13 Must-Try Coffee Shops in Tacoma, WA
Tacoma is a city in Washington state that offers a lot of attractions for visitors and locals alike. Whether looking for museums, parks, art galleries, or restaurants, you will find something to suit your taste in Tacoma.
But one of the best things about Tacoma is its coffee scene. The city has a rich history of coffee culture, dating back to the early 20th century when it was a significant port for importing beans from around the world.
Today, Tacoma has many independent coffee shops and cafes that serve high-quality coffee with various flavors and roasts. If you’re a true coffee lover, check out our list of the best coffee shops in Tacoma, WA, and stop by your favorite place.
Coffee Shops in Tacoma
Bluebeard Coffee Roasters
Bluebeard is a specialty coffee roaster that presents beautifully balanced coffees from various world regions.
You can find this coffee shop and roastery in the heart of Tacoma, at the corner of 6th and State Streets.
You’ll see big windows that let in lots of natural light. They often leave the garage door open so you can feel the nice breeze. The beautiful old cedar beams on the ceiling make this place feel magical.
What to order at Bluebeard:
You’ll find a pleasing cup of coffee at Bluebeard. They roast their coffee on location and carefully brew it.
If you like a classic espresso, smooth latte, or pour-over coffee, you can’t go wrong. If you feel adventurous, try Nitro cold brew.
For food, pick from their fresh, locally-made pastries, sandwiches, and salads.
Anthem Coffee & Tea
Anthem is a locally owned and operated coffee shop in Tacoma with three locations: Downtown, Old Town, and Point Ruston.
If you want a relaxing coffee place with a touch of history, go to the Downtown location. It’s near the Washington State History Museum, perfect for a coffee break.
When you enter Anthem, you’ll find a modern, industrial-chic vibe, setting it apart from other Tacoma coffee shops. There are plenty of seats for individuals and groups to enjoy.
What to order at Anthem:
At Anthem, you must try their delicious menu. You can choose from drinks like Caramel Macchiato, Marbled Cold Brew, and Dirty Chai.
If you’re hungry, go for their Anthem Fries – thin and crispy fries with rosemary garlic oil and parmesan. Or try their tasty pizza with pepperoni and melted cheese on soft, cheesy bread.
Valhalla Coffee Co.
Located in Central Tacoma, Valhalla has served coffee and tea since 2004. It was started by A.J. Anderson, who has 25 years of experience in the coffee industry. Valhalla is well-known for its sustainably sourced coffee, both organic and non-organic.
At Valhalla, you’ll experience a welcoming and amiable ambiance. You can easily spot this small coffee shop on 6th Avenue because of its red house.
Among coffee shops in Tacoma, this spot is perfect for a quick coffee. While you’re in Central Tacoma, take the opportunity to visit Valhalla.
What to order at Valhalla:
They offer a great selection of espresso drinks, and you can choose from different types of milk. You can try their Espresso Blend or French Roast.
If you’re hungry, they also have delicious pastries and sandwiches. And if you want to enjoy their coffee at home, you can buy coffee beans by the pound.
Manifesto Coffee
If you really love coffee or espresso and want to try something special, you should check out Manifesto. It’s a small-batch coffee roaster and espresso bar in Tacoma’s Hilltop neighborhood since 2016.
When you walk in, you’ll notice it has an industrial look with brick walls and a rock music vibe, which sets the mood for a great coffee experience.
What to order at Manifesto:
You can consider Cold Brew, Americano, or Oat Milk Latte, but they have a full coffee and espresso list.
The best part is you can make your coffee how you like it. You can pick from different types of milk, like whole, hemp, or oat, and add flavors like vanilla, caramel, or chocolate syrup to make your own special drink.
But it’s not just about coffee; Manifesto also has yummy pastries to go with your drink, including vegan and gluten-free options for all tastes.
Campfire Coffee Co.
You’ll find Campfire at Market Street in Downtown Tacoma. Campfire stands out from other Tacoma coffee shops because of its incredible interior design.
The owners love the outdoors, and they’ve set up a gear library where you can rent stuff like sleeping bags and trekking poles for free.
The place has a camping and Pacific Northwest theme, with camping chairs set, tree stump tables, and wooden folding chairs. This makes it easier for everyone to enjoy nature.
Additionally, Campfire is situated right next to UW Tacoma, making it the go-to spot for college students to relax, work on their homework, and hit the books.
What to order at Campfire:
They have classic coffee drinks like Cappuccinos and more adventurous options like Nitro and Pour Over. You can also buy Summer Camp coffee beans at Trader Joe’s.
And if you’re hungry, they have tasty breakfast sandwiches and bagels. So, if you’re in Downtown Tacoma, check out Campfire for an unforgettable caffeine experience.
Cosmonaut Coffee
Cosmonaut is a small coffee shop in Tacoma’s Stadium District, serving great coffee since 2007.
What makes it unique is not just the coffee but the strong sense of community it creates. They get their coffee from Cat & Cloud, which ensures it’s top-notch.
Walking into Cosmonaut feels like going back in time. The cafe has a cool vintage vibe in its decoration and atmosphere. Even though it’s not big, they’re very friendly, welcoming dogs and kids, so it’s family-friendly.
What to order at Cosmonaut:
If you’re wondering what to try, the Dirty Chai Latte is a popular choice. It mixes espresso, steamed milk, and chai tea for a tasty kick. You can enjoy pastries like cones, cookies, muffins, or biscuits.
Olympia Coffee Roasting Co.
In the Proctor neighborhood of Tacoma, you’ll find a special place called Olympia. This small but fantastic coffee roaster is a haven for coffee lovers.
They build direct relationships with coffee farmers, ensuring you get the best coffee beans in your cup. They change their coffee options with the seasons to keep things interesting.
The cafe’s atmosphere is a nice mix of stylish and industrial, matching the character of the Proctor neighborhood. It’s a cozy place with a La Marzocco Strada AV espresso machine, which means excellent coffee every time. There’s also plenty of parking, so it’s easy to drop by and enjoy a cup of happiness.
What to order at Olympia:
If you are in a sweet mood, order the Mocha, made with homemade dark chocolate ganache. And remember the Iced Coffee; it’s perfect for a refreshing kick.
Are you feeling a bit hungry? Olympia serves delicious pastries from Moonrise Bakery. The butter croissant and almond croissant are personal favorites, making it a great place to enjoy a treat with your coffee.
Tacoma Java Company
Tacoma Java has been a family-run establishment since 2016 and stands out among the best coffee shops in Tacoma.
You can find it across from Tacoma General Hospital, so it’s convenient for locals and visitors looking for a caffeine fix.
What makes Tacoma Java special? They’re all about creating colorful and tasty drinks that represent their dreams and mission.
It’s not just a coffee place; it’s an exciting place with many choices and daily specials, plus a happy hour in the afternoon.
What to order at Tacoma Java:
You’ll discover a menu of handcrafted coffee, tea, energy drinks, smoothies, milkshakes, and more.
They also have options for vegans and health-conscious folks. Their most popular drinks include the soothing London Fog and the Happy White Coffee.
And for breakfast, their sandwiches are quick and tasty – a great way to start your day.
Lift Bridge Coffee
You can find Lift Bridge at Court House Square in Downtown Tacoma. Inside, it looks nice with white marble and wood, and there’s local art on the walls. The service is quick and organized.
They have different sitting places, like a small coffee area and tables in the post office lobby. You can sit by big windows and enjoy your coffee.
With a pleasant atmosphere and a menu for everyone, Lift Bridge Coffee is a great place for your morning coffee. Give it a try; you’ll like it!
What to order at Lift Bridge:
They have a delicious selection of coffee from various roasters. While their regular espresso drinks are well-made, their seasonal options are the real stars.
They create fresh combinations of syrups, citrus, spices, and more to excite your taste buds. If you go there in the winter, try their Drip or Mocha – it’s fantastic.
Lift Bridge also has Kombucha if you want something other than coffee. If you’re vegan or want breakfast, they have vegan breakfast burritos.
Lander Coffee
Lander is a hidden gem in Tacoma’s North End. It’s a small coffee shop with a calm and welcoming vibe.
When you walk in, it feels like a big living room. The comfy seats and lovely music create a study environment. The big windows let in lots of natural light.
The outside looks clean and inviting, and the inside is spacious and straightforward, with many seats.
One great thing about this place is plenty of parking, which is a relief if you’re tired of searching for a parking spot at other coffee shops in Tacoma.
What to order at Lander:
You can’t go wrong with their signature Cold Brew. It’s smooth and refreshing, especially on a hot day. If you like lattes, the Oat Vanilla Latte is a creamy and tasty choice.
For food, they have delicious pastries like chocolate croissants and blueberry muffins. They also offer gluten-free and vegan options, like oatmeal cookie bites.
No matter what you pick, you’ll have a great time. Lander Coffee is all about good quality and taste.
Red Elm Cafe
You’ll discover the Red Elm Cafe in the heart of Downtown Tacoma. It’s a great place for breakfast and lunch; they also serve coffee and tea.
The high ceilings, wall art, brick walls, wooden counters, and hardwood floors make the cafe even more appealing.
They have a play area for kids, so families are welcome. Also, they have a room for groups of up to 16 people; you can call to reserve it.
What to order at Red Elm Cafe:
The must-try choice is their Drip, which is brewed with Daybreak roast, creamy chocolate malt, and buttery toast. They also have lattes, chai tea, and hot chocolate.
For breakfast, the bacon cheddar waffle and egg sandwiches are mouthwatering. And you’ll love their Belgian waffles or blueberry muffins.
Metro Coffee
Metro is a funky little place in the historic Tioga Library Building near the UW Tacoma. It’s not your typical coffee place; it’s unique and full of character.
What makes Metro special is the combination of its atmosphere and coffee. The place has a laid-back and artsy vibe and has become a popular spot among students and professors for a cup of joe.
What to order at Metro:
Remember to try their creamy milk foam, which is unique, and their dry Cappuccino in ceramic cups is a real treat.
As one of the best coffee shops in Tacoma, Metro has fresh pastries and muffins from a local bakery. If you’re on a budget, they also offer discounted day-old treats.
Common Ground
Common Ground is one of the best coffee shops in Downtown Tacoma. They have a small parking lot, and you can also find street parking nearby.
When you go inside, you can see a spacious area with bright lamps, plants, and items. There are seats by the window for solo work and many tables and chairs for those who like socializing and studying.
If you like taking photos for Instagram, you’ll love this place. Overall, Common Ground is a perfect place for breakfast and coffee fans.
What to order at Common Ground:
They serve Indaba Coffee from Spokane, known for loving people and coffee. Try their Americano or the Pumpkin Patch Latte. The latte has just enough pumpkin spice and isn’t too sweet.
But it’s not just about coffee. They also have hot and cold espresso drinks that look nice.
For food, they have Macrina pastries, Dude’s Donuts (which are plant-based and gluten-free), and Memoranda Sandwiches.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What should I order at these Tacoma coffee shops?
Popular coffee drinks include nitro cold brew, espresso blends, dirty chai lattes, iced coffee, mochas, cappuccinos, americanos, and seasonal specialty drinks like pumpkin spice lattes. For food, many shops offer fresh pastries, sandwiches, waffles, and muffins.
Which Tacoma coffee shops are vegan-friendly?
Manifesto, Lift Bridge, and Common Ground offer vegan food options like breakfast burritos and plant-based donuts. Many shops also have non-dairy milk alternatives like oat, soy, and almond milk.
Where can I buy whole-bean coffee or merchandise?
Bluebeard, Valhalla, Olympia, and Campfire sell whole-bean coffee to take home. Manifesto and Cosmonaut have merch like t-shirts and mugs.
Where are the best coffee shops in Tacoma near UW Tacoma?
Metro, Campfire, and Anthem Downtown are near UW Tacoma. They’re popular spots for students to study and hang out.
Note: Since all the information in this article is based on the date of publication, for some reason (health, economic, social), these businesses may be temporarily or permanently closed or moved to another location.
