I just dropped into Lighthouse for an americano and was reminded why its one of my favorite coffee shops. No "are you drinking that here?" paper cup thing. My coffee tastes better when its in a real cup/mug/glass. I also like the fact that most of the people in the place seem pretty friendly. Its a small space so I often find myself sharing a table. read more

We recently ran into this place and were happily surprized to have the best espresso we've ever had. This place is definitely a hidden gem. Yes, the surroundings are blah, but you just can't beat the coffee. read more

The coffee and espresso are outstanding (I can only think of a two places that are on par or better). If we stop at that, this is 5 star. However, the service is all over the board, even surly at times. I'm a local, so they treat me well (the better baristas even know my drink without asking), but even I feel ignored and my drink completely missed from time to time. Also, no WIFI either - is this 1997 or something? So, go for the coffee, not the service, and its a 5 star. read more

I ordered an iced latte. I was amazed by the flavor. I have heard a few people wax poetically about Lighthouse and claim it to be the best coffee in Seattle. It was delicious and flavorful. I was impressed and grateful for the cup. read more

The best coffeehouse in Ballard! Yes, I said Ballard (even though Lighthouse is in Fremont) because I have to come here since the coffeehouse scene in Ballard in seriously lacking. The baristas here are serious about making their coffee...I love watching them. It's another place where I think they give you French press as their "regular coffee" -- and it's the best plain ol' cup of joe in Seattle. And these guys can make a mean hot chocolate (which is a drink that at most places is not worth ordering), not too sweet, just plain delicious. I love a coffeehouse that roasts their own, and you can pick up beans here (but for some reason it always tastes better when they make it for you!) Often hard to get a seat here (I always think it's funny that in Seattle, with all of the coffee shops to choose from, the packed, can't-find-a-seat problem is rampant) but the outdoor bench is a great option in the summer to relax in this quiet, mostly residential part of the Fremont neighborhood. Sometimes I wish they were open later, they don't post hours and I think they close when they feel like it, usually by 8 -- but when you're this good, I guess you can do it however you want! read more

This is the best coffee I have ever had. I have to order their beans online, as I dont get over to Fremont very often. A friend of mine who lives in Fremont once said, "I live by the best coffee shop in Seattle, so I can't move." I was all, "no way." Then, I tried their coffee...way. I went through a pound of this coffee in one week...and I live alone...so, if you can order it online, go to the cafe, whatever, it is seriously good joe. read more

the crema on the espresso hangs around for a LONG time, absolutely love it. my personal favorite in the city, and the cafe is quaint, small, vintage barstools, and the room is shared with the roaster. perfection. read more

The best beans in all of Seattle. The atmosphere is casual, the baristas always laughing and chatting with their neighborhood peeps. (Wish I didn't feel a bit like an outsider.) Always a NYT around. My complaint is that when the roaster is on it's aggressively loud, and all hope of calm discourse disappears. If it weren't for that, this place would be most excellent. read more

By far the best coffee in Seattle. In my opinion Vivace is second but second by a large margin compared to Lighthouse.

I'm amazed no one has reviewed this place yet! I quit coffee once and it was easy to do so in San Francisco. Then I moved to Seattle and jumped right off the wagon because true to the stereotype, coffee here is the best. I went to Cafe Vita, Lladro, etc. Loved them all - until, that is, I went to Lighthouse. I lived a block away, but there are people from other neighborhoods who go out of their way every morning to get their coffee here. And now that I've moved, I'm one of them. read more

Hands down our favorite coffee shop. Great coffee, great personalities, and it's virtually guaranteed that if we stick around for 15 minutes or so, we'll run into at least 2 friends. Sure, it's lacking in "ambience", and there's no wireless internet, but there's just something about this place that makes one forgive all that and just love it. read more

A good cup of coffee. Sometimes the line is very, very slow. You can smell the roaster for blocks when it's in use.

Simply the best coffee in Seattle. Your bar for independent coffee shops should be set by whether they brew Lighthouse or not.

Lighthouse is right down the street from my apartment and I've heard plenty of buzz about how amazing the coffee is. And I think if you happen to be in the neighborhood and want to get a coffee to go, it's not a bad option. The coffee is good. But, I'm not a fan of the decor, or the cleanliness. And while I know Cafe Vita (down the other side of the street) doesn't have the same cult following, I'll take their perfectly good lattes and clean open space any day. read more

I can't remember how I first heard about Lighthouse Roasters. But I started ordering their beans online long before I actually schlepped over to Freemont and found them. They are tucked into a little neighborhood up the hill from the Freemont retail district. Seemed like a little hole in the wall. But you can tell they definitely have their local clientele. Whenever I've been there it is super quiet. It doesn't at all have the pulse of a place like Zoka in Greenlake. But I dig their coffee. I've had great results with the freshness and flavor of the beans I've purchased there. It is definitely worth a try. read more

If you're looking for a decent cup of coffee this is the place to grab it! A full bodied, delicious flavored cup of coffee without the bitter after taste is more than enough to draw me in! The downside is the atmosphere and no wifi, the plain walls and (often slow and unattentive) baristas are unappealing. BUT, if a great cup of coffee is what you're looking for you'll find it here! read more

Decent coffee and prices. The place itself isn't that inviting, though. I'm always on the lookout for great coffee shops where I can get some work done or just sit and read, so ambiance is important. This place doesn't make me want to stick around, so I only drop by when I'm nearby and just want some coffee to go. read more

Lighthouse. It's unpretentious and the focus is on good espresso and perfectly roasted beans (my favorite to take home are the Yemen). Other cafés serve Lighthouse coffee, such as Solstice in the U-district and Fremont Coffee, but the shots are never as consistently perfectly pulled as at Lighthouse itself. Also: no armies of wifi-crazed laptop users. No yuppies. Order a mezzo and sit outside in the sun and watch the dogs play and feel on top of the world. So what if the banana bread hasn't changed in 10 years? I come here for the coffee, and my son comes to watch the coffee roaster in action. Kids are welcome here! read more

Best latte in Seattle!! My first latte was an eggnog latte b/c it was Christmas time. I still make the little trip to this great location at least once a week. They really set the bar high for ya. It's tough to find a good latte elsewhere... read more

Damn. While I buy my coffee from Java Jahn, I have become a convert to Lighthouse espresso roast. The place itself (Lighthouse), as said, is no frills, but I'd rather buy beans from a place that puts their work and energy into their product instead of its packaging. read more

You know Seattle is just filled with coffee shops...well this one quite literally warms my heart as #1:-) The employees are so friendly and make wonderful lattes! read more

I live a couple of blocks away from the Lighthouse, but I rarely go there, not only is it pricey, there is always a line and the service can be a bit persnikity. The set up is just bad, partly due to the cavernous ceilings and there is very little room for customers to stand while they wait for their drinks. This is yuppieville so I never sit in there. On the positive side though, this is one case where the beans are better than the coffee. Best beans I've ever had, fragrant and never over roasted, expensive too. They do french press, but somehow the Americano seems on the light side. Buy the beans and make your own or go east about one block to the newest Vivace or to Cafe Geneve and get alittle quiet with your coffee. read more

Everyday begins with a stop at lighthouse for a double short latte. Everyday, the coffee simply amazes me. Awesome!

Best coffee shop in Seattle, Live nearby and have been going here since 1995. Have never had a bad cup from here, or even a mediocre cup, no matter what I ordered. It gets a little busy on weekend mornings, but worth the wait. They open at 6:30am though, so if you go early you can beat the sleep-in crowd. read more

In the land of coffee, Lighthouse stands incredibly tall. Zero pretentiousness, great baristas, great beans and tasty pastries (banana bread is my favorite). Lighthouse is neighborhood gem and a pilgrimage destination for anyone who wants to have a great cup of coffee in Seattle. Come on a Sunday in the summer and you'll see a great group of folks milling about enjoying a neighborhood pillar. read more

Lighthouse coffee is magical. Every Christmas I schlep several pounds of it across the country for my family to satisfy their Lighthouse addictions. Their coffee needs no embellishment, but I recommend an iced mocha if your coffee order is headed towards being fancy. It's the best. read more

If you are a latte fan, go here at least once. I googled the highest rated coffee shops in King County and went to the top ten. This one was on the list. Well, OK. It's great, but maybe not in top ten. Nice location, friendly staff, great beans. Put it in your GPS to alert you when you might be passing by. read more

I've been drinking coffee for 3 decades and can attest that these guys have the absolute best coffee - anywhere in the world. I personally get the espresso blend ground for drip for my house. The roast the coffee beans right on sight, which sends the most amazing fragrance through the neighborhood. They're a "must try". Plus the outdoor seating area is pretty neat. read more

Interesting place. Not easy to find parking, but worth the visit! Scone was delicious, not overly sweet, and coffee was good.

Probably the best coffee I've had in Seattle. SOOO smooth. Obviously it depends on taste, but really really good stuff.

Greatest Americano in Seattle. And likely nearly the most economical still. Seriously. And so darn quickly. The outside chairs here is excellent... seat + stone seating area where you can (gasp!) actually CHAT with neighbors. love lighthouse! Afterward take a walk over to summit park for a wonderful view of the Olympics... read more

Lighthouse roasts the best beans in the city in my humble opinion. I love how they make a machiato by "freepouring" the foam into the cup like a latte. The staff could be a bit friendlier to non regulars, but, hey, they are very busy. I keep going back because of the quality of the coffee. read more

Great cafe and really nice baristas. Great place to hang out and meet friends. Delicious lattes here.!!!

When I visit Seattle I go here for an espresso . It's really good. I could care less about any attitude the staff may or may not have and I could care less about the chalkboard prices being different than what is charged. Quit your bitchin' and drink your espresso. Go there get a shot and do stupid stuff in Seattle quicker. read more

The coffee here is exceptional! Roasted onsite by the same guy for many years. South facing storefront is unbeatable on a sunny day, tasteful and delightful workers and clientele. I buy my beans here as frequently as possible, they taste great at home too. Great, low-key, local and totally legit! read more

Best coffee hands down, so please don't go because I don't want to wait in line! The Best place to go enjoy a weekend morning where people read the newspaper and chat with other folks because there's no Wi-Fi! It's actually a really great experience, chatty banter and not your typical coffee shop where people stare at phones and computer screens! The baristas are not overly friendly which is fine, I like a little angst in my barista, I'm not trying to be facebook friends with them! People who complain about the attitudes of the staff need to remember why they're there, to get coffee-and they get exceptional coffee-not to get a new bestie! read more

First time here. We are not coffee experts! We ordered our drink and was not what we expected. We explained to the barista and he made another drink to our liking for no extra charge! Very relaxed atmospheres very friendly! read more

The Lighthouse has the best coffee in Seattle. They are a hidden gem in the residential part of upper Fremont. It is worth the trip! Get their espresso by the pound, and you will not be disappointed. Some of the baristas are a put out a vibe that they are a little "cooler than you" but they have awesome coffee. read more

Lighthouse is simply one of the best coffee suppliers around! I have been working at another cafe for over 13 years, serving Lighthouse espresso. Recently we switched to another roaster, and lo and behold we lost over a third of our business! Of course we have since gone back to Lighthouse, and our customers are happy again. Great roasters and friendly staff! read more

I love this place. The staff is super friendly, the drip coffee taste great and tha atmosphere is warm and welcoming. The #5 bus stops right in front, it's midway on my commute but worth jumping off the bus and catching the next one, happy with my cup of coffee and great quick service. Love this place! read more