(Scroll to the bottom for the gallery!)
You cannot claim to have truly seen the craftsmanship that Starbucks puts into its coffee until you have visited the Starbucks Roastery in Seattle.
As you approach the store, in addition to the common long line trailing from the door, you immediately see the intricate details and special design choices the store’s builders put into this one-of-a-kind project. It’s so unique, I don’t quite know whether to call it a factory, store, or showroom. The brick facade is well lit by column lighting all around the building, with big glass windows offering a glimpse at the wood furnishings and copper accents all throughout the interior. Right above the front entrance is mounted a copper carving of The Siren, Starbucks’ icon, and you might notice the “dog rack” to the left of the entrance – five tiny loops for leashes and a copper water bowl. A bit odd, possibly even controversial? In the breezeway there’s Reserve logo and the following carved into the wood below it:
“In 1971 we opened in Pike Place Market and began a journey that has taken our coffee around the world. We are honored to create this one-of-a-kind roastery just nine blocks from our original store. Come explore – discover the art, science and craft of truly inspired coffee. Every cup we’ve ever served has led us here.
Welcome.”
There’s no blast of the aroma of coffee when you enter (or maybe your senses will just be frozen after waiting outside in line for 20 minutes), but the interior is both pleasing to the eyes and a bit much to take in all at once. Straight ahead, the copper cask where they store the freshly roasted beans is shining both inside and out (the shell is perforated in the silhouette of the seven continents).
To your right is an array of displays for its (sometimes) decently priced products – everything from Reserve-marked mugs to full, professional grade coffee machines (we’re talking four-figure price tags). There’s a small section dedicated to glassware and pottery by unique artists (check out 5 Lines Pottery) and Starbucks will donate some proceeds to various charities for each purchase.
Further to the right is Serious Pie, a Seattle-based artisan, gourmet pizza shop slightly separate from the rest of the shop. I didn’t venture there or get any pizza, but I’ve heard good things.
To the left are some lounge chairs, a modern fireplace, and the Main Bar, where you can place your order. Rather than a traditional chalkboard up above the counter, you are handed half-clipboards with the menu and seasonal brewed coffees. The menu is relatively short, with about 10 espressos and 5 seasonal brews, but you can also order salads and pastries to go with your coffee. While you wait in line, you can also get a sample of the newest seasonal brew. On this particular visit, it was the Nicaragua Cabo Azul. The decently sized paper sample cups (smaller than a short) were also stamped with the Reserve logo.
After you order, you can hang around the bar to watch the Coffee Masters do their thing, and then sit there as well while you enjoy your drink and snack. You can also journey downstairs to the educational area, which includes an education station, library, and roaster where you can watch the roasting process.
The Coffee Experience Bar is home to a Coffee Master who talks about brewing methods. You can drink the coffee he/she makes for a slightly higher-than-usual price.
Across from the bar is a small roaster, where another master roasts smaller batches of coffee beans. The master explains the process and allows you to sample freshly roasted beans as well.
And then there’s the library, where there are books you can browse (and purchase?) and some artifacts, such as older roasting machines and a tray of beans in between each process.
The one oddity is the bathroom – a unisex bathroom with eight stalls – some which are unisex and some which are gender specific. Never have I ever been so confused using a public restroom. Instead of a mirror, there’s a tinted, one-way glass overlooking the packaging room as well.
I went with a friend (she runs a WordPress too!) and she’s not an avid coffee drinker per se, but it was a very cool experience for her. Me? I think she wanted to say she didn’t know me at one point or another. My gallery below honestly doesn’t do justice for the amazing mixture of metal and wood design they use for the interior.
Go check it out if you’re in Seattle!
Starbucks Reserve Roastery and Tasting Room
1124 Pike Street, Seattle, WA 98101
Two blocks northeast of the Convention Place bus stop
