Besa's Guide to Pacific Northwest Coffee Shops on National Gourmet Coffee Day
Besa Gordon poses with a cup of Boon Boona Coffee at the company’s grand opening celebration. (Photo: Jordan Somers)
Alright, coffee fam—let’s put you on to something special. Today is National Gourmet Coffee Day, and what better way to celebrate than to shout out some of Besa’s favorite PNW coffee spots that are not just serving up incredible brews, but also pouring back into the community? From Tacoma to Seattle, these are the Black-owned businesses and innovative cafes that are changing the game.
Campfire Coffee (Tacoma)
If you haven’t heard of Campfire Coffee over in Tacoma’s Hilltop, you’re missing out on a whole vibe. Co-owner and CEO Quincy Henry and his wife, Whitney, turned a setback into a signature style: wood-fired roasting. Seriously, that subtle smokiness they add to their beans? Chef's kiss.
Their story is all about resilience, pivoting to online sales during the pandemic, and building an authentic brand centered on community and a love for the outdoors. They even run a free gear library to encourage community members to connect with nature! Next time you’re in Tacoma, stop by for a Toasted Marshmallow Cold Brew or a S’mores Latte.
Vibe: Resilient, outdoorsy, wood-fired magic.
Must-Try: Toasted Marshmallow Cold Brew.
Locations: HillTop (1554 Market St #101, Tacoma) and Tacoma Public Utilities (3628 S 35th Street, Tacoma).
Boon Boona Coffee (Renton & Seattle)
If you want to tap into the origins of coffee, you have to visit Boon Boona. Owner and CEO Efrem Fesaha is bringing African coffee to the Pacific Northwest, importing sustainably sourced beans from places like Ethiopia—the birthplace of coffee—Rwanda, Kenya, and more.
When I sat down with Efrem, it opened my eyes to the power of coffee in East Africa. Here, we drink it to wake up, but for him and his Eritrean family, it's a way to come together. They’re finding a dope balance between this traditional approach, which includes a traditional Eritrean and Ethiopian coffee ceremony, and the daily desire to grab your cup and go.
Vibe: Authentic, community-connecting, and globally sourced.
Focus: African-grown, sustainably sourced beans.
Locations: Seattle, Renton, and the University Bookstore.
Stay tuned for the opening of their new Waterfront Park location later this year!
Blend Coffee and Kicks (Seattle)
The name says it all. Blend is revolutionizing the coffee scene with a unique hybrid concept: it seamlessly blends bold coffee culture, sneaker enthusiasm, and a strong sense of local community. Imagine sipping on a rich, South American coffee with surprising Asian-inspired notes, while checking out a meticulously curated shoe collection showcasing the freshest tastes of local influencers.
What truly sets this spot apart is its commitment to the PNW: a portion of every shoe sale goes directly to supporting mental health initiatives and organizations aiding teen homelessness. The drip is both in the cup and on your feet!
Vibe: Hybrid culture hub: Coffee, sneakers, and community mission.
Cause: Supports mental health and teen homelessness initiatives.
Location: 1417 Queen Anne Ave N #101b, Seattle.
Creative Cafe (Seattle)
This is a story of justice and jobs. Creative Cafe at Seattle’s Washington Hall is an uplifting program developed by Creative Justice. It offers young people a space to learn and develop essential life skills in a working cafe context. The mission, as Director Dan Bash emphasized, is to provide a safe transition for youth, teaching them how to be adults, work, and secure jobs.
The program is deep—they integrate coffee education, delving into the origins and history of coffee, and use a sense-based method for barista training. They empower young people with not only the technical skills but also a sensory appreciation for crafting a quality cup of coffee, providing a real chance for success and intervention in the criminal justice system.
Vibe: Mission-driven, empowering, and educational.
Purpose: Youth job-skills training and criminal justice intervention.
Location: Washington Hall, Seattle.
This National Gourmet Coffee Day, make sure you stop by, grab a cup of wood-fired magic, a sneaker collab, or a justice-brewed latte. Trust me, you’ll leave with more than just great coffee—you’ll leave feeling inspired. Happy sipping!
