This place is SPECIAL. Full of wonderful oddities from the far corners of the earth. Terrific service, delicious coffee and an ambiance that makes it a DON'T MISS STOP. If you need a coffee, this is it! read more

Ancient Grounds - Mmmmmm.... Cappuccino - Art Galleries Near Me - Seattle, Washington

A lot of cool ancient treasures, also you can hang out and do some work. Great selection read more

Ancient Grounds - Art Galleries Near Me - Seattle, Washington

Ancient Grounds is like a free museum. Roland has curated an amazing collection of vintage Kimonos, Native Alaskan art and countless other artifacts (I mean, museum quality gems/masks/carvings from around the world) of admiration. Truly one of a kind, please visit and you will fall in LOVE. On top of all that, Roland makes thee BEST COFFEE in Seattle. After you have his Lighthouse blend, you will not want to have coffee anywhere else, guaranteed. As well as, I love the customers-theres a little community that tends to roll in from time to time-its really very cool. read more

I stumbled across this wonderful place on my 1st night on a brief trip in Seattle as I stocked the streets following yelp's directions to a vintage clothing store. It was closed then but a sign in the window enticed me " vintage silk kimonos $40.' How could I resist? So I went back when they were open and entered into one of those magic liminal spaces that sometimes exist tucked away in the corners of big cities and even on occasion, small towns. The indispensable common feature of such places is an idiosyncratic owner educated in some flavor of minutiae. In this case it was a resonant exotic taste in coffee, masks, anthropological décor and some amazing merchandise. Roland and I discussed masks (one of my passions) and he has some truly world class specimens including a Dayak mask from Borneo which probably graced the arch of a head hunters lodge. There are a number of other exceptional exotic antiques ranging from the Pacific Northwest to South Asia but nothing typical or mundane. There's an emphasis on Japan and the collection of Japanese Noh and lacquer masks is one of the finest I've seen in the United States. But it's a coffee shop! This is the actual thing the big chains are imitating. Couches, high stools and an atmosphere so chill and casually warm it has to be experienced to be believed.The guys hanging out reminded me a bit of the regulars in a general store except they were hyper educated left coast existential beings. And the conversation was intriguing to say the least. Roland knows his stuff. The most expensive kimonos in the place were the old farmer's patched and repaired work yukatas. Like a palimpsest of a bygone era; faded torn repaired and finally washing up on the shores of the Pacific United States to find themselves in this epitome of connoisseurship. Meanwhile the Japanese prize our worn denim jeans for exactly the same qualities of history and authenticity. Yeah, I shopped and scored 2 shibori kimonos, one embroidered one and yes, one of those $40 silk yukatas. Forget the museum gift shop and head over here. You won't regret it. read more

This had to be the most interesting, most delightful coffee shop in Seattle. The service is phenomenal, and the atmosphere makes you feel like your sitting down to drink in Indiana Jones' Library. read more

Ancient Grounds - Largest, strongest, best Mocha ever! - Art Galleries Near Me - Seattle, Washington

I like this coffee shop because the unique atmosphere. You feel that you are in an African art gallery. They offer just drinks and a few cookies and scones, nothing else! so if you're hungry this is not your place. I went in the morning on a weekday and nobody was there, complete empty and then I realize that the service (an old man very sour) wasn't very welcoming so I took my drink and scone and left quickly. read more

Sought this place out on Seattle trip number two just for their amazing coffee and atmosphere. Fantastic art, customer service, and high quality coffee beans. The owner's extensive knowledge on coffee is a big plus. Will return again!! Highly recommended coffee stop in the Seattle downtown area. Cozy seating and good reading as well. read more

Ancient Grounds - so cozy.. - Art Galleries Near Me - Seattle, Washington

See all

Great coffee. The owner Roland is a wonderful character and some of the best selection of kimonos for the price!

Ambiance ( your surrounded by tribal art from around the world) Service The owner is fully conversational, friendly and professional in every way. Beverages Like his trade goods, of superior quality. A step above "just coffee" Location First Avenue, a hop & skip from Pike Place, easy public transportation yet a world away once inside from the hustle & bustle outside Music Never nerve jangling nor of the ilk more suited to private listening when you are off of work or no customers are there. It compliments the ambiance very well I find this to be my go-to to get work done place. WiFi is excellent, password protected. read more

I like mochas, get them at pretty much every coffee shop. Once in a while you get lucky and the barista makes the perfect mix at the perfect temperature, and you keep coming back hoping to have the same experience but it never happens. Not at Ancient Grounds. The perfect mocha, every time. I would recommend the savory dill and asiago scones, but then you'd buy them and there wouldn't be any for me so I won't. Lots of artwork, mostly Asian and some African, including reburial caskets (about as unusual an item as you'll ever see in an art gallery) and some stunningly beautiful kimonos. Some interesting books to leaf through while you finish your mocha too, and interesting owner and customers to boot. read more

Definitely the most unique coffee shop I've been in so far. Arts, arts everywhere! It's more arts than coffee. While I understand that the barista may be a person of eloquence, class, prestige, wisdom, culture, etc etc., I don't feel like that 'way' of carrying oneself sits well with the usual and "normal" coffee crowd. It can put some people off. But hey, at the end of the day it is your business and I have no say in how you run it! read more

The coffee tasted great, better than many I've tried. But this rating is for the owner's attitude. And when there's no professionalism, it doesn't matter how good the coffee is. I was really excited to try out Ancient Grounds because the coffeehouse/gallery concept was interesting. I woke up early to head here before work. I had only looked at the menu for a few seconds before he asked how he could help. Sounds nice, but there was an urgency in his voice and annoyance on his face, as if he wanted me out immediately and wasn't sure why I was even there. There were only the two of us, so it wasn't like I was holding anyone up. I told him I needed more time, but he prodded me again less than a minute later. Awkward, but I brushed it off. After I ordered, I tried having a conversation with him about his gallery. I only got a couple questions in before realizing that this guy wasn't going to be friendly. He gave me one-word answers without looking at me, as if having a conversation was a chore. When he finally handed me my coffee, he said it would be $3.25, but he said "three and a quarter," with an emphasis on the "t" in quarter. First of all, are you so much holier and more sophisticated than the rest of us that you can't just say "three twenty five"? Second, I speak English, so no need to enunciate your words as if I had trouble speaking English to you, though with your elitist attitude, you probably assumed I had just hopped off the boat. And of course, he couldn't let me go without a cherry on top - instead of handing me my lid, he tossed it on the table. It is beyond me as to why this place gets great reviews or better yet, what I did to this guy to set him off. I fell for the trap disguised by the great reviews, but perhaps (and, if so, fortunately) most people don't, as evidenced by the dust collecting on the artifacts he hopes to sell. read more

Visiting this place today just confirmed that Sarah B. is dead on when she rates something 5 stars. Though we may have to agree to disagree about the Alaska Way Viaduct ;-)http://www.yelp.com/biz/vVAgncv5whCys2XDdsnBnQ?hrid=2Asx4sttYo6B_ZhcbGN0hA Moving on, I LOVE this place. Enough to get my coffee here every day from now on. Except Friday mornings at Caffe Umbria. But the two places are so different I don't feel any conflict. My heart's big enough for both places. The art here is awesome. I love the old Chinese scrolls and Native American masks and wood carvings and lanterns and the carved turtles. There's a great water feature on the wall behind the counter and the place is cozy and warm. There's a fireplace that looks like a wood stove in the back and I forgot to ask whether or not it really works. I forgot to ask because I got into a conversation with the owner, who is a lot of fun to talk to. He used to own an art gallery in Juneau and has exquisite taste. He also makes a mean latte. Nice strong brew and a pretty design on top. The pastries mostly come from Macrina and are perfection. You can sit in the window and watch 1st Ave. or totally relax with a book or a friend. Or use one of the computers. Or chat with the owner. Or browse the art. It fits a lot of moods and it definitely fits me. read more

Great place. Very calm, quiet. And great prices as well. You get the impression your at an art museum. Great customer service. Hot chocolates are delicious. read more

When I think of artistic Seattle coffee shops, this is what I think of. It's like an Asian art gallery that happens to have tables and coffee. The prices are amazing too, I'm pretty sure it's cheaper than Starbucks. 100% give this place a try, you'll love it from the moment you step in. read more

Ancient Grounds is my favorite coffee shop. Here are my reasons: 1. Roland is the coolest dude I have ever seen running a coffee shop. If you could combine Merlin, Batman, and Doctor Seuss into a single human, you would get Roland. 2. Roland KNOWS his coffee. He isn't making you some lame coffee from some lame machine. One time I saw a guy ask him how he makes it, and I was blown away. He uses some kind of magical(probably) coffee machine. I don't fully remember how he described the technique, but I feel like it's comparable to ninjitsu. 3. There is art everywhere. Not like, wimpy art, either. Big, GIANT art. Art that makes you question your own existence. Art that looks you right in the eyes and just stares at your soul without blinking. So, next time you're on 1st Avenue and you're like "wow, I should get a S___B___s Pumpkin Spice Latte..." stop it. Go to Ancient Grounds. read more

THE BEST COFFEE EVER!! This is coming from a bitchy and particular person. I was in Seattle for two days and I could not stop thinking and craving for Roland's Mocha Breve. The coffee had the right amount of coffee and chocolate combination. I wish he was in NY as well ... I many consider coming back to Seattle just for his coffee... read more

I found this place almost 10 years ago when previously living in Seattle. I'm here regularly again and frequent Ancient Grounds. Cool atmosphere, cool proprietor and great coffee. This is the best latte I've found in Seattle. read more

Best damn espresso I've had in Seattle--or anyone else in the country.

Not sure why this place is so highly rated when there are dozens of other better coffee shops. Perhaps it's the fact that it's more of an antique shop that sells coffee than a coffee shop. I went in based on the reviews (One of the few times Yelp has let me down) and there was no one in the store. Nothing wrong with that but it should have been an indicator. I ordered my latte and then asked if I could sit in the front area chairs that apparently are reserved for parties of two or more. I asked politely if it would be okay to sit there and I was declined. There was NOBODY there and nobody else showed up while I was there. This review wasn't just about the experience because I thought the latte was just "meh." If you are looking to grab some coffee while checking out tribal masks then you might give it a try, otherwise there are way too many other places to get a good cup of joe. read more

What an awesome shop. Relaxed, unique, excellent coffee, gregarious and friendly owner. The conversation was actually human here, as opposed to the thousands of other shops that are stale. What a cool place to get coffee downtown. We felt much better having a cup here than anyplace in Seattle. read more

My all-time favorite coffee shop in the world - excellent lattes, friendly staff, perfect atmosphere and, with all of the Native American artwork adorning the wall, distinctively local. read more

Delicious chai tea latte, lots of vintage Japanese kimonos, yukatas, and more. Great way to start off my trip to Seattle

Happened to duck into here to escape a downpour and loved it. I had a hazelnut latte and a molasses cookie. You could stare at all the fun items on the walls from around the wall for hours. The barista (I believe also owner) was very kind and engaging. When I'm up in Seattle I'll definitely come back again. read more

Seattle's best unknown coffee shop meets global trading post meets art gallery.

Note: I didn't go here. I gave 3 stars because it seems to be JUST BELOW the average rating--but it won't really mess up their scores THAT much. I just wanted to say that I was very excited to try this place out. I walked for 15 minutes in the cold and there was a sign on the door that said: "Closed for Veterans Day." What?!?! What kind of coffee shop closes to observe Veterans Day? Is the barista/owner an 85 year-old Vet? How about just offer a "Veteran Special'" or put out an American flag? It's ridiculous. read more

Great coffee and antiquities, what more could you ask for? Charming gentleman behind the counter and lovely classical music playing made for a nice respite from the hustle and bustle of shopping. I highly recommend this place for a unique twist on the afternoon coffee break! read more

Read other reviews on yelp and wanted to check it out. Ordered the Mocha and cookie. The mocha was delicious and cookie was soft in the middle and crisp on the outside. Will come back again! read more

Great atmosphere and wonderful coffee. I came here with a few friends because we couldn't find another coffee shop but glad we found it. The owner was very nice and welcoming! Strong coffee and wonderful environment. read more

An absolute MUST if anywhere within a 50 mile radius of Seattle! Do try the Mocha Brava and ask the proprietor about the name Ancient Grounds, you'll be glad you did. read more

Hands down classy coffee shop. Beautiful music, kind owner, wonderful concept. Art and concept is relaxing.

Re-discovered Roland the owner years after visiting his shop in Juneau. He had the finest NW Coast carvings to be found outside the museums. Now his artifacts have expanded and are informed by his experiences from years in NYC. We learned so much in a couple days of conversing and wound up purchasing 2 wonderful artifacts from Japan. Great coffee, entertaining and educational conversation, and unbelievable buys on rare pieces characterize this place. Don't miss this gem when down by the Seattle Art Museum. read more

Coffee is not great I'm sorry to say, bitter and my latte was more like espresso with milk foam.

Great place to hang out and have some coffee, beer or wine. Excellent vibe!

Beautiful shop, with genuine and kind barista. Just sitting in here is comforting and cool. It has a great collection of native art, and you feel like you are in an alcove of artifacts like Indiana jones! read more

Nice decoration, great coffee! Relaxing place!

Fantastic coffee and pumpkin bread. The interior and art is absolutely gorgeous.

If ever you're in the area, stop in an take a look at all the interesting items. Such a cool coffee shop! And the guy is super nice.

There are so many novel, interesting things inside and the coffee is pretty awesome.

Roland, the owner and barrista, has created a very special place that seems to float above "ordinary reality". He has blended a cafe for coffee, beer and wine that transends the homogenized experience of most commercial outlets. His presentation is always refined, warm and intelligent- in an accessable way. Strike up a conversation with this raconteur and you'll be rewarded with his Buddhist/ Jungian sense of the present moment in the form of a perfect latte, just for you. His cafe is a treat for the senses, and as he recedes into the background you get to drink in all the beauty that surrounds you. And his prices for actual artifacts are a steal. For a rediculously low price I purchased, for my young daughter, a moon face pendant carved out of a fossil mammouth tusk by Bali carvers. I suspect it's also a great place for a lovers tryst. What can I say, it's one of a kind. read more