The Java Joints of Jet City:

The historic Panama Hotel Tea and Coffee House pays homage to Seattle's Asian immigration boom by perfectly blending elements of the east and west in this classy, immaculate coffee and tea house in the International District. We enter to a hushed atmosphere and tip toe across the gorgeous hardwood floors to the counter, where a very new, but very helpful young barista tries to guide us through the pastry selection, many of which are green-tea inspired confections.

He pours our espresso into delicate cups and sends us to a table that is right over a glass panel in the floor, where we see a storage basement below, but we can easily imagine is a secret part of Seattle's historic underground.

It's the quietest coffee house we've ever been in and it's bliss. We converse in hushed tones and admire the vintage furniture that's being used as a condiment bar and nod approvingly when the large black, old fashioned phone at the bar turns out to be fully functional, with its startling and bright ring.

Although the atmosphere is glamorous and sensual, the espresso is overly bright and the shots have been over-extracted. The slightly moist, cinnamon Macrina coffee cake makes up for it by covering up the coffee with its delicious flavor. The Panama Hotel Tea and Coffee House is at the top of steep hill off Jackson, but is absolutely worth the climb.

Thanks to commenter phinious for the recommendation!

Panama Hotel Coffee and Tea
650 1/2 South Main
Seattle, WA 98104