Firehouse Coffee255

What parent of young children doesn't occasionally long for the lost days of sitting in a coffeehouse with an endless latte? Those days might be over for awhile, but at Firehouse Coffee parents can replicate the experience - with a twist.

Owner Brian Robinson says that he wanted to create a "family-friendly location where people can bring their kids that isn't McDonald's." To this end, he's carved out a separate kids' space where kids can play and snack from the children's menu while their parents don't worry overmuch about disturbing other patrons. The area is painted a kid-pleasing purple and orange, with cool art on the walls; look for toys, a thoughtful sink, and chairs. More relatively separate seating is also available on the deck upstairs. We love the clean, partially shaded deck: it's often deserted, there's nothing dangerous for tots to get into, and we can sit outdoors without frying in the sun.

The coffeehouse's new freestanding building is airy and light inside. It's located in the burgeoning area just east of the Ballard Locks, right next to a Gymboree Play & Music Center and down the street from Me 'n' Moms. Grownups can order superior lattes and a selection of treats and sandwiches, while kids can choose from toasted pb&j, grilled ham and cheese, Capri Sun packs, organic chocolate milk, hot chocolate, and kid-sized Italian sodas.