Espresso Splendido

These guys have the tastiest Americanos I’ve ever had: delicious, with a rich crema and a malty, not-​bitter taste. Fantastic coffee!
The place is tiny and it’s not really a hangout kind of spot, but if you want the best cup of coffee around, I haven’t found better than this. They also carry pastries from Le Fournil, the terrific French bakery on Eastlake, so come hungry.

This is a perfect neighborhood place to stop and get a latte on your way downtown or up to 45^th to get on I-​5.
I found this place when I was living just up Stone Way and so it was always easy to hop over and get a coffee before I caught the 16 to downtown.
In my opinion, the flavor of the coffee is great, not too burnt and not too milky. The milk foam is always very well done and thick. The baristas are always friendly too.
Even if it’s not convenient, stop by once when you are going up Stone Way for a latte, it will be worth your time.

After driving by this café a thousand times, I decided today was day to stop in. It always looked nice and inviting, but either I already had my morning fix or I spotted it AFTER I drove by it already. D’oh!
Today, I made sure to slow down, spot the red awning and pulled over on the asphalt washboard that is Stone Way N. Splendido is hidden behind a mature tree, but look for the awning or the table/​chairs on the sidewalk.
Not much for chatting with an unknown barista on this morning (case of the Mondays), I was taking a bit of a gamble. Luckily, he was very friendly but not chatty at all. Good pull and actually handed me the cream without me having to ask.
I’ll be heading back very soon. Don’t expect a normal café atmosphere, as Splendido is about 150 square feet. There are 2 chairs inside and a table outside. That’s pretty much it, from what I saw.
** UPDATE **
Stone Ave N is no longer a washboard. They ripped it all up and paved it all down. Nice.

Without a doubt the best espresso and the friendliest morning coffee shop in Seattle. Simon, the owner, uses Lighthouse beans, which are the highest quality beans you can buy. But I would assert they do a much better job at Splendido making espresso than at Lighthouse.
Simon is also the friendliest barista/​owner I know. He’ll remember your name and your drink, and is a great conversationalist. While there isn’t much seating room, and it isn’t open in the afternoon, the coffee keeps folks coming back. They also have a good espresso card system, where you can buy 10 drinks and get two free. I won’t drink a double short latte anywhere else!