(caffeladro.com) – Lower Queen Anne neighborhood, Seattle, Washington

How I heard of this place: The first time I heard of Caffe Ladro was when I moved to Seattle and found them everywhere. The first time I went to Caffe Ladro was with my friend Ala, during the intermission at the Seattle Symphony, when we were in need of a quick shot of espresso to get us through the second half; as was the case with the first violinist we saw, downing his single shot and rushing back up the street to make curtain call.

Type of cuisine: While coffee is the draw, the Caffe Ladro Bakery crafts their own scrumptious pastries and desserts, delivering them to their thirteen locations fresh, each morning. Patrons can order (even for catering) everything from muffins and scones, cookies and bars, to coffee cakes, quiche, croissants, pies, cheesecake and a variety of tarts.

Ambiance: The small, cozy space on the corner of Queen Anne Avenue North and Mercer Street welcomes patrons with its bright orange walls, dark, wooden chairs and tables and very Seattle-esque baristas. Several chairs and tables are available for summer seating outdoors, although most choose to sit inside with their computers and iPods attached. The bar is the first thing patrons see as they enter the windowed establishment, complete with glass dessert display and large espresso machine. A handful of tables and chairs are available to patrons, with enough space between so as not to disturb neighboring cafe-goers when coming and going for more caffeine or snacks. Music plays quietly in the background, and the sounds of traffic outside stream monotonously inside.

What I ordered: On this trip, we stopped in to meet a photographer for my upcoming wedding and decided to partake of a couple of items that sounded and looked fabulous! I started with a Tall Medici ($3.25), single ristretto with non-fat milk. The mocha came with my favorite, a spring of fresh orange rind! Included in my order was one large, soft and moist Molasses Cookie ($1.75). One of my two dining companions ordered a Grande Latte ($3.55) and a chocolate Croissant ($3). The third in our party, shared my cookie!

What I loved: The cookie was beautiful! Moist, light and fresh. The orange rind adding excellent flavor to the lightly chocolated mocha.

Why I loved it: The space was conveniently located, the coffee made well and the pastries simple, yet flavorful. The quiet ambiance, the creative color and simple artwork welcoming.

Cost: Average ($3-$4 per espresso beverage)