Up until two months ago, I lived in apartments next door to El Diablo on Queen Anne, and I would go there every morning to buy coffee on my way to work. The staff were polite and friendly, and... More

Up until two months ago, I lived in apartments next door to El Diablo on Queen Anne, and I would go there every morning to buy coffee on my way to work. The staff were polite and friendly, and seemed to know every customer who came in the door. It felt as if I had a special relationship with the staff. For example, I ordered a Mexican mocha on a regular basis, the chocolate/coffee/cinammon/spice beverage. In time, they figured out that I was in it for the kick, and offered me a cayenne mocha. It wasn't on the menu (they will give it to you if you ask) --- it tastes like a chocolate covered red hot. It was nice that they would think about what I would specifically like, and touches like that made me feel welcome. El Diablo wasn't only a place to get that morning caffeine fix. If guests were visiting, I would take them over to brag about my neighborhood. The other reviews detail the heaven/hell combination, but my favorite part to show off was the cakes and tartes. El Diablo contracts through a number of bakers, and are quite discriminating over what they pick. I've seen interesting combinations, including a mojito lime tarte that was delicious. We'd get our orders and sit down on the comfortable couches and chat, and felt no pressure to leave. In the evening, local musicians would perform, and the crowd seemed to enjoy the place. The coffeeshop serves meets multiple needs -- it is a community hangout. You don't just go there for the coffee (but if you did, I wouldn't fault you). You go there for the atmosphere.
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EL Diablo! They brew up a great americano and have many decadent deserts, wine and live music on some nights. I think this place is Queen Anne's little secret, it is very cool and normally not too... More

EL Diablo! They brew up a great americano and have many decadent deserts, wine and live music on some nights. I think this place is Queen Anne's little secret, it is very cool and normally not too crowded. It is a great place to come and read or to chat with friends. There is a great patio out front for you to sit outside and people watch or to be away from the crowd on the inside. Awesome heaven and hell decor.
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This place is themed, downstairs is a "hell" thing while up the spiral staircase is "heaven". The glassware has fun etching and the couches upstairs are SUPER comfy. I'm not big on coffee, but they... More

This place is themed, downstairs is a "hell" thing while up the spiral staircase is "heaven". The glassware has fun etching and the couches upstairs are SUPER comfy. I'm not big on coffee, but they have a great mexican hot chocolate. There's always cute dogs tied up out front & there's a neat bookstore next door. Also, there's usually live music in the evenings although that can be a good thing or a bad thing, it's hit or miss! Anyhow, I just like to hang out here it's entirely relaxing!
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There aren't many places in Seattle where you can be in heaven and hell at the same time, at least not literally. el Diablo is a great coffee shop to surf the 'net (using the free wi fi) or... More

There aren't many places in Seattle where you can be in heaven and hell at the same time, at least not literally. el Diablo is a great coffee shop to surf the 'net (using the free wi fi) or enjoying delicious Cuban coffees or a selection of fantastic teas. If the weather cooperates, you can even sit outside. It's also connected to a fantastic local book store, so you can buy a book and relax in the coffee shop while sipping a latte (or leche).
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El Diablo is a unique spot well know to locals on the top of Queen Anne hill. The cafe is designed in homage to I Love Lucy and has clever decor that in and of itself is entertaining. There is a... More

El Diablo is a unique spot well know to locals on the top of Queen Anne hill. The cafe is designed in homage to I Love Lucy and has clever decor that in and of itself is entertaining. There is a surprising amount of seating- including plush couches, intimate tables and a quite courtyard. The cafe offers Cuban style coffees (the Mexican Hot Chocolate is a must on a cold day), tapas, an interesting wine list and decadent desserts. The perfect spot to enjoy a book, meet friends or enjoy a romantic evening.
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