Mojdeh S.
Yelp
How I heard of this place: More than a decade ago, when temporarily renting a room in Redmond, my landlords/friends recommended SoulFood. The CoffeeHouse was their go-to for hemp milk espresso beverages (one of the only in the area at the time offering it), as well as regular local, live music. I was quickly hooked.
Type of cuisine: Espresso beverages, including non-coffee options like matcha, teas, as well as non-caffeinated beverages. Food aplenty - with sandwiches, wraps and breakfast served all day.
Ambiance: A very Seattle-area neighborhood feel, even amidst the new buildings and sights going up all around. The space is large, with tables/chairs for dining in at the front, followed by a large selection of fair trade items for sale - including incense, body care, fragrances/scents, oils, gems/stones, and many other novelties one may give as gifts or don themselves. Beyond the store, patrons can place their orders and move farther back into the space towards more seating and a small stage for performers. The back is often bustling with conversation, and calls for "order up". Staff and regulars are friendly and well-aquainted, never at a loss for compliments and happy to greet new-comers. Lighting naturally dims as you make your way from the front, where windows line the space to the back, which has no windows.
What I ordered: We selected one 20-ounce matcha lattem ($5.85), lightly sweetened with simple syrup, a Tuna Melt ($9.50) with cheddar and spinach, and one SoulFood Special ($10.95) - a bagel with cream cheese, salami, turkey and havarti, each sandwich with a side of chips.
What I loved: The sandwiches are made to order, hearty enough as a meal, and tasty enough to enjoy as a snack.
Why I loved it: The space has a vintage flair with friendliness all around, homemade flavors and truly a neighborhood gem.
Cost: Average