"I went to this School in October 2025. I must say this is absolutely worth the money. I would recommend anyone who wants to own a coffee shop to come here and learn about the history of coffee. Apallo is absolutely fantastic in teaching history, espresso making, #1 at Latte Art. This academy has so much to offer. From learning how to taste to knowing what is best to helping you start your business from the ground up. My recommendation's is to come here before starting your shop. The school provides equipment knowledge for the best of the best so don’t waste your time and money on equipment until you come here. The vendor they help provide are Top notch! I have a 5 Star review at my store because I came here. Highly recommend for those who are interested in being the best. Within a few months I already have a new coffee line of my own starting this week. It is very well done at this school. Bob is so knowledgeable and in tuned to the Coffee world. This school is an absolute must!"

"The Fundamentals of Barista and Operations Training is an impressively well-crafted and interactive learning experience that feels truly individualized. From start to finish, it blends hands-on practice with engaging discussions, making you appreciate not only the craft but also the culture behind every cup of coffee. What stands out most is how the training transforms your perspective—you’ll leave with a newfound respect for the humble coffee bean and for the skill, precision, and passion of the barista who brings it to life. Whether you’re a coffee enthusiast eager to explore the origins of coffee, someone determined to perfect the art of brewing, or an aspiring café owner looking to understand operations inside and out, this course delivers both knowledge and inspiration. Highly recommended for anyone who wants to savor coffee on a deeper level—not just as a drink, but as an experience!"

"If you are like me who had no coffee or barista knowledge/ experience then the Seattle Barista Academy is the place to be! It was the best choice I ever made to learn about the beautiful world of Coffee. I live in New York City and traveled across the country to be a part of this amazing experience, it definitely exceeded my expectations! Paulo, Bob, Hanna and the SBA staff are a loving and caring family who really worry about their students understanding what coffee is all about. Definitely came out with so much added value. I am going back home with the skills, knowledge and confidence to open up my own cafe. Thank you SBA!!!"

"I took Intro to Coffee, Barista Foundation and Barista Intermediate with AST Paulo Asi for 4 consecutive days. He is an amazing teacher as well as an individual for conducting practical and deeply informative classes! He gave me exact and direct ways to improve on my barista techniques and routines and taught me how to push myself beyond my limits to experience what I can do for the next step and the future. Seattle Barista Academy is the place to go and learn more about coffee. Beyond that, it has an amazing friendly atmosphere that welcomes literally anyone - from a newbie who wants to become involved in the barista scene to a business owners who wants to become more involved in the coffee business. I would love to come back to Seattle Barista Academy and stay connected with Paulo, Oscar, and everyone! Thank you so much Paulo for everything you taught me - from knowledge, skills, and encouragement."

"Taking a class at Seattle Barista Academy in January was one of the most memorable and meaningful experiences I've had—and that’s largely thanks to Paulo, our instructor. Before the class, I was genuinely anxious. Coffee is a huge part of my life—I’m a major coffee shop hopper and probably the biggest coffee snob among family and friends—but I had zero confidence when it came to making coffee myself. I was convinced I’d be the worst student there. Paulo changed everything. He was kind, patient, and incredibly encouraging. When I struggled or made mistakes, he offered helpful, positive feedback without a hint of judgment. Thanks to him, I finally got over my fear of the steam wand (which I used to avoid like the plague!), and even learned how to steam milk the right way. I pulled shots I was proud of and learned how to dial in espresso with precision. What stood out most was Paulo’s ability to explain things clearly using math, measurements, and real-world logic. His slides were informative and even included coffee history that still has me thinking months later. Six months on, I still remember his teachings—especially dose, yield, time, and those golden ratios. Despite being a decorated professional with major credentials, Paulo remains incredibly humble and down-to-earth. In our own coffee business, his name comes up all the time: “Well, Paulo showed us this…” “We learned that trick from Paulo…” If you're passionate about coffee and want more than just theory—if you're looking for hands-on experience with expert guidance and genuine encouragement—take this class. You’ll walk away not only more skilled, but more confident. And if you get Paulo as your instructor, you’re in amazing hands."