Cancel

    Open app

    Search

    Empire Roasters & Records

    4.3 (376 reviews)
    Closed 6:30 am - 5:00 pm
    Updated over 3 months ago

    Empire Roasters & Records Photos

    EMPIRE ROASTERS & RECORDS ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Moderate noise
    Casual
    Good for kids
    Outdoor seating

    You might also consider

    More like Empire Roasters & Records

    Recommended Reviews - Empire Roasters & Records

    Your trust is our priority, so businesses can't pay to alter or remove their reviews. Learn more about reviews.
    Yelp app icon
    Browse more easily on the app
    Review Feed Illustration

    Reviews With Photos

    Vegan hot chocolate
    Mar K.

    This is one of the coziest place in Columbia City to come for coffee or to write. The two of us came here to write. My friend ordered an oat milk vegan hot chocolate and I had a jasmine iced tea. The waffles with bananas were appealing but there was a deadline to focus on so took an apple turnover instead. It was tasty. Walk up the stairs if the first floor is filled up and you'll find yourself in a Wonderland of records. The music is playing kind of loud but you still go up to the third floor because there's comfortable seating there. There's also an arcade game that you can play. $.25 the sign says. Just wish it opened longer than 5pm.

    Third floor space
    Ryan T.

    Sunday trip to Empire Roasters and Records reminded me what a fun experience it is. Waffles,coffee,records all in one trip. There's also way more seating than it looks like! The third floor above the records and rooftop also have seating! There is sometimes a line but they work hard to keep it moving and get- check out the records while you wait.

    vanilla latte w/cashew milk
    Sandra N.

    Lovely coffee shop! They have wifi and plenty of seating of 4 floors. I got a vanilla latte w/cashew milk which I personally didn't enjoy. This was my first time trying cashew milk though! I would come back here again though to try other drinks and because I loved the interior, music, and vibes.

    Vampire mocha add cayenne
    Wennie H.

    Glad that Empire is still here. Solid little spot with a unique set up. I typically get the cayenne mocha here because it's really good, just spicy enough. I opted for the new vampire mocha (oatmilk, homemade cherry syrup, mocha) and added cayenne to it. It was sweet, spicy and probably one of the best specialty coffees I've had this year. Thank you to the barista who recommended it, I know what my new go to will be here.

    Seating options are available throughout the cafe from outside to the rooftop!
    Elizabeth H.

    A very laid back coffee shop with interesting seating options from outdoor to the rooftop! It even has a record store in the upper floor. The special coffee drink The Affleck, hard to compare it with the actor though, was refreshing topped with whipped cream. And not too sweet. Waffles and bagels are also served for breakfast and a quick lunch.

    Pumpkin spice latte
    Leilani Q.

    Grab a drink, find a lovely seat near the record player, and just chill for a bit. I like the vibes of the coffee shop. The downstairs is pretty intimate with the baristas, I feel like I'm always up close and personal to what they're doing behind the counter. I came in when they first put the homemade pumpkin spice latte on their menu and they asked for my honest opinion. Look at that customer satisfaction y'all! Anyways, I liked the pumpkin flavor but needed a bit more spice or ginger. So they added some spice to the top and it was lovely! You can even stop by the second floor on your way to the third floor (seating) to shop for some records. Overall a chill place to take a seat and do some work or read a book or listen to records.

    Interior
    Sahitya M.

    Let's talk about the cashew milk here ! That was the most creamy and delicious cashew milk cappuccino I have ever had ! I even thought about switching to cashew milk after I tasted the cashew milk here. It is sweetened with dates and it had a great flavor. The best part is the milk is made fresh at the store. I sat in the patio in the ground floor. But I missed that there were two more floors above which had ample of seating. The staff were friendly and super attentive. Overall a great place and I would definitely go back again for coffee. I was kind of disappointed with the vegan waffles as it tasted very bland but the coffee was too good that it didn't feel too bad about the waffle

    Records for sale
    Jacques I.

    For coffee in Columbia City, most everyone will head over to Olympia Coffee, which is cool, but it's not the best. And trust me when I say, I am from Olympia and have nothin' but love for my hometown. But Empire Roasters & Records is sooo much better for coffee and more in Columbia City. I was in the area for a meeting, and wanted to find a place to work at for the remainder of the day. I headed over to Olympia Coffee after my meeting until I saw an A-frame sign that told me to head right on a residential street for what is called Empire Roasters & Records. I visited in the afternoon on a Tuesday and was warmly greeted by the barista, Alexis. She couldn't have been sweeter. I heard a rumor that Empire makes their own cashew milk, which Alexis confirmed. She let me try a sample of the cashew milk, which is sweetened with dates. And let me tell you, it's definitely worth trying! It is sweet from the dates and is creamy. I ordered an iced cashew milk latte and was told to head upstairs for additional seating and a records store. The second floor of this awesome shop is a records store. You can browse through the records here or head up another flight of stairs to the third floor where most everyone was. In addition to seating and tables for working and lounging, there's also an arcade machine here. However, the fun doesn't stop here. You can head to the rooftop for more seating and sun (when it's out, duh). I ended up finding a spot on the third floor to do some work. Empire has secured, free wifi, and I even saw multiple people taking video calls from here. This is great spot to work from in Columbia City. But even if I don't need a place to work, Empire Roasters & Records is now my go to spot for coffee and cool people whenever I'm in Columbia City. Plus, they have waffles, which I need to try soon!

    americano, mocha, waffle, banana bread
    Lorna B.

    love the americano and gf banana bread the patio seating is so nice and the employees are the best!

    Upstairs seating!
    Lan N.

    A great coffee shop in the neighborhood! It might get less foot traffic bc it's off the main road, but I always try to stop there when I can. I get a matcha oat milk latte, and ask for lavender syrup to be added when it's available. The next part is the upstairs! There's a record store on the second floor and then really cozy seating in the third floor! There's even access to the balcony/roof if you want to be outside. It took me a few visits before I realized this other upstairs seating existed. It's honestly the perfect spot to hang out with a warm drink on a drizzly Seattle day.

    Berry compote waffle and real maple syrup waffle.
    Carrie B.

    This place is adorable. Very small first floor but they have dining in the back if inside is full. Waffles were good and the drinks were fantastic. Didn't make it upstairs but it was a great stop.

    Third floor

    See all

    3 months ago

    Helpful 4
    Thanks 1
    Love this 4
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Kyra K.
    827
    966
    4591

    1 year ago

    Helpful 35
    Thanks 10
    Love this 29
    Oh no 0

    2 months ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 1
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    9 months ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    4 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 1
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 1
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    3 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 1
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    3 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 1
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    3 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Carrie B.
    19
    36
    74

    2 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 1
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    3 years ago

    Helpful 4
    Thanks 0
    Love this 4
    Oh no 0

    8 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    3 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 1
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    3 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Great spot! Not only was the coffee great but the record store is so much fun. Not to mention the view at the top level is gorgeous!

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 1
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    3 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    3 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    3 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    4 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Coffee is top notch and love the homemade cashew milk. Bakery items are decent, but would prefer the bakery over this.

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Billy J.
    1
    128
    283

    2 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    5 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    3 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    8 years ago

    Helpful 3
    Thanks 0
    Love this 2
    Oh no 0

    4 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    6 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    7 years ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 0
    Love this 2
    Oh no 0

    5 years ago

    Helpful 3
    Thanks 0
    Love this 3
    Oh no 0

    3 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    Page 1 of 10

    Empire Roasters & Records Reviews in Other Languages

    Ask the Community - Empire Roasters & Records

    What is the upstairs like? Does the upstairs have the same type of furniture and vibe? Thx!

    Upstairs is great. In fact I like it better than downstairs. There's a restroom on the third floor so that makes taking care of business easy. The music sometimes a little loud to be honest, so bring your own earphones. But the chairs are much more… Read more

    Don’t See Your Question? Ask Away!

    Review Highlights - Empire Roasters & Records

    I loved the cayenne mocha, a hint of spice and only lightly sweetened so as not to mask the bitter chocolate.

    Mentioned in 31 reviews

    Read more highlights

    You might also consider

    Verify this business for free

    People searched for Coffee & Tea 11,332 times last month within 5 miles of this business.

    Verify this business

    Sub Pop Records

    Sub Pop Records

    4.9(8 reviews)
    4.8 miDenny Triangle

    Sup Pop started it all in Seattle!…read more Thank god a SUP POP store is now located in downtown Seattle, I need a place to actually view, smell, taste & purchase vinyl. Now before I rant and rave anymore it must be said without certain bands in Seattle before Sup Pop started, there would be no Sup Pop, so it's time these bands get a shout out for being the original Seattle scene: TKO CULPRIT OVERLORD  ( Grunge before Grunge ) The Heats The Cowboys Shadow The Wild Dogs (Portland Band) I'm sure I left out a few but without these bands you would have Pearl Jam, Mother Love Bone or Alice N Chains. What a great store catering to the Seattle Sound " GRUNGE " music. I purchased countless SWAG items and several lp's for the collection on my shopping spree. Hell I even bought a cd special addition from ALICE in CHAINS. No downloads at this store it's real organic old school music purchasing. For you millennial children you actually have to pay for your music like we all did a long time ago. So get with the program and keep music alive by buying at Sup Pop. So now that I've said that FRANK gives a double thumbs up for turning Seattle into music history. I may not like all the artists from Sup Pop however I'm glad there here.

    As a music guy, it seemed important to check out one of the Sub Pop stores while I was in Seattle…read more I actually stopped by 2 of therm, there is one in the SEA Airport (which arguably has more merchandise - at least when I went there) and this one downtown. This one has the better environment if I am being honest, its a corner side of a building store and has cool T-Shirts, books, mugs, turntable mats, etc .....all kind of SubPop merchandise. Its just a retail store to be fair - but worthy of the stop if you are into SubPop records. There is not a huge selection here, but enough to find something cool to take home. I ended up picking up a few souvenirs and chatted with the guy in the shop (super-friendly) Worth a visit!

    Photos
    Sub Pop Records
    Sub Pop Records
    Sub Pop Records

    See all

    Empire Roasters & Records - coffee - Updated May 2026

    Loading...
    Loading...
    Loading...