Empire Roasters & Records ★ Reviewer recommended
3 local reviewers checked this · Reviewer score 7.4/10 · ✓ Checked recently (Oct 3)
Local verdict: “Best for: people who care about the coffee. Grab-and-go — skip it if you want to sit and stay.”
Three‑story coffee haven with vinyl vibes; The first floor serves specialty drinks like a cayenne‑spiced mocha with house‑made cashew milk, while the second houses a curated record shop and the third offers a lounge with an arcade and a rooftop balcony. Reviewers say they have had the best cappuccino here and the jalapeño‑white cheddar waffle is served, all at a moderately priced menu.
Hours · Closed now
| Monday | 6:30 AM – 5:00 PM |
| Tuesday | 6:30 AM – 5:00 PM |
| Wednesday | 6:30 AM – 5:00 PM |
| Thursday | 6:30 AM – 5:00 PM |
| Friday | 6:30 AM – 5:00 PM |
| Saturday | 6:30 AM – 5:00 PM |
| Sunday | 6:30 AM – 5:00 PM |
Known for: Cardamom lattes · Cashew milk · Chives · Hot honey drizzle · Butter · Oat milk cayenne mocha · Panini · New records
The post presents the shop as a marriage of coffee and vinyl culture, urging visitors to try a house cashew-milk drink and a waffle before browsing records upstairs or catching sun on the rooftop.
A visitor calls it one of Seattle's coolest cafés, full of character.
The poster mentions classic and specialty coffee drinks on the full menu, plus waffles.
They rate the coffee quality as excellent and pass along strong secondhand praise for the Belgian waffles made to order, though they haven't tried them personally.
A Columbia City favorite with a Slayer espresso setup and fresh locally roasted beans, plus upstairs seating, arcade games, and vinyl records.
The house-made syrup impressed, with the cashew milk option adding a nutty, rich character.
One patron rated the hot chocolate five stars, crediting the barista's generous whipped cream.
A visitor praised the great seasonal lattes and the third-floor record collection.
A coffee guide praised the cappuccinos' balance and light froth, calling the espresso buttery and mild.