Empire Roasters & Records
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Fairly bustling place with cute outdoor back patio seating. Dogs allowed. Food is decent. Special drinks are interesting and unusual - sage latte is savory - not for everyone but I liked it. Matcha wasn't great, kind of a green brown color and quite watery. I like to support small business in Columbia city so I'll continue coming back here for the outdoor tables and coffee. Ok staff vibes, maybe they're really stressed?
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
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!
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.
love the americano and gf banana bread the patio seating is so nice and the employees are the best!
4 months ago
loved that my first visit was a good one and great coffee or in my case chai latte and yummy bagel and house made jam to eat (sorry I didn't take a picture of that I was kinda hungry lol ) just perfect for the Seattle vibes I live by thank yall Empire Crew My other visits I wish I got the great guy on Wednesday there he was a cool vibe and great persona for a cafe like this cool shirt too The upstairs records man I'll get a record player again cuz I loooove the selections very nostalgic and so perfectly Seattle vibey Have to try the roof top seating loved how the floors have earthy themed and woody charts and tables Yall are my top favorite cafe to go too when I can get a chance read more
I have always been a fan of this business. The vibe is Bohemian rockstar and super welcoming to all. Go up the stairs to the second floor where you can purchase records. Continue up to the fourth floor, where there is an outdoor patio for those sunny days in Seattle. They make their own cashew milk which created one of the best lattes I have ever had--no syrup or sweetener needed due to dates they add. I'll definitely be back. read more
My best friend and I were practically falling asleep and needed some quick caffeine. Empire was right around the corner of our breakfast spot and intrigued us with their specialty drinks. We came on a quiet weekday morning. The coffee shop also operates as a record store, which is upstairs. There's seating on the first floor and outdoors as well. The cafe has a hipster vibe with the artwork and ambiance. We found the service to be curt and not too welcoming, but the drinks were made quickly! We had The Ivy. It's made of cashew and oat milk. It was our first time having cashew milk and the drink was nutty! It was soothing, warm, and cinnamony. Recommend this. Empire Roasters and Records offers a unique space for coffee and music lovers. A different vibe with cool drinks! It's located on S Edmunds St. in Columbia City. read more
3 months ago
Fairly bustling place with cute outdoor back patio seating. Dogs allowed. Food is decent. Special drinks are interesting and unusual - sage latte is savory - not for everyone but I liked it. Matcha wasn't great, kind of a green brown color and quite watery. I like to support small business in Columbia city so I'll continue coming back here for the outdoor tables and coffee. Ok staff vibes, maybe they're really stressed? read more
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. read more
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. read more
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. read more
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. read more
7 months ago
9 months ago
4 months ago
3 years ago
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. read more
2 years ago
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. read more
3 years ago
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 read more
4 years ago
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! read more
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. read more
2 years ago
love the americano and gf banana bread the patio seating is so nice and the employees are the best! read more
2 years ago
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. read more
1 year ago
2 years ago
3 years ago
Really cute place with lots of option for seating and a homey vibe! Great chai latte from kind baristas :) Perfect place to study out catch up with some friends read more
Have walked by this place a handful of times while venturing around Columbia City, and finally was around when they were open! Cute and cozy multistory cafe and record shop in what I think is a townhome. First floor is the coffee shop with limited seating. Ordered a macchiato (not the one with caramel, lol) and it was great. Second floor is a record shop with a pretty good selection for my music tastes! Everything from the uber mainstream to some lesser known artists (see Karate). Third floor was more seating, looks like a good spot to get some light work done but nothing that requires too much concentration since there is an arcade game in the corner. Top floor is an outdoor roof, which is small and quaint. It was raining and windy when I went, but I bet it's lovely during the summer. Definitely going to come back and try their americano and get some light work done ;) read more
3 years ago
Good coffee. Would definitely go back. Ordered a mocha with oat milk. Solid. Staff was friendly. Also ordered two drinks for friends. Price was reasonable. They didn't do the best job of washing hands before making drinks. But they did not touch the cap of the drink. I did that part so wasn't too bad. As I mentioned before I would go back and recommend as the drink was flavorful. read more
Absolutely awesome coffee. I had The Andie, with house made brown sugar syrup. Downstairs can be crowded, but one level up is the record store, then third level is seating, and fourth is the deck. So the place is huge and the coffee is perfect. Bathroom sparkling clean. Totally recommend. read more
2 years ago
9 years ago
It's always a win for me when I find that nook-n-cranny type coffee shop tucked away from the main drag of a neighborhood. Delicious coffee without the uber-pretentiousness of many other shops in the Seattle metro. A small assortment of local pastries, as well as a few other small sandwiches and snacks. Free Wifi, cozy seating, and even an outdoor patio. Oh, and the weekend waffle bar? Divine. House-made waffles with a bar full of toppings, including nuts, fruits, syrups. Definitely worth a stop for weekend brunch! read more
4 years ago
Empire has very cute levels to this coffee shop and the third floor vibes are a great place to chat and study. The coffee is always up to par, hot, and delicious. I also love the waffles perfect amount of crunchy and soft. The baristas are also so sweet and are willing to have lovely conversation with you. Highly recommend this cafe to anyone!!!! read more
2 years ago
7 years ago
Another coffee shop added to my Yelp reviews yay. This one was so cozy. I want to give a shout out to the employees. They seemed like such nice people.. the food looked awesome and I'm thinking they must update their menus regularly because it was all written on chalk. I want to come back, hopefully with someone to play some of the board games with upstairs. :) read more
2 years ago
8 years ago
Came here on a Sunday morning. Had the cappucino and the vegan panini. The cappucino was made with their housemade cashew milk. It was creamy and oh too easy to drink! Definitely could have ordered another one. The panini was made with their housemade pesto, tomato, vegan cheese, and vegan sausage. It was more than enough to be split between two people. In the best way possible, It was crispy and gooey all at the same time...the pesto did make it more oily than i enjoyed, but it was delicious nonetheless. The baristas were friendly and the environment was cozy. Plenty of seating and room to spread out. I would imagine it to be a good place to study/work. read more
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More info about Empire Roasters & Records
3829 S Edmunds St
Ste A
Seattle, WA 98118
Columbia City
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(971) 328-0048
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http://empireespresso.coffee
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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…
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