Came to KEXP just to get a Caffe Vita Del Sol and walked into a space that did not exist the last time I was around. It's gorgeous/huge and people are actually using it. I'm genuinely glad it's here. Brazil vs. Japan is on FIFA, my coffee is perfect, I grabbed a new Sub Pop tee because my old one is basically a thread, and my friend and I somehow scored the good leather seats. I walked straight into bliss and found myself in one of Seattle's best places to just exist for a minute. read more

Bay Area music radio sucks. To a certain extent, most music radio sucks these days, but when you compare the Bay Area's selection of stations (corporate, college, NPR, etc.) to, say, what you can hear in L.A. County, it's not even close--L.A. wins every time. I grew up and went to college in L.A. County, and I spent way more time driving and, thus, listening to the radio in the 1990s and very early 2000s than I do in the Bay Area. Put another way, when I lived in Southern California, I had radio presets on my car. I've lived in San Francisco since 2003 and have had three cars over that time, and I've never bothered with radio presets, because aside from KQED, KALW, and KPFA (none of which are really music stations), it's generally not worth listening to the radio for music here. Until 2024, that is. I was running errands for an upcoming weekend trip, and I happened upon 92.7 FM, which is technically KEXC but which is just a repeater of 90.3 KEXP in Seattle. Whatever show I caught was really cool and eclectic, a combination of a college-radio station and Santa Monica's KCRW. The music was familiar and new at the same time, and the DJ sounded like a very polished college DJ. Over the next few months, I continued to listen to KEXP whenever I drove, and then, when I wasn't driving as much, I started streaming it. It's an amazing station with a long, interesting history in Seattle. Its current iteration is nonprofit, but it's not an NPR affiliate, as far as I can tell, and while it is still somehow connected to the University of Washington, it's not purely owned by the university. If they play anything other than music, I've never heard it. Not all the shows are the same, and some DJs are more interesting than others, but it's generally worth listening to at any time of the day. They have some Bay Area sponsors and ads as well, and while I generally abhor ads, most of them are for small businesses both here and in Seattle, so it feels like real community radio. read more

This is a great community gathering space. It's rare that there are spaces where people can hang out without the expectation of needing to buy something or do something other than chilling. (Libraries are one of the last refuges of third spaces.) This place has free wi-fi, abundant comfortable seating, and great vibes. Caffe Vita has a shop here so you can get some food and drinks too, although you can certainly bring your own without anyone giving you the side eye. When I visited, there were people working on laptops, reading books, hanging out with their friends, and more. There are so many events held here - be sure to check out the website for stuff that sounds cool to you. The bathrooms are inclusive, and it is a welcoming space for all. read more

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This review is specifically for the cafe. Went here during my visit to Seattle to meet a friend over coffee as it showed up as nearby cafe place on google search . We ordered cappuccino which was good . For the kids we got chocolate croissant , chocolate donut and a chocolate cake . My kids like chocolate flavor a lot but they just couldn't finish these desserts . I tried it when they didn't want to eat and I didn't like it as well . Ambience is good though and the servers at the cafe were nice . Stars for the ambience and the cafe staff . read more

KEXP 90.3 FM - Radio Stations Near Me - Seattle, Washington

What fun, positive music this morning! Thank you. I am supposed to write eighty-five, 8 times 10 and 5 times one is equal to 85. I appreciate this music in my car. read more

I came here for the Postal Service/Deathcab exhibit, and it was incredible! There was also a really fun, inclusive party going on complete with themed drinks! I don't really listen to the station, but I was so impressed by the beautiful space and the friendly faces. Definitely stop in for an event! read more

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This was an amazing experience as a tourist and avid KEXP listener. There's a small record store with many sub pop records and a few other labels, a small coffee shop, and the actual radio station all inside. I very much enjoyed being able to flip through records and get a coffee. read more

This place is very spacious and great for gigs, parties, concerts, promos. We had our sons Premier this evening and had this small kine pupu style after party. It's was really awesome. The DJ was playing some good mix. Both Hawaii local and American with different culture music in the mix. I'd love to hold a party here but we don't live here. So if you know anyone from Seattle, let them know this place is pretty good. read more

Definitely the highlight of the Seattle Center. Music and vibes here are awesome. There's always concerts or events happening here. It's a cool space to catch up with friends or work too, and you can take a break by browsing records at Light in the Attic or grabbing a cup of coffee at Caffe Vita, which both share the same space as KEXP. The DJ's do a phenomenal job of curating playlists and showcasing local musicians, and this is the only radio station I'm willing to listen to. read more

KEXP FM is a Non-Profit, listener supported station located in Seattle Center. Their Tagline is "KEXP's mission is to enrich your life by championing music and discovery". Starting back in the early 70's as a student and volunteer run station. It's grown but that core doesn't seem to have changed much. I tune the dial to 90.3 as on my commute and some legit independent or otherwise not well-known tunes come on from all sorts of rock to reggae and blues and more. The actual site of KEXP is a large hall of sorts where you can hang out, grab a drink or snack from the cafe and listen to the actual broadcast. You can even view the DJ's in the broadcast booth doing their thing. There is a small store selling vinyl of various artists as well KEXP is pretty cool and contributing to community arts I think is a good thing. Drop in and give a listen or tune to 90.3 FM. read more

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Super cool atmosphere! I was in awe of how much fit into the space without feeling cramped. A coffee bar, record shop, and live music stage?! This is hipster on another level! If I lived around here, I'd want to hang out at KEXP all the time. I visited just before closing today, so sadly didn't get to sit and chill, but would definitely recommend if you're looking for fun, approachable arts and culture activities in the city. read more

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KEXP is a radio station, yes. But it's more than that. It's a community. Now, I was first turned on to the mighty 90.3 when it was known as KCMU. In those days, Kevin Cole had a Sunday show and was still working at Amazon in the music department. Now, it's 2025 and Kevin Cole once again has a Sunday show. That part's come full circle. But KEXP has evolved from its lower powered roots to a hub for what's affirming, hopeful and uplifting not just in Seattle, but globally. There's of course the insanely great variety of music. There's also the DJs, who are real, human voices with perspectives, struggles, experiences and stories they're willing to share with the listeners. There's free live performances in a community space that's also home to an amazing record shop and coffee spot, and on-air celebrations of The Clash, Black History Month, Goth Day, and so much more. If a particular DJ isn't hitting for you, check out the extensive streaming archives and you'll find something great. And if you're in Seattle or visiting, definitely spend some time at the gathering space and chill with good coffee and good tunes. In a world that's too often turned inward and virtual, KEXP represents what's real, diverse, and positive about the arts, music, and Seattle itself. It's a treasure. read more

Worked on a promotion with a client in which we used the KEXP space for a charitable event and concert celebration. Wonderful place, with kind people, great music and amazing coffee. read more

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Great place to chill and hangout with your friends and family! It is also huge inside!! You can also seat comfortably with their leather sofa and high back chase!! There is also a gallery towards the back, where you will view up and coming local artist! Concerts are played here so make sure to check their schedules. They are located right in the heart of Seattle City Center, right next to the fountain. They have three clear glass garage door, overlooking the courtyard and on a nice day, it will let the air in, and you will have the feeling of nature from the inside. This is also a very famous radio station KEXP, and they broadcast some of the finest music with eclectic genre. Both my espresso and cappuccino were fantastic, and all their staff were very kind. Until then, be kind to one another and Cheers! ~ :p read more

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Everything you need in one space to work, hang out, meet with friends or colleagues. I can't think of a better space for music and radio lovers to enjoy and support their local station. read more

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Beginning where I left off in November '16: "KEXP doesn't pretend to suffice the masses. It's rock-heavy, crunch-heavy, experimental, distanced and dissonant, wily, and carefully centered on what they deem cool. And I happen to love it. But diversity is meaningful, and the majority of their deejays are predictably Caucasian. I think Seattle can do better." It feels weird to quote myself. Welcome to 2020, independent radio. Just for the record, I've been listening to this station the better part of everyday for the past four years, so calling it invaluable to me would be more than an understatement. I'm a music junkie and this publicly-funded gem does an incredible job rocking sets spanning 30+ minutes nonstop, with rare DJ interruption. The app sounds great coming out of my hefty bluetooth speakers and earbuds, to boot. And it's helmed by Kevin Cole, a musical wizard I wish to someday meet in the afterlife. This review deserves an update because the summer of 2020 changed KEXP for the much, much better -- and I didn't think that was possible. My mornings now include sets from Gabriel Teodros, a perfect segue for John. And while I loves myself some Cheryl Waters, lately I've been absolutely loving the sounds of Larry Mizell. This station has added some diversity to their lineup of spin doctors, and the results are in: even better music that often addresses and critiques the joys and ills of modern society. Bravo, guys. read more

I love listening to KEXP and getting to see their communal space at Seattle Center is fun. It's like a big cafeteria space so the decor itself isn't that great, but it is functional and gets plenty of use. read more

KEXP 90.3 FM - Radio Stations Near Me - Seattle, Washington

KEXP FOREVERRRRR! Man! Was I a happy lady when my boyfriend and I decided to come by the station to catch a band play during one of their daytime live recording sessions in the middle of Seattle Center! This spot just had great music vibes with coffee smells and Light In the Attic records in the corner of the place. I fell in love in here! The La Marzocco Cafe that sells coffee does this cool thing where each month a coffee roaster takes over the cafe and curates a completely different coffee experience and drinks. While we visited, ironically enough, Cuvee Coffee (Austin TX) was the roaster of the month! I love the idea that each month you can have and explore coffee roasters from all over the world. That makes me a smitten coffee lover with that alone! We didn't get to check out Light in the Attic Records (which made me sad because I've loved their zine for many yrs) but I will have to come back to do so and grab some vinyl. Outside courtyard is a cool little spot as well. I can imagine KEXP books bands and puts a stage right outside their large windows when the weather is perfect. Hey KEXP I was kinda sad I couldnt get myself a shirt or a pen or a pencil or even a sticker when I came by. You're just gonna make me a KEXP donor and that's okay! I am down. read more

Had the opportunity to chill in adjacent La Marzocco for about 2 hours, where live broadcast from KEXP is played. Great selection of music played (can catch glimpses of the actual DJ) while I was immersed in the urban people watching and reading culinary magazines. Very hard to resist not getting up and dancing...especially when a nostalgic Talking Heads song played reminding me of carefree college days at UW. Saw two rounds of folks stream in for live performances in the studio. Really cool to have music accessible to all ages, including bands playing a few live sets before heading to the last day of the Capitol Hill Bock Party. Love the big screen so all of us in the cafe can also share in the music in real time. Totally privy to the creative spirit! read more

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Thank you, dear DJs at KEXP; you keep the airwaves filled with good intention and encouraging music. You make Seattle special.

I love this station and all they do to make music of all kinds available in our community. Their youth program where teens can DJ and participate in putting music that is meaningful to them forward is amazing. Keep up the great work KEXP! read more

I went to the Opening of the new KEXP Studio at Seattle Center. They had a large crowd here with free bands, Beer Garden, Molly Moon and a Greek Gyro Truck. The Greek Truck ran out of most of their menu items except for Gryos. Easy St. Records had a Popup Store too. The area around the outside stage became too crowded. It's too bad they couldn't use a larger venue like the Mural Stage or Armory Stage, but they wanted to keep everything in front of their Studios. There were on displays of different Rock and Hip Hop icons and bands on the wall. The studio Lobby will be open to the Public after the Opening because they have a Coffee Bar here that sells only coffee. No pastries or other Food today. read more

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Affiliate of the University of Washington I got tuned in to KEXP on TuneIn through my Google Home. The station was recommended to me by a buddy from Redmond, WA. I enjoy the rock-heavy grungific sounds that come from this station. They play a wide mix of rock mainly, with an incredibly knowledgeable set of DJs who know incredibly obscure rock facts. They occasionally do the birthday show, where they play all the bands whose members are celebrating their birthday on that day. Since this is a community radio station, they don't play a bunch of commercials like other stations! This station has some history behind it with REM. They played them waaaay before they ever got big! I'm used to jamming out to KSYM in San Antonio, which is another excellent college radio station with a wider range of music, but they're not available on TuneIn. read more

These guys have been a part of my life for 25 years now--though, ironically, I came to appreciate them a lot more AFTER I graduated from the U. So the first few of these 25 years, I wasn't very active as a listener. I used to walk right by their production offices when they were still on campus at the UW. Pretty much every day, in fact. They weren't online (neither were we), and I didn't actually tune in to a radio very often as an undergrad. Moved away from the U District and pretty soon they were the only station I listened to. I even worked in the radio business for a couple years, and it was for a station I loved as a kid--but preferred these guys to my employer. Still do. Now I listen both online and on air, and the relationship between me and the station is always deepening. I'm old enough to donate to public radio now, for one thing. They put together great diverse sets with no real commercials, other than a few thank-yous. You do have to listen to pledge drives 2 or 3 times a year, but you'll live. It really is surprising how much easier they are to ignore if you just send them $20 or whatever. And the sets are what it's all about. They need a better lunchtime host(ess) without a doubt, but every other shift is always a great listen. The DJs tend to be in their 30s and 40s during the day, and their tastes span well back through the years. They do an awesome job of stringing songs together in a way that shows you how ideas and styles influence each other down through the generations. They bring in cool bands for live on-air sets and interviews, too. Sometimes the interviews are just awkward because the DJs clearly admire the musicians so much, and the conversations jerk along. But it makes for a relaxed vibe and the bands play really well. Some of them are really funny and charming during the interviews, too. The evenings and some of the weekend day parts have cool shows dedicated by genre--latin, Americana, rockabilly, blues, punk, hip-hop, electronic, metal, local, and a bunch of others. Most of the DJs who host the "shows" are really active in their respective scenes, hosting club nights and doing other stuff to get the word out. That doesn't necessarily affect what they broadcast, but it does tell you they're huge believers in the music they spin, which is really cool. They say that with the connection to the EMP museum and the investments that got them, they were one of the first radio stations to broadcast simultaneously over the web. They still seem to be one of the very best at it. They're really adapted to the changing times, and they seem to get better and better at what they do every year. Through the years, KCMU/KEXP has introduced me to dozens of cool bands and rekindled my love of many others. And they're always cool to have on with whatever you happen to be doing. They do a bunch of stuff in the community I haven't even mentioned here, and rumor has it they launched the Mtv "grunge" explosion 20 years ago by sending a compilation cassette around to labels marked "Bands That Will Make Money." That cassette was just something one volunteer DJ did on her own because it seemed like a cool thing to do. Long time ago, maybe true, maybe apocryphal. But plenty of people still believe it and occasionally repeat it. That says a lot about how easy it is to take KEXP completely seriously as a part of the industry--not just a stream of playlists for the car. read more

If I die tomorrow, please bury me with my radio tuned to KEXP. While most people are moving away from FM radio into other formats, KEXP serves up a strong argument for why radio is still relevant. Why do we still need DJs? Because they know a thing or two that you may not. At this station, they are curating alternative music that just left enough of center to expose you to songs you may not have heard before. While I love how Pandora serves up music it knows I'll like within a narrow "type" (good for what it is) a station like KEXP can take you out of your comfort zone into new territory. Sure, sometimes it ventures into the obscure. Most of the time though, they really get it. Its rarely the same old same old that you'd get on just about any other mainstream station. If I do move away, I know I will still be streaming KEXP, which streams live 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. It's probably one of Seattle's best exports. read more

This cafe is the definition of a hip cafe. They rotate their beans monthly, supporting international roasteries, not only the beans- they change the whole set up of the cafe! How cool is that. Techniques that this cafe uses is very traditional and it's done right. Even for a cup of tea and coffee, they hand-drip them at the right temperature with perfect timing. It's bougie and one of a kind for sure! read more

KEXP 90.3 FM - Love their latte! - Radio Stations Near Me - Seattle, Washington

Seriously impressed with this station!!! The students of University of Washington should consider themselves lucky. My favorite things about KEXP are their live in the studio sessions, the fact it's a nonprofit listener-powered station, the diversity in music, NO crappy commercials or advertisements, and dedicated listeners keeping this station alive! Even though I do not live in Seattle I feel blessed having this station for my listening ears. read more

Seattle's Best Radio Station hands down. The specialty programing (M.-F. 6pm S-S 9am) is amazing with; Wo' Pop, Best Ambiance, Roadhouse, Swingin' Doors, Positive Vibrations, and my favorite Preachin' the Blues. read more

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Super kind people that work there good vibes friendly workers great cafe you feel like you are one big family great DJs!

Get some coffee here (they serve Vita coffee), browse some records, sit and listen to the live broadcast of the station. Plenty of space inside, friendly staff...what's not to love? Glad this place exists. read more

KEXP is so eclectic that you can't have it on all day long. For example their long-running Positive Vibrations show is for reggae heads only. I like their lefty news programming and their late night weirdness. The DJs are very professional - nice work! read more

Come here for the quintessential Seattle experience. There's always great music playing overhead because it's KEXP's live programming which includes a nice range of local musicians. The coffee is always good with new surprises every month(?) as they rotate roasters regularly. The open air layout is conducive to the community vibe, but the seating is arranged as such so that there are different zones that allow for coziness and a small gathering feel. Always great photography in the back with changing exhibits that spotlight record labels and musicians. An excellent place to hang out solo to get reading and work done, or with a friend to catch up with. Their wifi is solid from what I've experienced, though come charged as I haven't been able to find an outlet. If you get hungry, there are tons of spots nearby for food and street parking is fairly easy to find. read more

I used to be on the KUBE 93 bandwagon for my main beats... [later on] I switched to Movin' 92.5... [later on] I switched to a clusterfuck of different stations - mos def including KEXP! *banana dance* o.O read more

KEXP is where the music matters! When planning our trip to Seattle, KEXP was the only place I absolutely wanted to visit. I've been listening to their livestream and Music That Matters podcasts for years, and have discovered so many favorite new tracks and artists as a result. They moved to this new space in 2015, and it's lovely. There's a La Marzocco cafe (which in itself is beautiful), and a ton of public seating. There's also a record store on premises. We were lucky enough to get tickets to watch the New Pornographers do an in-studio session. They led us into this dark room behind one-way glass, and piped in the sound directly from the next room. It was a great experience all around. I just wish they sold merch here! At some point, I actually stumbled across the old KEXP location. Other than some cool graffiti outside, it wasn't in such a great area and looked rundown, so I can safely say this new space is an upgrade! read more

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KEXP 90.3 FM "Where the Music Matters" Thank you Yelp for showing me KEXP. =D ---None of the Main Stream Loop Back Music is Played Over the Waves here. Variety & Quality Galore...KEXP has made Listening to the Radio Super Cool Again. Music is My Medicine.... =D KEXP Keeps me Healthy!! Tune in 90.3 FM ! read more

KEXP 90.3 FM - Where the Music Matters.. - Radio Stations Near Me - Seattle, Washington

I miss this place. Its temporarily closed due to COVID, but hands down my favorite coffee shop to "get lost" in. Half of this place is a radio station. The vibe is generally very chill, mixed bag of folks--from families to young professionals. I usually see folks in the sitting area. I can't imagine working here as its usually not super quiet. its the perfect coffee shop to people watch. Great vibe, great art, great music, oh and great coffee read more

Chill, cool spot to listen to music and have some great coffee. Lots of seating areas to choose from. Awesome! read more

KEXP 90.3 FM - Radio Stations Near Me - Seattle, Washington

The perfect rendezvous to chill with a beverage and sit at Seattle Center. Many people don't realize it's right there, tucked away by the north side of the Key. Relax to cool indie grooves, purchase some new music, warm up at La Marzocco Cafe, and reenergize in this artfully designed space adjacent to Key Arena. One of the coolest spots in Seattle IMO. read more

KEXP 90.3 FM - Where the music matters @KEXP90.3FM - Radio Stations Near Me - Seattle, Washington

Cute place with different "stations" there is the coffee place that almost looks like a chemistry lab with extremely expensive equipment, then some tables and a hangout place, a little booth that looked like record store. You must probably know a thing or two about coffee to be able to appreciate the unique tastes of pure coffee. I just like the atmosphere overall and it's a great place to work on your computer since space is quite large! read more

The best music selection in the USA. I deducted two stars, however, because of the non-stop political babble. It's really a shame. It's like going to a wonderful art museum only to be lectured by the security guards while you walk between paintings. read more