The sweet tooth reigns supreme at this one-of-a-kind Seattle spot. Since it debuted in 2012 on historic Bellevue Ave, the cheekily named Hot Cakes has gone from strength to strength, cementing its grip on chocolate-loving Seattleites with a Capitol Hill expansion in 2015. Yes, there are savory selections available for those who don't like fun, but the real stars here are the gooey, rich, and oh-so-addictive chocolate molten cakes, which rank high among the best desserts in Seattle.
The fun begins at 4 p.m., but visitors still trickle into the Ballard flagship store until 11 o'clock at night when Hot Cakes' indulgent offerings serve the medicinal purpose of absorbing drinks ordered at nearby bars.
Alongside their dessert, or— if they're that kind— dinner fare, diners have their choice of drinks, ranging from espresso to hair-of-the-dog. Hot Cakes is a champion of boozy milkshakes, a devilishly good twist on an Americana favorite. If you're in the mood, I recommend the smoked chocolate and scotch for a sophisticated sweet.
Seattle has no shortage of return-worthy restaurants, so it says something that people still line up for Hot Cakes. That said, don't be surprised if you encounter a wait.
And, for all the flack I'm giving them, I'd be remiss if I didn't say that Hot Cakes' savory entries are really very good. Served on high-quality bread from Macrina Bakery, the Seattle area's baked goods kingpin, they're a treat in their own right.
But, for my sake, if you're compelled to get a grilled cheese or cup of soup, pair it with one of Hot Cakes' famous desserts. Not tempted by the molten cakes? There are other roads to take at this beloved Seattle spot. Warm cookies with ice cream scratch a sentimental itch. The crème brulée would be Parisian-approved.
It's usually wise advice to follow your gut and that's never been truer than at Hot Cakes.
There's a reason countless Seattleites, whose sky-high expectations of dining can— admittedly— verge on snotty, have embraced this Ballard staple. Hot Cakes deals in flavors that have stood the test of time, satisfying our cravings for indulgence that will never go away.
For the best desserts in Seattle, visit Hot Cakes, where savory items are relegated to the back seat. If you're visiting from out of town, this popular Emerald City spot is worthy of your itinerary. Not to mention, its location in the heart of historic Ballard puts you at the center of one of our city's most charming neighborhoods.
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