Roland runs a wonderful shop that has been here for 20+ years. Go in and get a fantastic coffee sit and read among the masks and Kimonos and other artifacts. An expert dealer in Eastern and other masks this is a place to contemplate and experience.

I came across this place by complete accident the other day. The coffee tasted great and was inexpensive. I definitely recommend if you happen to be strolling through 1st in Seattle.

I have been to this store on two occassions. Each time I have come away with a new appreciation for the beauty of Japanese textile art and design. My first trip, last year, I purchased two Obis and have worn them comfortably as a focal art to wear.Last week I purchased a silk Shibori jacket. Really beautiful and well fitted.The highlight of my visit is talking with proprieter Ronald Crawford who was willing to engage in the history and of both of these items which made the shopping experience even more special.I live in Marin County and look forward to another visit next year.

This cafe is like an oasis in the middle of Downtown Seattle. Its filled with interesting ancient arts from around the world, with Japan being the most noticeable one. (Where else can you expect to buy Noh mask!?!) Despite its colorful and mysterious decoration, this place is very peaceful. The coffee is strong. And its portion is huge. (This one in my post in actually a grande size, not venti!) Its also very affordable ($3.50 tax included). I finished writing 9 postcards here and the people in the next table seems to had a great time catching up.

Great atmosphere and personal service. I hesitate to recommend it because I dont want to ruin it. ;-)

I would definitely come here again. Excellent atmosphere of Japanese and Polynesian artifacts to stare at as you sip your coffee and eat your fresh pastries.The atmosphere is very chill and the latte I had was extremely delicious. A good dark blend that made the latte the right amount of bitter mixed with the sweetness of the milk. Great to the last drop, and the Acorn Squash harvest bread that was made at a local bakery was a nice pairing with the latte.A big plus is the price as well. Im used to paying around $4 for a medium latte, and here I got my latte for $2.70.Ancient Grounds is the kind of place I would bring a calm group of friends to or simply sit down and read a book about ancient Japanese history.

Soft opening so I think food and coffee wasnt available due to current regulations. But the kimonos are amazing! That alone was worth a visit. So glad I stumbled across this place.

I walked in because the place looked intriguing, and a sign speculated it may have the best espresso in Seattle?! In just 30 min or so resting my feet while flipping through a photo book and sipping an awesome coffee... I learned more about CRISPR, Japanese kimonos, ancient gods and face masks, and Buddhist artifacts from the 1500s! Definitely was an interesting and fascinating experience listening to the wisdom of Roland! A wonderfully friendly host as well.

Ive walked by this place a million times, and I dont know why it took me so long to go in. They have basic coffee shop options and a bunch of interesting art and weird stuff for sale. Plenty of space to hang out with a couple of friends over tea or coffee and a pastry. Nice staff, good prices for the area

Beautiful store! Check it out on TikTok

Great place. Very calm, quiet. And great prices as well. You get the impression your at an art museum. Great customer service. Hot chocolates are delicious.

Really good coffee! I had a dark chocolate mocha. Great decorations of the ancient artwork.

My husband and I discovered this wonderful place 11 years ago. And it’s a real pleasure to come back again. Nice welcome, good coffee, beautiful scenery!

Unfortunately the owner stopped serving his coffee. It was some of the best coffee I’ve ever tasted!

Excellent place. Lots of cool art. New customers get a free cup of coffee. :)

This is one of my very favorite meeting places. Great coffee, wonderful owner who selects and sells Asian art and fabrics. Always a good community vibe....something like Cheers for the coffee crowd.

Really cool place for Japanese wear. Great selection of Obi and jackets long and short. Fab coffee.Rowland, proprietor, spent time with me sharing his knowledge of the japanese textiles and Boro.

The barista told me about the Google Places going inside the establishment back in April, so it was good to finally see this come to life. the coffee here is incredible my espresso is amazing the artwork is great and I would definitely visit this place again. As a native, the pieces here is all very authentic and this place makes a great art gallery for artwork that came from my tribe.

One of the absolute best coffee houses in the city. Beautifuly drawn shots and a perfect mix of eclectic from the shop owner. There is also a large selection of Asian and Native American art on display and for purchase. A true community gem.

Quirky, weird, good coffee. I always stop here on my way to SAM.

Great collection of eclectic tribal art from around the world.Love my kimono.And now a few words from Allan Watts. If you dont realize that you are God its because your ego is too big.Best in Seattle.

Friendly barista, excellent machiatto, interesting decor, quiet atmosphere. Excellent coffee and excellent service.

On the sign outside, he has two simple passages. One a question, the other a statement.The best coffee in Seattle? I say if not, then prove it!The best coffee experience in Seattle. As aatyer of fact, yes, yes it is. You will learn so much from the guy that owns the shop (which is incredible to see the ancient tribal relics he has for sale, BTW).I have numerous coffee snobs amongst the ranks I work with. All of which I have brought to Ancient Grounds for the experience and to have their minds blown with the coffee. I have succeeded every.single.time.You MUST visit.

Excellent coffee and excellent service!There is something about this place that draws conversation out of people and sort of pulls a person from the digital gadget in their hands. I cannot say how or why, but I have been here a few times and I have noticed, that as a happy coincidence of my visit, theres a lot more table talk across the building than I am used to seeing. Perhaps because there is so much interesting things in the store and so many interesting people walking by the door. There is just a lot to talk about.So what is it? Is this an art gallery that has antiques and coffee, or is it a coffee shop that antiques and art. I really have no idea. That is part of the experience and something you must decide for yourself.I would encourage anyone to stop in, have a cup of something, and just relax.

This place was amazing! Tons of artwork and creepy masks to look at. The atmosphere really brings out conversation somehow...its strange.

A very unique, calm and worth your time:)

Love the experience. Roland makes the best coffee I have ever had. As much as I like the coffee, the ambience is even better as are the stories. Ask for the shot in the dark.

Excellent visit to a unique store. As a coffee shop a fantiastic experience just to have a coffee and look at the many objects of art on display. A wide range of cultural artistic gifts are on offer so worth a look for a special purchase. The shop was unusually quiet when I visited so I had a good chat with the owner who had some fantastic annecdotes and I was highly impressed by his approach and his pearls of wisdom when speaking to his other customers.

Velvety, rich, well-crafted espresso served by a true connoisseur. Relax and enjoy the beautiful artifacts in a pleasant environment.

The epitome of a cool space. Coffee was first rate as well

Very tasty, very friendly, decor and theme of shop is amazing as well!

Ive been seeking refuge here regularly for over a year. Here you find: the most lovingly prepared espresso in Seattle (whuh? in Seattle!? yes.), surroundings that are simultaneously inspiring and soothing, and the most interesting clientele this side of a Fellini movie. I write this with ambivalence, but the deservingness of praise has overcome my desire to keep Ancient Grounds to myself. Stay away. Youll love it. Stay away. Youll love it. Stay...

Seattle Downtowns

Several years ago this was a unique and unadulterated environment; after a year of absence, I returned to find the owner has started discriminating the seating by 2 or more? Who does that?

Excellent coffee and baked goods inside a beautifullly curated gallery.

Good coffee, great ambiance.

Very unique and very very welcoming

Fun and funky shop with just okay coffee

Good coffee, good mixture of delicious flavors!

Awkward service, coffee tasted cheap, half opened boxes and disarray took away from any charm the decor may have had.

The best espresso in downtown seattle this is my go to place.

Loved the authentic and private feel this place has!!

Forget your hipster barista! This one right here is the OG! Straight up hippie from the 70s! Dude is hella funny...

Friendly barista, excellent machiatto, interesting decor, quiet atmosphere.

Good coffee but not amazing. Great service!

The guy was super knowledgeable!

BEST COFFEE ☕️ SHOP in the COUNTRY - BAR NONE !

Good coffee and nice shop!

Tiny spot that is surprisingly quiet in the midst of all the downtown hubittybubitty.

Awesome decor inside, and close to Pikes Place. Reading desks with lights inside.

Quaint eccentric coffee shop

Roland is the best.

Eclectic, with good coffee

Coffee v bitter

This is real seattle coffee.