Highland Espresso took over the cafe & drive through from the shuttered Cycle & Coffee. I had enjoyed C&C for their mochas and as a TGTG frozen breakfast pickup site. I saw last month's favorable writeup in the My Ballard community blog about Highland Espresso shortly after their grand opening on 5/1/26. Their OG drive through is located in Montesano, under a 100 miles away in SW Washington. I made a spontaneous dash to the new location on this sunny & warm Tuesday afternoon (6/2/26).
Definitely the interior had been pared down, but has a few bicycles and cycle gear from its predecessor. There's indoor seating but limited to two large seats by the entrance, a couch, and counter seating in the adjacent room.
The two baristas onsite were really genuinely upbeat and welcoming. I opted for a two shot 20oz iced mocha, but was generously offered up to a quad. Spot on crafted iced mocha, with the perfect ratio of ingredients to ice content. Refreshing, not watered down or cloyingly sweet!
Aside from a variety of beverages, there's some packaged goods like cookies, breakfast & lunch sandwiches, coffee roasts, and branded retail items available for purchase.
Another worthy indie on the main thoroughfare of Leary Way (aka Frelard or Balmont, lol). Welcome to Seattle! read more