Vita at KEXP

"This used to be La Marzocco Cafe, which hosted a different out-of-town coffee residency every month. Now, it’s just another Caffè Vita. Welcome to Seattle, we guess. But the charm remains—it’s a Space Needle-adjacent spot that comes in handy for answering emails while watching (and listening) to KEXP’s on-air shows that record mere feet away in a sound booth. If you get writer’s block while tapping away at that novel, buy some vinyl at the kiosk in the back, or count all of the beanies you see." - aimee rizzo

"Caffe Vita is a Space Needle-adjacent spot that’s perfect for grabbing coffee and watching the DJs at KEXP’s recorded on-air shows mere feet away in a sound booth. Sure, that “cookie cereal milk latte slushy” on the menu is really a Frappuccino wearing a trench coat, and sometimes the espresso tastes a little bitter on an off day. But the hiss of pressed beans mingling with the chatter of indie rock at the large Seattle Center space will make you feel immediately like a local. And if you need a souvenir, buy some vinyl at the kiosk in the back." - aimee rizzo, kayla sager riley

"This place is arguably too Seattle-y — a Cafe Vita where you can watch the KEXP DJs work? Within sight of the Space Needle? Hang out here too long and vintage Sonics gear will just appear on your body. But you will want to hang out here, because it’s a beautiful space, there’s always a couch to sprawl on or a table to sit at, and you can sometimes get seats at in-studio performances. Since it’s a Vita the beans are reliably good, and the cafe partners with other roasters for events and residencies. And don’t tell anyone but this place has the best deal in town: Drip coffee is $1 before 8 a.m. on weekdays." - Harry Cheadle

"This place used to be La Marzocco Cafe, which hosted a different out-of-town coffee residency every month. Now, it’s just another Caffè Vita. Welcome to Seattle, we guess. But the charm remains—it’s a Space Needle-adjacent spot that’s perfect for getting work done and watching (and listening) to KEXP’s on-air shows that record mere feet away in a sound booth. Sure, that “cookie cereal milk latte slushy” is really a Frappuccino wearing a trench coat, and sometimes the espresso tastes a little bitter on an off day. But Queen Anne’s better for having this impeccably hip, lively place. If you get writer’s block while tapping away at that novel, buy some vinyl at the kiosk in the back, or count all of the beanies you see." - aimee rizzo, gabe guarente

"This place used to be La Marzocco Cafe, which hosted a different out-of-town coffee residency every month. Now, it’s just another Caffè Vita. Welcome to Seattle, we guess. But the charm remains—it’s a Space Needle-adjacent spot that’s perfect for getting work done and watching (and listening) to KEXP’s on-air shows that record mere feet away in a sound booth. Sure, that “cookie cereal milk latte slushy” is really a Frappuccino wearing a trench coat, and sometimes the espresso tastes a little bitter on an off day. But Queen Anne’s better for having this impeccably hip, lively place. If you get writer’s block while tapping away at that novel, buy some vinyl at the kiosk in the back, or count all of the beanies you see." - Aimee Rizzo