SEATTLE -- The Space Needle may have a new competitor vying for the attention of onlookers.
Across the street from one of the city's signature tourist attractions, a new espresso stand features baristas wearing nothing more than bikinis.
Sporting their bare midsections, the baristas at Java Girls say their skimpy out fits earn them big tips.
"I used to work mornings at another coffee stand. I used to make $30 in the morning, but here I make four, five times that much, if not more, because I'm wearing a bikini and people pay more for that," said barista Nicole Corpuz.
Barista Frances Schneider said their choice of attire is nothing more than a personal expression.
"It's kind of (the idea of allowing you to) be yourself. It's the city, I mean, every body's different and so I think it's OK," she said.
But the questions is whether the unsuspecting tourists feel the same when they see the half-naked baristas in the backdrop of one of the most photographed locations in the city.
"I thought it was kind of strange," said Mike Rosenberg from Minnesota. "They're behind the booth and stuff, so it's not as bad as it could be."
"That attracts more customers," said Tony Armendarez.
But the Seattle Center is no beach. With its Family Fun Forest and Children's Museum, the attraction draws many families.
"Well, the bikinis don't belong there; they belong on the beach. The coffee - yes," said Armendarez.
Seattle is already known for its coffee, but could it also become known for its baristas?
The answer may be yes. A group of tourists from India let out a collective "ohhh..." when they saw that the baristas were only wearing bikinis. They then began snapping pictures, no longer of the Space Needle but of the baristas.
The partners who opened the new stand said they would respect the wishes of the community.
If it cries out for cover, they said, their baristas will dress more conservatively in short shorts and aprons.
