Recently, my Seattle Foodie Podcast co-host Nelson Lau and I had a chance to visit Queen Anne Coffee Co. for brunch. The company centers around serving the neighborhood with coffee, food, and community-centered business practices.

Queen Anne Coffee Co. is in the former location of El Diablo coffee, which moved up the street. The space has been transformed into a bright, airy concept of owner and former graphic designer Bri Ryan. You’ll find indoor seating, outdoor seating, and a patio tucked in the back. Bri designed this cafe with the community in mind. She grew up in the Seattle area and was impressed by the family and community oriented focus in Queen Anne. Her goal was to create a supportive neighborhood feel. From what we saw during brunch, she succeeded. A steady stream of customers came in for coffee, food, or to hang out.

Bri has always baked for family and friends. Her Jewish family recipes have been passed on for generations. A signature item is a challah pretzel roll which Bri begins making at 3:00 AM. Bri leavens the bread, rolls it, and carefully monitors the density of the dough before boiling it. Because the dough has a very narrow ph range, it’s an involved process and after tasting it, I can tell you that it’s worth it! The exterior is shiny and has bits of salt on it. When pulling it open, I was surprised at how soft it was. I suddenly had regrets about all the “soft” pretzels I’d eaten in my lifetime that were hard as rocks.  The pretzel rolls are served with a bit of butter and honey. The dough itself is slightly sweet so depending on your taste buds, you may not need it. The challah dough is also used in cinnamon rolls and spoiler alert – the center of the roll is where all the action is! 

Breakfast is served all day and there is a good variety of baked goods and breakfast sandwiches you can order off the menu. I had a chance to try the vegetable quiche. I’ve always loved quiche yet rarely cook it at home. The crust was just the right firmness, as was the egg filling. I welcome savory breakfast options that are filling and tasty.

Bri has also built out grab and go options for busy customers to purchase while they get their morning coffee. Whether it’s a snack or school lunches, Bri has many options. You can build your own salad, munch on veggies dipped in hummus, or have a tasty breakfast sandwich.

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While I was visiting, I tried a soy latte. It was smooth, creamy, and bold – all things I love in a coffee drink. As I ate my breakfast, I had a raspberry Italian soda with whipped cream. It was light and refreshing which was perfect for finishing off my meal. 

Special thanks to Bri and her staff for making us feel welcome and sending us away with full bellies and smiles on our faces. What a great way to start the day!