Trabant Coffee & Chai

really good coffee and great chai!
super friendly barrista
super slow wifi and dingey space
but it’s open really late (midnight?)
and lots of room and an upstairs to do work etc

I had a very good Mexican Mocha (they were out of regular) that came in a pint glass with a floral design in the foam. The savory scone was delicious but probably would have been even better warm. Went back the next day and had a bacon and onion scone and it was the best I have ever had.

Trabant is not one of my top coffee shops of choice. However, it is one of the very few places that are open late and have adequate seating and outlets that are conducive to late night and long hours of studying.
Coffee is pretty good, the baristas definitely get that right. I also like that there are many options for hot chocolate and mochas! The drinks are a tad more expensive than other coffee places but if you’re trying to camp out at Trabant for a few hours it’s worth it.
Not my favorite place because the atmosphere doesn’t quite jive with me. Eh, probably personal preference.

Super friendly baristas and good coffee to boot. Worth a shot (get it… Like a shot of espresso…)

Super friendly and helpful staff who are serious about coffee. A few great beans to choose from and a Clover machine make for a fantastic cup of coffee. Had some tasty baked goods our first time through, but when we came back a few days later (dragging many more people in to check it out), the scones had not been made yet that morning. *sad trombone*

Full disclosure: the #1 reason I wanted to check out Trabant was because I grew up with them everywhere in Hungary. Such a cute car, a symbol of the working class — I was excited to see it show up in the U.S., even in an unexpected context like a coffee shop.
Like the coffee here a lot, and the scones are fantastic. Dinging one star for pretty limited savory food items and staff that seems to be playing it way too cool.

Does the job!

I was really hungry so I wanted some food items but they were all out of sandwiches and soup so I only got a cheese bagel with cream cheese. I was hungry so it was good regardless of the ridiculous price. I later got some spicy chai with apple juice and it was also pricy but really unique. I am guessing it was the sugar from the apple juice, but it wasn’t spicy at all. But it got me satisfied so I’m okay with it. The place very chill and I liked sitting upstairs with good internet.

Best espresso I’ve had in the U-​district, if not in all of Seattle. Smooth and tangy. Reminds me of my favorite espresso shop on a side street in Tübingen, Germany (Hanseatica). That’s saying a lot. Never had their machiatto, so that will be the real test.
They also kill it on the clover. Starbucks is wasting that technology.

Great place to study if you’re a student. The noise level is low. They have enough room to hang out and study if you must. I got carmel latte. It was delicious. Enjoyed this place. Will recommend.

Really yummy! The spicy chai was excellent. I got it with skim milk and it was creamy and good with no extra calories — a real treat. The blueberry scone was huge and very tasty. That scone lasted all day. Very close to UW campus. I will definitely be back for more.

The Fog Lifter is Awesome. Highly recommend it. Friendly service and very tasteful music. I’ll be back!

Reliable internet and a good environment for lightly studying and working. Lots of outlets for laptops and a good amount of seating, though I was there on a Sunday, might be busier on weekdays.
The drinks were a bit expensive for what they were. I got a salted caramel latte which was a bit on the sweeter side but was still really good. The latte art was nice, and the ambience was good, but I didn’t think it was a coffee shop that was out of the ordinary in the area. Didn’t get a chance to try the food this time around, but maybe next time!

Very friendly people here! It was pretty quiet when I stepped in for a coffee. My Americano came out quickly and it was excellent. I do not know what coffee they use but it had a great flavor, almost fruity, and very fresh. Plenty of seating available — score a spot by the window and watch the people on the Ave.

I’m updating because despite my mediocre first review, this place has become my go-​to place for studying and getting a great, inventive cup of coffee or tea. They always have really inventive but tasty hot and cold drinks on the menu, and these new drinks change out often. I visited earlier in the summer and tried a drink that combined lemonade and iced coffee. I tried it out of morbid curiosity and I thought it was going to be gross but it was fantastic! Plus they tend to have a lot of tables and chairs open, which is great compared to how crazy-​crowded other coffee shops can get. I love their music selection and their baristas are always super friendly and helpful when it comes to selecting a drink.

Had a tasty latte here, a caramel breve to be exact. The coffee was reallllyy good and strong too. I could feel the blood vessels in my brain constricting after the first sip and I had to restrain myself from downing the whole thing because it was delicious!
I can imagine getting A LOT of work done after downing one of these (and then collapsing into a puddle of post-​caffeine sloth mode).

Cute location. Chill. Friendly service. Great atmosphere.
I got the BSSDT (bacon, spinach, sun-​dried tomato) sandwich which was heavenly. The bread was perfectly toasted and the only thing that would’ve made it better would be if they added more spinach.
My friend got the egg and cheese breakfast sandwich and thought it was killer.
An added plus: our barista said hella. Made this norcal girl feel right at home. Thanks Trabant.

The service and overall atmosphere is always a hit or miss but oh, do I love me one of their spicy chai tea lattes! It’s a treat when you find a Seattle coffee shop that not only shakes up the typical coffee bar menu but prepares their own homemade syrups and drink recipes.
I’m also a huge fan of their soy latte. The best one I’ve ever heard, in fact.
If you’re in the mood for a bite to eat, try the BGB: Bacon, goat cheese, and basil grilled on raisin-​pecan bread. If you’re a lover of salty/​sweet combos like I am, then this is right up your alley!

I practically lived here my junior of college, so I know this place down to exactly which outlet plug does and doesn’t work.
I also really like the atmosphere– dark and grungy as others have said. There is always somewhere to sit as there are two stories. I am really surprised by the customer service reviews as I’ve never had a problem with them.
All in all, lovely café, lovely coffee, lovely baristas, would definitely recommend to uw students for a go-​to study spot!

A solid 4 Stars. The atmosphere is dark and grungy… perfect for the U District vibe. My eyes took in dark blue walls with metal accents. There are 2 levels of seating… with lots of room to find a good spot to sit & unwind. I ordered a Soy Mocha and was pleasantly surprised by the rich full bodied taste. Decent music selection added to the experience.