About Us

Intro

Coffee is a cherished ritual, whether grinding beans at home or grabbing your morning cup en route. Since the 17th century, coffeehouses have fueled creativity, replacing taverns as hubs for vibrant discourse among artists and thinkers. We honor this legacy by offering a welcoming space for your daily routine or lively gatherings with friends—mornings, afternoons, weekends, or evenings. Our mission remains timeless: to blend the comfort of ritual with the spark of connection, just as those historic cafes did centuries ago.

Our Founder

Like many kids of his time, Mark grew up with harsh, commercial robusta coffee, consumed only to stay awake for studying. Determined to avoid workplace coffee monotony, he discovered Seattle’s new wave of small-batch arabica roasters in his 20s. Pre-internet, he mailed a check, waited weeks, and finally tasted real coffee—a game changer. His passion grew into home roasting, water filtering, and experimenting, until he realized: opening a coffee shop was his destiny!

Delightful Experience

Our Mission

Our mission is simple: to serve the best authentic coffee, along with complementary beverages and food, in a space where people can enjoy them without distractions. We encourage live conversation and quiet, productive activities and ask for minimal phone or video use. We welcome groups, both formal and informal, to gather here. We occasionally host music, poetry, or conversation events and encourage others to do the same.

Powerhouse

Nestled inside CoolVines Powerhouse at 350 Warren Street, Butler Café offers its exquisite coffee, tea, pastries, and other delights in a venue that presents the unique opportunity to also enjoy a glass of wine or beer, purchased just 20 feet away in CoolVines or from anywhere you choose. Whether you’re looking to enjoy a meticulously crafted cup of coffee, engage in a friendly board game session, or even host a private event, Butler Café provides a versatile space, open daily from 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM on weekdays and 8:00 AM to 7:00 PM on the weekends.

Delightful Experience

Happy to Serve

Coffee Cart

Enjoy hot coffee drinks, nitro/cold brew and delicious pastries served up right on the sidewalk, outside of CoolVines On Grove. This custom-built cart houses a mini version of the La Marzocco espresso machine we have in our full-size café, and delivers same high-quality specialty coffee for those on the go, with operating hours from 7:00 AM to 2:00 PM on weekdays and 8:00 AM to 3:00 PM on weekends.

Maxwell Alley

This daily pop-up café, inside Maxwell Alley restaurant, on the corner where the alley meets Coles Street, serves a full line of coffee and other hot beverages, along with fresh pastries and other savory options. You can also join us for our afternoon Aperitivo program featuring refreshing spritzes and delightful small plates. With ample indoor and outdoor patio seating and free WIFI, Butler café offers a place to meet, work or just relax with a coffee and a book. Open 7 days a week – take out only during Maxwell Alley’s Sunday brunch service.