Seriously... when I first heard that there was an indie coffee joint that occaisionally has live music in the Everett/Mill Creek area, I was suprised! I often go down to Seattle just to go to a coffee shop that ISN'T Starbucks.
I popped in to gave it a try... and wow! Not only do they do the coffee thing, but they make their own original ice cream, plus they have bakery items... and wine, of all things! The atmosphere is wonderful. In addition to standard chairs and tables, there are couches, comfy chairs, an amusing fake fire place, games, books, free wi-fi (including a computer of their own that you can use), a very cute motif (moo.)... the list goes on. As a mama, my favourite is definately the awesome children's area with tons of toys and books, not to mention the very cute wall paintings. They sometimes host special events such as a live musician, and I believe that they occaisionally have storytime.
If you live close to the area or are just passing through, make this place a stop!
My only complaint is the large groups of loud teenagers that always seem to be in there and/or horsing around the parking lot. I'm not sure what that's about. They also aren't too cheap (my favourite drink costs $6.50!), but it's definately worth it. They do have a benefits card that gets you $3 off your next drink after a certain amount of points.
You can find Spotted Cow in the Thomas Lake shopping Center near Silverlake on one side, and Mill Creek on the other. It's in the same complex as Albertsons, Frida's, and Blockbuster.
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