The biggest divide in the PSL world is whether the drink actually has pumpkin in it. Not everyone likes the taste of pumpkin, and “pumpkin spice” generally refers to a blend of cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, and other warming spices. Still, some places like to get pumpkin itself involved.
Caffe Ladro
🎃 There’s maybe no coffee shop more committed to pumpkin as a flavor than this local chain, with no fewer than FOUR pumpkin-centric drink options. The classic pumpkin latte is vegetal and quite pumpkin-y indeed, while the Great Pumpkin is like a pumpkin-chai shake that will wake you up and give you a sugar rush.
Know before you go: Ladro also offers plenty of pumpkin-y baked goods, if you’re really pumpkin-maxxing.
Caffè Umbria
🌰 The Umbria pumpkin spice latte emphasizes the “spice” — I got a heady kick of nutmeg from it, which I’m not necessarily mad about. It’s a delicate enough spice combo that you do get a bit of the coffee flavor shining through.
Know before you go: You can get whipped cream on your PSL if you want. I didn’t, but I wish I had.
Caffe Vita
🍂 This might have been my favorite of the PSLs I tried. There’s actual pumpkin in there, but it doesn’t overwhelm the spices, so you get something akin to the taste of fall in a mug.
Know before you go: If you want something sweeter, Vita also offers a maple bar latte.
Anchorhead Coffee
🫘 Anchorhead’s Pumpkin Stuff latte is very pumpkin-forward, and not all that sweet, which is a reminder that pumpkins are a kind of squash. If you want something that tastes like pumpkin, here you go.
Know before you go: Anchorhead has a few locations, and my favorite is the one just north of Pike Place Market, where there’s a kid-friendly space to relax before or after a market outing.
Zoka Coffee
🥧 Zoka calls its pumpkin-based drink a Brown Sugar Pumpkin latte, and that’s accurate — it’s got a sweetness to it that masks the spices a bit. It’s very drinkable, and sort of adjacent to a pumpkin pie.
Know before you go: The Zoka in Tangletown (near Green Lake) is a great remote work spot with loads of outlets and comfortable chairs.
The Flora Bakehouse
🥐 Speaking of pumpkin pie, the Pumpkin Pie latte at this vegetarian bakery in Beacon Hill really nails the assignment. It’s sweet, a little spicy, a little earthy, and a great warming treat on a rainy day.
Know before you go: This bakery has a selection of vegan and gluten-free baked goods, giving you lots of reasons to linger.
