Zoka's is not good for everyone. I'm sure there are plenty of people who hate the fact that some folks buy a drink and camp out here, but not I. Just the place I am looking for. Whether you need... More

Zoka's is not good for everyone. I'm sure there are plenty of people who hate the fact that some folks buy a drink and camp out here, but not I. Just the place I am looking for. Whether you need a place to study, or play a game, Zoka's is a great spot to come and chill for a bit. They even have games available for your pleasure. Be warned, service can sometimes take a while. Be prepared to wait for a table if you're coming during rush hours. However, do check out the little chocolate silk tarts. Oh so good. Their chocolate silk pie is the larger version. You may find yourself a bit jittery after that indulgence.
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This place is absolutely swarming! I am always daunted to even go in judging by the mass amounts of shining laptops, stacked-high books, and yellow notebooks all around. As a student, I tend to... More

This place is absolutely swarming! I am always daunted to even go in judging by the mass amounts of shining laptops, stacked-high books, and yellow notebooks all around. As a student, I tend to study in coffee shops a lot; I do not mind the noise but rather welcome it. However, Zoka is way too busy even for me! The free wifi is great and the tables are study and big, but having to wait fifteen minutes just to find a cramped seat amidst so many others just isn't worth it, in my opinion, especially when you have a heavy back-pack weighing you down. The coffee, needless to say, is a great escape from the Starbucks and Tullys brands. The baristas actually seem to enjoy their jobs as opposed to some of the mopier chain coffee shop attendees. They can sling coffee like it's nobodys business! Great service, great coffee, just too popular! Try to go in the off hours from 7-8 at night. The night-owls start to trickle in around 9 with their laptops.
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I like their raspberry mocha shakes, though they are addictive. The sweetness and tartness mix and mellow with ice cream to form something complex and potently flavorful, yet not abrasive. In my... More

I like their raspberry mocha shakes, though they are addictive. The sweetness and tartness mix and mellow with ice cream to form something complex and potently flavorful, yet not abrasive. In my opinion it's certain death for diabetics, in the manner that a Venus fly trap kills flies. So if you lack willpower, don't try it, and stick to their many fine beverages, prepared by some of the best trained baristas in the country. Their pastries are good, but their coffee is great.
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MUCH better coffee than the airport, and plenty of interesting people swinging through or sitting and talking. This is not a coffeeshop to visit if you want to relax quietly with a book. Laptops... More

MUCH better coffee than the airport, and plenty of interesting people swinging through or sitting and talking. This is not a coffeeshop to visit if you want to relax quietly with a book. Laptops dot about 60% of the tables...and yah, plenty of students studying (free wifi of course). But in spite of the crowds, it's a great place for meeting up with friends or just sitting and reading the paper. I usually always find a seat by the time my drink is ready. Zoka's music selection is always great too (from Shins to Postal Service to Iron & Wine to Vanderslice...) Their coffee quality/consistency is in the 8/10 range and beats most places around town with the exception of Lighthouse and Vivace (and maybe a couple others on capitol hill). For the Greenlake area, this is definitely a better place to go than Peets or Starbucks. They also have a exceptional selection of mugs, coffee, and accessories (grinders, etc.). And as mentioned, their loose-leaf tea selection is very nice.
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Grab a book, a friend, a board game or all of the above and head over to Zoka for some late night lounging. One of the few coffee shops open until midnight....often crowded but always a spare seat... More

Grab a book, a friend, a board game or all of the above and head over to Zoka for some late night lounging. One of the few coffee shops open until midnight....often crowded but always a spare seat somewhere. Reminds me of the long-lost Honey Bear Bakery a half a block away (now Tangleton pub) (sigh) but unfortunately the pastries aren't as good as H.B.'s were! Staff is always friendly and lounging for a few hours is never a problem. Sweet caffiene dreams for an insomniac....
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pros: great food, drinks, staff cons: always filled with lousy college students

pros: great food, drinks, staff cons: always filled with lousy college students
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The coffee is really the best in Seattle. But to enjoy it there, you may have to wedge yourself in between laptops.

The coffee is really the best in Seattle. But to enjoy it there, you may have to wedge yourself in between laptops.
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Considering the plethora of great coffee joints in Seattle, this place is one to avoid. The coffee is mediocre at best, the crowds are huge (even on weekdays), and the wi-fi connectivity is very... More

Considering the plethora of great coffee joints in Seattle, this place is one to avoid. The coffee is mediocre at best, the crowds are huge (even on weekdays), and the wi-fi connectivity is very spotty. I live blocks away from Zoka's but choose to walk elsewhere because of these issues. Good luck finding an empty table, let alone an outlet for your laptop.
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great idea - great place. my wife and i spend at least one night a week there, now i have a reason to stop by on tuesday mornings too...

great idea - great place. my wife and i spend at least one night a week there, now i have a reason to stop by on tuesday mornings too...
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I know you can purchase loose leaf teas at Zoka. The have a large selection of teas including green. I'm more of a fan of their coffee. Their baristas usually win the world barista championships and... More

I know you can purchase loose leaf teas at Zoka. The have a large selection of teas including green. I'm more of a fan of their coffee. Their baristas usually win the world barista championships and I assume their tea is on par. If you go, don't be in a hurray. Everything is great quality, but apparently quality takes time.
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