| Leon Coffee House | |
|---|---|
 | |
 The restaurant's interior, 2024 | |
 Interactive map of Leon Coffee House | |
| Restaurant information | |
| Established | 2021 (2021) |
| Owner | Lupe Chavez |
| Food type | Mexican |
| Location | 1309 Northeast 45th Street,Seattle, King, Washington, 98105, United States |
| Coordinates | 47°39′40″N122°18′50″W / 47.6612°N 122.3139°W /47.6612; -122.3139 |
| Website | leoncoffeehouse |
Leon Coffee House is acoffee shop inSeattle'sUniversity District, in theU.S. state ofWashington. Established in 2021, the family-owned business is among the city's onlyMexican coffee shops and has a colorful interior with various backdrops and decorations. The menu includes coffee andespresso drinks,horchata and other varieties oflattes, as well aschurros,flan,nachos,pastries,tamales, andwaffles, among other food items.
Leon Coffee House is a family-owned Mexicancoffee shop next toNeptune Theatre, on Northeast 45th Street,[1] inSeattle'sUniversity District. The lower level is used more for dining and the upper level is designed for studying and working.[2] The bright and colorful interior has various backdrops, a life-sized "Barbie box",[1] a crystalchandelier, a floral indoor swing,Frida Kahlo paintings, neon signs, a rainbow staircase, and umbrellas of various colors hanging from the ceiling.[2][3] According toEater Seattle, Leon has "a vibe that's both decadent and whimsical".[4]
In addition to coffee and espresso drinks, the menu includeshorchata, taro, and velvetlattes, as well asmochas and drinks withmatcha.[3][4] Some of the restaurant's drinks featurelatte art depicting animals such as bears, cat, and rabbits,[1] as well as characters likeSpongeBob SquarePants.[5] Food options includechurros,flan,[1]granola,nachos,pastries, porktamales, sandwiches, toasts, andwaffles.[2][3] Leon has a station with watermelon mint water for patrons.[3]
Owner Lupe Chavez opened Leon in late October[4] or November 2021.[6] The business is among Seattle's only Mexican coffee shops.[2]
In 2022, Leon participated in the U District Partnership's first annual Cherry Blossom Festival, serving cherry-filledcroissants, cherry-flavoredItalian soda, and a cherry mocha with latte art.[7] Leon offered drink specials for the same event in 2023.[8] In 2024, the business was featured on thePBS seriesThe Nosh with Rachel Belle (episode "When Food Is Art").[9]
In 2023, Piper Davidson ofThe Daily of the University of Washington gave Leon ratings of 2.5 for "study-ability", 2.75 for affordability, 4.0 for quality, and 3.1 overall, each on a scale of 5.0. Davidson called the restaurant "vibrant" and "any millennial Instagram influencer's fantasy", opining: "I was charmed by the Leon Coffee House. While it may not be the most studious atmosphere, it is certainly a wonderful place to treat yourself."[2]
Jeffrey Martin ofSeattle Refined called Leon "a quintessential Seattle coffee shop — with a twist" and "a wonderland of coffee, food, and Instagram-worthy ambiance". He complimented the atmosphere and the flavored water, and wrote, "This place is seriously incredible. Super friendly staff, great ambiance, plenty of space for any need. For me, this is a must-go-to coffee shop."[3]
