Gloom Coffee brightens up Seattle's Pioneer Square
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Pour overs and croissants? Count me in. Photo: Melissa Santos/Axios
I'm an aging dinosaur when it comes to coffee. I typically would prefer a dark roasted espresso over a fruity pour over — but Gloom in Pioneer Square has me rethinking all of that.
Zoom in: The roaster opened in the old Elm Coffee Roasters space late last month — and, contrary to its name, the new cafe is full of color and personality.
The Kenyan pour over I got there may have finally sold me on this form of drip coffee that I have often dismissed as too slow, too acidic or too expensive.
The vibe: Gloom isn't gloomy at all. It's run by a friendly team that fills the place with pleasant conversation — enough to set an affable mood without being a distraction if you need to work.
- I've been missing this kind of place in my life, as sleek marble-top spaceship cafes (that's a technical term) have dominated the scene in recent years.
- Gloom also serves pastries from The French Guys — which means an airy crumb and decadent fillings, packaged in croissants nearly as big as your head.
If you go: The pour overs at Gloom are incredibly well-balanced, but they're not cheap, typically ranging from $8-$12.
- If you stay to enjoy one, you usually get close to two cups of coffee from each, with the barista giving you the excess in a small glass carafe.
- They also have all the usual espresso drinks.
What's next: Gloom plans to roll out a menu of coffee-based nonalcoholic cocktails in the near future.
Stop by: 8am to 3pm Monday through Friday.
- 240 2nd Ave. S., Suite 103
