Oddfellows Cafe

It’s time for the “Monthly Grind”. This is where my sidekick Debra and I put the spotlight on a local coffee shop. Our visit this month takes us to the Oddfellows Cafe to see what all the buzz is about.

Sorry it's been so long since I posted anything. I was worried I wasn't even going to be able to fit in a visit this month. This also was a special month for me since I was celebrating my birthday!

Debra and I picked Oddfellows Cafe as our August visit. The cafe is located on Capitol hill at 10th and Pine. I had a hard time finding parking when I got there and ended up parking a couple blocks away. If you have ever been to Captiol hill you know there is never parking anywhere!

Debra met me there and had already ordered my lunch and a coffee. We sat in the back area of the cafe. It was this cute little corner outside and uncovered. About 4 or 5 tables set out, a beautiful mural painted on the wall, and some ivy and flowers along the wall. It was a nice day out which made it even more enjoyable to sit outside. I had the BBQ pulled pork sandwich with a salad and coleslaw on the side. Let me just say I definitely recommend it! Debra tried the B.L.A.T sandwich, a combination of bacon, lettuce, avocado, and a tomato. She did her normal ice tea again, but said it was a bit watery. I had a iced mocha which is my normal drink to order at a new place. I did read from their website they like to only use organic and Eco-friendly food products.

As a birthday surprise, Debra got me a bag of beans of the Starbucks "Tribute blend". She also ordered me a grinder and it is being shipped to my house. I can't wait to get it! I know its sad I don't have a grinder already. Let me tell you, Debra already gave me the lecture...

When we were leaving we got to look around more of the main dinning area. It really is a interesting place. It feels like being back in your grandmother's kitchen when you were a kid. It had that rustic, aged, and raw feeling to it. But on the opposite side, I felt very comfortable and the atmosphere was very inviting. I also had read on their website that ninety percent of the furnishings and fixtures are from salvaged, recycle, and re purposed materials. Even their menus to the coffee supplies are recycled. You can tell that the environment is very important to them.

We both really enjoyed Oddfellows Cafe a lot! If you are ever looking for a great place for lunch or a relaxing cup of coffee this is your next stop. Check it out and see what all the buzz is about...

Roy Street Coffee & Tea

It’s time for the “Monthly Grind”. This is where my sidekick Debra and I put the spotlight on a local coffee shop. Our visit this month takes us to the Roy Street Coffee & Tea to see what all the buzz is about.

This coffee shop is known as a “secret” Starbucks. The store is owned by Starbucks, but you won’t see its brand or logo anywhere in the store. The purpose is to try and make a connection with the local community. Besides coffee, it offers a selection of Pacific Northwest beer and wine. All baked goods and other food items are brought in from the local area. What isn’t used is given back to the food banks.

Starbucks chose to construct this coffeehouse using reused and recycled materials. For example: Some of the wood used in construction came from an area barn and a fallen tree. Most of the light fixtures came from local salvage yards that were rewired and refinished. The bar was constructed using slate from Garfield High School and the steel from a local shipyard.


The style is very rustic and modern. Yet it did have a warm and welcoming feel to it. Several different lunch choices are offered. Even the tomato soup is inspired by local chef Tom Douglas. For a sweet treat, you can find an assortment of goodies to pair with your beverage. Not like a typical Starbucks, you may also pick your bean and brew type.

I personally like that Starbucks is thinking about the environment. Also I think making that connection to the local community is an important reasonability. We both enjoyed this visit very much. I would be happy too recommend it to a fellow coffee fan.