The best local coffee shops in Snohomish County

Black magic. Java. Cuppa Joe.

We in the Northwest have a deep connection with coffee, especially when the weather gets a little blustery and the leaves turn bright colors. Forget Starbucks, coffee has always been big in the Northwest, from local, independently owned shops to organics roasters.

So it was no surprise when Infogroup ranked six Washington cities — Everett was No. 3 — in its top 10 for highest concentration of coffee shops. We love our coffee around here. Even Thrillist named Seattle its No. 1 coffee city, with the Emerald City just beating out another Northwest coffee-crazy city, Portland, Oregon.

Below is our list of favorite places to get a cup of coffee in Snohomish County. Sure there are good espresso stands on nearly every block around here, but we focused on coffee shops where we could quietly read a book or chat with a friend.

Here’s our list (And if we missed your favorite spot, send us a tip at features@heraldnet.com):

Bargreen Coffee Co.

2821 Rucker Ave, Everett, 425-252-3161, www.bargreencoffee.com

Nobody’s been doing it longer than Bargreen’s, which has been an Everett institution since ‘98 — that’s 1898. Bargreen’s Coffee roasts and sells its own coffee and has a number of stands around Snohomish County. But don’t drive past the main location along Rucker Avenue without stopping. It’s a history lesson with your cup of coffee.

Bookend Coffee Co.

2702 Hoyt Ave, Everett, 425-252-6466, www.facebook.com/bookendcoffeeco

Nobody does coffee better than the in-house coffee shop for the Everett Public Library. It starts with the beans. They’re one of the few coffee shops in the Northwest to serve Everett coffee roaster Velton’s Coffee (Read our story about Velton’s). Our tip? Order up a mocha made with single origin coffee and chocolate. Oh, and there’s plenty of books to browse.

Cafe Zippy

2811 Wetmore Ave, Everett, 425-303-0474, www.cafezippy.com

The shop’s namesake and mascot, Zippy the Dalmatian, recently died, but that doesn’t mean Cafe Zippy isn’t still the same welcoming place. Cafe owner Marilyn Rosenberg has created a unique shop that caters to all residents of Everett. The shop serves Bellingham-based Tony’s Coffee. Also does light food and live music.

The Living Room Coffee House

1212 State Ave, Marysville, 360-658-8646, www.lrcoffeehouse.com

Established in 2014, The Living Room set out to be just that: a living room for the city of Marysville. Owner Kim Reynolds started The Living Room, a non-profit coffee shop, to serve not only great coffee but the community. They host barista education classes and are run by volunteers. They serve Stumptown coffee and light food. Also live music. Oh, and don’t forget to check out all the doors.

Mountain Loop Books &Coffee

1085 Darrington St, Darrington, 360-630-7673

Darrington is a no-nonsense town and Mountain Loop Books &Coffee fits that mold perfectly. Tony Gobroski owns the coffee shop and bookstore, which is a great place to grab a cup of coffee, a book and settle in on a gray, misty Pacific Northwest morning. Also does book and poetry readings.

Silver Cup Coffee

2707 Colby Ave, Everett, 425-259-9358, silvercupcoffee.com/everett-wa-usa

Founded by Christian Kar in Everett 20 years ago, Silver Cup has been roasting its own coffee and helping Northwesterners get caffeinated for a long time now. Duck into this cozy shop along Colby Avenue and you’re likely to be greeted by store manager and local musician Brad Heyne. In 2010, Silver Cup launched its One Cup Project, a partnership with Seattle-based World Vision that generates a dollar of aid for Africa for every dollar spent on coffee. Also does light food.

Spotted Cow Coffee Co.

15118 Main Street, Suite 700, Mill Creek, 425-357-9464, www.spottedcowcoffeecompany.com

Led by coffee educator Maxwell Mooney, who competed in this year’s U.S. Coffee Championships, Spotted Cow has become one of the best coffee shops in the county. They source, roast and prepare their own coffee and the care is obvious. Throw in some of the best baristas around and you’re guaranteed a great cup of coffee. Also does gelato (order up an affogato for a special treat), ice cream and live music.

Red Cup Cafe

619 4th St, Mukilteo, 425-348-4825, www.facebook.com/redcupcafe

The Mukilteo waterfront recently underwent a makeover, but thankfully nothing really changed up the hill at Red Cup Cafe. They still serve Whidbey Coffee, make vegetarian and vegan treats and have a fun and comfortable vibe. Next time you’re waiting in line for the ferry, make the trek up the hill to Red Cup. You won’t be disappointed — and you’re hands will be nice and warm when you head out on the view deck. Also live music.

Red Twig Coffee

117 5th Ave. S, Edmonds, 425-771-1200, www.redtwig.com

There are plenty of great options to grab a cup of coffee in Edmonds, but Red Twig is one of our favorites. Maybe it’s the espresso blend they roast themselves. Or the extensive breakfast and lunch menu. Or the crepes. Yeah, probably the crepes. There aren’t many better things to do on a crisp fall morning than grab coffee and crepes and do some window shopping in downtown Edmonds.

Waterfront Coffee Co.

101 Main Street, Suite A, Edmonds, 425-670-1400, www.waterfrontcoffeeco.com

Just steps away from the Edmonds waterfront and ferry terminal, Waterfront Coffee Co. has been serving hot coffee since 1996. The fact they serve one of Seattle’s best coffee roasters, Caffe Vita, makes it all the better. Also does light food, including ice cream.

— Herald staff