January 21

Cozy Coffee

Café Hagen brings hygge to South Lake Union.

Hygge is a defining characteristic of Danish culture. It conveys coziness that creates a feeling of contentment and well-being. Newly opened Café Hagen (1252 Thomas Street) is dripping with this aesthetic. This casual but refined spot offers up Scandinavian-influenced coffee from Hagen Coffee Roasters, including its own exclusive roast. Wine and beer are also on the menu, plus Scandinavian-style food options – think smoke salmon breakfast sandwiches and house-baked pastries. Much of Café Hagen’s sauces are made in-house, its food menu showcases a mix of European and Northwest influences.

Aside from the standard espresso lineup, Café Hagen features tasting flights. The Hagen Mokka is a fun deconstructed take on a mocha. All of the elements are served in separate glasses – Theo chocolate, steamed milk, espresso, then finally the complete drink.

Other signature dishes include a vanilla latte with flecks of Madagascar vanilla bean, a salted caramel latte with house butter caramel and fleur de sel salt, and hot chocolate with house-made chocolate sauce (be sure to add a house-made marshmallow.)

If you’re in the Cascade part of SLU, keeps your eyes open for Café Hagen’s beautifully designed bright blue coffee cups, and stop in for a dose of hygge and a mokka.

Story by Ethan Chung and photographs courtesy Café Hagen.


At The Center

SLU is the geographical center of Seattle