Caffe Ladro, located on 10th Avenue Northeast, has served the Issaquah Highlands community since 2011.
As one of the longest standing businesses in Grand Ridge Plaza, Caffe Ladro is certainly a community staple. When patrons walk into the coffee shop, they can expect to find delicious pastries, locally roasted whole bean coffee and a welcoming environment.
Caffe Ladro contributes to the annual Light Up the Lanes neighborhood parties, which are awarded to the first and second place winners of Issaquah Highlands’ home decorating contest. The celebrations, sponsored by Grand Ridge Plaza, bring neighbors together for a hot beverage and tasty pastries every winter. Wisteria Park residents enjoyed their party last Saturday.
Sheree Gibson, director of operations at Caffe Ladro, said the Issaquah Highlands location opened in 2011. About 13 years later, the coffee shop continues to stand as a pillar for community.
“Our regulars, many of them, have been with us since we opened,” Gibson added.
During the pandemic, Caffe Ladro became a staple to the neighborhood as a walkable place for residents to grab coffee. The shop implemented order and pickup options for safety, which continues to draw a lot of work-from-home customers, she said.
Now, with the community back enjoying the space, the coffee shop has updated its seating and opened up the lobby to be more welcoming and cozier. Additionally, books and board games are available for customers to enjoy.
Gibson said Caffe Ladro offers an assortment of seasonal beverages and house-made syrups. She recommends rose cardamom syrup as a delicious addition to a latte or frozen treat. The coffee shop stands out from other local options because the company “works with coffee producers to introduce the best coffee in the world,” she noted.
“‘Ladro’ means ‘coffee thief’ in Italian,” she said. “Our goal is to ‘steal’ your heart with our service and coffee and win you over all other coffee companies.”
Grand Ridge Plaza sponsors the annual Light Up the Lanes home decorating contest. The winning neighborhoods receive a brunch party every winter, courtesy of Caffe Ladro. Congratulations to Wisteria Park for winning first place this year. The neighborhood enjoyed coffee, tea and tasty pastries on Saturday, Feb. 24.
