We know how passionate Seattleites are about their coffee. So it’s an understatement to say that we took the creation of our first “Annual Grind” quite seriously. But that doesn’t mean we didn’t have a hell of a lot of fun putting this new section together—hopefully as much fun as you’ll have reading it. This year we focused on the burgeoning Indie coffee scene. We talked to one of Seattle’s pioneering coffee shop owners, Chelsey Walker-Watson of Slate Coffee, about innovations in our city’s bean scene and curated a list of our 15 favorite neighborhood cafes, each with a very special reason (or two or three) to come inside. We also couldn’t help exploring a trend that’s quintessentially Seattle—the melding of coffee with another sacrosanct beverage: beer. So whether you’re into the high-tech gadgetry and science that’s entered the coffee world or prefer a more rustic, old-world cup of java, we’re sure to get you caffeinated in the style that’s just right for you.

Coffee Talk with Slate’s Chelsey Walker-WatsonWherein she discusses the latest trends and the debt her forward-looking coffee house owes Starbucks.

Coffee and Beer, Trend of the YearFinding new flavors in unexplored territory.

Seattle’s 15 Most Inventive Indie Coffee ShopsThe best trends, traditions and tastey beverages from all around Seattle in our 15 favorite shops.