Aster Coffee Lounge

Aster - this coffee shop blooms from a block of modern construction in the north Seattle neighborhood of Ballard; an old Scandinavian area reinventing itself. Stepping in on a rainy spring day it envelops you with both warmth and darkness simultaneously. It is a study in contrasts. Punk music gives way to rock with an industrial feel but cushioned brown seats whisper promises of relaxation. Industrial infrastructure girds the ceiling while colorful art gilds the walls. A sign invites with two of the most comforting words in the English language: Waffles and mimosas. The space transforms with the onset of evening as musicians, art and, sometimes, movie nights grace the improvised stage. You can drink a latte in the morning and a Maritime Pacific beer in the evening without changing your seat. It’s a juxtaposition much like the neighborhood itself – a refuge from the rain with a little bit of old and new Ballard both playing well together.

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