Pioneer Square, with its historic brick buildings and vibrant atmosphere, is home to a gem in Seattle’s celebrated coffee culture: Elm Coffee Roasters. For a decade, this micro-roastery, established in 2013 by Brendan Mullally, has been dedicated to sourcing and roasting exceptional coffee beans from across the globe, bringing a world of flavors to the Pacific Northwest. Elm Coffee Roasters’ minimalist flagship location in Pioneer Square is a testament to their focused approach, where the art of roasting and packaging takes center stage, alongside a welcoming space for customers to enjoy their expertly crafted brews.
Interior of Elm Coffee Roasters Pioneer Square Seattle, showcasing minimalist design and coffee bar
To understand more about Elm Coffee Roasters’ commitment to quality and their operational ethos, we spoke with Evan Downey, their roaster, trainer, and events coordinator.
Inside Elm Coffee Roasters: A Conversation with Evan Downey
Elm’s Appeal: A Barista’s Perspective
“I joined Elm in 2020,” Evan shared, reflecting on his journey to becoming part of the Elm team. “Even before working here, Elm was my go-to cafe. It’s truly ‘the barista’s cafe.’ The entire setup is incredibly functional and designed with the serious coffee lover in mind. Despite being a micro-roastery, it has a broad appeal within the coffee industry.” This speaks volumes about Elm’s dedication to quality and functionality, making it a respected name among coffee professionals.
Evan Downey from Elm Coffee Roasters in Pioneer Square, Seattle, standing next to coffee roasting equipment
The Charm of Compact Roasting
Elm Coffee Roasters’ Pioneer Square location features a notably compact roasting space. Evan highlighted this unique aspect as an advantage, stating, “People genuinely appreciate it. It’s a destination, especially for those in the coffee industry and for visitors. It adds an element of authenticity. We are actively involved in the process; we roast the coffee that our baristas serve right here. It’s a direct journey from roaster to cup. Customers enjoy being part of this transparent process.” This intimate setting allows for a unique connection between the roasting process and the customer experience, emphasizing the freshness and care that goes into every cup.
Exterior of Elm Coffee Roasters in Pioneer Square, Seattle, with a view of the street
Close-up of a La Marzocco espresso machine at Elm Coffee Roasters, Pioneer Square, Seattle
A perfectly brewed cortado at Elm Coffee Roasters in Pioneer Square, Seattle, served on a classic saucer
La Marzocco: A Classic Choice for Elm
When discussing espresso machines, Evan’s choice is clear: “La Marzocco. They’re a classic! A La Marzocco is a true workhorse. Globally recognized, and with roots right here in Seattle, it’s more than just a symbol of quality. Their machines consistently produce exceptional espresso. They are user-friendly, easy to dial in, and straightforward to adjust if needed. This universality is a testament to their legendary status, and I’m proud to represent that quality.” Elm Coffee Roasters’ use of La Marzocco machines underscores their commitment to delivering a top-tier coffee experience.
Customer Education: Expanding Coffee Horizons
Elm Coffee Roasters goes beyond serving exceptional coffee by offering cupping and brewing classes. Evan explains the importance of this customer education: “There’s significant interest, and we’re thrilled to provide it. We focus on modern, lighter roasting techniques and explore fascinating coffee processes that resonate with people. Customers come in with varying levels of knowledge, sometimes just knowing they enjoy Guatemalan coffee. Through our classes, they can refine their palates and discover flavors they might not easily encounter otherwise. Plus, it’s simply enjoyable! Many people participate purely for the experience.” By offering these classes, Elm Coffee Roasters fosters a deeper appreciation for specialty coffee and builds a community of informed coffee lovers.
The Ideal Cup: Evan’s Preference
Delving into personal preferences, we asked Evan to describe his ideal cup of coffee: “Currently, I’m drawn to anaerobic Colombian coffees, specifically fermented process coffees. My ideal cup would be sweet, with floral and fruit notes, but not overwhelmingly intense.” This insight into Evan’s taste highlights the nuanced and sophisticated coffee profiles that Elm Coffee Roasters aims to offer.
La Marzocco Linea PB espresso machine prominently featured at Elm Coffee Roasters in Seattle Pioneer Square location
Visit Elm Coffee Roasters in Pioneer Square
For those eager to experience Elm Coffee Roasters, they are located at 240 2nd Ave S #103 in Seattle, WA. Explore their offerings further on their official website and engage with their vibrant community on Instagram.
