Unless you've been on Mars for the past decade, you're likely aware that Seattle has become the espresso capital of America. Seattleites are positively rabid about coffee, which isn't just a hot drink or a caffeine fix anymore, but rather a way of life. You'll never be more than about a block from your next cup. There are espresso carts on the sidewalks, drive-through espresso windows, espresso bars, gas station espresso counters, espresso milkshakes, espresso chocolates, even eggnog lattes at Christmas.

Starbucks, the ruling king of coffee, is seemingly everywhere you turn in Seattle. They sell some 36 types and blends of coffee beans. SBC (also known as Seattle's Best Coffee) and Torrefazione, two of Seattle's other favorite espresso bar chains, were both bought up by Starbucks in 2003, so though the decor may be different, you can expect the same Starbucks coffee and service at these other two chains. Close on the heels of Starbucks and SBC in popularity and citywide coverage is the Tully's chain, which seems to have an espresso bar on every corner that doesn't already have a Starbucks or an SBC. Serious espresso junkies, however, swear by Caffe Ladro and Caffe Vita. If you see one of either of these chains, check it out and see what you think.

Coffee bars and cafes are as popular as bars and pubs as places to hang out and visit with friends. Among our favorite Seattle cafes are the following (organized by neighborhood):

Downtown

If you're a total espresso fanatic and want to sip a triple latte where it all started, head to Monorail Espresso, a walk-up window at the northeast corner of Fifth and Pike streets. Although this is not the original location for this espresso stand, in its previous incarnation it was, way back in 1980, the very first espresso cart in Seattle.

Ancient Grounds, 1220 First Ave. (tel. 206/749-0747), is hands down the coolest and most unusual espresso bar in Seattle. This coffeehouse doubles as an art gallery specializing in antique Mexican, Japanese, and Northwest Coast Indian masks and ethnic artifacts from around the world. There are also cases full of colorful minerals and equally colorful insects in glass boxes. It's all very dark and Victorian.

Pioneer Square & the International District

The Pioneer Square location of Torrefazione, 320 Occidental Ave. S (tel. 206/624-5847), with its hand-painted Italian crockery, has a very old-world feel. The foam on the lattes here is absolutely perfect. It has great pastries, too. Other Torrefaziones can be found at 622 Olive Way (tel. 206/624-1429), 1310 Fourth Ave. (tel. 206/583-8970), and in Fremont at 701 N. 34th St. (tel. 206/545-2721).

Zeitgeist Art/Coffee, 171 S. Jackson St. (tel. 206/583-0497), with its big windows and local artwork, is popular with the Pioneer Square art crowd.

In the International District, don't miss the atmospheric Panama Hotel Tea & Coffee House, 607 S. Main St. (tel. 206/515-4000), which is filled with historic photos and offers a fascinating glimpse into the neighborhood's past.

Pike Place Market

Seattle is legendary as a city of coffeeholics, and Starbucks is the main reason. This company has coffeehouses all over town (and all over the world), but the original Starbucks, 1912 Pike Place (tel. 206/448-8762), is in Pike Place Market. In fact, this is the only chain store allowed in the market. Although you won't find any tables or chairs here, Starbucks fans shouldn't miss an opportunity to get their coffee at the source.

The Seattle Center & Queen Anne Areas

Caffe Ladro Espresso Bar & Bakery, 2205 Queen Anne Ave. N (tel. 206/282-5313), in the heart of the pleasant Upper Queen Anne area, has the feel of a cozy neighborhood coffeehouse. There's another Caffe Ladro in the MarQueen Hotel building in Lower Queen Anne at 600 Queen Anne Ave. N (tel. 206/282-1549). Other Caffe Ladros can be found downtown at 801 Pine St. (tel. 206/405-1950) and at 108 Union St. (tel. 206/267-0600), and in the Fremont neighborhood at 452 36th St. N (tel. 206/675-0854).

Uptown Espresso, 525 Queen Anne Ave. N (tel. 206/285-3757), with its crystal chandelier, gilt-framed classical painting, and opera music on the stereo, has a very theatrical, European feel. Good baked goodies, too. There's another Uptown in Belltown at 2504 Fourth Ave.

Over the past few years, Caffe Vita has become known as one of Seattle's finest coffee roasters. In the Lower Queen Anne neighborhood, you can sample these superb coffees at their coffeehouse -- Caffe Vita, 813 Fifth Ave. N (tel. 206/285-9662).

If you've tired of double tall raspberry mochas and are desperately seeking a new coffee experience, make a trip to Upper Queen Anne's El Diablo Coffee Co., 1811 Queen Anne Ave. N (tel. 206/285-0693), a Latin-style coffeehouse. The Cubano, made with two shots of espresso and caramelized sugar, and the café con leche (a Cubano with steamed milk) are both devilishly good drinks. Viva la revolución!

Capitol Hill & East Seattle

Bauhaus Coffee & Books, 301 E. Pine St. (tel. 206/625-1600), on the downtown edge of Capitol Hill, is a great place to hang out and soak up the neighborhood atmosphere. There are always lots of interesting 30-something types hanging out reading or carrying on heated discussions.

Over the past few years, Caffe Vita, 1005 E. Pike St. (tel. 206/709-4440), has developed a devoted following of espresso fanatics who swear by the perfectly roasted coffee beans and lovingly crafted lattes served here.

North Seattle

Café Allegro, 4214 University Way NE (tel. 206/633-3030), located down an alley around the corner from University Way in the "U" District, is Seattle's oldest cafe and a favored hangout of University of Washington students. Keep looking; you'll find it.

Still Life in Fremont Coffeehouse, 709 N. 35th St. (tel. 206/547-9850), in the eclectic Fremont neighborhood, harks back to hippie hangouts of old. It's big and always crowded, offering good vegetarian meals and great weekend breakfasts, too. There's also Still Life on the Ave Cafe, 1405 50th St. NE (tel. 206/729-3542), in the University District.

Teahouse Kuan Yin, 1911 N. 45th St. (tel. 206/632-2055), in the Wallingford neighborhood, is one of Seattle's favorite coffee alternatives. This Asian-inspired tea shop not only serves an amazing variety of teas, but also sells all manner of tea paraphernalia.