The Seattle community is incredibly special to us, as we were founded on the working waterfront. While we’ve expanded operations beyond the Pacific Northwest, we will always remain true to our PNW roots.
The winter season is one of our favorite times to stay local, because it means skiing, impromptu snowball fights, and long hikes through icy terrains, which likely all lead to a well-deserved first sip of hot chocolate.
If you’re looking for the best Seattle cafes to get your cocoa craze on, we have five go-to spots to explore.
1. Hot Cakes Molten Chocolate Cakery
Who knew hot chocolate heaven was in the heart of Seattle's Capitol Hill? From their over-the-top desserts to drinks, this shop found a way to make the most of melted chocolate.
What to Order: Keep it classic with their hot chocolate, or spice it up with their Orange Almond Mocha, topped with whipped cream and almond rochers.
Pro Tip: Don’t you dare leave without trying their molten hot cakes, with your pick of rich flavors from brownie, smores, and strawberries. Ask for their cake of the month for the freshest ingredients.
Location: 1650 E Olive Way Seattle, WA 98102
Photo credit: Instagram: @getyourhotcakes
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Location: 1650 E Olive Way Seattle, WA 98102
Photo credit: Instagram: @getyourhotcakes
2. Rey Amargo Chocolate Shop
Authentic and poetic, here’s what the team has to say about their selection:
“To speak of Rey Amargo is to speak for the love of cocoa. Our chocolate shop is a place to recharge both the physical and spiritual energies.”
What to Order: For an enticing cup of rich hot chocolate, order the Hot Megachoco, and ask the friendly barista team for recommendations on their coffee too.
Pro Tip: The food menu is equally as mouth-watering. Try artisanal chocolate gifts to-go, or stay for their desserts, like the Tres Leches cake.
Location: 722 E Pike St Ste 110 Seattle, WA 98122
Photo credit: Instagram: @Reyamargo_US
3. Storyville Coffee Company
After heading to the aquarium, arguably one of the best family activities in Seattle, see if you can get a spot above Pike Place Market, with a picturesque view.
What to Order: You can’t go wrong with their house hot chocolate, but we recommend adding some of their salted caramel drizzle or homemade cashew milk for about a dollar more.
Pro Tip: Feel like putting an extra pep in your step? Give their Italian soda a whirl. Yes, topped with cream too. Also, you can take their acclaimed coffee beans home, sourced from the top 2% of coffee beans in the world.
Location: 94 Pike St Ste 34 Seattle, WA 98101
Photo credit: Instagram: @storyville
4. Pie Bar
Trust us, your tastebuds will applaud as soon as you walk through the doors of Pie Bar. Cozy and intimate, this is the perfect setting to fully embrace your sweet tooth.
What to Order: For a cocktail twist on hot chocolate, try their Butter Baby signature drink, crafted with Butterscotch Schnapps, hot chocolate and cream.
Pro Tip: There is no excuse to skip the pie. With an array of savory and sweet slices, you will leave satisfied, and very, very full. Our go-to is the strawberry rhubarb pie.
Photo credit: Pie Bar website
5. Chocolat Vitale
Now this just may be the top spot for smooth Seattle hot chocolate. If you’re exploring the Ballard area, make sure this quaint European cafe is one of your pit stops.
What to Order: If you’re a dessert purist, you must try their famous decadent drinking chocolate.
Pro Tip: Bring the magic home by purchasing their great selection of teas, wines, and chocolate goodies.
Location: 6257 3rd Ave NW Seattle, WA 98107
Photo credit: Instagram: @chocolatvitale
Was this sugar rush too much? Our bad.
Before you race out the door, explore our cozy styles to grab a cup of cocoa to-go, or if you get the sacred cafe WiFi password, stay a while to knock out a few emails.
Picks for Her:
Lakemont Tipped Half-Zip Sweater
With deep earth tones to match the cloudy winter sky, this soft women's sweater is woven with our custom jersey fabric, and features delicate contrast embellishments on the sleeves and collars. Plus this women's half zip can be layered over your favorite button up shirt for extra warmth.
$110
Mainsail Sweater-Knit Full Zip Vest
This brushed-back fleece vest is one of our staff’s favorite winter items. The asymmetrical detail adds a fun flare, while the heather yarn offers a comfortable stretch for long walks to your local cafe.
$125
Picks for Him:
Discovery Hybrid Hooded Jacket
This may be one of our best experiments yet. By harnessing the comfort of cotton and warm fleece, we have discovered a dual-layer bonded fabric that stops wind in its tracks in this men's hooded jacket. The quilted finish repels water too, so nothing will stand in your way of heading out to get hot chocolate.
$150
Versatile and simple, this men's fleece jacket is prime for chilly winter walks, and kicking back at a fire pit. Coming in two cool shades, you will match (pretty much) any layer perfectly.
$125
Haven’t met the match to your marshmallow topping yet? Try our Comfort Collection here for winter clothing that's both comfortable and warm.
