El Diablo Cuban Coffee Company: Sick of Starbucks? Sell your soul for a shot of Cuban java. "The Scene: Vivid murals adorn the walls of this colorful, cozy coffeehouse, while Latin beats undulate throughout the room. Take your honey and hide out in the "love grotto" (a velvet couch hidden in the back corner). On a rainy day, bring a book and cuddle up with your cup of joe. The Food: In the morning, sip on a Latin latte (café con leche), a Mexican mocha or a batido (fresh fruit shake). Come back for a nightcap. El Diablo offers a titillating selection of wines and tropical desserts, including an apple-walnut torte and a perfectly sinful chocolate Bourbon cake. The fruit and cheese plate will cure that case of late-night, post-movie munchies." --CitySearch.com "With this city chock-full of Starbucks, you'd think there's no such thing as variety around town. But El Diablo Coffee Co. offers a welcome change from the ordinary with its playful, eclectic atmosphere and Cuban style coffee. The decor sets the mood in this year plus old Queen Anne hot spot: The walls are shellacked with vibrant red and yellow paint and adorned with murals, Spanish expressions and El Diablo's devil mascot, Bettie. Bright colored tables, chairs and bar stools are scattered throughout the cafe and patios. If the color isn't enough to wake you, the coffee sure will. The house blend of Cuban style coffee is specially roasted for El Diablo. Cuban-style coffee is roasted at a higher temperature for a shorter period of time, for a rich and robust flavor without the charcoaly taste of some dark blends. "You won't find any 20-ounce size drinks here" says owner Terri Sullivan. "Those drinks are made mostly with milk, whereas ours focus on the coffee." One sip proves she speaks the truth. The cortadito, for example, reminiscent of a tiny pint of Guinness and served in a miniature glass mug, packs in two shots of espresso, a splash of steamed milk and a dash of caramelized sugar for just the right balance between sweetness and rich flavor. For something less intense, try El Diablo's Mexican hot chocolate, made with Mexican Ibarra chocolate. Or batidos, smoothie-like blends of fresh fruit and ice. A light food menu includes Latin inspired and American favorites. And wines by the glass or bottle round out the menu-which is, granted, just as eclectic as the place itself. But variety is something Seattle cafes could definitely use." --Seattle Magazine, December, 2001 "El Diablo Coffee Company offers expertly made classics like Cafe Cubano (two shots of espresso poured over sugar) and Cortadito (Cafe Cubano "cut" with steamed milk). Made with coffee blends that are custom-roasted for El Diablo, these drinks possess a sweet caramel quality not commonly found in Italian or French roasts." --Seattle Pacific University Falcon, January 31, 2001 "In a city teeming with coffee shops, one more may seem silly. However, El Diablo Coffee Co. has a new take on the traditional coffee house... All around the colorful coffee house are items of a devilish nature: devil ornaments for sale and paintings of devilish characters. Attention was given to detail in every area of the shop. Walls host murals set to a red and yellow background, and the ceiling is adorned with gold stars...Despite the devil motif, El Diablo is a cheery establishment. Employees are friendly and the color scheme is bright...Not to be outdone by its decor, El Diablo focuses on Cuban coffee...Even those who don't like coffee will like something on the menu...Friendly enough, the devils offer up happy expressions...and give El Diablo a mischievous edge. --Northwest Palate Magazine, January/February 2001