Students at Hazen have a wide variety of coffee stands to choose from if they’re ever looking for a quick boost in the morning, during lunch, or after school. The main coffee stands in Renton that Hazen students go to are Sorrento’s Coffee, Rainier Valley Coffee (RVC), Dutch Bros, Bigfoot Java, and Beanwater Espresso. Each stand has their own signature espresso beans, energy drink bases, and friendly baristas that draw customers of all ages alike, and I wanted to highlight each one! All of these stands originated in Washington and many are local to the area. I interviewed Hazen students to get the scoop on what drinks are the collective favorite if you’re ever looking to try them out!
12670 164th Ave SE, Renton, WA 98059
RVC is a local coffee stand that started in Maple Valley and branched into its 2 other locations, Woodinville and Renton. Their signature drinks are called Trail Blazers, crafted to make others keep coming back for more! Out of all the coffee stands in the Renton area, Marisa Arensberg (12) says, “The workers there are always so sweet and nice and they always make the best red bull with coconut and cream. It’s top tier. I love it. I like it compared to other places like Sorrento’s because it’s kinda out of the way, which is nice so not a lot of people go there.” When it comes to food recommendations, Abbey Thaiy (11) likes the “the plain bagel with ham, egg, and cheese.” Experienced energy drinker Katelyn Nguyen (11), says RVC is in her top 2 favorite coffee stands and that her go-to is a “pomegranate white peach [Red Bull].”
5301 NE 4th St, Renton, WA 98059
Sorrento’s Coffee is across from the Hop-In Deli and Chevron gas station that many Hazen students go to during lunch. Its proximity to the school makes it a convenient drive for anyone if they want to try their bagel breakfast sandwiches or handmade drinks made with a Tiki energy base. Compared to Red Bull, Tiki energy is advertised as a healthier alternative made with superfoods. Students like Sara Penders (11) and Dalena Duong (12) recommend the iced chai with almond or oat milk. The committed driller that she is, Duong favors Sorrento’s because of their sponsorships to the Hazen Drill team. “[T]hey’re local so I love going to them…it’s just so small and cute and friendly.” If you ever want to try their energy drinks Rand Mataz (12) recommends, “the energy drink with the watermelon and strawberry.”
735 Hardie Ave SW, Renton, WA 98057
Definitely the most renowned on the list, Dutch Bros is one of Washington’s pride and joys. With the nearest one located in Downtown Renton, there can often be a long line of customers waiting to get their hands on the stand’s specials. The disadvantage to Dutch Bros can be its popularity and distance from Hazen. However, if you live near the Downtown Renton area, Katelyn Nguyen (12) recommends the “Aftershock or Galaxy Fish Rebel.” Their renowned Rebel energy drinks are unique to Dutch Bros. This location has great customer service which can make up for the long distance and wait time that customers go through in order to get their orders.
1408 Bronson Way N, Renton, WA 98055
Giving ode to the Pacific Northwest being Bigfoot’s home, Bigfoot Java is also a native to Washington state! They pride themselves on their use of Arabica beans for their espresso, and for good reason! The company has 34 locations in Washington with many being open 24 hours a day. The one downside to Bigfoot Java is its distance from Hazen, but if you live near the downtown Renton area, drive by the stand to try their Extreme Beast energy drinks, specifically, the Liquid Sunset (pineapple, peach, guava, orange, and strawberry), or their Sasquatch Specialty, the Abominable White Mocha (white chocolate and english toffee).
4044 Sunset Blvd NE, Renton, WA 98056
Beanwater Espresso is another Hazen go-to for its proximity to the school. The stand usually has its monthly coffee specials, but what makes it really stand out are their Italian sodas and Lotus energy drinks. Lotus is a type of energy drink that’s advertised to be healthier than
Red Bull, and many prefer its subtle flavor. When I asked which of the Renton coffee stands was her ultimate favorite, Rand Mataz (12), said “I think Beanwater’s good…I love the Red Bull drinks.” My personal favorite drink from this stand is the pink lotus energy drink with white peach and orange juice. With summer coming up, this is an excellent refreshment to enjoy the warm weather.
