Gretchen's Place

We’ve had great experiences here! Nice and close to Magnuson Park and University Village. There’s a small parking lot but sufficient and plenty of outdoor seating next to the fountain. Indoor seating would be nice but we when we have good weather it’s fine. Lattes are excellent! I’ve had teas and espresso and drip and they’ve been great! My friends said food is good too and they have a nice selection of breakfast and lunch as well as pastries. The staff has always been very kind and attentive. The bathrooms are very clean and have nice design. I appreciate this spot and will keep coming back. Cafe Vita coffee is great and the drinks they make are on point!

Wonderful little cafe serving Cafe Vita coffee (that's actually prepared well!) Tucked in the corner of a neighborhood otherwise completely devoid of things to do. I go here often on walks with my pup (she has to wait outside, but they have dog treats for here and a water bowl for dogs) and the coffee and service is always solid. The neighborhood though is pretty cutthroat, don't be surprised if an elderly lady shamelessly cuts you in line and pretends you don't exist 😂

$6.60 for a 16oz mocha is unreasonable. The coffee was fine but it used Hershey's or a similar chocolate syrup, and the milk was steamed to luke warmedness. Nowhere to sit as they seem to have sustained their takeout only business. I used to occasionally go here because it was off the beaten path when I visited City People's, but it was never exceptional. And now it's aristocratically priced and not exceptional.

I have loved coming here almost daily. I always order a drip with oat milk - it is great! Today however, I watched the barista accidentally use whole milk in my drink, realize his mistake, and then he topped it off with oat milk thinking I would not see or be able to taste the difference. I did not say anything and tried to convince myself that I might just be confused. But once I tried it in my car, it was definitely regular milk, and I definitely saw what I saw. I'm so disappointed. Different milks settle in coffee in very different ways, I just am so bothered.

Pros: great espresso, they have oat milk, they have gluten free scones, they have dog treats! Cons: if any other patrons are there be prepared to wait excessively long. They make their drinks slow and out of order. Over 15 minutes to get one latte with only 3 people in front of me, and they made two drinks for the lady who ordered after me before making my drink. Cons aren't enough to prevent us from returning occasionally... be sure to bring your patience! Not ideal as a regular stop for anyone in a hurry or with a schedule they plan on sticking to.