The inspired mix of gallery and coffeehouse serves an unusually fine latte, along with pastries and heavier-duty desserts from an ever-improving variety of local vendors. (Tart strawberry-rhubarb pie was the best bet on a recent trip).

Steamy summer days cool right down when you can drink a glass of Local Color’s iced tea with pureed mango ($3.20) while admiring cool, fruity pieces from Lynne Alexander’s “Citrus Series” hanging near the register. And if that’s not for you, there’s always the coppery mixed media, the steel sculptures, the etchings and pottery … and the chocolate-pumpkin cake. Beans come from Caffe Vita, and owner-artist Sydne Albanese has a studio on-site.

Tables mainly have tall, barstool-like chairs, but there’s a comfy couch near the back, plus a very pleasant children’s area where youngsters can make their own art in the “petite gallery.” The coffee is good enough to justify a trip, but if you want to preview the current artists on display before heading down, pictures are online at www.localcolorseattle.com (Seattle PI)