Caffe Felice

Wish I had placed bets on this place closing, I would have won that one easy.

Its no suprise to me that they are closed. Their «menu» and signage was very tempary. They had a signs on their tables that reminded you to make sure you purchased a beverage every 2 hours or so, or get out.
I’m sorry your business didn’t last, but perhaps if you invested in more than just a big space, like say… making sure people ENJOYED coming here, than you might have got something.
In this day and age, with SBC’s (my fav. BTW) and Starbucks, etc. You HAVE to stand out. Host a knitting night or something!

I have high expectations for coffee since I was a barista for 5 years, but I love Caffe Felice. Delicious espresso shots, velvety steamed milk even with café art on top. I’m normally just a drip coffee or an Americano drinker but when I come here, I make exceptions. It’s a great place to read, get homework or work done too. Kelly is great!

With all the recent snow we have gotten, I was getting cabin fever. I decided to escape my apartment and walk over to Caffe Felice. I walked in and young girl came out from the back to make my coffee. She did not say more than two words to me — I understand that it is snowing and you do not want to be there, but you could at least muster a hello!
They have a tiny little menu. I am guessing that they did not have any sandwiches or baked goods because of the snow. I ordered a peppermint mocha — it was the same price that I would have paid for something at Starbucks. She did put a cute little heart in the foam, so that was nice. The coffee itself tasted great, but I could not taste any peppermint. If you are going to charge me extra for peppermint syrup it better taste like a freaking candy cane!
The café is pretty cute. I really liked that they had large windows for me to watch the snow fall. I also liked that they had comfy armchairs for me to curl up in and read my book. I also noticed that they had electrical outlets every couple feet, which all those laptop users will appreciate. I did not like their choice of music — it was being played pretty loudly and with the vaulted ceilings there was a loud echo. This was coupled to another patron singing along. I just wanted to read my book and drink my coffee in peace!
I will probably give Caffe Felice another try since it is so close, but I could just as easily go to Starbucks! =]

I was really hoping for a 4 or perhaps a 5 star to rate this week. It has been a real bad week for customer service including being told by the bookkeeper in our accountants office that she didn’t finish our taxes because, «She had other things to do.» WOW — how often do you hear that from a service organization? Caffee Felice made it with no problems.
It is in «The Landing» in Renton and had all my requirements for a Coffee shop. First (and probably 2^nd and 3^rd) of all — sugar free almond as opposed to Starbucks that doesn’t believe in any almond. Next the coffee was good, the service outstanding and they even take the 5 seconds and draw the fern on top of your drink. (A little touch that to me says — I care). I felt the atmosphere was great and comfortable and it was a real nice place to stop for a mid-​afternoon break and relax. I also had an almond croissant (OK — I admit it — I love almond if you haven’t figured it out — Renee makes me a special almond/​chocolate/​whip cream roll for my birthday — but I digress. LOL)
Definitely a place to stop if you are in the area — OH the almond croissant was great.

The coffee is good but they definitely could use some work on their pastries. This place is great for meetings or working, it’s very roomy and they have nice seating. They have free wi-​fi but you have to ask the person at the register for the password.
The only thing I didn’t like about this place is that they charge you extra for soy!

It’s not bad. It has high ceilings and lots of seating. You have to get a password from the barista for wireless, which shows it’s secure. I had an iced chai latte that was alright, not the best I’ve had or the cheapest for what it’s worth. The speakers seemed a little blared, which was a little distracting. Overall, just alright.

I can see myself stopping here in the future, it’s just a block off Logan on the South Lake Washington bike loop (which I will be doing regularly between now and RAGBRAI). I didn’t see a bike rack around. We locked to a light pole in the shrubbery.
Lots of seating, some local juices, bananas, little sandwiches and a few baked goods. Nothing gluten-​free except the banana.
Awesome non-​dairy choices: soy, rice AND almond milk!
They use DaVinci chai which I haven’t had before and I thought it was tasty (they gave me a taste) — not as sweet as Oregon and not as spicy as Morning Glory.
They also have a selection of loose leaf teas.
I had a latte, it was decent, not bitter, with the almond milk which was good. My hubby is the mocha connoisseur, he said it was fine, as was his baked item.

I’m not crazy about the espresso here (americano). It’s ok. If you prefer an espresso that is a bit lighter, more nutty than chocolatey, you might like this. Comes across as having a bit more caffeine than others I’ve had even though it’s lighter in body. Limited food options. Nice furniture and art. Very airy but I wouldn’t say warm.

Great place to hang out and relax. I love that they provide free wi-​fi for customers. I usually just get their Americano, but it’s SO good!
The staff is really friendly and so is the atmosphere.

First of all, the coffee here (which is why you should go anyway) is out of this world fantastic! I ordered a triple tall Americano and it was the tastiest coffee I’ve had in literally YEARS. They use Café Vita coffee (which is an excellent choice) and they (gasp) actually pull and tamp their shots! (Unlike baristas at Starbucks and Seattle Best, who just push a button).
That said, I was sorely disappointed in the atmosphere of the place. It just felt a little cold and uninviting. And while I didn’t expect a full menu, I did expect a little more than cold sandwiches for sale, without the option to heat them up.
If I were rating this place for coffee alone, it would most certainly be a 5 star place. But, I was hoping for a coffee hangout and Caffe Felice has the room to accommodate many. With that said, the suggested changes I would make are:
1) Have a condiment stand where patrons can add their own cream and sugar. I felt odd having to ask about cream (having just been handed a coffee cup with no lid and no offer for any). When asked, I was handed a Costo-​sized cream container to pour my own (which is fine, but I felt like I was rushed –my own deal– and I only had one chance to make it perfect).
2) Have some newspapers, magazines, or books available for those who are there solo.
3) Make the place a little more homier. It felt almost sterile and that most likely wasn’t the vibe they are going for. Maybe it’s because the tables were so far away from each other, or the fact that the ceilings re VERY high. More plants might help.
4) Engage with customers. The staff was pleasant, but not very welcoming; the barista seemed almost distracted despite the fact that I was the only customer ordering coffee at that moment.
5) Offer additional snack options and offer to heat up the cold sandwiches.

Caffe Felice is a great place to have a cup of coffee and hang out or study. Their staff is friendly and the coffee is great. The ambiance is very calm and the décor is cute and trendy. My vanilla latte is always as fantastic as ever. It’s a nice break from the corporate brainwash that is Starbucks.
I also love that they have italian sodas! :)

OK, so I figure 4mths and 12 visits later is enough time to come to some sort of an opinion on the place!
Actually, to be honest at first I wasn’t even sure if I would go back. It was lacking in atmosphere, the cozy coffee house feel that I usually crave was not there. But on a second visit, I have to say I really appreciated the calm non cluttered environment, one which I really felt relaxed. I now frequent there weekly and its become my local little escape… I love it!
I also love that they don’t have it set up with a huge area for kids toys, just a few books in the corner. This way you are guaranteed that your relaxing coffee break wont be inturupted with kids crying or running around! (Which for a mom escaping her own kids while at school is a plus!)
I LOVE the owners who work the café. They are the ones that take the orders and make the coffee, a real hands on ma and pop place… love that!
But why I keep going back is the coffee… AMAZING! Seriously some of the best in the area! And is the best «sit-​down» coffee in Renton! I have tried a number of their roasts and fufu coffees. They get great crema and a very rich velvety smooth espresso. I am some what of a coffee snob and appreciate good coffee. They do it «right» here!
The only thing lacking is the pastry selection and freshness. Its real hit or miss, some days they have a home made looking cake… yum! others its brought in stuff that has been there for a few days… eeew! crossing my fingers they include more variety in foods, light snacks or soups would be great too… hint hint!
Overall… I Love this place! If you love coffee you MUST try this place, you wont regret!!!

As a customer who visits Caffe Felice frequently, I observed three customers who were very rude to the staff. One individual requested the password to the WIFI. However the password was not provided because individual had been sitting at a table with a two other friends for 3 hours and had not purchased anything. When the staff explained the reason why customers are required to purchase something in order to receive the password, the customer became irate and told the staff «I hope your business fails.» The individual also stated, «I come here now and then. News flash to the individual, just because you purchased something the other day, or last week doesn’t give you the right to have free access to the WIFI.
I wish customers (especially those I mentioned above) would understand the following:
1. Rent isn’t free; you’re frequenting a business
2. Rent is paid based on the revenue Caffe Felice receives
3. Electricity isn’t free
4. WIFI isn’t free
5. Don’t bring a picnic
6. RESPECT the owners intent
7. Etc, etc and so on
Kudos to the staff for mentioning to said customers about coffee house etiquette. Yes there is such a thing as Coffee House Etiquette, Bing It, or Google it; you’d be surprised what you can learn.
Despite the fact that said individuals made a scene, they embarrassed themselves more than they embarrassed the staff at Caffe Felice.
Free Loaders Beware!

Chai with almond milk: 5 stars
Cappuccino, breve, dry: 5 stars
Kelly’s hat and tattoos: 5 stars
Ron’s Mr. Fantastic hair and smile: 5 stars
Right across from my job: 5 stars
Seating and service: 5 stars
Russian judge rates: 5 stars
OHHHMYYYGAWWD!!! Caffe Felice has CRUSHED the competition!

Perhaps I’m bias since I’ve been craving good coffee for the last 5 days! Coffee here is fantastic! The service amazing! Looks like The Landings fail to attract large cap such as Starbucks; I’m glad it did not, we need more of these family owned java sensation. — The coffee and espresso are crafted with genuine care and given with a sincerely smile. Since it’s tucked away, it is quiet hence conversation can take place. This coffee shop is a winner!

Caffe Felice,
I’m begging you to update the music you play in your café. You have everything else right but the smooth jazz/​elevator music/​Christian Rock is not working.
Here’s a tip, use
. For $ 36 a year you can create your own station or use one of their programmed ones. There’s an Alternative/​Indie Rock station, a Classical Station and tons of others that would work so well for you.
Sincerely,
Your Loyal Customer even through the horrible music

Came by there again and since the last visit, they have greatly improved the way the interior looks with more light and artwork. Seems to be more seats as well with wifi offered. The menu for food is still quite limited and could use some more delicious pastries or something. The prices for java are reasonable and 99% are priced under $ 4.00. The sandwich, however, is about $ 7 and that seems high. A star bump based on improved interior.

I went to this place twice last week because it was SOOOOOO good! I get my usual vanilla latte and it’s one of the best I’ve had. I work downtown so I’ve tried lots of coffee shops there and I also go to a lot of coffee shops in the Wallingford area. I tried many and I’m so happy that FINALLY I don’t have to travel so far for a good espresso. I like this place better than the Café Vita shop in Seward Park!
I’ve met 4 baristas here and they are all very friendly and nice. I really like the atmosphere too. It’s really spacious so you won’t feel like someone is reading over your shoulder if you are just there working on your laptop. They have some nice comfy chairs too.
I guess I fell in love with this place not only because they have really good lattes but because they have Fuel Pie! I’ve only seen that in Capital Hill or Wallingford so I’m super excited about that. :D
I’m a huge pastry fan so I guess i would like to see more baked good selections. Oh they also sell really good mint biscottis. Mmmm!

Props to Caffe Felice — I’ve been here twice so far (I’m even writing this review while I sip on a tasty rice latte seated at one of their many tables). Both times the staff has been very friendly and both times my rice latte has been DELICIOUS. The space is spacious and airy — which I happen to like. Unlike many coffee shops you don’t feel cramped for space. Although the space is huge it has surprisingly warm and cozy atmosphere.
There are tables and comfy chairs spread out throughout the place. Great place to hang out with your friends before/​after catching a movie or you can tuck yourself away in a quiet corner to read. Glad I found this place as I’m going back to school next week and this place will be great spot for studying.
The overhead music selection needs some work but it’s at a low enough volume that it can be tuned out.
Aside from the fact that this place took over an old *bucks location I’m not sure how or why other reviewers/​haters compared this space to *bucks. The coffee at Caffe Felice is far better than anything you could get at *bucks. Haven’t tried the food (wheat allergy) but both times I’ve been they appear to have a great selection of sweet treats and sandwiches.
Pros:
Great Coffee (Vita)
Friendly Staff
Very reasonable prices
Free Wi-​Fi
Tons of outlets for laptops
Great place to study
Cons:
Music selection could use a little work.
Two thumbs up Caffe Felice — glad to have a decent independent coffee shop in Renton.