Insanely Popular Taiwanese Chain Brings Its Sweets to the ID

Taiwan’s uber-popular 85°C Bakery Café is expanding its footprint in the Seattle area with a store at 5th and Jackson in the International District. The chain, which has more than 1,000 stores worldwide, operates three other locations in the area, in Federal Way, Tukwila, and Lynnwood. And if those openings were any indication, this one is sure to draw long lines.

The cafe is under construction now and looks to open in the fall, according to the Chinatown-International District Facebook page; Eater will update as more information becomes available.

Nicknamed the “Starbucks of Taiwan” for its staggering ubiquity and rabid following, 85°C specializes in such treats as iced sea salt coffee and fresh breads and pastries like the “calamari stick” — a squid ink-based bread roll with Swiss cheese inside and garlic spread on top — as well as Asian-style brioche buns infused with fruit and Western-style sweets like apple pie and macarons.

85°C Bakery was recently recognized by Restaurant Business as the 18th fastest-growing small concept restaurant in the U.S. The number one spot went to The Halal Guys, another red-hot chain that just landed in Seattle, inspiring its own long lines.

• 85°C Bakery Café [Official]
• All Coverage of 85°C Bakery (Lynnwood) [ESEA]
• All Coverage of 85°C Bakery (Tukwila) [ESEA]
• Witness the Cream-Filled Chaos at 85°C Bakery [ESEA]