Highlights
- Great coffee
- Great tea selection
oChef » Fonte Coffee – Seattle
Fonte Coffee - Seattle
Photo from Fonte Coffee
Fonte Coffee at a glance
Seattle Central Business District
- ☕ Café
$$
Price per Person $11–$20
mentioned by 29 of the guests
#766 out of 858 places to eat in Seattle
#77 Café out of 84 in Seattle
Average
5.6 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
149
Reviews
51%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Friendly service
- Inviting atmosphere
- Quality coffee
Frequently criticized
- Poor value
- Inconsistent food
- Loud music
The café Fonte Coffee in Seattle’s Central Business District is a must-visit spot if you appreciate truly great coffee. You’ll find a welcoming atmosphere perfect for a quick break or a longer stay.
This trendy Seattle cafe offers a delightful escape, whether you’re starting your day with a robust brew or seeking a cozy corner for an afternoon pick-me-up. It’s a prime location for locals and visitors alike looking for quality and comfort.
Overview: Introducting Fonte Coffee
Fonte Coffee offers a welcoming atmosphere and attentive service, with many appreciating the friendly baristas like Steve. Guests often find it a pleasant spot to spend time, noting the warm and inviting shop.
However, some experiences with the food, such as oily burritos or dry croissants, suggest inconsistency in the kitchen. While the coffee itself, particularly options like the Turkish Latte, receives praise for its quality, the overall value proposition is a point of contention.
Customers have expressed concerns about items being overpriced, especially when the food quality doesn’t meet expectations.
Average
5.6
out of 10
149
Reviews
51%
Satisfaction
65
negative
8
neutral
76
positive
Fonte Coffee registers an overall Restaurant Score of 5.6, placing it squarely in the average category. This is reflected in a Customer Satisfaction of 51%, indicating a mixed reception from patrons.
With 76 positive remarks against 65 negative ones from 149 customer comments, there’s a clear split in experiences. Looking closer, Service (6.2) and Ambience (6.3) are the stronger points, often described as welcoming and comfortable.
Food (5.5) hovers around average, with some items hitting the mark while others fall short. The primary area for improvement appears to be Value (1.7), which customers frequently found disappointing, citing high prices for the quality received.
What people like
- Friendly, attentive service
- Inviting atmosphere
- Quality coffee drinks
What people don't like
- Poor value for money
- Inconsistent food quality
- Loud, annoying music
Fonte Coffee presents a mixed experience, reflected in its Recommendation Score of 5.6. If you’re seeking a pleasant spot with good service and a comfortable setting for a coffee break, it could be a suitable choice.
The baristas often make a positive impression. However, be mindful of the pricing, as many find the value proposition lacking, especially concerning food items.
It might be best to stick to their well-regarded coffee and enjoy the atmosphere, rather than expecting a full, satisfying meal.
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Verdict: Our expert take on Fonte Coffee
Food (5.5 out of 10)
mentioned by 91% of the guests
When it comes to food, this spot has some definite bright spots! Many folks rave about the delicious pastries, excellent coffee, and the use of gourmet ingredients with interesting combinations. With 39 positive remarks out of 81 total comments, it seems theres a lot to love, especially if youre into their in-house baked goods and specialty drinks.
However, the food experience isnt always perfect, with a score of 5.5 (average) and customer satisfaction at 48.1% (mixed). Some diners found dishes to be dry, burnt, or even premade and reheated, leading to a less-than-stellar experience. With 37 negative observations, its clear there's room for improvement in consistency, particularly with items like sandwiches.
Food
81
Reviews
48%
Satisfaction
37
negative
5
neutral
39
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Delicious pastries
- Great coffee drinks
- Gourmet ingredients used
What people don't like
- Food often cold
- Dry, burnt items
- Premade, reheated food
Often praised
- coffeethe coffee was dark with notes of malt
- foodThe food and coffee were great
- pastriesSteve is a standout, and I always love to have a small chat with him. He let me know more about the pastries which I’m always scarfing down. Recommend!
- Aztec mochaI got the Aztec mocha and the coffee was dark with notes of malt
- Caffe BreveHe made a perfect Caffe Breve
- Regular MilkRecommended dishes:Regular Milk
- Turkish LatteMy Turkish Latte and sandwich were delicious.
- Turkish coffee latte& Turkish coffee latte.
- Turkish latteTurkish latte for the Win
- Turkish teaTurkish tea was bursting with cardamom—a truly outstanding flavor
Frequently criticized
- croissantIt should've been a quick trip to Paris, not a quick trip to Tacoma. It was nearly flavorless, and hard and dried out. I might be willing to pay $13 for coffee and a croissant before tax and tip once in a while if the coffee and croissant were excellent.
- coffeeHowever, for $6 for a 16-oz mocha, I was expecting to taste rich, velvety, dark roasted coffee, and it just wasn't. The coffee was somewhat weak and tea-like. The thing I cannot get past, though, is the $7 croissant.
- foodAll the food was premade- just reheated soggy, greasy sandwich.
- better places to grab a drinkThe food was cold and the prices were overpriced. The atmosphere was strange, and I definitely think there are better places to grab a drink in the area, especially for nearby students.
- blackberriesover the blackberries
- breakfast sandwichbreakfast sandwich was a waste
- brieover the brie
- burnttop corner was burnt
- burnt cheeseThe sandwich was very dry in general. The top corner was burnt, along with the burnt cheese. The scrambled eggs were so dry and hard that they started to crumble.
- burritoGot a burrito it was so oily and gross
If you're looking for a great coffee and a delightful pastry, this place could be a solid choice. However, for a full meal, especially savory dishes, you might find the experience a bit hit-or-miss, so manage your expectations accordingly.
Service (6.2 out of 10)
mentioned by 68% of the guests
When it comes to service, this spot has some real shining stars! Many customers (22 to be exact) rave about the friendly service and exceptional baristas like Steve and Jake, who make you feel super welcome. People appreciate the staff for their consistent and friendly customer service, often going above and beyond even when busy.
However, it's a bit of a mixed bag, with a customer satisfaction of 57.9% and an average score of 6.2. There are 15 concerns, including issues with wait time, order fulfillment, and even staff hygiene issues. Some experiences mention slow service, sarcastic responses, and a general lack of attentiveness, which can sour the overall customer experience.
Service
38
Reviews
57%
Satisfaction
15
negative
1
neutral
22
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Friendly, welcoming staff
- Exceptional baristas
What people don't like
- Poor staff hygiene
- Long wait times
- Order fulfillment issues
Often praised
- servicethe service was incredible we chatted while he was making my coffee
- baristaThe service was incredible; the barista chatted with me while making my coffee, making me feel super welcome. I highly recommend stopping by for a coffee, as the barista definitely knows their coffee.
- SteveSteve is fantastic! He knows my order as soon as I walk in and is incredibly kind!
- JakeJake was so kind and friendly
- RayRay took our order and his service was above par
- barista SteveThe barista, Steve, was super friendly
- customer serviceFantastic customer service!
- morning-shift baristaTheir morning-shift barista is another-level nice
- peoplelove the people
- refundI watched them finish my omelette and have it sit out for 10-15 minutes while they were still preparing my husband's. At that point, we had to ask for a refund and leave with no food. The lady claimed they had three call-outs, but there were 4-5 people working, and we were the only customers.
Frequently criticized
- chiefwatching the "chief" wiping his nose every minute in the kitchen was off putting
- customer experiencevery very poor customer experience
- email responseTried to reach them via email but no response.
- employee trainingemployee training on hygiene is not a priority
- lady taking orderlady taking our order was super confused
- mobile app orderingworst experience with ordering using their mobile app
- order fulfillmentwon't able able to fulfill our order
- posted hoursMy experience at this restaurant was disappointing because the posted hours are wrong. I went at 9 AM on a Monday, expecting it to be open, but it was closed.
- sarcastic responsessarcastic responses to a concerned customer aren’t the right way
- servicedesperate service
Overall, the service here is a bit of a gamble. While you might encounter incredibly friendly and efficient staff, be prepared for potential inconsistencies like long waits or order mix-ups. If youre lucky, youll have a great experience, but there's definitely room for improvement.
Ambience (6.3 out of 10)
mentioned by 50% of the guests
Overall, the ambience here gets a decent score of 6.3, with customer satisfaction sitting at a mixed 65.2%. Based on 23 opinions, with 15 positive remarks, many guests appreciate the clean and inviting environment, often describing the shop as having a fun vibe. There's often plenty of space and a good sitting area, making it a great place to relax or even get some work done.
However, not everyone is thrilled, with 6 negative comments highlighting some issues. Some find the atmosphere strange, and a recurring concern is the music, with several comments mentioning it being too loud, annoying, or even obnoxious dance music. This can make it difficult to spend much time here, despite the otherwise pleasant surroundings.
Ambience
23
Reviews
65%
Satisfaction
6
negative
2
neutral
15
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Clean, inviting environment
- Ample seating space
- Fun, warm vibe
What people don't like
- Loud, annoying music
- Strange atmosphere
Often praised
- placeA perfect place to spend some time
- atmosphereAtmosphere:5
- environmentI ordered a burrito that was incredibly oily and gross. While the environment is nice, the staff are not inviting. To top it off, the meal was overpriced and slow.
- locationclean location
- musicthe music was rad
- open on SundayMy experience at this restaurant was great! I'm happy that there is finally a decent brunch place in this area that is open on a Sunday. The coffee is great.
- seating insideThey have more seating inside than you would expect
- shopShop felt warm and inviting
- sitting areaGood amount of sitting area for you to hang out with colleagues or complete some work.
- sitting placeThere was plenty of sitting place, which was nice
Frequently criticized
- atmospherethe music is way too loud and annoying to spend much time here
- dance musicbombarded by the most obnoxious dance music
- food preparation cleanlinessraised serious concerns about the cleanliness of the food preparation process
- hygiene practicesimagine the hygiene practices going on behind-the-scenes
- musicthe music is way too loud and annoying
- strange atmosphereThe atmosphere was strange
If you're looking for a clean, spacious spot with a generally inviting feel, this place could be a good fit. Just be prepared for the possibility of loud or distracting music, which might make it less ideal for quiet conversations or extended stays.
Value (1.7 out of 10)
mentioned by 18% of the guests
When it comes to value, theres unfortunately no positive feedback to report from customers. However, the sentiment around value is overwhelmingly negative, with a 1.7 score, which is quite poor, and a stark 0% customer satisfaction. Based on 7 comments, many felt the prices were overpriced, with specific mentions of high prices for individual items like croissants.
Customers expressed disappointment, feeling they didnt get their money's worth, and some even mentioned a lack of money return.
Value
7
Reviews
0%
Satisfaction
7
negative
0
neutral
0
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
What people don't like
- Overpriced items
- Poor value for money
- No money return
Often praised
No positive aspects so far.
Frequently criticized
- overpricedWhile the environment is nice, the staff are not inviting. To top it off, the meal was overpriced and slow. I regret not going to Starbucks instead.
- pricesFor the prices--which are high--I expected better.
- $7Paid $7 for a cup of ice
- croissant pricethe $7 croissant. Not a typo. Seven. Dollars.
- money returnthey will return our money. It never happened.
If you're looking for good value, this might not be the place for you. The high prices and perceived lack of return on investment are significant concerns. You might find yourself regretting not choosing an alternative.
How are the prices at Fonte Coffee?
You’re looking at roughly 15 per person – reported by 29 diners. That puts it in the $11–$20 category. For a Cafe, it’s comfortably mid-range: not a steal, but not bank-breaking either.
Looking at the spread, most folks spend between 1 and 20 $, with the sweet spot being right in that $11–$20 range. There are a few who spend a bit more, but the majority keep it pretty central.
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 29 reviews.
How this Cafe’s value stacks up against similar spots in Seattle.
Overall, we think the pricing feels quite fair for a Cafe in Seattle. It offers a good mid-range option without breaking the bank, which is always a win!
Customer Reviews: what people think about Fonte Coffee
Price per Person
- $1–$10
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
9
Delicious Latte and Great Atmosphere
My experience at this restaurant was very positive. I had a delicious latte that was bold and creamy, with good staying power throughout the drinking experience. The place has more seating inside than you would expect.
I really enjoyed this place and would certainly return! I recommend giving them a try!
- latte9
- seating inside8
Visit Type
- Quick Meal
Meal Type
- Breakfast
2
Posted Hours Are Incorrect
My experience at this restaurant was disappointing because the posted hours are wrong. I went at 9 AM on a Monday, expecting it to be open, but it was closed.
- posted hours2
Price per Person
- $21–$30
Visit Type
- Quick Meal
Service Type
- Takeout
3
Hair in bread, but fresh!
My experience at the restaurant was mixed. I found a hair baked into the bread of my sandwich, which was quite unpleasant. However, on a positive note, this experience made me realize that the bread is freshly made.
- bread7
- hair baked into bread2
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Group Size
- Solo
Service Type
- Dine-in
10
Incredible Coffee and Service!
My experience at this restaurant was fantastic! I had the Aztec mocha, and the coffee was delightfully dark with notes of malt. The spice and chocolate levels were perfectly matched to the bean.
The service was incredible; the barista chatted with me while making my coffee, making me feel super welcome. I highly recommend stopping by for a coffee, as the barista definitely knows their coffee.
- Aztec mocha9
- coffee9
- service10
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Regular Visit
Service Type
- Takeout
Meal Type
- Breakfast
9
Fantastic Service and Great Sandwiches!
I visit Fonte weekly, and Steve is absolutely fantastic! He recognizes my order the moment I walk in and is incredibly kind. The coffee is great, and I highly recommend their sandwiches.
- Steve10
- coffee8
- sandwiches9
What Fonte Coffee offers
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible seating
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
Crowd
- Family-friendly
- LGBTQ+ friendly
- Transgender safespace
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
Popular for
- Solo dining
- Breakfast
Amenities
- Gender-neutral restroom
- Free Wi-Fi
- Wi-Fi
- Restroom
Offerings
- Vegan options
- Coffee
- Small plates
- Vegetarian options
- Quick bite
Dining options
- Catering
- Breakfast
- Brunch
- Dessert
- Seating
- Lunch
Service Options
- Dine-in
- Takeout
- Delivery
Pets
- Dogs allowed outside
Parking
- Paid parking garage
- Paid street parking
Atmosphere
- Cozy
- Casual
- Trendy
FAQs
What dining options and accessibility features does Fonte Coffee - 8th Avenue provide?
Fonte Coffee – 8th Avenue offers a range of dining options including breakfast, brunch, lunch, and dessert, with seating available. You’ll also find catering services. For accessibility, the cafe features a wheelchair accessible entrance, seating, and restroom, ensuring a comfortable visit for everyone.
What is the atmosphere like at Fonte Coffee - 8th Avenue, and are pets allowed?
You can expect a cozy, casual, and trendy atmosphere at Fonte Coffee – 8th Avenue, perfect for relaxing or catching up on work with free Wi-Fi. Service options include dine-in, takeout, and delivery for your convenience. If you’re bringing a furry friend, dogs are welcome in the outside areas.
What is the overall customer sentiment for Fonte Coffee?
Fonte Coffee has an overall Restaurant Score of 5.6, indicating an average experience. While Service (6.2) and Ambience (6.3) are generally well-received, Food (5.5) is average, and Value (1.7) is a significant concern for many customers.
What do customers appreciate most about Fonte Coffee's atmosphere?
Many customers find Fonte Coffee to have a warm, inviting atmosphere with plenty of seating. The music is often described as “rad,” making it a comfortable place to relax or work.
Are there any common complaints about the food at Fonte Coffee?
Yes, some customers have noted inconsistencies with the food quality, mentioning items like oily burritos, dry croissants, or cold, reheated sandwiches. The coffee itself also sometimes receives criticism for being weak.