City Grind Espresso at The Henry

4100 15th Ave NE, Seattle, WA 98105, United States
+1 206-552-8042
$$$ Cafe
(30 Reviews)
Price Range $10–20

If you find yourself wandering through the vibrant corridors of the Henry Art Gallery in Seattle, make sure to pause at City Grind Espresso. Nestled thoughtfully on the middle floor of this cultural gem at 4100 15th Ave NE, this cozy café is more than just a spot for coffee; it's a delightful experience that blends art, ambiance, and quality offerings.

As you step inside, you're greeted by an inviting, artsy atmosphere that reflects the creativity of the surrounding exhibits. The city grind becomes a sanctuary for those who appreciate great coffee and a conducive environment for studying or relaxing. The café’s décor is like a canvas painted with a blend of modern aesthetics; tranquil seating arrangements invite you to settle in and lose yourself in a good book or catch up with friends.

One of the key highlights of City Grind Espresso is their menu, brimming with quality food options that cater to various tastes. Patrons rave about the simplicity yet profound taste of their mozzarella and tomato sandwich — a classic choice that strikes the right balance between flavors. Reviews from delighted customers confirm the café's dedication to quality; Paul Kim calls it a “cute, cozy cafe” packed with delicious options, while Kai Yoshino echoes this sentiment, noting the tasty offerings and ambient environment that perfectly complements his visit to the gallery.

Furthermore, this café stands out not just for its food but also for the unique experience it offers. The location is pure serendipity — visitors don’t need a museum admission ticket to access the café; just a quick chat with the staff at the desk is all it takes. This welcoming aspect makes it the perfect stop for anyone in the area, whether you're an art lover or just in search of a great caffeine boost.

Don’t let the bustling University of Washington area intimidate you; City Grind Espresso offers a calm retreat amidst the activity. Their commitment to serving quality coffee and artisan food while providing a soothing atmosphere is something you won’t want to miss. Whether you're looking for a quiet corner to study or a friendly place to reconnect with friends, City Grind Espresso is a gem waiting to be enjoyed. Make this café a part of your Seattle itinerary—you won’t regret it!

For more information, you can contact them at +1 206-552-8042. Savor your visit at City Grind Espresso!

Service options
Outdoor seating
Takeaway
Dine-in
Delivery
Highlights
Great coffee
Great tea selection
Popular for
Breakfast
Solo dining
Good for working on laptop
Accessibility
Wheelchair-accessible entrance
Wheelchair-accessible seating
Offerings
Coffee
Quick bite
Dining options
Breakfast
Lunch
Dessert
Seating
Table service
Amenities
Toilet
Wi-Fi
Atmosphere
Casual
Cosy
Trendy
Planning
Accepts reservations
Payments
Credit cards
NFC mobile payments
Openings Hours
Checking

Monday

Closed

Tuesday

09:00 AM - 04:00 PM

Wednesday

09:00 AM - 04:00 PM

Thursday

09:00 AM - 04:00 PM

Friday

09:00 AM - 04:00 PM

Saturday

12:00 AM - 04:00 PM

Sunday

12:00 AM - 04:00 PM

30 Reviews
Paul Kim

29 Aug 2025

Cute, cozy cafe inside the art museum! Lots of quality food options, highly recommend!

Franklin Furlong

09 Aug 2025

City Grind Expressos is located one floor down from the admission desk on the main floor of the Henry Art Gallery. You do not need to pay, or have a Husky Card, to gain admission to the museum to come to the cafe. Just tell the person at the desk you are visiting the cafe. Walking downstairs, there is a freestanding sign that points out the cafe. Inside the style is "arty" as you might expect a Cafe here to be. I especially like the the polished aluminum-like cafe chairs and tables. I like there are signs on the tables to share your table with others if the cafe is busy. I like that. There is a self-serve area with all the fixings for your coffee or other bevs, and self serve water. You can request ceramic cups instead of being served in paper cups. All in all, and nice "small" cafe hidden away from most of the hustle bustle of this big metropolitan University.

Kai Yoshino

28 Jun 2025

This place is really cool. It is tucked neatly in the middle floor of the Henry, there are usually cool exhibits nearby and they have a nice outdoor area. I walked around the Henry for a bit then stopped here for a sandwich. I ordered the mozzarella and tomato sandwich, it was simple, well made, and tasty. I liked the environment a lot so I stuck around to study after eating. Definitely recommend for a cool place to hang out or grab a sandwich, coffee, or salad.

Nikolaus Bautista

05 Jun 2025

A great café on the UW-Seattle Campus. One of only 2 as of 2023, that still take cash* (more on that in a moment). Food and Drink is great, Atmosphere is calming, but paraphrasing the manager "...As a small business, it's hard for us to (unload) dollar coins..." As someone who works in a small business (lives in one, as it's a family business), there are workarounds (i.e.: exchanging at the bank; give some as change, et cetera). These are tough times, but to preference forms of domestic currency- while no statute against it, can alienate potential customers, and that's bad for business overall. You could alienate someone, and it results in negative outcomes. Overall, a good place to eat, study, and clear your head. Food is good, drinks are good, place is clean and well-kept, the atmosphere is good, and the actual service is great too. It's just the business sense- that brings down the scores.

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