I don't understand why this has high rating. My coffee did not taste good at all. I am a coffee addict (mostly lattes) and this one was not a winner. Also, really crowded at 10am, no where to sit. 2 stars because the baristas were really nice :) read more

Love this place. Just discovered it. Fresh roasted coffee that's really good. It's great these guys have amazing teas also! I ordered tea one evening and expected a store bought bag of tea and got this amazing blend of loose leaf tea in a pot. It was incredible. I went back today earlier in the day for coffee and was not disappointed. Love the atmosphere, really cute place that draws all kinds of people , not just the standard college crowd. Good to have the mix. The employees were really nice and tried to help me, best they could with a difficult order. I plan on making this my regular hang-out. read more

Today I came in with a friend and the man running the register had the biggest sneer and yelled at everyone to get in a better line to order and when I got up to order he barely even acknowledged me. After my friend and I ordered he yelled after us "learn how to tip!" The reason I didn't tip was because of how incredibly rude he was, so him saying that only affirmed my decision not to spend more money at this establishment than I need to. When my friend got her drink at the counter and said "thank you" he retorted with "you're not welcome." I know everyone has bad days but I have never encountered such a rude human. I will not be coming back, and I will be telling my friends not to come as well. read more

Great local coffee place - hidden gem. It's in a alley - can make it difficult to find. Amazing cappuccino and white mocha. Chocolate croissant and cheese danish were great as well. read more

Must try mexican hot chocolate and their mexican mocha :) It's always busy but still space for studying or catching up with a friend. Place is in an alley so can be hard to find but helps with crowd control. Free wifi great food and more mexican style drinks definitely earns it five stars! read more

Cafe Allegro - Mexican mocha with plenty of whip! - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Seattle, Washington

A U District classic... if you can find it :) Tucked in a back alley (past the Magus books and across from Mod Pizza) is the charming Cafe Allegro. Great coffees, delicious pastries, kind service - all well priced! This place can fill up but it's a nice place to study, use the wi-fi or just people watch. read more

I like Allegro overall, however, my experience in the cafe is largely determined by who is working. Some staff are kind while others are not. Some make good coffee and some do not. A little more inconsistent here, but I think this can be an issue in any food or drink establishment. read more

First of all, it's hard to find! Make sure to follow the signs that lead you into the east alley behind where you would expect it to be on University Way. Second of all, the staff is so nice here, and the seating is ridiculously plentiful. I originally thought it was just the main area, but if you go to the bathroom, you'll find another cozier room, and then you'll also see signs that lead you to the upstairs section (which I did not go to). The tea that I got was good. It's looseleaf and they are happy to give me water refills anytime I want. The food options looked a little anemic, so I snacked on some food I had brought in my bag to combat the afternoon nibbles before dinner later. If I'm back in the University District, I will definitely stop by here and hang out for a bit. It's peaceful, and covered with lots of posters that give you something to stare at when you're trying to figure out what next to type on your laptop. read more

I was taking someone to a medical appointment at the hospital (nothing to worry about. All is 5x5.) and needed to kill some time, so I thought that I would wander around for some caffeination. After driving around a bit, I thought that I would stop in at Allegro, where I had been once before, have a coffee and read until I got a call telling me all was complete. Allow me to set the stage here. Most of my things are still in boxes. I didn't really sleep much, so unshaven and messy-haired but I was needed to chauffeur around in the car. I brought a hat to cover my messy head. So about the hat. When I was working in NYC, I bought a fitted Yankees hat. Do I like the Yankees? Not really. I liked NYC and enjoy it as a souvenir of a good time. I do keep forgetting that people from NYC are prejudged by the nonjudgmental crowd quite a bit, so if I look like one.. well. It is the only hat I have around, so I've been wearing it. It solicits comments like "We charge 20% more for Yankees fans" and things like that. I keep forgetting. I enter. I look at the baked goods, nod at the staff, and stand behind the person who is currently ordering. The staff at this time is a guy at the cash register who is eyeballing me and an older polite guy speaking to the young woman ordering some drink. "The line starts over there," said the cash register man with a gesture. I looked "over there" to my right and no one was there. There wasn't a line. "I think I'm good," I said. He looked at me and didn't say anything for a moment. Some other people appeared as the guy actually working was finishing up her drink and started looking over the menu. He asks the newcomers what they would like to order. While he's doing that, I tell the guy working the bar "I'd like a tall cappuccino, please". He starts making it and asks "For here?" "No. To-go, thanks." Cash register man isn't happy. He tells me something like "Next time, you need to go and *do as you're told*." He looks like he wants a fight. "Right," I chuckle. "Do you want anything else?" he asks. I started saying "Yeah I was thinking about--" and was interrupted. "Well think faster!" he demanded. "Uh huh. I guess I won't then. So is this your place?" I asked. "No." "You're just like this then?" "I don't like you," he tells me. "I see." I very likely smirked. My coffee was ready. The thought of actually giving this place any money after this performance seemed wrong. This wasn't something I wanted to encourage. "You know, I think you can keep the coffee. I'll just go." "Good!" said angry cash manchild. I left. Never to return. April 2, 9am. read more

I first visited Cafe Allegro in 1980. The fact that it's still here after all this time speaks volumes for its brilliance and appeal. A high school friend told me about it. The sign at the time was all about the decaf (why?). Another friend who wore a pony tail and shook his head and the pony tail at the sign, muttering, "Decaf, hmmm... sounds like something they do to cows!" Another sign posted way up high above the barista was all about waiting for coffee in the afterlife... The ambiance of Cafe Allegro is what drew me in initially, and the (strong) coffee and people kept me coming back. Back in the day, the view out the window across the alley was the campus of the University of Washington. I have many fond memories of being in this cafe: writing, great friends, dreaming "out loud" to my journal... I remember fondly the smells and sounds of this place, and sitting in the alley drinking coffee, along with wonderful people and friends - even in the rain. Back in the day, the barista always wore a beret and made even the slow days seem happy. I'm pleased to see you can buy the coffee beans on their website. What a treat! Cafe Allegro is like a coffeehouse out of a dream, or a storybook - only it really happened to me and I'm so grateful to the people: the staff, the customers who unwittingly contributed to the unfolding story, the exposed bricks even....etc.... read more

I am a barista, and I must say that the worst coffee experience I ever had was at this place. I ordered just a latte. With a splenda. Okay, I know that splenda isn't all natural or healthy, but hey, I like splenda in my coffee sometimes. I also like diet coke. Shoot me. The barista gave me the world's dirtiest look and proceeded to make me a shitty drink. And I'm never going back again. Ever. I just would like to say that if you are a person who hates customer service and working with the public, then don't get a fucking customer service job. It's just that simple. read more

Cafe Allegro is a cafe which has the potential to be super cute and mysterious. It is tucked away in an alley off of the Ave, near the University Bookstore. As I said it could be super cute. But it's super "ehhhhh". I stumbled upon Cafe Allegro while looking for a new yoga place (Universe City Yoga, super awesome, super great, take a class with Richelle, it will change your life). I thought to myself, "Oooh! A cafe in an alley, how mysterious" and I didn't let the smell of the nearby dumpsters deter me on my quest for adorable Seattle Cafes. Only then I went in and got an americano and got some serious snubbery (and snobbery) from the barista. But I was on my way to do yoga! Nothing would make me sad! NOTHING! My americano (my new drink of choice since I am now both soy and lactose intolerant) was okay. It was frothy and beautiful and it smelled good and it tasted...fine. I did my yoga and I forgot the snobby barista man. But today, I went back before my (life changing) yoga class. I had forgotten my water bottle and so I went to the counter and I asked "Do you sell bottles of water?" "We have mineral water" "Oh. Okay. You don't have plain water?" "We have a water fountain over there" "Oh, that's okay. Thanks for your help!" And I went back to my friends, ignoring the water fountain and cups because I have worked food service and while it is important to quench people's thirst, it is also important to buy something if you are going to take something and create more work for others. BUT on my way out he yells (yes, yells) "We would appreciate it if you bought something if you are going to take our water". To which I say (very quietly) "I didn't... That would be rude" and say in my head (very loudly): "I didn't take your water you snobby barista man!" So say no to Cafe Allegro, where the coffee is okay and the service smells as much as the dumpsters outside. (want to know about some great Seattle Coffee shops? Visit my coffee blog: http://cupofseattle.blogspot.com/) read more

It is my opinion that Allegro is the best cafe in the U-District. Whenever I go there I always pass the people sitting at the Starbucks a block away and wonder why they choose crappy corporate cafe chain over a place that is uniquely Seattle (Sorry, Starbucks is no longer unique or Seattle). The people working behind the counter are always very friendly and helpful. They always volunteer to heat up my pastries and seem genuinely interested when they ask you how your day is going. The atmosphere is good for studying, reading, drawing or a casual conversation and there isn't too much noise, but it isn't eerily quiet either. I usually order tea, chai or hot chocolate, because I'm not big on lots of caffeine. They have two different kinds of chai and offer to put Mexican chocolate in your hot chocolate for an extra .35 cents (I recommend it. Really tasty stuff). I like how it is hidden away - off the street and down the alley. They also have a good selection of pastries, vegan doughnuts and bagels. read more

This place is great - I've been coming here since high school. On the coffee price index (using Americano as an indicator) they hover around a high median, but it is worth it. Three rooms of seating - the upstairs especially good for studying or loafing - the front room good for being seen (all windows onto the alley/parking lot). Great alley space - when its nice, folks hang out here and drink their coffee on the sidewalk and benches outside the cafe. Sure hope the alley development plans don't wipe out this environment. Its one of the quickly disappearing "weird Winchester mansion" -esque Seattle places with multiple entries/exits and tiny bathrooms and weird upstairs rooms and Public Access TV stars (see: Shifterland) pulling your coffee.This means go there! They have open mic upstairs too, though rumor is you can't smoke up there anymore. Also, they always seem to have interesting printed materials, zines, posters etc around. More so than other places on the Ave. Oh another thing - if you're older than 21 you won't feel like you stick out like a sore thumb here (unlike some other Ave cafes). Which is a huge A+ read more

Love the vibe and atmosphere of this cafe. Coffee is great, friendly service, reasonable prices. Only qualm I have is continual issues with the WiFi being extremely spotty. If weren't for that, would be four star review. read more

Great place to grab Americano on the go... It's cheap (just over 2 bucks), fast (it was ready as soon as I paid), and rich (not bitter in the least). Unfortunately they're dwarfed by construction that's completely hidden the shop entrance. I have a vested interest in the following advice: make sure you stop in since they probably get far less business now that condos on the rise completely block the way in. I really need this shop for a quick fix before reaching UW campus... read more

Quest: to find a tasty mocha on the Ave. (The quest isn't going very well because I tend to repeat places.) I don't know what a tasty mocha tastes like. I just know that mochas are tasty. My mocha is served in a glass mug. It keeps me warm while I study. I don't know about this snobby baristas I've been reading about. They might not be Starbucks-friendly. I'm not really looking to make my barista my BFFL (best friend for life). My mocha satisfies me. What I love about Cafe Allegro is this: three separate spaces. Four, if you want to count the outdoors. I walk in, and 3 eager faces look up from laptops as if I were the prophet. I don't know why people are always staring when I walk in. I'm just the run-of-the-mill, small Asian girl. This room is loud. I order my mocha. And take it somewhere else. Across the hallway is nice. Globes...stools...etc. But upstairs, if you brave the cold, is even better. And there's a balcony! How to get upstairs, you ask? Simple, find a portal. Step into it. Not really. Here's how (though I might come after you within the next seven days if you ruin my peaceful, secret room): exit Allegro. Find the door between the two parts of the downstairs cafe. Or, start at the main entrance and proceed to next door (North?). Walk up the stairs. It isn't rocket science. Cafe Allegro is hidden because the building next to it is new (around 2008 or 2009?). So people shouldn't be complaining about Cafe Allegro...they should be complaining about the new building. Cafe Allegro used to have a prime view of a parking lot across from UW! 5 stars for a study space, a mocha that keeps me satisfied, and a readily available pitcher of water. read more

I've been coming here since 1976. It's an institution. I'd get yelled at for running around the shop when I was a kid. When I moved away from Seattle, and would visit, I'd always stop here. It has changed but very little. They've done a good job of maintaining its aura since the days when Nathaniel was here. read more

I want to like Allegro more than I do. I end up coming here a lot because I am yet to find the perfect U Distict coffee shop. The coffee is perfectly adequate but not amazing. The baked goods are pretty good, especially the scones. The best thing about Allegro is the upstairs room and the balcony. The balcony makes it a particularly nice place to come in the summer. read more

Great coffee! Eclectic setting. A little hard to find since it's down and Alley. Well worth finding. Coffe wasn't bitter. Made wonderful. Latte was one of the best I have had. Will be back. Had pastrys that looked yummy too! read more

I'm pretty ambivalent about Allegro. It's an awesome space, lots of seating, great to hang out and read the Stranger or catch up with a friend. The drinks are good, and reasonably priced. However, the service is mediocre. The baristas are always chatting with a regular while everyone else who isn't so privileged waits patiently in line. I'd rather spend my time at Trabant, where I don't need to be initiated into a secret society in order to get good service. read more

Came here several times a week for 3.5 years-- Must haves: -mochas (iced or hot) -chai tea (hot, oregon chai, less milk) -almond croissants This is a great place to study or meet up with friends. There's parking around the cafe and the staff is awesome (they remember you!). The upstairs balcony area is very nice in the summer and equally refreshing in the fall. The coffee here is strong and the noise level is just right... plus last I was here, there was free wi-fi. If I head 'home' I'll definitely pay a visit ... or two. :D read more

I like this place! Mexican hot chocolate YESSS! Any place that sells this is automatically my friend. I've had a latte here and it was delicious as well, and they had this wonderful vegan donut that was really awesome too, but I have indeed tasted a better latte in my days. I love sitting in the back on my computer doing homework, way better than being holed up in OUGL. They don't complain that I'm there or kick me out or treat me like crap when I order, they just leave me be to get my work done. Also, having it hidden down the alleyway is kind of hardcore in my opinion. read more

BEST iced coffee around! And there is an upstairs patio, which is nice.

My friend and I wanted to go to Starlife on the Oasis but it was crowded so we decided to check out Cafe Allegro for the first time. I really liked the ambience. It isn't like all the other cafes on the Ave that try to be cool, trendy, and hip. We sat down at a table, pulled out our books and laptops, and wanted to just settle in and cool down before ordering any hot drinks (we had just walked from 50th, in the rain, bundled up, with heavy backpacks so I was a bit sweaty). We had only been there for maybe 3 minutes when the lady at the register began to stare at us. I'm assuming it's because we hadn't ordered anything yet. I intended on getting some coffee, but since I was so hot, I wanted to wait a few minutes before ordering. She asked us a bit rudely if we were going to get something, so I told her that I would in a minute. As we ordered, the two girls at the counter didn't smile, unnecessarily gave us attitude, and didn't make us feel very comfortable or welcomed. We both ordered soy lattes and a spinach & feta croissant. The lattes were good, but nothing to rave about; they warmed the croissant for us (which was nice) and it tasted pretty good. I only ordered a grande soy latte which cost me a little over 4 dollars - just about the same price as Starbucks. I can get a better drink at other cafes along the Ave for much cheaper & with better service. Cafe Allegro needs to know that there are so many cafes on the Ave, so if their customer service is terrible, we have so many other options. I recommend coming here if your usual cafes are too crowded and you have absolutely NO other choice! (and maybe even then... I might not even go). read more

SO disappointed in my last visit to Allegro. I used to go here a lot and have always loved it - great drinks, great atmosphere. This last time, I ordered a latte to-go. I didn't try it until I was out the door and oh my god. It was foul. The milk was completely scalded and burnt my mouth so badly. I literally had to let it dribble out onto the ground because it was disgusting and also on fire. Also, when the guy steamed the milk it was way too foamy - like wet cappuccino style - and he just glomped the foam on top like a stupid hat. That's not a latte. Super disappointed. Hopefully my next visit will be better. read more

Many days,happy days. A latte and a newspaper. Crowded, hunched in places to sit. Lookign at the baked goods..wondering.why? Not I? Still on a diet. Others happy, reading, studying. Cinnamon for my latte I will return another day for more happy hipppy hard thinking cafe slinging! read more

My friend Eric brought me here, saying it was a nice, quiet shop were I could get a lot of work done on my CoffeeThesisProposal. It did not disappoint!!! The shop is tucked away in a quiet alley right beside UW campus. Perhaps that's why it is so quiet? Or maybe because it's a weekend in summer? Who knows! In any case, I was only intending to spend a few hours here before moving to a silent location in a library, but I ending up plopping down for 7.5 hours. An apple fritter, iced latte, breakfast burrito, and like 10 glasses of water later, I can assure you of many things: 1) Great wifi. I streamed Spotify for infinity hours. 2) old men will sit beside you even if there is lots of seating elsewhere. They won't bother you though. N=2. 3) delicious coffee and nice non-pastry vegetarian options if you're in for the long haul. 4) If I could have a cool loft apartment somewhere, it would look like a bigger version of the bathroom: red and black walls + exposed, amply-graffitied brick. If I lived in Seattle and needed to write another thesis proposal (shoot me), I'd basically tether myself to a table here and never leave. That good! read more

Cafe Allegro: I have often heard of it but I have been too busy to really spend any time there. Today, however, I found myself in Allegro's "alley" and decided that an Americano was needed. I was not disappointed. Although they added a bit more water than I would like, It was still good and very enjoyable. It still had the bitter I desire and it was a nice earthy cup. I f I were to go again (which I will do), I will shoot for the 12oz. Americao instead of the 16oz. to see if there is strength difference. All and all it was a good place, and the environment--which I did not experience directly, as I was on the run to the library--seemed pretty chill. read more

Artsy little coffee shop. Nice seating and love the local art on the walls. Tried the cold brew which was good.

I used to come here all the time when I lived in U-district. Allegro is really a hidden gem. It is in an alley, and looks like it may be questionable upon approach (right across from a needle exchange) but don't be deterred. The place is awesome and the coffee delicious. Ample space and outlets for studying, or a cozy spot to meet up with someone. Allegro sports a quirky ambience. Personally, I love all their decor and table set-up. Service is friendly, coffee is delicious. If you're in the mood for something sweet, their Mexican mochas are to die for. Also, I used to volunteer at the shelter across the alley from them, and at least when I volunteered Cafe Allegro would donate all their day-old pastries to the shelter. Don't know if they still do, but that was pretty wonderful of them and well appreciated! The only issue is that the cafe gets crowded and it can be difficult to find a seat and times, but hey this is U-district. Parking is also a challenge; if you're in a bind you can always go park in the University Bookstore lot and go buy a notebook or something to get free parking. read more

What a great find! Tucked away in an alley by the University, this was a great place to get away for a bit and read a good book. I had a chai and a scone. The scone was good; the chai was a bit sweet. However I went back the next day and had a delicious cherry blossom latte. Also, I took home a bag of the half-caff -- it is delightful! read more

I've been here twice now to catch up with a friend and have decided how I feel about Cafe Allegro. The entrance in the alleyway by Mod Pizza is great. I love that it feels secluded and quiet, even though there are always plenty of students, professors and locals there. It's a great place to work and chat with a friend. You get the feeling that Cafe Allegro has a lot of regulars. Never had food here. The soy latte I had was excellent with regards to taste and texture/body. But the temperature was just lukewarm, which made me sad, since I like my beverages piping hot. Not sure f it was a fluke or if it is typical. I'll have to try again and ask for it extra hot! Also, the staff was curt, even if I didn't think it was intentional- just busy. Maybe just an off day? read more

I like coffee a lot. But a while back I learned I had a heart problem and could not have caffeine anymore. It's a pain in the ass, but luckily they invented decaf coffee in 1903. Unfortunately, they haven't heard about it yet at this place. When I asked if they had good old decaf coffee they laughed at me. Employees appear very angry, pretentious, or bitter- I can't tell which. read more

Admittedly I really didn't like Allegro all throughout undergrad. I thought the baristas were slightly rude and the patrons were slightly pretentious and it always seemed so intimidating to enter from the alley. Since graduation, however, I've found myself spending a ton of time reading and studying here and I've completely changed my mind! I love that Allegro is broken up into different seating areas because it shows the history (I'm sure you all know it's Seattle's oldest coffeeshop!) and the need for them to expand available seating confirms the popularity that it has gained over the years. I prefer working upstairs because it's usually less crowded than the main cafe area and you get awesome daylight streaming in from the windows. Their coffee is good: I usually get drip cause when I come here I mean business! Highly recommended as the best cafe on the Ave for studying! read more

This coffeehouse has the perfect ambiance for having some quintessential coffeehouse discussions -- about art, philosophy, science. Whereas in many other coffeehouses, you might feel like a dork talking about that (or someone would roll eyes), not here. So this is where I almost always come when I'm meeting a friend for a long conversation over coffee. Somehow the ambiance improves the conversation -- don't know how but it does. Allegra is also a popular place to work or study. If you are coming here for that, take time to look around. Allegra has lots of little back rooms and there are more quieter out of the way nooks than in the front room. Well, I guess any review of Allegra has to say something about the baristas....what can I say.. you don't come here for warm, cuddly, smiley baristas. Coffeehouse Culture: is this a place for a long heart-to-heart with a friend: YES a business meeting or interview: NO hang-out and work: Good in back areas read more

I used to hate the ideas of cafes and the coffee culture. I pictured pretentious people sitting around having deep discussions and reveling in their genius. And the Cafe Allegro was the type of place I pictured. It's in an old, rundown building. Art is for sale on the walls. Funky music of some kind or the other is playing. I often hear people talking about their music project or their art or theater projects. The service is rude, and there is a "No cellphones please" sign near the cash register. And the acoustics in the back room are such that once I couldn't help overhearing a REALLY BORING conversation between students about the state of the Comparative Literature program at the UW. There's a bench out in front always filled with smokers and people hanging outside, looking at their laptops and their new graphic arts programs. But hey, sometimes it's too early to get a beer. And there's free Wi-Fi here. And I guess I kinda like being around people who are creative and write music and stuff anyway, since I am doomed to be a fan or art, never a creator of it. After the intial discomfort of wondering "I'm not hip enough to sit here," it's a pretty chill place. The coffee is good enough, they have a fine strawberry lemonade, and they have an assortment of pastries. There is one barista here who looks like the 8th member of The Strokes (or the 4th or whatever... not a Strokes fan), and he is often playing British music I like, such as The Kinks or Pulp. There's another barista who ain't so nice, but it's gotta be tough working in this joint while your band is on hold, waiting for their "big break," gotta be tough... The Allegro has been my favorite cafe for a couple of years now, and I find it endlessly amusing that I always see the same regulars there. There's fuzzy haired guy. There's Asian hipster guy. There's beret guy. This leaves me with both a very comforting feeling -- a feeling that this must be a good place to have such loyal customers -- but it also makes me feel slightly depressed to think how things don't change. Reliability is good, but stagnation is not. read more

Great little international cafe. Lots of seating and outlets if you're gonna be working on the computer. Kind of a rustic feel to it, but the wooden chairs do have padding for your behind. The staff is very friendly. I've seen quite a few regulars walk by and wave to the baristas. Very mixed crowd from young to old people. Come try the spiced tea if you are into that sort of thing. read more

It's a very very cosy place where you can spend hours. I see many customers coming in alone, spending time working on the computers, studying, and reading. The pastries are just ok. The quality is like the same as you could get at cafeteria on campus. I love the BGM, very slow soft vocal music which did not disturb my reading at all. read more

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I came to this cafe during my visit to Seattle and absolutely loved it. Lovely atmosphere! Our barista, Katy, was so kind and warm and gave us some DAMN GOOD coffee. She gave us plenty of suggestions for things to do around town and was a delight to chat with. This lady 100% deserves a raise and every tip you could ever give her. So glad I stopped by here, yummy food and coffee and LOVELY staff. 10/10 would recommend :) read more