The Grateful Bread

Here we are on our first stop - a wonderful little bakery and coffee shop called The Grateful Bread. This is somewhat of a local secret buried deep in Seattle's residential neighborhood of Wedgwood. A new-comer, however, would never know it, as it's always quite busy, if not packed, especially on a Sunday morning. Whether you are young or old, hungry or thirsty, or just looking for a good place to study, this is it. When we arrived, it was hoppin'.

Jakes says:
The Drinks: 3/5 shots. With Cafe Vita coffee, how can one go wrong?! I got an americano, room for cream. It was yummy. In fact, as I was leaving, I went and got another. Yikes!
The Buzz: 4/5 shots. This place was jamming! I loved the vivacious spirit. But, if you are one who likes to ponder the meaning of life, visit on a weekday and enjoy the serenity.
The Aftertaste: On top of a great cup o' joe, I had an amazing pizza bagel that was served piping hot. All in all, this is a great place to be. We'll be back very soon! I hope to see you there!!!

Chrissy says:
The Drinks: 3.5/5 shots.
I love Caffé Vita Coffee. It was my favorite a year or so back, in fact, and I have been know to give a bag of whole beans (fresh from the roaster on Capitol Hill) as a gift for close friends and family. I thought my double non-fat latté at GB was quite good: full-bodied, with a slightly strong, deeply-roasted overtone. Even though I usually prefer a light to medium roast, I really enjoyed this cup. The latté art was okay, too...
The Buzz: 4/5 shots. I cannot agree with Jake when he recommends visiting Grateful Bread on a weekday for a more serene environment, because I tried just that two weeks ago when I met my colleague to plan for an upcoming student performance. There wasn't even an open table on Tuesday at noon, so we were "forced" to go across the street to Top Pot Doughnuts (NOT a bad alternative in the least!) Every time I have gone to GB, from the first year I moved to Seattle (2001), this place has been buzzin' and busy. The fact that I am still going back to the Grateful Bread after seven years speaks for itself. Bottom line: There is a vivacious feel at the Grateful Bread that adds to the ambiance instead of overwhelming it. There is a community feel as it attracts young people and old. We saw a table with three generations enjoying each other's company - an old-timer grandfather with a few parents and their two young children. It's always refreshing to see a variety of folks out and about.
The Aftertaste: 5/5 shots.
GB is laid back, yet they do such a terrific job at what they do: coffee, baked goods, homemade soups and sandwiches (yum on all accounts!) This feels like a truly authentic Seattle coffee shop - almost cliché: hippie barristas (some complete with dreadlocks), a community bulletin board near the bathrooms, warm colors and lighting, outdoor covered seating (accessible in the winter months), and damn good coffee. The picture of Gerry Garcia behind the L-shaped serving counter - a nod to this shop's namesake - also adds some indie flair. I feel like I am treating myself when I go to the Grateful Bread, which is when I usually have time to walk there (up two big San Fransisco-type hills).




http://www.gratefulbreadbaking.com/