Venture Coffee

Venture Coffee

Description on  Venture Coffee’s website: After taking over a small coffee shop called Java Bean in 2016, Maria Beck spent years honing her vision for the perfect neighborhood cafe that would bring together the unique personality of the Pacific Northwest and her culture of Danish Hygge. With the innovative mind of an engineer, a body supported by a dedicated team, and a soul driven by a passion for people, Venture Coffee Company was finally born in 2019.

Neighborhood:  Ballard

Address:5819 24th Ave NW, Seattle, WA 98107

Music Playing: Put A Light On – The Generationals

What we ate/drank: Cortado,   Hot Mamas breakfast sandwich on a jalapeño cheddar bagel.

Comments:  The last time we visited this location it was called, Java Bean. We had a friend in town who was staying at an Airbnb close by. She asked to meet up and catch up at Cafe Besalu, but it was closed, so she saw and suggested a cafe next door that was open, Java Bean.

It was the one and only time we went to Java Bean. My recollection was that it was dark and felt dated-massive chalkboard menu, refrigerator display case, a huge hand painted mural of Mt Rainier(?), carpeted floors. It also had some quirky details like a stove in the middle of the space that was on a stone platform, a greeting card stand and the type of sofa you might find in your great grandma’s house. Let’s just say, you knew it had a very eccentric owner.

I can’t recall how Venture Coffee was brought to our attention, but it took awhile to put 2 and 2 together and figured out it was the old Java Bean location.

The transformation feels like the previous owner was a older person who liked the way Java Bean looked and didn’t care what anybody thought. That’s how they liked it and if people didn’t like a stove in the middle of the space and blue carpet, tough, they can go somewhere else. It feels at some point, the previous owner said, “I had enough with this business! I’m turning Java Bean over to my hip granddaughter.” And the new owner made some minor tweaks and made into a totally transformed space.

Venture Coffee is now bright and airy. Natural wood counter/tables. Garage style doors that open during warmer weather. No more carpet. The antlers on the wall stayed from Java Bean, but it feels like it fits in with the framed photos of elk(their logo) and wilderness. I believe the brown leather couch is also something from Java Bean, but it fits in with the rest of the decor. There are nice touches such as the ice tub full of bottle and canned drinks instead of the normal fridge, the old fashioned water jug, antlers, the steel orb hanging lights. Just the right amount of plants /succulents.

The place probably fits about 35 people inside but some areas are pretty tight.  There are also a few outdoor seats in front and on the side.

They appear to have their own beans. They have a small amount of pastries and breakfast sandwiches. I had the Cortado along with a Hot Mama sandwich which had bacon, cheese, spinach, egg and Mama Lil’s peppers. And you know I’m a sucker for Mama Lil’s-I’ve mentioned it as an ingredient in my blog posts-Toulouse Petit, Porkchop & Co., Il Corvo – Best Pasta in Seattle, Morsel vs Biscuit & Bean – The Battle of Seattle’s Best Biscuit Sandwich. You have the choice of getting this on brioche or bagel. I chose a jalapeño cheddar bagel.

Venture Coffee definitely has that neighborhood hangout vibe. While we were there,  it seems most of the patrons are regulars and on a first name basis with the workers.  There were people reading on their kindles, people reading newspapers, two people having business meeting  and two fellows conversing in sign language. The word that comes to mind is comfort.  Reminds me a lot of   Lighthouse Roasters , Preserve and Gather and Cloud City Coffee in that respect

Ratings(1-5)

Favorite Thing: The Hot Mama sandwich

Atmosphere:  4.75

Service: 4.75

Food Options: 4.75

Overall: 4.75

Eavedropping  Convo:Two guys talking. One was complaining about his wife/girlfriend(?)

It’s ridiculous she doesn’t want to put food in microwave because she thinks it kills nutrients. Seriously when it’s 3:00 in the morning who cares about nutrients being zapped from god damned frozen French fries! I told her, “I’m drunk! I’m starving! I want fucking fries right the fuck now!

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• Part 5 – Best Seattle Coffee Shops for Food Options, Friendliest Service