Chocophiles, rejoice: Seattle now has a second branch of one of this city's favorite dessert destinations, and the already well-loved Hot Cakes is stepping up its game. First off, Autumn Martin's new 2,200-square-foot outpost at 1650 East Olive Way (B&O Espresso's former address) in Capitol Hill is brighter than her Ballard Hot Cakes, with floor-to-ceiling windows and cream walls and cabinets punctuated by black, dark wood, and touches of red. Along with small tables, there is a long communal table and window bar stools, making 35 seats inside and 25 outside under cover, as well as (beautifully) the afore-rumored fire pit. To promote equal roasting opportunity, there are also small hibachi grills for making s'mores indoors at each table, and for fun, a vintage black and white photo booth.
Menu-wise, all the tried and true favorites from Ballard are there, plus a few notable adds: a salted caramel pudding and soft-serve ice cream with a smoked chocolate shell and toppings aplenty to choose from: potato chips, cacao nib toffee, peanut butter fudge, fresh fruit, and Hot Cakes' caramel sauces. For something harder, the shop is also introducing a new lineup of batched cocktails, plus beer, wine, and coffee drinks.
Doors open at 4 p.m. this afternoon. Dessert for happy hour, anyone? Happy Monday.
