Ballard Shop 5427 Ballard Ave NW, Seattle, WA 98107
Capitol Hill Shop 1650 E Olive Way, Seattle, WA 98102
If there’s one meal I get really excited about, it’s dessert. There’s something just so comforting about a warm little cake or a nice scoop of ice cream. Hot Cakes is where those two are combined. It’s the place in Seattle for everyone craving a rich, decadent chocolate cake.
Hot Cake’s specialty is, you guessed it, chocolate cakes! Served warm and with the choice of ice cream or a glass of milk on the side, it’s one of the most talked about and popular dessert shops in Seattle. On any given evening, you can expect a line right out the door of either shop, but trust me – the wait is worth it.
The original Ballard shop is quite small, but so, so cute. If you can grab a seat, definitely take it or order yours to go. It’s especially nice in the summer when you can grab a seat somewhere else in Ballard. In Capitol Hill, the new shop features a s’more fire pit, large windows, outdoor seating, and a large dining area. Both shops are great spaces and reside in some of the best Seattle neighborhoods!
My favorite is definitely the s’mores molten chocolate cake, with peanut butter in a close second. If you’re not feeling cake though, the menu features other options like creme brûlée, chocolate chip cookies, milkshakes (boozy shakes too!), soft serve, and a few savory options. If you’re conflicted on what to choose, bring a friend and share. The portions are smaller, but rich and require at least two people to finish (perfect for a date night!).
The bottom line is this: no matter what you order, you’ll love it. Bring a friend, snap some photos for Instagram (it’s too cute not to!), and dig in. You will not regret it.
constance browne 