffee blends trace back to Perugia, Italy. Run by third-generation Italian roaster Emanuele Bizzarri, this Seattle roastery delivers decades of family tradition and flavor in every cup. Enjoy the warm and welcoming atmosphere of an authentic Italian espresso bar at their flagship location in the historic Pioneer Square location. Order their signature Bizzarri Blend, a medium-dark roast with molasses, pecan, and banana notes.

Indaba Coffee Roasters, Spokane

Founded by Spokane local Bobby Enslow as a way to positively impact his hometown, Indaba started roasting its own beans in 2015. Since then, the roastery has made a name for itself thanks to its award-winning blends and welcoming community spaces. Stop by the Riverside location for a breakfast sandwich paired with a seasonally inspired latte before strolling through nearby Riverfront Park. Favorites include the signature house lavender latte and cardamom vanilla latte.

Also See: Spokane City Guide

Kafiex Roasters Coffee Lab, Vancouver

Interior of Kafiex in Vancouver.
Photo Credit: Courtesy of Visit Vancouver WA

At Kafiex (pronounced “coffee-x”), every order is crafted with certified organic and fair-trade beans that are roasted in-house. Sample proprietary brews from the “slow bar,” which utilizes state-of-the-art Syphon, Chemex, and V60 coffee makers to distill and deliver full-bodied and delicious cups of coffee. As a certified Clark County Green Business, this prominent Washington roaster is heralded for its sustainability efforts. Known for its wide array of specialty coffee offerings, try crowd favorites like a cortado or a cajeta latte.

Also See: Vancouver Washington Travel Guide

Caffe Vita Coffee Roasting, Seattle

Popular with locals since the 1990s, Caffe Vita’s coffee is roasted in-house to perfection. This independent Seattle roaster is known for its friendly and knowledgeable baristas, as well as its rotating menu of specialty drinks — like their autumn special, the miso caramel latte.

With decades of proud roasting traditions, Washington is the perfect place to sample world-renowned cups of coffee. Next time you’re visiting, be sure to stop by one of these Washington State coffee roasters to immerse yourself in the state’s thriving coffee culture.