Ampersand Cafe on Alki - Seattle, Washington

Joshua F.

A very pleasant little cafe--I ordered chai tea and a bagel sandwich, and I was not disappointed with either. It was not the best food I have had in seattle, and the space inside is rather cramped, but the day was dreary and drenched, and I simply wanted a warm place to go and eat and gather my thoughts. This place absolutely provided that. West Seattle has many cafes situated along the beach catering to tourists, as it seems that West Seattle as a whole has at least as many tourists looking for a calm nautical escape as it does every day residents. If you are here for the day and simply want a space to escape from the rain, I recommend coming here.

Danielle U.

This place is terrible! I waited 45 minutes for a breakfast sandwich. After 30 I asked how much longer only to find they had given my food to someone else and had me just sitting there. Then they proceeded to take another 15 minutes to make a new one, and told me they were busy and I had to wait. When I complained about how long I had waited they told me to go to Starbucks if I didn’t like it. WHAT?! Does the owner know they speak to customers like that? Finally got my Oder and it was wrong anyway but I left. I also watched them give another man a bag of food that was not his and when he brought it back they blamed another customer. So if you want terrible service, with a rude face, and to be blamed for their mistakes (also the coffee tastes like water) go here. If you want good food and service, take THEIR advice and try Starbucks.

Kara A.

I have enjoyed every visit! Great coffee, tasty food, and a ton of really good sandwich options. I love that this cafe has small pastries AND actual sandwiches - everything you need! They also have a really large drink menu, with tons of special drinks, syrups, and alternative milks. I enjoyed an Oahu Coconut Cold Brew, and my partner had a Salted Caramel Breve. I love stopping here any time I am at the beach!

Naomi V.

I recently had a staycation on Alki and Ampersand was my go-to morning matcha place. The morning beachy vibes are immaculate, the staff is friendly, and the homemade marshmallow syrup is 👩🏻‍🍳😘🤌🏼! I also loved the rose water matcha. Be sure to get there early for gluten free foodies- I did not make it early enough to try any. Also they close at 2. This is definitely a morning place.

Steve M.

Restaurant prices with fast food service.

Parking is on the street. The entrance is quirky, with you being oddly directed to open a door and order on one side, then having to close and walk to the other side of the store to pick up the coffee and pastries/foods.

We got some mini donuts, that were thin and not great. Got a breakfast sandwich with the same issue with lacking bacon in a bacon biscuit.

Midas 3-stars for food and service and the atmosphere that is better for grab and go situations.

Ace C.

Lovely people serving lovely food. Great way to start the day

Aubrey B.

Gross! Place is a mess, looks like a disaster, rude baristas. They make you order outside and wait in the cold and rain. Why? “That’s just how it is” I had asked the barista if I could come inside because it was cold. Bad ownership clearly. Also very expensive for drinks.

Amanda A.

All in all unimpressed. I wanted to grab a nice cup of coffee on a cool rainy Seattle afternoon. Did some looking around for a coffee shop that is open later in the day with indoor seating, and real coffee mugs available for dine in customers.
Apparently Ampersand is not currently allowing indoor seating (or even anyone entering the building) and it looks like it’s been that way for some time. When I ordered I asked if coffee mugs were available and was told no. I got my coffee and went and sat outside. Less than 5 min later I was told they were closing and needed to lock up the chairs. I asked if they realized that Google shows that they are open until 5 pm and was told they are short staffed. (It was 3pm)
Coffee wasn’t bad but definitely not the experience I was looking for.

So much for that