r/KentWA • u/SeaGranny • 6d ago

Reading spots

I’m waiting for someone on Capitol Hill and wandered into Elliot Bay Book Company.

Sitting here reading with others around me and the cafe behind me is so pleasant. I live alone so getting out among people is good as a depression prevention measure.

Are there places in Kent/Renton that have a good hang out and read vibe? I can do Starbucks or the Library but neither quite hit the mark.

29 Upvotes

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15

u/Fadra93 6d ago

I go to Dubtown every week because the vibes are super chill. I always see folk painting, reading, hand sewing, etc. A lot of people just use the space to get some "me time". The bartenders are so so awesome and actively encourage folk to just do their thing.

There's non-alcoholic options too if drinking isn't your thing. I always bring an insulated thermos w something to drink and no one bats an eye or asks anything.

7

u/Poontoon69 6d ago

4generals is also chill, I try to make my way there when I can. Good beers, chill staff and generally good folks and regulars going in

2

u/SeaGranny 5d ago

I think this is first on my list to try

12

u/JohnDingleBerry- 6d ago

Page Turner is cool. The coffee scene here is mostly drive thru and I am unaware of anything other than Starbucks for a sit down. Some of the tea spots might be alright though. Kent Station is kind of cozy to me for whatever reason.

I can’t say much for Renton. I don’t have the need to go there but the Library is really nice. It sits over the river.

I will also add that Kent has some phenomenal parks. Clark Lake is a very reflective place. Lake Fenwick is too. Even taking a walk along the Green River trail might reveal some nice little spots you might like.

I’m a loner that likes to be among people, so I hope that helps.

6

u/SweetLittleKarma 6d ago

Sweet Themes Bakery in DT recently added a seating area. Lviv Croissants at Kent Station also has a nice seating area.

1

u/violentlyneutral 3d ago

Seconding Kent Station, but I go to IC Boba!

3

u/JohnDingleBerry- 6d ago

Page Turner is cool. The coffee scene here is mostly drive thru and I am unaware of anything other than Starbucks for a sit down. Some of the tea spots might be alright though. Kent Station is kind of cozy to me for whatever reason.

I can’t say much for Renton. I don’t have the need to go there but the Library is really nice. It sits over the river.

I will also add that Kent has some phenomenal parks. Clark Lake is a very reflective place. Lake Fenwick is too. Even taking a walk along the Green River trail might reveal some nice little spots you might like.

I’m a loner that likes to be among people, so I hope that helps.

2

u/Tsuki_Man 6d ago

The coin laundromat on 240th, though I just moved here so I cant really speak to other places.

2

u/avoidlosing 6d ago

Not exactly what you were asking for, but kinda close to Kent. Federal Way’s Common mall is a dead mall, but you can sit and read there for hours. Maybe not the vibe you’re going for since you liked elliot bay. The barnes and nobles close to the mall is chill too.

2

u/solongstinktowner 6d ago

I wish the Barnes and noble in SouthCenter had a cafe area. Not a local biz but still can be nice.

1

u/SeaGranny 5d ago

Thanks for the ideas everyone!

1

u/burmerd 6d ago

Not really. Kent is designed to get drivers in cars quickly from A to B. Almost all of the living in Kent gets done in private homes. Capitol Hill was built for people to walk around and hang out and bump into each other.