Highlights
- Great coffee
- Great tea selection
oChef » The Scene – Seattle
The Scene - Seattle
Photo from The Scene
The Scene at a glance
Seattle South Park
- ☕ Café
$
Price per Person $1–$10
mentioned by 71 of the guests
#151 out of 858 places to eat in Seattle
#16 Café out of 84 in Seattle
Excellent
8.3 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
483
Reviews
88%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Friendly staff
- Quality drinks
- Cool atmosphere
Frequently criticized
- Pricing concerns
- Inconsistent hours
- LGBTQ+ concerns
The cafe The Scene in Seattle’s vibrant South Park neighborhood offers a truly welcoming experience. You’ll discover a cozy and casual spot where the aroma of great coffee fills the air.
Whether you’re seeking a quiet moment or a trendy hangout, this cafe provides the perfect backdrop. It’s a fantastic choice for a quick bite, a leisurely brunch, or simply to enjoy their excellent coffee and tea selection.
Overview: Introducting The Scene
The Scene offers a vibrant spot where many appreciate the inviting atmosphere and the friendly staff who foster a sense of community. Guests often highlight the engaging music and local art that contribute to its cool vibe.
However, some visitors have noted concerns regarding prices and a perceived shift in the establishment’s original charm. While the handcrafted espresso drinks and pastries receive praise, the overall value proposition and certain aspects of the ambiance have drawn mixed opinions.
Excellent
8.3
out of 10
483
Reviews
88%
Satisfaction
46
negative
12
neutral
425
positive
The Scene earns a solid 8.3 overall, with customer satisfaction at a strong 88%. This indicates a generally positive experience for most patrons, reflecting well on its operations.
These figures are drawn from 483 customer comments, with 425 positive remarks outweighing 46 negative ones, providing a credible foundation for these insights. Looking closer, Service stands out as excellent (8.8), followed by Food, also rated highly (8.4), and a good Ambience (8).
However, Value receives an average score (4), suggesting that while quality is appreciated, some feel the pricing or other aspects of value could be improved.
What people like
- Friendly, welcoming staff
- Excellent coffee, drinks
- Inviting, cool atmosphere
What people don't like
- Value and pricing
- Inconsistent opening
- Anti-LGBTQ concerns
If you’re seeking a spot with a vibrant atmosphere and genuinely good coffee, The Scene is certainly worth considering. The strong 8.5 recommendation score reflects its appeal for quality beverages and a welcoming environment, making it a pleasant choice for a casual visit or work session.
However, be mindful of the mixed feedback on value and some reported inconsistencies in service and ambiance. While many enjoy their experience, those sensitive to pricing or specific community values might want to weigh these points before making it a regular stop.
Similar Restaurants in Seattle
- Café
9.3
out of 10
out of 10
526
97.7%
- $$
- Uptown
- Food
- Service
- Ambience
- Café
9.1
out of 10
out of 10
261
95.8%
- $$
- High Point
- Food
- Service
- Ambience
- Café
9.1
out of 10
out of 10
315
95.9%
- $
- Delridge
- Food
- Service
- Ambience
- Café
9.1
out of 10
out of 10
93
97.8%
- $
- Alaska Junction
- Food
- Service
- Ambience
- Café
9
out of 10
out of 10
628
96.3%
- $
- Fremont
- Food
- Service
- Ambience
- Café
8.8
out of 10
out of 10
363
94.2%
- $$
- Crown Hill
- Food
- Service
- Ambience
Verdict: Our expert take on The Scene
Food (8.4 out of 10)
mentioned by 88% of the guests
When it comes to the grub, this spot really shines! With a solid score of 8.4 and customer satisfaction soaring at 89.8%, its clear folks are loving whats on offer. Out of 196 customer remarks, a whopping 176 were positive, praising the delicious coffee, amazing pastries, and quality espresso.
Many also appreciate the great selection of baked goods and options for dietary restrictions. However, its not entirely perfect. A few of the 15 negative comments mentioned issues like a burnt roast coffee, a somewhat limited food menu, and occasionally stale items like a cinnamon roll or harvest loaf.
While these are minor points, theyre worth noting if you're particular about your dark roast or looking for a full meal.
Food
196
Reviews
89%
Satisfaction
15
negative
5
neutral
176
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Delicious coffee
- Great pastries
- Dietary options
What people don't like
- Burnt coffee
- Limited food menu
- Stale items
Often praised
- coffeeMy experience at this restaurant was fantastic. I discovered it while traveling for work and was impressed by the great coffee, drinks, and pastries/sandwiches. Beyond the excellent service and coffee, they allowed me to chill and work on my computer for most of the morning without ever feeling pressured.
- foodthe service, food, atmosphere, and the constant line
- pastriesenjoyed their coffee and pastries each time
- drinksThe food, the drinks, the staff, the music!
- lattethe latte was one of the best I’ve ever had
- Americanoordered an Americano with no cream - Delicious!!
- chaiordering it with a chai, the spice pairs well
- delicious coffeeVisiting the town and I loved the taste of coffee! Local businesses with delicious coffee!
- espressoespresso is also one of the best
- pastrycoffee and a pastry
Frequently criticized
- coffeeVulgar coffee. Gross dark roast (burnt roast)
- cinnamon rollVery Dry Cinnamon Roll
- dark roastGross dark roast (burnt roast)
- espressodidn't even tamp the espresso and it was very over extracted
- food menuthe food menu is a bit limited
- food optionsdon't have much for food options
- harvest loaf sliceThe harvest loaf slice I got was a little stale.
- hot chai lattehot chai latte and it was as bad as mine
- iced chai latteworst iced chai latte I've ever drank
- latteThe vibe is changed completely. Product wise, the latte I received was VERY hot, which made it difficult to enjoy even when I made it into work 15min later. They do seem to still be selling Macrina bakery products.
If youre after fantastic coffee and delightful pastries, this place is definitely worth a visit. Just be aware that the food menu is a bit more focused on snacks and baked goods, so dont expect a huge meal selection. It's a great spot for a delicious pick-me-up!
Service (8.8 out of 10)
mentioned by 77% of the guests
When it comes to service, this place truly shines! With an excellent score of 8.8 and a good customer satisfaction rate of 89.1%, its clear guests are happy. Out of 119 comments, a whopping 106 praise the amazing service, welcoming staff, and friendly baristas.
Many highlight the warm, helpful team and awesome hospitality, making everyone feel included and appreciated. However, its not all sunshine, with 10 negative comments raising some concerns. Past issues include mentions of old owners and problematic owner behavior, with serious accusations of an anti-LGBTQ stance and a weird religious agenda.
There were also a few frustrations regarding an inconsistent opening schedule and less-than-stellar barista energy from some staff.
Service
119
Reviews
89%
Satisfaction
10
negative
3
neutral
106
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Friendly, welcoming staff
- Excellent, fast service
- New owners shine
What people don't like
- Inconsistent opening hours
- Questionable owner stance
- Previous staff left
Often praised
- staffI particularly enjoyed the Andes Mint Mocha and the broccoli cheddar quiche. The staff and the owner were friendly, and the music selection was spot on. While I used to frequent Resistencia (the former name) for its atmosphere, I wasn't as impressed with their coffee.
- serviceMy experience at this black owned coffee shop was fantastic. I enjoyed the great service from the friendly staff and the delicious coffee. I also found their candles and mugs to be "too damn cute"!
- baristasThe okazu pan was incredible and the latte was one of the best I’ve ever had. The ambiance is lovely, with neat artwork and kind baristas.
- peopleMy experience at this restaurant was very positive. I enjoyed the great coffee and the friendly people. The little heart added to my order definitely made it more personal and pleasant – thank you!
- baristaspeaking with the barista, Von (or Vaughn), great energy, good vibes
- everyoneKoach Crosby always has the best music playing, making it easy to vibe out and get my work done. The ambience is great and everyone is super friendly. You feel welcomed immediately!
- ownerI particularly enjoyed the Andes Mint Mocha and the broccoli cheddar quiche. The staff and the owner were friendly, and the music selection was spot on. While I used to frequent Resistencia (the former name) for its atmosphere, I wasn't as impressed with their coffee.
- owners and staffThe owners and staff are always so nice and welcoming
- Black Owned Businesssupport this Black Owned Business
- Everybody actsEverybody acts like they know and talk and smile
Frequently criticized
- anti-LGBTQMy experience at this shop has unfortunately turned awful since the change in ownership. The coffee is really gross, and I also found their stance to be anti-LGBTQ. I would not recommend going here.
- barista energyMy partner got a hot chai latte and it was as bad as mine, just hot. I kinda knew it was gonna be bad by the energy the barista was giving off but oh well. We only pop in when SPASM is going on anyways.
- breaksA couple days is one thing. I’ve wasted several breaks coming here now.
- customer behaviorcustomer was “just joking”
- employeesall of the amazing employees who once drew crowds
- old ownersthe old owners just up and ditched out
- opening scheduleHowever, upon checking the sign, it indicated the shop should have been open at 6: 30 am. I would appreciate a more consistent opening schedule.
- owner behaviorowner is okay with BIPOC staff being called a “monkey”
- ownersSadly, I must redact my previous glowing review and replace it with a sad single-star review. I have read and seen too much about these owners and the weird religious agenda they are attempting to peddle secretly. No thank you!
- websiteDude, if you close for 2 weeks to renovate, maybe put a note on the website. A couple days is one thing.
If you're seeking genuinely friendly staff and a welcoming vibe, this spot is definitely worth a visit, especially with the new ownership. While past issues with previous owners and consistency were noted, the current team delivers an excellent experience.
Ambience (8 out of 10)
mentioned by 72% of the guests
Alright, lets chat about the vibe! The ambience here is generally a hit, scoring a solid 8, which is pretty good, and customers are feeling it with a 87.1% satisfaction rate. Out of 163 comments, a whopping 142 rave about the welcoming environment, community vibe, and the comfortable seating.
Plus, folks often mention the good music and positive energy, making it a great spot to chill or get some work done. However, its not all sunshine and rainbows, with 18 comments pointing to some recent changes. Some regulars miss the original charm and communal feel, noting a shift towards plain white walls and a minimalist aesthetic.
There's a feeling that some of the unique local art and kid-friendly spaces that once defined the atmosphere are now missing, leading to a perceived loss of its unique culture and inclusive vibe.
Ambience
163
Reviews
87%
Satisfaction
18
negative
3
neutral
142
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Welcoming community vibe
- Cozy, comfortable space
- Great music selection
What people don't like
- Lost original charm
- Plain, minimalist decor
- Missing local art
Often praised
- atmosphereI enjoyed their delicious handcrafted espresso drinks and mouth-watering bites. The inviting atmosphere and the beautiful people who build the community around them made it a wonderful visit. This is definitely one of my new favorite staples.
- musicI am super excited to have The Scene in South Park, which has become my new favorite coffee shop! Koach Crosby always has the best music playing, making it easy to vibe out and get my work done. The ambience is great and everyone is super friendly.
- ambianceMy experience at this restaurant was wonderful! I absolutely loved the ambiance and the flavors. We ordered the cinnamon roll latte and chai tea.
- coffee shopIn my opinion, this is one, if not the best coffee shop in Seattle. The staff and ownership are awesome.
- communityIt's places like this that tie the heart and soul of a community together
- placefound the place and people amazing
- spaceI've even switched to ordering travelers for my work events from The Scene. The space features local art, showcases BIPOC vendors, and just has a cool vibe. While I'd love to tell you about my favorite savory pastry from Umami Kushi, I'd rather keep it a secret so there's some left for me!
- vibeI've even switched to ordering travelers for my work events from The Scene. The space features local art, showcases BIPOC vendors, and just has a cool vibe. While I'd love to tell you about my favorite savory pastry from Umami Kushi, I'd rather keep it a secret so there's some left for me!
- artMusic, Decor, Art, All things Seattle Groove
- local artcommitment to promoting and selling local art
Frequently criticized
- LGBTQ+ friendlyI had to edit my glowing review because they are stealing Resistencia views. This place is so shady and not very LGBTQ+ friendly. I don't go here.
- Wi-FiWi-Fi is not good enough to make a zoom call
- anti-capitalismremoved any trace of anti-capitalism
- artwhat happened to all the art??
- art on the wallsI also missed the art on the walls
- building and atmospherethe building and atmosphere left a lot to be desired.
- charm and cultureUnder new management, I believe. All the charm and culture has been taken out of formerly Resistancia Coffee. The baristas are still great.
- communal feelHoping they bring the art and communal feel back
- experienceThe new owners are super friendly and seem excited about the space. However, this is a completely different experience than when it was La Resistencia. All of the local art, kids spaces, etc are gone.
- kids spacesHowever, this is a completely different experience than when it was La Resistencia. All of the local art, kids spaces, etc are gone. The vibe is changed completely.
If youre looking for a generally welcoming spot with good music and a community feel, youll likely enjoy the ambience here. However, if you're a long-time patron who loved its previous unique art and inclusive culture, be prepared for a potentially different experience.
Value (4 out of 10)
mentioned by 4% of the guests
When it comes to value, theres a glimmer of hope, with one positive comment out of 5 total. Guests appreciate the customer loyalty punch card, finding it quite generous. While the overall score for value sits at an average 4, and customer satisfaction is a poor 20%, this thoughtful perk does offer a nice incentive for returning customers.
However, the picture isnt entirely rosy, with 3 negative comments highlighting significant concerns. Many feel that prices are increased and too high, even being described as worse than McDonald's and 3 times the price. There are also serious concerns about staff being underpaid, which certainly impacts the overall perception of value.
Value
5
Reviews
20%
Satisfaction
3
negative
1
neutral
1
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Generous loyalty card
What people don't like
- Increased prices
- High price, low quality
- Staff underpaid
Often praised
- customer loyalty punch cardcustomer loyalty punch card that is generous
Frequently criticized
- PricesThey do seem to still be selling Macrina bakery products. Prices are increased. La Resistencia set a high bar for a coffee shop in this space, so I wish the new owners well in working toward that.
- priceWorse than McDonald's and 3 times the price
- underpaidI encourage you to support the former Resistencia baristas at their new jobs in the neighborhood! They can tell you firsthand how they were underpaid and driven away by the owners of The Scene.
Overall, while a generous loyalty program offers a small perk, the value proposition here is a mixed bag. With concerns about increased prices and staff compensation, you might find better bang for your buck elsewhere. Consider if the loyalty card outweighs the higher costs before you commit.
How are the prices at The Scene?
On average, you’ll spend around 10 per person – from 71 guests. That puts the restaurant in the $1–$10 category. For a Cafe, that’s definitely budget-friendly!
Looking at the full picture, most diners keep it very affordable, with the vast majority spending between 1 – 20 $. Prices clearly cluster at the lower end, showing it’s a great spot for an inexpensive bite.
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 71 reviews.
Comparing value for money against similar spots in Seattle.
For a Cafe, we think the pricing feels very fair. Its a great option if youre looking for an affordable and quick bite in Seattle.
Customer Reviews: what people think about The Scene
Visit Type
- Regular Visit
Group Size
- Solo
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Breakfast
2
Inconsistent Opening Hours
I came close to 8 am on a Thursday for coffee, but the shop was closed. I initially thought Google had given me incorrect, un-updated times. However, upon checking the sign, it indicated the shop should have been open at 6: 30 am.
I would appreciate a more consistent opening schedule.
- coffee5
- opening schedule2
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
9
Best Vanilla Latte and Lovely Service!
My experience here was fantastic! I had the best vanilla latte, and the woman who served me was absolutely lovely. The music was good, and I also appreciated the small selection of books available to browse.
- vanilla latte10
- woman who served us10
- music8
Visit Type
- Casual Outing
Service Type
- Dine-in
7
Great Drinks and Service, Limited Food
My experience at this restaurant was quite positive, particularly regarding the drink selection, which was top-notch. The staff were incredibly friendly to me and my dog, making for a welcoming atmosphere. However, the food menu was a bit limited.
- drink selection9
- staff10
- food menu3
Price per Person
- $1–$10
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
5
Great Atmosphere, Burnt Coffee
My experience at this restaurant was primarily focused on coffee. While the place looks great, the coffee itself tasted burnt. I was really looking forward to drinking a good cup here, but unfortunately, it was a disappointment.
- place8
- coffee2
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
9
Delicious Sandwich & Great Vibes!
My experience was absolutely delightful! I had a delicious bacon egg and cheese sandwich with a chipotle sauce, paired with a French latte (vanilla, hazelnut, almond milk, quad shot). I also had the pleasure of speaking with the barista, Von (or Vaughn), who had great energy and good vibes.
Although I didn't get a chance to hang out much, this is definitely a place to consider for reading or studying, as they have wifi. I will be back!
- bacon egg and cheese sandwich10
- chipotle sauce9
- French latte9
What The Scene offers
Planning
- Accepts reservations
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible parking lot
- Wheelchair accessible seating
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
Crowd
- Transgender safespace
- Tourists
- LGBTQ+ friendly
- Family-friendly
- Groups
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
Children
- Good for kids
- High chairs
Popular for
- Solo dining
- Breakfast
Amenities
- Restroom
- Free Wi-Fi
- Wi-Fi
Offerings
- Vegan options
- Quick bite
- Wine
- Coffee
- Beer
- Happy hour food
- Vegetarian options
- Alcohol
Dining options
- Catering
- Breakfast
- Brunch
- Dessert
- Seating
- Lunch
Service Options
- No-contact delivery
- Onsite services
- Takeout
- Outdoor seating
- Dine-in
- Delivery
Pets
- Dogs allowed inside
- Dogs allowed outside
- Dogs allowed
Parking
- Free street parking
- Free parking lot
- Usually plenty of parking
Atmosphere
- Cozy
- Casual
- Quiet
- Trendy
FAQs
What kind of parking and accessibility options are available at The Scene?
You’ll find convenient free street parking and a free parking lot, usually with plenty of space. The cafe is fully wheelchair accessible, including the entrance, parking lot, seating, and restrooms, ensuring a comfortable visit for everyone.
What can you expect from the menu and atmosphere at The Scene in South Park?
The Scene offers a cozy, casual, and trendy atmosphere. You can enjoy great coffee, a wide tea selection, and a menu featuring breakfast, brunch, lunch, quick bites, vegan, and vegetarian options. Wine, beer, and happy hour food are also available.
How does The Scene generally rate with customers?
The Scene holds a strong overall score of 8.3, with customer satisfaction at 88%. Its Service (8.8), Food (8.4), and Ambience (8) are rated well, though Value (4) receives an average score.
What do patrons appreciate most about The Scene's atmosphere?
Many customers enjoy the inviting atmosphere, good music, and cool vibe at The Scene. The space is often praised for featuring local art and fostering a sense of community.
Are there any common concerns regarding The Scene's value or service?
Some customers have expressed concerns about increased prices and the overall value proposition. There have also been mentions of inconsistent opening schedules and issues related to the previous establishment’s charm and community focus, including specific anti-LGBTQ concerns.