Highlights
- Great coffee
- Great tea selection
oChef » Preserve and Gather – Seattle
Preserve and Gather - Seattle
Photo from Preserve and Gather
Preserve and Gather at a glance
Seattle Crown Hill
- ☕ Café
$$
Price per Person $11–$20
mentioned by 59 of the guests
#510 out of 858 places to eat in Seattle
#55 Café out of 84 in Seattle
Good
7.2 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
495
Reviews
72.1%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Coffee
- Ambiance
Frequently criticized
- Price
- Service
The cafe Preserve and Gather in Seattle’s vibrant Crown Hill neighborhood offers a truly inviting experience. You’ll discover a cozy and casual spot perfect for a quiet moment or a quick bite.
Known for its great coffee, this trendy cafe also boasts a fantastic tea selection. Whether you’re starting your day with breakfast or enjoying a leisurely brunch, you’ll find a welcoming atmosphere here.
Overview: Introducting Preserve and Gather
Preserve and Gather offers a delightful experience, often praised for its excellent coffee and baked goods, which many find consistently delicious. The atmosphere is frequently described as cozy and inviting, making it a pleasant spot to relax or work.
However, some visitors have noted concerns regarding the prices, which can feel steep for certain items. Additionally, the staff interactions have been a mixed bag, with some encountering less friendly service.
Good
7.2
out of 10
495
Reviews
72.1%
Satisfaction
119
negative
19
neutral
357
positive
Preserve and Gather achieves a solid overall score of 7.2, reflecting a generally positive customer experience with 72.1% satisfaction, based on 495 customer remarks, with 357 positive and 119 negative. The Food (7.7) stands out as a clear strength, with many praising the quality of drinks and pastries.
The Ambience (7.2) also contributes significantly, creating a welcoming and comfortable setting. While service is often good, the Service score (6.2) indicates some inconsistency, with a number of patrons noting less positive interactions.
The most significant area for improvement is Value (3.9), which falls considerably short, largely due to perceptions of high prices and mandatory gratuities, creating a notable divergence from the otherwise strong aspects of the restaurant.
What people like
- Delicious coffee & pastries
- Inviting atmosphere
- Friendly staff
What people don't like
- High prices
- Inconsistent service
- No WiFi
With a strong 7.6 recommendation score, Preserve and Gather is a place worth considering if you prioritize quality food and a pleasant setting. It shines as a spot for well-crafted beverages and tasty treats in a comfortable environment.
If you’re sensitive to pricing or require consistent, top-tier service, you might find aspects disappointing. However, for those seeking a good coffee shop experience and don’t mind the cost, it’s generally a solid choice.
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Verdict: Our expert take on Preserve and Gather
Food (7.7 out of 10)
mentioned by 100% of the guests
The food here generally hits the mark, with a 7.7 score indicating a good experience for many. Customer satisfaction is also strong at 78.6%, reflecting positive feedback from 246 out of 313 comments. Guests rave about the delicious baked goods, especially the famous ham & jam biscuit, and appreciate that so much is house made, including the excellent coffee.
However, not every dish is a winner, with 51 comments noting some misses. There are occasional complaints about food being greasy and cold, or items like scones being undercooked. Some find certain dishes overpriced or lacking in flavor, suggesting inconsistency in execution.
Food
313
Reviews
78%
Satisfaction
51
negative
16
neutral
246
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Delicious baked goods
- Famous Ham Biscuit
- Everything house-made
What people don't like
- Food often cold
- Items undercooked
- Flavor sometimes lacking
Often praised
- coffeeThis used to be my favorite place to come to on my days off, and it still is when the right people are there. They have always been kind, friendly, and make some of the best coffee! However, I’ve recently started going somewhere else.
- baked goodsThe staff is super friendly, and the coffee is excellent. I haven't tried any of their baked goods or other foods that I didn't like. Personal highlights include the house-made syrups (cardamom is fantastic!), the pear ginger scone, and the pickled egg salad.
- foodThe food is also always delicious — I enjoy trying out something different each time.
- pastriesMy experience at this coffee shop in Seattle was wonderful. It's my favorite spot due to its beautiful space and delicious pastries. The espresso drinks are well-made, and I particularly enjoyed the latte flavors, which were subtle and enhanced the coffee experience without being overly sweet.
- cortadoMy experience at this restaurant was wonderful, thanks to the amazing, friendly, and genuine staff. I enjoyed a beautifully delicious cortado with seltzer water. The inclusion of a 20% tip with the prices was a pleasant surprise and didn't hurt my wallet at all <3.
- hand pieslike the hand pies
- mochaI finally found another wonderful mocha nearby my place! I was pleasantly surprised that the ham & jam biscuit could be that good too.
- cardamom latteThe cardamom latte is one of my all time favorites SO GOOD!!
- cortadosMy husband and I have been visiting Preserve & Gather for over three years, making it our go-to Saturday morning spot and a favorite date destination. We used to rave about the delicious food and wonderful cortados. However, over the last few months, we've noticed a significant decline in food quality.
- drinksthe drinks are always fantastic
Frequently criticized
- coffeeWhat a rip off! Go here for overpriced coffee and baked goods!
- foodfood -Overpriced and lacking flavor and presentation.
- drip coffeedrip coffee, which was too rich for my preference.
- Leckerliand Leckerli (not a fan)
- London FogI was really looking forward to checking out this place, and I don’t want to give a bad review. However, I ordered a London Fog, and the drink still had the Earl Grey tea bag in it. I probably wouldn’t care that much if they didn’t automatically charge a 15% service charge.
- apricot yogurt parfaitthe apricot yogurt parfait and the yogurt was incredibly liquidy
- baked goodsoverpriced baked goods
- biscuitHowever, my breakfast biscuit sandwich was disappointing. The ham was too sweet, and the biscuit was undercooked and lacked salt.
- blended frapp style drinksShe let me know that they don't do blended frapp style drinks here.
- breakfast biscuit sandwichMy breakfast biscuit sandwich was disappointing
If you're looking for a spot with generally good food and a focus on house-made treats, especially baked goods and coffee, this place is definitely worth a visit. Just be aware that while many items shine, there might be occasional inconsistencies in quality or temperature.
Service (6.2 out of 10)
mentioned by 58% of the guests
Overall, the service here gets a 6.2, which is pretty average, and customer satisfaction sits at a 58.2%, indicating a mixed bag of experiences. Based on 79 pieces of feedback, with 46 positive remarks, many customers rave about the friendly staff and baristas who offer efficient counter service and even cute latte art. However, 32 negative comments point to some areas needing work.
Some patrons encountered attitude from the staff and cashiers, describing them as impatient or rude. There were also mentions of feeling rushed and a general lack of warmth from certain team members.
Service
79
Reviews
58%
Satisfaction
32
negative
1
neutral
46
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Friendly staff
- Efficient service
- Kind baristas
What people don't like
- Rude staff
- Poor attitude
- Impatient service
Often praised
- staffMy experience at the restaurant was great, thanks to the super friendly staff. The baked goods truly steal the show.
- serviceThe restaurant also offers a few patio tables for when the weather is nice. Overall, the service is typically pretty good.
- baristasThe baristas were more than happy to answer my questions and were very pleasant
- serversThe servers were really nice
- Everyone I interacted withEveryone I interacted with was very pleasant
- ServiceService:5
- Service:Take outGreat coffee and breakfast items to go!
- counter serviceCounter service was efficient and friendly
- fresh and fastPrepared fresh and fast
- friendlyeveryone is friendly
Frequently criticized
- staffplagued with RUDE, pretentious, self-absorbed, self-righteous staff
- servicewoman said we don’t make that in the summer, which is when I knew something was wrong
- cashierAdditionally, the service is oftentimes not great. The person at the cashier isn’t very polite or nice.
- attitudeshocked at the attitude and behavior I was seeing
- wifithat there was wifi
- baristashort / a little rude to me
- cardboard traywas offered a cardboard tray to put my coffee cups on the floor of my car
- cashiershaving the cashiers be snarky and unfriendly
- experiencedon’t want to pay for a bad experience :-(
- girls making drinksgirls making the drinks in the back were rudely saying
If youre looking for a quick coffee and friendly faces, youll likely be pleased by the service. However, be prepared that some interactions might feel a bit rushed or less welcoming, making it a bit of a gamble on the service front.
Ambience (7.2 out of 10)
mentioned by 45% of the guests
The vibe here is definitely a highlight, with a good score of 7.2 and 72.5% customer satisfaction. Many of the 58 positive remarks praise the welcoming and inviting atmosphere, often highlighting its dog and child-friendly nature. Guests love the unique decor, natural light, and comfortable indoor and outdoor seating options, making it a truly lovely spot.
However, not everything is perfect, as 20 negative comments point out. Some found the atmosphere a bit disorganized, with concerns about flies. A recurring issue is the lack of comfortable seating, often described as cold metal chairs, and finding parking can be a real headache, especially street parking.
Ambience
80
Reviews
72%
Satisfaction
20
negative
2
neutral
58
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Welcoming atmosphere
- Dog & child friendly
- Unique decor
What people don't like
- Uncomfortable seating
- Parking difficulties
- No WiFi
Often praised
- atmospherethe place was bustling with locals enjoying the tidy but relaxed atmosphere
- spaceBeautiful, tastefully decorated, light-filled space
- ambianceA solid ambiance with good coffee
- vibeMy experience at this restaurant was very positive. I enjoyed the great coffee and food, and the great vibe. The restaurant also offers a few patio tables for when the weather is nice.
- vibesstars are for Good coffee, vibes
- AtmosphereAtmosphere:5
- Outdoor patioOutdoor patio on a sunny day - sweet
- baby + dog friendlyBaby + dog friendly
- bathroomThe bathroom was clean
- blue and copper wallParticularly love the blue and copper wall with the yellow accents.
Frequently criticized
- parkingyou’ll need to find parking in the adjacent neighborhood
- wifithey don’t have wifi
- seatingdisappointed in anything other than the lack of seating
- WiFiThey don't have WiFi
- atmosphereatmosphere. I found it to be fairly disorganized and flies were buzzing around constantly
- chairs or stoolsall hard/stiff chairs or stools
- cold metal chairscold metal chairs, not too comfortable
- disorganizedfound it to be fairly disorganized
- disposable dishwareeverything is served on/in disposable dishware
- fliesflies were buzzing around constantly attacking my food.
If youre looking for a welcoming, pet-friendly spot with unique decor and plenty of natural light, youll likely enjoy the atmosphere here. Just be prepared for potential parking challenges and perhaps less-than-comfy seating, especially if you plan to stay a while or need to work.
Value (3.9 out of 10)
mentioned by 17% of the guests
While the overall score for value sits at a low 3.9 with customer satisfaction at 30.4%, some guests did find pleasant surprises. Out of 23 comments, 7 highlighted transparent pricing and prices that included a 20 percent gratuity, making them feel they spent less than I would have spent elsewhere. A few experiences truly hit the mark for affordability.
However, the majority of feedback, with 16 negative comments, points to significant concerns. Many felt hit by unexpected service charge or auto tip additions, sometimes a mandatory tip, leading to a price quality mismatch. Terms like over-priced and even COVID surcharge popped up, suggesting that for many, the cost simply didn't align with the experience.
Value
23
Reviews
30%
Satisfaction
16
negative
0
neutral
7
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Transparent pricing
- Gratuity included
- Affordable options
What people don't like
- Automatic service charges
- Price quality mismatch
- Hidden surcharges
Often praised
- pricesI found the atmosphere to be very cozy, and the drinks and pastries were great. I was pleasantly surprised that they don't have a tipping system, yet the prices are average for the area. The only things that would make this place even better would be a heated outdoor area and more dairy-free food options.
- 20 percent gratuity20 percent gratuity is included in pricing and clearly identified
- less than I would have spentfor less than I would have spent at a fast food place
- priceThat's gotta be the best coffee (and breakfast sandwich) one can have in Seattle for that price
- pricingMy experience at this coffee shop was excellent. I appreciated that they built taxes and tips into their reasonable pricing. The comfortable atmosphere made it easy for me to slip right into work, and the noise level was very balanced, allowing me to focus without any problems.
Frequently criticized
- priceFood -Overpriced and lacking flavor and presentation.
- Americano pricing$4.30 for a couple shots and some hot water is criminal
- COVID surchargethey hit my card with a COVID surcharge!
- Latte priceLatte is only .36 cents more at $4.66
- accept cashwas told they don't accept cash. Which is illegal!
- auto tipMy experience at this restaurant was disappointing. There was no wifi, and a 20% auto tip was added. The staff was not friendly, and the expensive veggie sandwich was bad, served refrigerator cold.
- machiattoquite pricy ($5.50 for a machiatto!)
- mandatory tipa mandatory tip was included
- patronsusing COVID to take advantage of their patrons
- price quality mismatchPrice quality mismatch
When it comes to value, this spot is a bit of a gamble. While some appreciate transparent pricing and included gratuity, many others feel the costs, especially with added fees, dont match the quality. If youre sensitive to unexpected charges or high prices for what you get, you might want to proceed with caution.
How are the prices at Preserve and Gather?
On average, you’ll spend around 13 per person – from 59 guests. That puts the restaurant in the $11–$20 category. For a Cafe, that’s mid-range, maybe slightly above.
While the average is 13, the price distribution shows a strong cluster of options in the $1–$10 range, with many also in the $11–$20 bracket. This means prices are mostly concentrated on the more affordable side, not widely spread into premium territory.
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 59 reviews.
How this restaurant’s value for money compares to similar spots in Seattle.
For a Cafe in Seattle, we think this pricing feels quite fair. It offers good value, especially with many options in the lower price brackets.
Customer Reviews: what people think about Preserve and Gather
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
7
Good Coffee, Yummy Pastry, Pricey
My experience at the restaurant was positive, particularly with their coffee. I found the coffee to be really good. However, it was quite pricy, with a machiatto costing $5.
50. I also tried their gluten-free vegan sweet potato tahini pastry, which was yummy and offered an interesting flavor profile.
- coffee8
- gluten free vegan sweet potato tahini pastry9
- flavor profile8
- machiatto3
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Regular Visit
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Breakfast
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
9
Amazing baked goods and friendly staff!
Preserve and Gather used to be my go-to weekly coffee place. Sadly, I no longer live in Seattle but still visit if I’m in the area. The baked goods are uh-mazing and the staff are very friendly!
- baked goods10
- staff9
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Group Type
- Couple
Group Size
- Couple
Service Type
- Dine-in
Noise Level
- Moderate
7
A Popular Brunch Spot with Room for Improvement
This is a popular place for Sunday brunch. The baked selection looked good, although limited. I did not try it.
The warm drink selection also looked interesting, and I also did not try. The pickled egg salad sandwich was interesting. I like pickled things, and I like egg salad.
It was not bad, but it seems like I would have liked it more than I did. My dining companion felt the same way about the salmon sandwich on a bagel. Since the place is popular, it could be we just didn't pick the best items for our tastes.
Again, it was not bad, just not outstanding. The staff was prompt, courteous, and helpful.
- baked selection6
- warm drink selection6
- pickled egg salad sandwich5
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Breakfast
9
Heavenly Hand Pies and Great Vibes
My experience at this restaurant was absolutely heavenly! If you're searching for baked goods that are truly exceptional, this is the place. The flavor combinations were fantastic and packed a punch, with nothing being too sweet.
The pastry was perfectly crumbly – pure bliss. I tried the spinach and sausage hand pies, a pumpkin muffin, and the orange cardamom bread, and I could have easily ordered anything else on display. The cortados were also fantastic.
The atmosphere was vibing, the staff was kind, and the overall experience was lovely.
- hand pies10
- baked goods10
- flavor combinations9
Price per Person
- $1–$10
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Takeout
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
3
Disappointing Drink and Service Charge
I was really looking forward to checking out this place, and I don’t want to give a bad review. However, I ordered a London Fog, and the drink still had the Earl Grey tea bag in it. I probably wouldn’t care that much if they didn’t automatically charge a 15% service charge.
If you’re going to charge me an extra fee that I can’t opt out of, maybe you could’ve put a bit more effort into the drink you’re making. Just my 2 cents.
- London Fog2
- service charge3
What Preserve and Gather offers
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible seating
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
Crowd
- Groups
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
Children
- Good for kids
Popular for
- Solo dining
- Lunch
- Breakfast
Amenities
- Restroom
Offerings
- Vegan options
- Coffee
- Small plates
- Vegetarian options
- Quick bite
Dining options
- Breakfast
- Brunch
- Dessert
- Seating
- Lunch
Service Options
- Outdoor seating
- Dine-in
- Takeout
- Onsite services
Parking
- Free street parking
- Usually plenty of parking
Atmosphere
- Cozy
- Casual
- Quiet
- Trendy
FAQs
Is Preserve and Gather accessible and easy to park at?
Yes, you’ll find Preserve and Gather is fully accessible with a wheelchair accessible entrance, seating, and restroom. Parking is also convenient, as there’s usually plenty of free street parking available in the Crown Hill area.
Does Preserve and Gather offer options for specific diets and is it suitable for children?
Absolutely! Preserve and Gather provides excellent vegan and vegetarian options, ensuring there’s something delicious for everyone. It’s also considered a good spot for kids, making it a family-friendly cafe for your visit.
How does Preserve and Gather rate overall?
Preserve and Gather holds an overall score of **7.2**, indicating a good experience for many. Its **Food** (7.7) and **Ambience** (7.2) are highly rated, while **Service** (6.2) is average, and **Value** (3.9) is an area of concern.
What do customers particularly enjoy about Preserve and Gather?
Customers frequently praise the delicious **coffee** and **baked goods**, highlighting items like house-made syrups and various pastries. The cozy and light-filled **atmosphere** is also a significant draw for many visitors.
What are some common concerns or drawbacks at Preserve and Gather?
The primary concerns revolve around **Value**, with many finding items **overpriced** and disliking the mandatory gratuity. Some also report **inconsistent service** from staff and note the lack of **WiFi** as a drawback.