Seattle is known for its coffee culture. It’s the birthplace of global chains like Starbucks, but there’s more to the city than just big names. Tucked away in Seattle’s Pioneer Square is a place that many coffee lovers consider sacred: Elm Coffee Roasters Seattle.
Known for its light, clean roasts and calm atmosphere, Elm Coffee Roasters is more than just a coffee shop—it’s a destination for serious coffee drinkers and curious passersby alike. Whether you’re a local or a tourist exploring Seattle’s famous coffee scene, Elm deserves a spot on your must-visit list.
In this article, we’ll explore what makes Elm Coffee Roasters special, from its humble beginnings to its expert coffee sourcing and roasting process. We’ll also dive into the experience of visiting Elm, the people behind it, and why it continues to shine in a city overflowing with coffee options.
Elm Coffee Roasters was founded in 2013 by Brendan Mullally, a Seattle native and former barista with a passion for quality coffee. Brendan spent time in New York City working at Joe Coffee and learning from industry veterans. With that knowledge and experience, he returned to Seattle with one goal: to create a simple, beautiful, and accessible coffee experience.
The name “Elm” was chosen to reflect natural simplicity. It suggests stability, tradition, and growth—all qualities that Elm Coffee Roasters has embraced over the years.
Since its launch, the company has grown steadily and earned a loyal following, especially among those who appreciate light-roasted beans and single-origin coffees.
There are plenty of coffee shops in Seattle, but Elm stands out for a few key reasons.
Elm is known for its light roasts, which highlight the natural flavors of the coffee bean. This roasting style is ideal for those who want to taste the unique characteristics of the region where the coffee was grown.
Whether it’s a floral Ethiopian or a nutty Guatemalan, Elm’s roasting method brings out the subtle notes that might be lost in darker roasts.
Elm works directly with farmers and importers to source high-quality green beans. This direct-trade model ensures transparency, fairness, and long-term relationships. It also allows Elm to serve coffee that is not only delicious but also ethically produced.
All beans are roasted at their Pioneer Square location. You can often see the roaster at work while sipping your latte. This adds an authentic touch to the coffee experience and shows how much care goes into every batch.
The café itself is beautiful in its simplicity. With white walls, wood furnishings, and lots of natural light, it feels more like a gallery than a traditional coffee shop. The layout is open and calming, making it a great spot for reading, working, or meeting friends.
The team at Elm is friendly and well-trained. They love coffee and are happy to guide you through the menu, help you choose a bean for home brewing, or just talk about your favorite brewing method.
Elm Coffee Roasters keeps things simple, focusing on quality over quantity. Here’s a look at what you can expect:
Each drink is made with care, and the milk steaming is consistently silky and smooth.
Elm offers daily pour-over and batch brew options, highlighting their seasonal single-origin beans.
Their cold brew, in particular, is smooth and never bitter—a refreshing treat in the summer.
Elm partners with local bakeries to offer fresh pastries, such as:
While the food menu is small, it pairs perfectly with the coffee.
One of the best things about Elm Coffee Roasters Seattle is that you can take their beans home. They offer a rotating selection of whole-bean coffee that can be ordered in-store or online.
Popular options include:
You can also sign up for a coffee subscription, which delivers freshly roasted beans right to your doorstep.
Location:
Elm Coffee Roasters
240 2nd Ave S, Seattle, WA 98104
Hours:
Monday – Friday: 7 AM – 5 PM
Saturday – Sunday: 8 AM – 5 PM
The Pioneer Square neighborhood is one of Seattle’s oldest, with cobblestone streets and art galleries nearby. It’s a lovely place to spend the morning or take a coffee break during a downtown walk.
Elm has also opened a second location in South Lake Union, catering to office workers and tech professionals in the area.
Though smaller than the Pioneer Square café, the South Lake Union spot offers the same coffee quality and warm service.
Elm Coffee Roasters has received glowing reviews from both locals and coffee tourists.
“One of the best pour-overs I’ve ever had.”
“Super clean, super friendly, and super tasty. My favorite shop in Seattle.”
“They know their coffee. Elm is where you go when you really want to taste the bean.”
Google, Yelp, and TripAdvisor all give Elm high ratings, with praise focused on the quality of the drinks and the skill of the baristas.
In a city filled with coffee giants, Elm stands as a reminder of what great, small-scale coffee can be. It’s not about the fanciest latte art or flashy branding. It’s about quality, connection, and a deep respect for the process.
Here’s why you should visit Elm Coffee Roasters Seattle:
Elm Coffee Roasters Seattle is a quiet powerhouse in the city’s vibrant coffee scene. Its dedication to light roasting, fair sourcing, and customer education sets it apart from the competition. Whether you’re exploring Pioneer Square, working in South Lake Union, or just looking for a better cup of coffee, Elm is worth the visit.
Their focus on simplicity, taste, and integrity makes them a standout not just in Seattle, but in the coffee world at large.
So next time you’re in Seattle, skip the usual chains and head to Elm Coffee Roasters Seattle—your taste buds will thank you.
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