Seemor
5 Stones Coffee CoB-Worth Trying
8102 161st Avenue Northeast, Redmond, WA 98052
· Coffee shop
· 4.5/5 Google (1372 reviews)
Takeout · Outdoor seating
Excellent specialty coffee and creative signature drinks with tasty toasts, but expect inconsistent service speed, occasional cleanliness lapses, and peak-time noise.
Why it gets a B- for overall quality
5 Stones Coffee Co delivers solid specialty coffee with strong espresso craft and signature drinks that justify repeat visits, but quality fluctuates noticeably between shifts and locations, and service reliability wavers during rush periods. The warm, laptop-friendly atmosphere appeals to regulars, though peak-hour waits and occasional cleanliness lapses temper the experience. Worth visiting for the standout cappuccinos and pour overs, with expectations adjusted for variable execution.
Restaurant Summary
The room feels warm and bustling, a neighborhood spot where laptops hum and baristas chat while shots pull. Reviewers rave about the espresso craft and signatures—one guest called the Cafe Stefano and honey-cinnamon latte "possibly the best of our trip." Peak times can get noisy and crowded, and a few diners reported drinks waiting unannounced on the counter. The culinary approach leans elevated traditional coffee with creative twists: think cinnamon and orange spritz, maple-sweet cold brew riffs, and a housemade chocolate-hazelnut sauce. Most days the beans and milk work shine, with latte art and single-origin pour overs earning praise. That said, consistency is mixed—some mention lukewarm mochas or a cappuccino lacking foam—so expectations should allow for rush-hour variability. For families, this is kid-friendly enough: simple pastries, peanut butter or Nutella toast, and sweet-leaning lattes are easy wins. Seating can be tight on weekends, and the toast line sometimes cuts off later in the day, so earlier visits offer the best shot at warm food and calmer service.
At a Glance
- Standout signature drinks like Cafe Stefano and honey-cinnamon latte
- Friendly baristas and laptop-friendly vibe with Wi-Fi and outlets
- Waits of 15-25 minutes at peak times and occasional wrong orders
- Cleanliness lapses noted on ceilings and bathroom
- Toast service may stop earlier than posted, especially on busy or understaffed days
What Sets It Apart
- signature_flavor_profiles_with_orange_spritz
- housemade_nutella_sauce_mocha
- single_origin_pour_over_options
- toast_program_with_savory_and_sweet
What People Love
- Expressive espresso and creamy milk texture
- Creative signatures with balanced sweetness
- Friendly, upbeat counter interactions
- Laptop-ready space with reliable Wi-Fi
Points of Concern
- Long waits and queue management issues during weekend and morning rush
- Occasional temperature and foam inconsistency on mochas and cappuccinos
- Intermittent cleanliness concerns in ceiling fixtures and restroom
- Toast program cutoffs and unpredictable food availability late-day
- Review patterns show signs of variability in service quality which may not reflect quieter off-peak experiences
Service & Dining Experience
Service StyleCounter With Seating
Average Cost$18-$25 per person
ReservationsNot required
What to Order
- Add alternative milk only if needed to avoid the +$1.15 charge; consider syrup add-on sparingly to keep sweetness balanced
- For food, the Greek Bowl or turkey pesto toast offers more substance than sweet toasts if you want a fuller breakfast
Perfect For
- A focused coffee break with a flavorful signature drink
- Casual remote work session on a weekday afternoon
- Quick breakfast with toast and a cappuccino off-peak
- Grabbing beans or a sweet pastry to-go
Location Insights
Area: Central Redmond hub with tech workers, commuters, and locals; casual daytime energy suited to coffee breaks and laptop work.
Safety: Generally safe with steady daytime foot traffic; occasional customer concerns about parking enforcement in nearby garage.
Nearby: Near offices, apartments, and Redmond Town Center area; mix of boutique retail and services with other cafes nearby.
RedmondRedmond is best known as the home of Microsoft and other tech companies, attracting a large population of tech workers and their families. The dining scene is diverse, ranging from casual eateries to upscale restaurants, catering to a mix of professionals and suburban families. The area is generally safe, accessible, and family-oriented with a growing emphasis on modern dining experiences.
Education HillEducation Hill is a residential enclave within Redmond characterized by quiet streets, good schools, and parks. Dining options here are more limited and tend to be neighborhood-focused, with casual and family-friendly restaurants predominating.
Practical Information
Opening Hours
Monday07:00–17:00
Tuesday07:00–17:00
Wednesday07:00–17:00
Thursday07:00–17:00
Friday07:00–17:00
Saturday07:00–17:00
Sunday07:00–17:00
Available: Takeout, Outdoor seating
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