Ancient Grounds

This must have been one of my favorite stops in Seattle. I was on a work trip, staying at the Hotel Vintage just up the road and was looking for some real Seattle-faire. It definitely does not feel like a coffee shop when you step in, more like an antique store, but Roland has quite the array of exotic treasures to gawk over and/or buy, if you're into that. I wanted to try just the perfect thing, and also not insult Roland's barista reputation while doing and had a heck of a time picking a drink. I went for it, I chose the Mocha and he said he was one of his specialties. He melts REAL CHOCOLATE into your coffee. It was literally mocha perfection. I watched as he labored over the perfect drink, likely the same as he does for each and every drink he makes. "Make sure you give it a swirl, the chocolate wills tart to settle and at the bottom after a bit." Someone mentioned he's like Merlin mixed with Gandalf, mixed with ... a barista, and I would agree with that. You can tell that he is daring each customer who comes in to ask him to make a drink that will test his skills or create something he hasn't thought of yet, it's as if he's daring you. So I dare you, to stop in for the Ancient Grounds experience and the best coffee you'll likely find in downtown Seattle, and test his knowledge or skills :) You won't regret it.

This place is pretty great, and is probably my favorite coffee shop close to my work.Nestled right in the heart of downtown, Ancient Grounds is a unique combination of art gallery, antiques/oddities shop, and cafe.The prices for Espresso drinks are incredibly reasonable (way less than you'll pay anywhere else nearby) and they have a small selection of baked goods from a local bakery in Belltown that are pretty fantastic. I tried an apricot chocolate chip cookie that was crazy good.Much of the cool decor is for sale, and you'll also find racks of silk scarves, vintage kimonos, and other unique items you can buy. Finally, the owner/barista is just a really nice dude.

How I heard of this place: When we moved to Belltown, a neighbor and good friend invited me out for a summer walk. We traversed downtown, Pioneer Square, and belltown; along the way, she pointed out her favorite coffee shop in Seattle. Four months later, it was high time I made my way to Ancient Grounds.Type of cuisine: Coffee roasted by Lighthouse Roasters in Phinney and Macrina pastries, prepared and served by owner, proprietor and educator, Roland W. Crawford.Ambiance: This Gallery and Coffeehouse is one of the rare gems of Seattle coffeehouses. Located just across the street from the Seattle Art Museum, the ancient and history-laden artwork from across the globe entices museum buffs and collectors. Step inside the small windowed 1st Avenue-facing entrance and one is delightfully surprised by the autumn-toned velour couch and armchairs and the aroma of freshly ground coffee permeating the art-filled space. While we peruse the menu and the artwork surrounding us, my sister engages Roland in conversation; throughout our comfortable stay, he returned to share with us his recipe secrets, stories of his art contacts and his love of coffee.What I ordered: My sister started with a large Americano ($2.10) topped with steamed whole milk, creating an orchid in her mug. My husband chose large the Mocha Breve ($3.25) and I enjoyed the tall Mocha ($2.50) with only 1.5 shots of smooth, caramely espresso. What I loved: The sweet mocha powder decorating the top of my mocha!Why I loved it: A beautiful atmosphere of art, history, and cozy cafe all rolled into one.Cost: Low to average ($1.60 - $3.25 per espresso beverage)

I've lived around Seattle for over twenty years and stop by Pikes place area at least once a month. I love to grab a bite, do a bit of shopping and take in the views. Over the years the places I'd stop by would change. There used to be a paper store next to Ancient Grounds that I loved going into and to my loss never really looked into this space.Like I said, it was my loss. What a magical shop/cafe!? It's so cozy inside and it's so charming. So many interesting things to look at. I had a chai tea latte and it was delicious. I also purchased a beautiful brocade bag that I absolutely love and cherish. Looking forward to stopping by again!

I am 50 years old and have been drinking coffee for the better part of my life. I enjoy specialty coffee and I am always on the search for something better. Since arriving in Seattle about a week ago, I've been frequenting many different coffee shops. Unequivocally, today I can say that I have tasted the best I have ever had. Roland is the owner and baristo of Ancient Grounds. He has a wealth of coffee knowledge and truly understands the complexities involved in brewing the caffeinated goodness. Do yourself a favor and come here to enjoy a truly phenomenal cup of coffee.

This place is SPECIAL. Full of wonderful oddities from the far corners of the earth. Terrific service, delicious coffee and an ambiance that makes it a DON'T MISS STOP. If you need a coffee, this is it!

Not really a four as far as experience is concerned but the atmosphere takes me back to a time of movie prevolance in the early 2000s. Looks like a place that will sell you the cursed amulet of the Ambani Makesh dynasty and not know what it is. Just an interesting environment with quaintly priced kimonos and about a dozen other steals to make your life an introduction to a euphemism retro centuries past.

An eclectic collection of Japanese antiques. Ranging from silk kimonos to Buddhist statues, this little store and its delightful owner are hidden gems in Seattle's downtown.

I felt like I was having coffee in Night At The Museum and the artifacts, sculptures, and pictures were going to come alive!The owner who is also the barrista was a friendly chap, has created a very unique space that seems to be taken out of a movie set. If you're into art, Indiana Jones, and cool spots for a hot brew and snack then try this place out. Definitely not your ordinary coffee joint like Starbucks!Small selection of pastries, and no iced drinks. Coffees were solid though and tasty. Comfy seating on couches and chairs in the front.A lot of the stuff here is for sale so you might end up walking out with a souvenir.

Searching for a new spot to check out near the office a couple coworkers and I were intrigued by Ancient Grounds. Serving as both a little coffee shop and gallery, there were tons of cool art pieces on display as well a little barista bar. I ordered a chai latte that was pretty good, definitely not the most spiced or flavorful chai I have ever had but they seemed to have a lot of milk alternative options such as Hemp. For the month of April, they seemed to have a lot of East Asian pieces such as kimonos and yukatas. Though these were on display at an art gallery type setting, the prices were extremely reasonable at around $25-$35 dollars a piece! Will definitely be here later in the week to scope them out for the annual Don Oberi festival here in Washington!