I have been practically begging my team to let me write this Slice N’ Sip, simply because I just had to brag about this amazing cafe that I had the pleasure of trying a few months ago.
As someone who has always struggled to work from home, it is always important to me that if I am working from anywhere other than the office, I find a place that suits my needs by offering a quiet atmosphere, great wifi, and even better coffee. When I had to fly over to Seattle to celebrate with my bestie Emily for a mutual friend’s baby shower, I knew I would be working from Seattle for at least one of the days.
I always look forward to the opportunity to visit my friend Emily. With her adventurous spirit and extensive travels, including a year-long trip in Mexico (not to mention a few shorter trips since), she’s cultivated a deep connection to the country. Mexico is more than a destination for her—it’s a second home, especially for her boyfriend Danny, who was born and raised in Mexico City. Needless to say, with their combined knowledge of Mexican culture and cuisine, they’re the ultimate guides to all things Mexico.
All that being said, when Emily suggested we work from a local Mexican-inspired cafe, I knew it was gonna be good. Emily and I packed our laptops and chargers and took off on the short walk to Valentina’s Cafe, located in the heart of the Ballard neighborhood. Valentina’s Cafe welcomed us with open arms and a charming ambiance. As we walked in laughter filled the air as friends reunited and locals gathered. In the air was the smell of Mexican chocolate and freshly brewed coffee. All of this while still maintaining an air of calm that made it the perfect spot to both work and unwind. Despite the bustling crowd, the baristas greeted us with warm smiles and prompt service, adding to the cafe’s inviting atmosphere.
As we settled in, I couldn’t resist ordering the Habanero Mocha Espresso—a fiery concoction of red pepper-infused Mexican chocolate and steamed milk, perfectly suited to my adventurous palate. Emily opted for the Valencia Mocha Espresso—a comforting blend of Mexican chocolate and a hint of orange. Her drink arrived promptly and it was incredible. They have some pretty unique blends of coffee and tea that can be found on their website. I can’t wait to try them all.
A slight hiccup happened when my own coffee took longer than expected to arrive, only for me to realize it had been ready all along—I simply missed the call. Despite my telling the baristas that I would be fine drinking it cold, the staff insisted on remaking it to ensure it was a warm cup of coffee, even sweetening the deal with a complimentary pastry (which I couldn’t argue with). It was also one of the best cups of coffee I have ever had! I highly recommend it to anyone looking for a spicy adventure.
Oh, and a pro tip: if you ever find yourself at Valentinas Cafe, do yourself a favor and check out the bathroom. Trust me, it’s an experience worth having. Also if you happen to visit in February they serve a Croquette Latte—latte with condensed milk, topped with milk foam made with strawberry cream, and it is to die for.
Valentina’s Cafe has swiftly become my top choice for a productive work session whenever I find myself in Seattle. I can’t wait to catch you all there!
Cheers,
Erin
