Fuel Coffee & Books

I’m honestly laughing at how insane this is - I was just charged $8.55 for an 8oz oat milk latte. They made it and THEN charged me so I couldn’t say no thank you. This place is a scam. I know they’ll say it’s because they include tips in their prices, but it’s still wrong to charge that much. $1.50 for oat milk up charge? Needless to say, won’t be back.

I got a vanilla breve that turned out to cost me $9.77… Absolutely not the baristas fault, but I’m confused why the price was so outrageous. Staff was sweet with providing me clarification on the price, but not being told the total upfront for my order also felt strange. The drink was tasty, but with the price tag, I’ll easily desk coffee elsewhere. Cute environment, with charming books and decor.

I recently visited this charming coffee shop with an impressive selection of books. It's the perfect place for bookworms and coffee lovers alike. The atmosphere is cozy and inviting, making it an ideal spot to enjoy a cup of coffee while delving into a good read. The staff was ok but I appreciated the thoughtful bookshelves filled with a variety of genres, providing an opportunity to explore new literary treasures. This coffee shop is a haven for those who enjoy both caffeine and literature. I'll definitely be returning to explore more books and savor their excellent brews of teas and coffee.

Charming spot with a selection of popular books to purchase. Chai tea was cinnamon flavored. Ice water available for free.

Paying a livable wage, coffee done right, satisfying baked goods, and a collection of thoughtfully curated modern literature tucked away in a simple, yet tasteful space. I personally appreciate the early opening hours. It's exactly what you need in a neighborhood cafe!

Used to go here all the time, but in the last few years it seems the quality has gone down (seems like my milk in my latte is constantly burnt?) and prices have skyrocketed. It's $1.25-1.75 more per drink than other comparable or better shops in the same neighborhood.

They just re-opened and did an awesome job with the space. It feels brand new, with an eye for detail in terms of interior, coffee mug selection (nice blue!), great seating in the front and the back of the space. Tip is included, I like that trend! This will be my new place to hang out regularly.

The coffee was okay, but when I ordered an iced Americano, the barista mistakenly gave me a hot Americano instead. After I let him know I had asked for it iced, he told me that I should have specified. I explained that I did specify, but he insisted that I didn't. If I were in his position, I would have responded more kindly. 🤷🏻‍♀️

+1. Ambience. The music was subdued and not overbearing. The overall interior design of the space is relaxing. +1. Customer Service. The staff when I was there were friendly and knowledgeable about my questions. +1. Accommodation. The space is deceptively large when entering off the street. There is some seating in the front, but more seating in the back. +1. Options. This location supports multiple tea, chai, espresso options. However, they do not support pour over, aero press, or other ground coffee options beyond drip. Leaving this a +1. +1. Cost. This is a kind of mixed bag. While I got free refills on the drip coffee, they also charged over $6 for a chai latte. So, we'll leave it at +1 instead of dinging them for this. Background. Stopped in on a Sunday, when parking around the area wasn't time-limited. Initial vibe of the space confined, because of the lack of spots available in the front entrance. However, after ordering my coffee, I found the additional spots in the back. Ordering a drink was pretty seamless, and the barista explained they didn't roast their own coffee. Instead, they sourced their coffee from a roaster. Also, they don't support multiple ground coffee options because of the overhead of maintaining many pieces of equipment. Finally, they even let me know a fresh pot of drip-brewed coffee was about to be ready, instead of serving me from the previous carafe. Service was quick, but I was the only person at the counter. I noticed, despite using Square's point of sale system, they didn't ask for a gratuity. Later when I returned for a second cup, I spotted a small post near the register letting customers know FUEL doesn't allow tips or include service charges. Instead the drinks include an adjustment for increased wages. Finding a seat was relatively easy for a single person. The backroom has the right amount of lighting but not so much that you're washed out by bright light. As I sat there, reading, the music was more a backdrop than a competitor for my attention. Overall, I found this space relaxing and, at least on that Sunday, somewhere I'd return if I need to relax away from the house. As always, your individual experience will vary.

Although a little out of my budget I like it here. They keep it very clean and also cozy and comfortably warm ( increasingly rare in Seattle for some reason). Service is usually friendly and efficient. Also, they offer Coca Cola which I enjoy ordering sometimes in the spring and summer. The barista seems happy to provide you with a cup of ice. When I get enough points for free beverage I am going to order a House Chai. It looks and smells delicious!

I've stopped in for coffee a few times and have been very impressed with my drink and the service each time! The coffee itself has always been good and the baristas are warm and friendly (seeming to be more and more rare at Seattle coffee shops). I also really appreciate the "no tip" policy but it's definitely reflected in the price of the items (nearly $8 for a small beverage). The space itself could be a little cozier and inviting, it's not a place I'm really excited to hang at, but happy to grab a coffee to go!

I ordered matcha latte and there was way too matcha in it which also didn't fully dissolve I had a couple of chunks. The place also smelled off, like old wood and dust. I will be trying out other places in the neighborhood.

Loved the vibes from this cute book store which happened to have a nice coffee shop ;). I picked up a their flash cold brew that was light and refreshing yet very energy fueling. Would stop by again for the great service and ambiance.

Only my second time here and got their matcha latte both times, it's only ok. Might be back to try their baked goods. Baristas were kinda friendly

Cute spot! It's not cheap--$16 for two drinks (americano and a vanilla oat latte) but that seems to be the new normal now. I love the books in the back! They do have some limited seating, although when I went all tables were full. Friendly baristas and the food options looked good (breakfast sandwiches, breakfast burritos, some bakery items).

The housemade chai tasted like watered down milk with indian spices, and certainly does not compare to other chais from local coffee shops. HOWEVER, the chocolate cappuccino muffin was amazing. It had the perfect balance of chocolate and coffee tastes, and the generous top coating of milk chocolate made it all the better. Wouldn't recommend for the chai, would highly recommend for the pastries!

I love the "bookshop meets cafe" concept of Fuel. The baristas here are very friendly. I spent a few hours working here and felt more than welcome. The music is a bit loud for studying but headphones 100% help with that!

Absolutely the WORST breakfast sandwiches. Also, if your a male and want to feel like you offended everyone working by walking in and ordering coffee, then this is the spot for you. They boast a healthy and progressive atmosphere when clearly some workers are very UNHEALTHY and judgemental! *Worker said out loud "This should be warm enough"*

I just happened to walk by Fuel Coffee and saw "Kyotobot Iced Coffee" and knew I need to try it! Kyoto style coffee is made by cold water slowly dripping over coffee grounds, which gives it a bright and crisp taste. They also have a seasonal special of "Kyoto Old Fashioned" which is the iced coffee served with a non-alcoholic and orange bitters. I like their concept of other Japanese-inspired drinks such as the "Pathfinder Highball" which is a non-alcoholic Highball cocktail and Matcha Lattes. They also serve Seawolf Bakery goods, which in my opinion is one of the best bakeries around! Be sure to stop by here on your stroll around Wallingford.

I was hoping this store would give me a better experience than the one at Montlake, which it did, but I am still not fully onboard with the Fuel Coffee chains. The people are more polite here but I still feel that the coffee is average and isn't something I would go out of my way for. I still don't understand why they decorate their shelves with mainstream books that don't seem to be intended to read and no one tastes interest in. If bookshelves are their thing, it should be functional; do book swaps, make it a little library, anything.

This place is so delightful. I have lived in the area for a long time but didn't go there for coffee a lot until recently. They have creative concoctions and friendly service! The morning crew I have met have been great and super quick. Ambiance is perfect coffeehouse vibe and now they have BOOKS.

Lovely coffee spot! Stopped by on a sunny Saturday morning and grabbed an iced cardamom latte and iced mocha. They make the syrups in house and they're delicious! Will be back to actually sit in and enjoy the beautiful interiors as well.

Revisited this coffee shop, now the place is open to sit in. I love it. Coffee and books! Such a great concept. Love the vibe and this might be my favorite latte place.

This coffee shop is near the clinic I go to so I stopped in after a brutal uncaffinated morning pap smear and to my delight I got a latte that would make the angels sing. Made my day. God bless this barista, I could kiss them on the mouth a thousand times.

I came during the first week of the Wallingford location's reopening and was pleasantly surprised with a free mini bag of coffee beans! The interior is sleek and modern: white walls with grey and wood furniture. They have a small selection of books for purchase lining the walls as well. I purchased an almond milk cappuccino and was impressed by the latte art but found the drink a tad bit acidic.

Fuel is an awesome little coffee stop along 45th Street in adorable Wallingford. It has that old school Seattle coffeehouse vibe, back before there were six coffee shops on every block. It was a warm day, so I ordered an iced latte with oat milk. My friend and I also shared a house maid cookie. It was the perfect stop on a lazy afternoon. My only complaint is that, for some reason, it was almost unbearably hot inside of the small space. Perhaps their heater was stuck in the on position that day? Hopefully it was just a fluke. But it did make me wish they had outdoor seating!

I wish they would make their vegan breakfast with something besides a ciabatta roll....it's way too hard and chewy for the cheese & sausage. When you take a bite the cheese & sausage always get pushed out the side and fall all over. I also always get a torn up mouth from this sandwich because the roll is way too hard / chewy & the sandwich is kept at such a hot temperature that the sausage gets over cooked on the sides because it's dried out. So I end up with cuts & burns in my mouth...every single time. Please change your vegan sandwich to something with a softer "bun" or biscuit.

Cute coffee shop in the Ballard area. You order first with the barista and then pay after they finish the drink. Street-parking only. My barista, Brian, was really nice and made a great matcha latte. I noticed a lack of AC so it might get a bit stuffy during the summer months. Overall, super cute ambiance with solid coffee options.

A solid three. Baristas and the space are great, street parking is usually easy despite lack of spaces in the lot. Coffee is great here, too, and I love that they feature local art on the walls. The in-house offerings are also delicious. My ham and cheese croissant (even cold!) was superb. Flaky, tasty, lots of the filling spilling out the edges. Docked stars for this horrible, overpriced "Molly's Brown to Eat" sandwich from the cold case. Spice (which I love and can definitely handle heat) does not make up for lack of flavor. The blandness of this sandwich could have been made up for with red onion and the kraut, but the tiny blob of each barely covered two of the middle bites. Wilted arugula, slightly sour bread/vegan mayo, just all around bust. A lot is happening in this sandwich. Sadly none of it works together or is good.

I stopped in here recently to meet friends before a plant shopping day and was very disappointed. I was excited at the vegetarian offerings for breakfast tacos but it was the most soggy thing ever- so disappointing. The coffee was, coffee and priced accordingly for the area. The up side, they have outdoor seating and the staff is super friendly. But avoid the soggy tacos!

A small quality roaster local to Seattle. This small store in Wallingford has a large amount of seating in the back and by the windows. The atmosphere is like most coffee shops; quiet, dark wood, and one barista. The price for a bag of whole coffee beans was a little high at 17$, but it comes with a coffee so in the end it's not too different. The americano I had was probably the hottest beverage I was ever served, it stayed hot for probably 15 min with the lid off. When I finally drank it I got notes of bitter chocolate, and a touch of acidity that warmed the beverage but faded away before it stung the tongue. Id consider that a good coffee. And with three locations in Seattle I'm on the hunt for another!

Fuel coffee is always delicious and we had great service here to! He let me try to the oat milk alternative for free since I had never had it before and he threw in an extra cookie since we bought several. Friendly and cute place!

A lovely gem of a coffeehouse on 45th in the Wallingford neighbourhood of Seattle. I've only been in twice but both times the baristas were pleasant, quick, and made excellent coffee drinks. Don't let the small storefront fool you. Once you step inside, you'll see lots of seating toward the back with window seats that face onto 45th for prime people watching opportunities or get a spot on the comfier loveseats. Street parking can be tricky. Take care when pulling out because 45th stays busy all the time. There is also a parking lot behind the storefront but I believe it's for several businesses so it is usually full. Overall if you're in the area, I'd say stop in for a coffee and a cookie. You won't be disappointed!

Um...I think it's a great place to get work done...there's a good amount of tables and outlets; the noise level was perfect. If you want to tune out the noise, just stick in headphones. However, the food could use some work. I ordered an espresso, but it was super sour. I couldn't finish it. It's also pretty pricey...$2.75 for just a shot. I also got a croissant which was extremely stale...and not even buttery. And to top it off...there was a fly that wouldn't stop bothering me. Got a lot of work done though.

What do I look for in a coffee shop? Friendly baristas, good coffee, some good food options, a clean bathroom, and wifi that works. Fuel is doing a fine job when it comes to the friendly baristas, pretty good coffee, some good food options (High 5 Pie!!), and a clean bathroom. The wifi, however, is a problem. I've tried working from there twice now, and had the internet fail on me after about 20 minutes each time. I do like the space and am happy to recommend Fuel if you're looking for a place to read or think or have a meeting, but I can't recommend their wifi. I'll probably go there again when I just want some coffee, but won't waste my time when I have work to do.

If you're going to take the time to make little laminated cards about your personal pronouns and after-work hobbies, at least acknowledge my existence when I walk in the door. I'm just here coffee, take my money please.

Another cup of coffee, another 5-star experience. Looks are deceiving at Fuel's Wallingford location as its small store-front opens up into a pretty big seating area past the front counter in the back of the store. I would recommend either a drip coffee (my usual order) or an espresso drink from the bar (I will occasionally drink an expertly prepared mocha which is always tasty and never too sweet like some cafe's flavored drinks) since whoever roasts Fuel's coffee beans does a splendid job. If I were grading Fuel-upon-Wallingford's coffee and staff I would bestow each of them top marks.

My favorite neighborhood Coffee + friendly staff + books -- if you're looking for coffee in Wallingford this is the place to go.

Quiet coffee shop with plenty of room to pull out your work and get stuff done. Service isn't great by any stretch or maybe the barista was having a bad day? I don't understand when the barista was cold to us then brightens up for the next person in line. Our conversation was almost on par with their's. Next time I'll wander around Wallingford a bit more to find a place with better service and coffee.

Lots of favorite indie cafes along the length of North 45th in Wallingford, this evening stopped in before Fuel Coffee closed for the evening. Celebrating 11 years in business...tasty mochas and baked goods. Personable barista that makes one feel welcomed, which is great after another long work week.

Just not good. Diva is around the corner and won't disappoint whatsoever. My bf always said to not go and I thought I would give our neighborhood coffee shop another shot - he was right. He coffe was burnt and took forever to get. You would think the barista was creating a masterpiece or something but no, just a gross cup of coffee.

This is my main spot for waking up in the morning. Alway fresh hot and fast! My favorite... Grande Americana with room for cream.

Having recently moved to the area, I have been trying out all the new coffee shops, restaurants, etc. I came across Fuel while strolling down 45th. Coffee: I have been here 2x now and have had the drip coffee both times. Great taste! If you stick around and get a drip coffee to sit with, it will cost you $2.20 with free refills. The coffee comes in an old-school, diner-style brown mug (without any pink lipstick stains). I haven't tried the specialty java yet, but all the customers visiting have raved about their chais and lattes, which often includes artistic foam designs. Food: haven't tried it yet, but in addition to your basic pastries, they also have some more substantive, pre-packaged sandwich items. Ambiance: As you enter, there are tables in the front and a large barista counter. The real gem is in the back where there are several more tables (many equipped with lamps for extra light). The back area is more cozy and quiet - perfect for long hours of studying. Parking: we are in the city, but they do have a lot behind the building....a nice bonus! Customer Service: VERY friendly. They seem to know their customers really well. Definitely a welcoming atmosphere. Overall, I would definitely return again, both for take-out coffee and to sit and do some work.

This is a cool little coffee shop in Wallingford. I quite liked it when I initially entered. The inside decoration theme is "fuel" where you see gas pump pictures and other decorative objects. There appears to be a study area in the back too so probably not a bad location to read a book. When I went, the store was so busy. There were like 7 people ahead of us and one person manning the drinks and register. Poor guy, he was swamped. We waited for about 10 minutes before we got our drinks. I was really frustrated and almost walked out. It seems a little ridiculous to wait 10 minutes in line for a black coffee. I don't think I would come back. I prefer going to a more efficiently run coffee shop.

What a cute little coffee shop! Chocolate painted walls, hardwood floors, retro accents, exposed brick, high stools, a modern urban feel, high ceilings, friendly baristas, bold-flavored coffee, yet very down to earth digs. This is how I would sum up Fuel. This coffee shop makes for a great place to study or do work as there are several tables all containing their own silver little retro lamps. I like. Fuel is a nice little neighborhood gem where you will definitely appreciate their "fuel." This is your quintessential Seattle coffee shop.

This review is for service. I walked in, and no one was at the bar. After a bit a girl walked out. She did not make eye contact. She walked back and forth doing barista things, and did not acknowledge me at all. So I walked back out!

Hands down after visiting about six or seven independent coffee shops in the Seattle and greater Washington area, Fuel has to be my absolutely favorite coffee house. The kind of coffee house that I would dream about day in and day out. This is when you've realized you've been ruined for coffee for the rest of your life from a single, non-pretentious coffee shop with an old gas fueler inside. The location is very unassuming and across from Bottleworks were a majority of people head to find great IPA. Once you walk in you are inundated immediately with the strong scent of delicious coffee, you can almost smell the roast flavors that bring out the rich nutty flavors of the coffee you're about to consume. Fuel is so underrated for their coffee's complexity as for the most part when I read the reviews it seemed like a nice 'hang out' rather than a great coffee shop with great coffee. I must admit the ambiance inside is great for hanging out but BACK to the coffee! First sip of my soy double shot latte .... instant creaminess from the not too thick and very flavorful foam .... followed simultaneously by the smooth taste of a buttery almond nuttyness that is hard to replicate and that I have yet to taste anywhere else. It was like drinking the best stuff on earth, from a paper cup, inside a warm cafe. Wow. I am speechless and I wish they would transplant one to the Bay Area immediately so I can start my banking there and donate all my daily funds to their delicious coffee. Sigh ....

The hazelnut latte I got here was probably the smoothest cup I've ever had. The latte was also a bit more milky, which is probably why it went down smoother. It was also less sweet than most of the lattes that I've had at other places. It's not bitter to me at all though, and I usually can't tolerate bitter drinks. I walked in about half an hour before closing, and the place was pretty much empty except for 2 customers sitting in the back. Also wasn't expecting this place to be so spacious. Very quiet, slightly dim, and very cozy. There was no one at the counter when I got there. I stood at the counter for maybe 2-3 minutes before someone came. The barista was super friendly! He took my order and made my drink super fast. Fast service is always a plus. Prices here is a bit on the expensive end of the spectrum. My 12 oz. hazelnut latte was about 4.60$. But I think that's not too outrageous of a price for good coffee.

I was just visiting and wanted to try some coffee around the area that's not a Starbucks. There wasn't a long line when I went but there were a lot of people waiting for their drinks. I ordered a vanilla latte...I waited about 10 minutes, but I was in no rush. I enjoyed the design on my latte. From other lattes I've had before it was a lot heavier and creamier but it tasted good.

Just the greatest barista's. So nice and they're always jammin out to some 90's pop or maybe the new Father John Misty or some cool stuff. Free refills on drip coffee mmmmmm

Great espresso, great vibe. Really good background music. Went with wife and kiddo - not necessarily kid friendly but still worked great with our 2 yr old. Baristas know what their doing just like any other respectable coffee shop in the emerald city, but even with just two baristas and tons of customers, service was great - fast and excellent product. And did I mention really good music in the background? The back of the space is pretty dark and secluded - probably good for a date or introspective journaling sesh, but not our thing with a 2yr old... the front of the shop, however is great, with good light and not too crowded, even with a long line at the counter. Sometimes just getting to enjoy the sunspots through a coffee shop window is plenty good.

The coffee is great; I took one star off because of a bad service experience. The barista I usually end up having is friendly and laid back. I'm a friendly person as well. When I went in on Saturday afternoon (6/1), there was a different barista who seemed to have clouds following them. I figured maybe they were having a bad day, or maybe I was just misreading their tone, but everything they said to me was dismissive and unwelcoming. As I was walking out, I said "bye, thank you!" But they were too glued to their phone to notice. Unprofessional and uncomfortable, I might not go back for awhile

Omg, quite possibly the slowest/ worst service of any coffee shop. Been here twice now and always leave before getting coffee. First time the shop was empty, ie no one behind the counter. After waiting for 5 mins I gave up. This time there were 2 customers in front of me, but after waiting for 15 mins I gave up. Coffee might be great, but I'll never know. Won't be trying it again.

A spartan coffee slinging venue that is themed for your parents. They have attention to detail though right down to the vintage-looking clocks on the wall. Duck! ..and cooover! Let's get some Fuel coffee and do some bomb shelter readiness drills! Based on the photo book on the table in the back, Fuel seems to be owned by women. If this makes a difference to you, great. I'm just here for the coffee and the gender of ownership doesn't really matter to me. It's just another coffee house, but is clean and streamlined.

Visiting from CA and have been trying lots of different small coffee shops in town as part of our adventure... & this was our worst experience since we've been here. Walked in and did not even get acknowledged for entering. Ordered my drink and had a question about my drink.. barista (guy with a beard) made me feel stupid. I asked a question to find out the answer not be belittled like I should know the answer to the question I just asked. His demeanor literally made me not want the drink anymore. Every single other coffee shop we've visited have been so warm and welcoming. Wouldn't recommend this place if you're in a good mood... they just might try to kill your vibe with their lack of customer/ people skills. Drink was Ok but wouldn't return to give anything else a shot either .

I love the pies as a snack or even two of them for lunch. Warm them up in the microwave. So yummy. They have great rice milk lattes and friendly baristas. There's parking in the back. If there wasn't I probably wouldn't ever come here.

One of my favorite coffee spots in Seattle. I really enjoy the coffee here, aside from the delicious drip, they make a mean latte as well!!! The baristas are friendly and nice, nice foam art on top of you latte too! Nice coffee shop to relax as well, but when I go here, I usually going somewhere and this is perfect place to grab a coffee. Nice little display for pies, donuts etc. Haven't tried any yet but they all look tasty! A recommend to check out! A very cool Fuel logo too!