seattle like a local // hot cakes

Admittedly, it’s been a hot minute since I last shared a favorite Seattle spot. Moving tends to do that, huh? Now that I’m a bit more settled in, I’ve been taking time to explore my new neighborhood of Ballard more and more. As I stroll down the main thoroughfare (aptly named Ballard Ave), I always notice one thing: a long queue outside of one bakery. Meet Hot Cakes, a molten chocolate cakery!

Hot Cakes is all about special touches in so many ways: presentation, flavor pairings, even the handsome, PNW-inspired decor.

Their slate counters are full of organic, classic American comfort desserts and tons of other original and innovative confections. My favorite part of visiting the shop has to be their giant chalkboard full of every fantastic molten chocolate dream you can imagine.

How incredible is this black and white buffalo check wallpaper??

We really went for it during this visit to Hot Cakes, ordering a bit of everything:

• Peanut Butter S’more Malt Shake
• Grilled Chocolate Sandwich
• Dark Decadence Molten Chocolate Cake

One of their newest collections is a line of Pacific Northwest inspired caramel sauces, released this spring. Hot Cake’s owner and founder, Autumn Martin invited us to a tasting for a sneak-preview of the full Wilderness Collection, including an unbelievably good smoked chocolate sauce. Surprise! They were amazing, but favorite was definitely the white sage infused caramel sauce.

Here’s an insider tip: if you find yourself wandering around the neighborhood after dinner, stop by Hot Cakes for a drink! They have boozy milk shakes, Irish coffee, and the option of adding whisky to their wide selection of sipping chocolates.

Be sure to check out Hot Cakes whether you’re visiting or live in the city with two different locations:

• Ballard: 5427 Ballard Ave NW, Seattle, WA 98107
• Capitol Hill: 1650 E Olive Way, Seattle, WA 98102

Thank you to Hot Cakes for participating in this series!

photography by Jojotastic.