I've always loved Fran's Chocolates, especially their Smoked Salt Caramels. This time, I visited their store in University Village and finally got to try their drinks! I ordered a mocha, and it was super good! The chocolate flavor is strong and rich. The drink even comes with their dark chocolate thins. The service was excellent. The staff are friendly and offer samples while people wait for their drinks. The store itself is decorated very beautifully, showcasing their products with suggested port wine pairings. read more

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Love this store at University Village! We always stop by here for a treat and drinks when shopping here. Matcha latte here has no sugar added, caramel latte and caramel matcha latte are so good and refreshing, the kids like the raspberry soda. And of course, how can we walk away without buying some of the famous Fran's caramel chocolates!! read more

It's somewhat of a trek to get to University Village because I take buses from Ballard. I'm usually skipping meals and rushing to get there because I have a reason to be there (it's usually the Apple Store, for solving my device issues). By the time I'm out of the store, I'm exhausted. This Fran's Chocolates is located in just the right place - it's one of the first things I see when I'm outside of the Apple Store. And I know Fran's have hot chocolate so it's become a habit for me to stop for hot chocolate after I'm done with my errands. Staff here is nice. The hot chocolate comes out super hot and they are happy to add whipped cream with no extra charge. They also have given me a piece of chocolate more than once - I'm not sure if it's complimentary but I'm happy anyways. The drinkable chocolate is quite strong and dark so it's probably a good idea to sip it slowly. Yesterday, it was raining a lot, and I didn't want to carry my cup of hot chocolate and the giant mall umbrella, so I downed it fast and it gave me enough energy to do another few hours of shopping. I wish they have an indoor seating though, especially for rainy days - it was a little discouraging having have to sit under the roof of the Apple Store. read more

What exceptional service. I was just in yesterday to get chocolate and port and the associate was very knowledgeable and warm. She went over each flavor profile for seasonal offerings and packed everything really neatly. I love how Fran's is always a step above in customer satisfaction than other chocolatiers in Seattle. I've gone to the Four Seasons location and the Georgetown location. I always feel like I'm back in time pulling up in a 50's car and having a personalized shopping specialist from one of those old time movies. Thank you for making me feel special Fran's staff! Ambiance is always very eye pleasing and classy. read more

Outstanding service by two representatives Patrice and Brianna who kept me in good humor while they helped me hunt down a very important gift. Beautiful venue and an opportunity to see Chocolate being made through the back windows into the factory area. read more

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I spent $85.00 for a box of Chocolates as part of her Holiday Gifts at Fran's Chocolates, University Village. When my wife was going through Chemotherapy at Swedish Hospital, every appointment I would buy her half a pound of Chocolates from See's Candies. Every single time I purchased one box of Candy, I was offered a piece of candy, usually two choices. After paying $85.00 I was offered a tiny piece of a tiny piece of candy. Could they afford the piece of a piece? I don't want them to go broke. Every Candy Store I visited in Kona offered me a full piece of Candy. I am sure See's Candies gives out candy pieces and likely writes it off as a business expense. Keep your Candy pieces of pieces Fran, or give out complete pieces of candy and instead of charging me $85.00 a box, make it $95.00 a box. Next time, I will be purchasing future candy from See's! I appreciate the quick response and offer, the products are worth the price and that was never in question. My wife is doing very well, I buy Fran's Chocolates for her Birthday, Annual, and Christmas. I will also get her some when I am shopping at Whole Foods. read more

This location is conveniently located in U Village shopping center. I was planning to place an online order, but this location had every item I wanted. Customer service was ideal, the team is really efficient with ensuring everyone is helped in a timely manner verses lingering around. If I'm in the area, I could see myself stopping by this location again. Fran's confections, and hot chocolate are both wonderful if you enjoy decadent and flavorful chocolate, I highly recommend Fran's! read more

Fran's Chocolates - Chocolatiers & Shops Near Me - Seattle, Washington

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First day of Fall and I absolutely couldn't miss an opportunity to sip on this 3oz sipping chocolate. You might be tempted to buy the larger size but don't do it unless you've attempted the 3oz first haha it's incredibly rich and thick. Super delicious. I do wish they had an option to sit inside and enjoy their hot drinks from the inside. read more

Fran's Chocolates - Sipping Chocolate - Chocolatiers & Shops Near Me - Seattle, Washington

Fran's is a well known local favorite so it really doesn't need much introduction. The individual dainty pieces are in line with what I consider to be high end small batch boutique quality. Admittedly, they have a pretty big footprint these days so they may not be as boutique as one may want. Still, I do find their chocolate pieces to be satisfying. Unlike most folks who love their salted caramels (I'm so over SC's, sorry), I much prefer their pieces of dark truffles. The flavors are on point covered a rich cocoa chocolate. What's the point of chocolate without the rich cocoa flavor? Some of my go-to favorites include: Chocolate Imperiale Oolong Tea Truffle Single Malt Whiskey Truffle Dark Chocolate Espresso Truffle Pure Dark Truffle Bittersweet Truffle Occasionally, I'll dabble into orange and raspberry too, but prefer stronger flavors. The figs and candied orange pieces are divine too. I usually choose the small rectangular box that fits 5 to 7 pieces. I think that's $16.50. I try not to think about the cost. :P The cheaper way to go is just get a baggie without the box. The individual pieces are $2.50 each. About a month ago on a hot day, I was very impressed when the staff gave me my chocolates with an ice pack. I live 40+ minutes away so that was greatly appreciated. On a recent even hotter day when I visited again, she did NOT give me an ice pack which I didn't notice until I was back to my car. I was very disappointed as I still have a few more stops, and I couldn't leave the chocolates in my car. I'm going to ask next time BEFORE I order. read more

Fran's Chocolates - Chocolates - Chocolatiers & Shops Near Me - Seattle, Washington

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Fran's was recommended to us and I'm so glad we stopped in! We tried a variety of truffle/caramel pieces and they were very good. Specifically the dark chocolate pieces. The raspberry, espresso, caramel, and chocolate imperiale were all amazing. I would definitely recommend trying Fran's if you're looking for some quality dark chocolate. Service was excellent as well - we were given a sample as we left which was a nice surprise. read more

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Frans has an absolutely delicious Matcha with white chocolate. It's quite pricey for 8 oz but it's the most bold, creamy and rich matcha latte I've had in Washington. You will likely get a complimentary piece of their salted caramel chocolates which are so delicious and make amazing gifts. Some times you gotta treat yourself! There are areas to sit outside which is a great place to enjoy your drink. They have quick and friendly staff to help you with your chocolate and drink selections. read more

Fran's Chocolates - Menu 2023 - Chocolatiers & Shops Near Me - Seattle, Washington

I went to the downtown location today, and was quite surprised at how unprofessional and unkind a member of the staff was when we attempted to order. I have seen the other for this location and it's quite surprising that such a high number of people I've had the same experience, my recommendation would be to implement training for the staff who are able to learn how to treat people with respect, and to potentially remove those who aren't. read more

Who would not love a hot dark chocolate to beat the winter blues. The hot chocolate was served with a side of their chocolate and was absolutely yum. I also tried their caramel latte that was served with a side of chocolate again and absolutely enjoyed it. Definitely going back for the hot chocolate and their chocolates! read more

Fran's Chocolates - Hot Chocolate and Caramel Latte - Chocolatiers & Shops Near Me - Seattle, Washington

Kind of hard to go wrong with Fran's. Let's be clear, Fran's is a chocolatier--not a chocolate maker. They do not make chocolate. They use couverture chocolate made by some chocolate maker to make a variety of chocolate confections. And those chocolate confections are amazing. Fran's mastered a variety of flavor combinations years ago, and those have brought awards and renown to this company. Deservedly so. Just about anything you try here is going to be good. Quality. Flavor. Classiness. That's Fran's. You should try it. read more

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I love chocolate and I have never been picky about my chocolate. I love sweet stuff and I think all chocolate tastes similarly sweet and sugary. HOWEVER, this place really showed me that there exists GREAT CHOCOLATE. I received a gift box from a friend and the chocolate was just hands down mesmerizing. Taste: - The sea salt caramel and truffles were the yummiest. Packaging: - The box was so delicately and beautifully wrapped. Every piece of chocolate was delivered and presented with so much care. read more

Fran's Chocolates - Chocolatiers & Shops Near Me - Seattle, Washington

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Fran's chocolates never disappoints. I was in the area for other errands and felt in need of some chocolate. Being in a low carb period I asked for the darkest chocolate they had and they pointed me to their 100% chocolate bar. They recommended I enjoy it with a latte, a recommendation I would have given myself :) got a Cortado and sat out in the sun to enjoy this amazing post lunch treat. The 100% chocolate is pretty intense, but definitely not the type that binds your mouth and sucks all the saliva, very well balanced and great to enjoy on its own too. The Cortado was a surprise, I would have never thought of getting an espresso drink at Fran's, it was delicious and velvety how I like it! read more

Fran's Chocolates - Cortado (delicious) and a bar of 100% chocolate, great no sugar combination - Chocolatiers & Shops Near Me - Seattle, Washington

Well before Theo and all the other quality retailers and manufacturers that Seattleites can indulge in....there was Fran's. I still remember Fran Bigelow's shop in Madison Valley in the early 1980s. I still remember my first truffle which turned this former Twix addicted newbie college student's world upside down back then! Fran's is now located in downtown Seattle across from SAM, Bellevue, the flagship site in Georgetown, and of course, University Village. The grey salt caramels (former President Obama's fave), hazelnut chocolates, and the drinking chocolate are my favorites. I stopped in to buy an assortment box with a beautiful bow for a relative's birthday. As always, impeccable service and a freebie chocolate to savor while wandering the retail shop. Lavish, but the birthday recipient only turns 70 once. read more

Fran's Chocolates - A birthday gift for a relative turning 70 this weekend (11/20/17 Fran's UVillage visit) - Chocolatiers & Shops Near Me - Seattle, Washington

I wish I knew why I keep coming back here, and it's not just for the free samples, I believe it's because of the yummy chocolate confections, the great customer service, and back to the food here.. the DRINKING CHOCOLATE. Yes, the have the most delicious drinking chocolate, and it makes my tastebuds want to scream, YES SIR, MAY I HAVE ANOTHER... and the answer to that is Yes, yes you may, and you will enjoy it. Make peace with it, it's going to make you think happy thoughts, then when it's all over, you are going ask for more. read more

Still my favorite chocolate place to go to anywhere it all about there hot chocolate it super rice and thick never had anything like it anywhere all there chocolate are so good but very expensive read more

OK so initially I visited Frans chocolates because that's my boyfriends name and I was also told that they had the best hot chocolate. I'm not a big hot chocolate fan or a chocolate person really but I went in anyway. I'm definitely happy that I did because the hot chocolate that I had was truly the best hot chocolate. The hot chocolate was rich but not overpowering- if that makes any sense- it had the tiniest bubbles in it and heated to perfection. They give you a complementary chocolate filled caramel with sea salt on top, not a caramel fan, so I just ate the sea salt and the chocolate on the outside which was pretty delicious. This location had a few chairs and tables were you can sit and relax and enjoy your hot chocolate. It seems that Fran's chocolates is a very popular chocolatier in Seattle as they are everywhere. read more

Fran's Chocolates - Small hot chocolate - Chocolatiers & Shops Near Me - Seattle, Washington

This place is fancy but crappy with service . Im a chocolate and coffee lover . I walked in thinking I was going to have an amazing experience " But in reality it was a nightmare . Coffee orders get confused with the barista. I felt someone was racist and only watching me . My coffee was bad made , all foam no taste. I walked back in to get it fixed ..."" I was given and attitude and charged for the flavor or coffee ... It's a show ":-(! Not a happy presentable business ... read more

Got one dark chocolate espresso truffle ($2.75) and they gave us two dark chocolate truffle because they're running a promotion Dark chocolate truffle 8.5/10 Dark chocolate espresso truffle 9.5/10 Would I try again? Probably not, but they do have really nice chocolate! (And great service!) read more

This review will be short & sweet like the Chocolate Figs. Came by to buy some chocolates and also try out the Chocolate Fig I saw on tv. WoW! If you like figs, you should check this out. It was pretty darn good, not overly sweet, decadent, chocolatey but still able to taste the fig. The center is also filled with chocolate as well so you'll get a nice chocolatey surprise! Great place to buy some nice chocolates, they will give you samples to reel you in, but its worth it to buy something. Staff was very friendly, helpful and knowledgeable and will help you find a gift that you are looking for. read more

Fran's Chocolates - Chocolate Figs - Chocolatiers & Shops Near Me - Seattle, Washington

Good chocolate. Came here and thought the chocolate originated from France. Apparently no! It just happened that the owner's last name is named Fran. Ok a bit embarrassing. This is Seattle local chocolate. If you are a tourist this is a must get back home. The chocolate is a bit pricy compared to its competitor brand. But not too sweet and has really good chocolate taste. Will come back for more read more

Fran's Chocolates - Chocolatiers & Shops Near Me - Seattle, Washington

One of the best chocolate shops in Seattle! Probably one of the most expensive shops as well, but they use the highest quality ingredients in their chocolates. I don't think I've ever had one I didn't like. When I buy their chocolate boxes for gifts, they disappear in a blink of an eye. Their salted caramels are world famous and for good reason. One of their must haves is their Drinking Chocolate. You can have this prepared either hot or cold, and either way is a silky, luxurious drink that can't be beat. The service in all their stores is top notch, they will take the time to make sure you get exactly what you want, gift wrap as needed, and always with a smile on their faces. Don't miss the chance to visit any of their stores if you have the chance. read more

Fran's Chocolates - Iced Drinking Chocolate - Chocolatiers & Shops Near Me - Seattle, Washington

My husband and I took our 3 granddaughters to the Pacific Science Center. We visited the dinosaurs and then went to see 'Wonka' in the iMax Theater. On the way home, Mike stopped at University Village for a surprise visit to Fran's, which seemed appropriate after seeing all the chocolates in the movie. One of the granddaughters had a difficult time deciding which one to choose, so Carina let the three girls and us sample the sea salt caramels, and that helped the youngest to decide. Carina was patient and gracious, and she was a great ambassador for Fran's. read more

Five stars for the space and the chocolates. Subtract three stars for the bad attitudes of their employees. Every time I come here they have delicious samples! And the chocolates are so good! Too bad they don't even allow people holding small dogs to make a purchase and leave. Instead they choose to shame people with pets and refuse them service. People who are unkind to animals have no rightful place in the community. read more

Was taken here after dinner with friends and was pleasantly surprised! Sometimes I feel like chocolate stores are a little elitist (like Godiva) but not the case here. Staff was friendly and helpful and allowed me to try their caramel. I ended up going with one of the small boxes and look forward to eating the other chocolates. Just wish prices were a little cheaper. read more

Chocolates themselves are OKAY at best; not memorable or a gateway to the heavens in any way. Trust me, I've mfxkn splurged on $$$$ truffles... I know when I've experienced moments of heaven. Unfortunately, the hot chocolate, or in their pretentious (only so bc they are not qualified to be pretentious) words, "drinking chocolate", is disgusting. As in, not rich or wonderful, rather horribly diluted and barely-there chocolate flavor. Seriously??? . read more

Fran's Chocolates - "Drinking chocolates" small and large, paired with caramels: fucking horrible and bland. Would rather drink nestle instant packages. - Chocolatiers & Shops Near Me - Seattle, Washington

Fran's often has a very lofty Victorian library feel, but this one feels sleek and modern and Scandinavian in a very welcoming and low-key way. Smooth wooden paneling up to clerestory windows, tables over here, subdued display cases there, and a coffee bar. The staff are the predictable squadron of local young women who are super pleasant without being overwhelmingly bubbly (over-bubbliness is always a risk when you're walking distance from 18 sororities in your hiring pool). They make this place feel just right. They soft-sell the chocolate and coffee very politely; they know just how to handle people. And make no mistake--those chocolates (especially those salted caramels) are out of this world. Delicious. The coffee was fantastic as well. This place is not cheap, for the chocolate I mean. But they are honest about their product and good at guiding you to things that will be to your tastes. They're generous with samples. They've really got it dialed in right where it needs to be at this store. If you like chocolate (or didn't know they also have decent coffee), then you can't go wrong. read more

A very nice little store that presents a strange air of reverence for its products...I admire and enjoy those products so I can't complain too much but it is more like being in a jewelry store rather than a chocolate store. Everything seems precious and under glass. Their confections are absolutely, spectacularly delicious and the people who work here are friendly and helpful. I was offered a sample of a salted caramel, which I accepted very happily. It is expensive...this is most certainly a luxury. But if nothing else, the expense reminds you to savor these chocolates and enjoy on special occasions or "in the moment," rather than to wolf them down idly the way you might something cheaper. read more

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Ended up at this boutique chocolate shop because my sister and I saw an episode of Seattle sweets on Unique Eats haha. When you walk in you can tell you're walking into a posh chocolate shop. It's very clean and minimal. Lots of wood detail.. totally appreciate the simplicity of it all. My sister and I were greeted by one of the workers with samples of chocolate. We nibbled on Fran's coconut cream enrobed in chocolate. DELICIOUS. We leisurely walked around the store looking at the displays of chocolate goodness. Then we moved onto the good stuff. The chocolate case. We settled on the smoked salt and grey salt caramels, tax de noix (macadamia nut and caramel covered in chocolate), and a pistachio marzipan roll. I also grabbed a bottle of rosé wine after the guy who helped us said it tastes like strawberries.. that alone sold me. If you want some yummy chocolate this is definitely a place to check out. They have 2 other locations. One in Seattle by Pike Place and one in Bellevue. Be forewarned.. it's not cheap. It's about $2-$4 per piece of chocolate depending on what you get. read more

Fran's Chocolates - Goodies from Fran's :) - Chocolatiers & Shops Near Me - Seattle, Washington

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Some of the most serious chocolate around. The milk chocolate is smooth and buttery, the dark choco has that bitter bite that dark lovers love. My favorite was the salted caramel chocolate, because how I love the sweet to salty transition in any form! They also have a chocolate coffee that is pretty good...tastes like hot chocolate though. Great place to stop by and try if you're roaming around shopping in this district. read more

When I found out that Fran's sells an artisan Almond Joy bar in the form of the Coconut Gold Bar, I was intrigued. I bought two 7 bar boxes, which arrived just a few days later. The shipping was incredibly fast and timely, since they cannot risk chocolate melting during transit. They were beautifully packaged with chocolate brown boxes, gold sateen ribbons, and gold foil wrappers. The Coconut Gold Bars are incredibly rich and decadent with a thin shell of dark chocolate holding a thick, creamy coconut filling, and a nugget of almond on top. Every few lucky bites, you bite into the texture of shredded coconut, which I wish there was more of. Is it better than an Almond Joy/Mounds? Resoundingly, yes. Is it about 10 times as expensive? Also a resounding yes. The two boxes with shipping set me back over $50. I gifted one of the two boxes and carefully rationed my own bars but I'm still fairly shocked I spent this much on fancy chocolate bars and am not sure I'd do it again. read more

Fran's chocolates are great. Orange confit ( orange peel) and raspberry truffles are my favorites. The chocolate covered apricots are also good and the apricots are never mealy and dry either. The staff at the U Village store is so generous always offering samples and helping to make a gift box pretty. I put these pins in for my D.C. friend and the staff helped my inclusion gift look good! read more

Fran's Chocolates - Helped me arrange chocolates around pins - Chocolatiers & Shops Near Me - Seattle, Washington

Okay, so I've never actually been to this store, but my friend bought me a box of the dark chocolate caramels with sea salt, and oh.my.gosh. they are AMAZING. The dark chocolate is perfectly smooth, the caramel is creamy, and the sea salt complements the sweetness of the caramel. It just melts in your mouth. As an added plus, these chocolates only have 50 calories each!!! I have to say that they are my ultimate favorite chocolates. I'm always craving Fran's, but there aren't any locations in California :( I was able to find Fran's at a small grocery store in Napa, but I'm on a search for a store closer to me that sells their chocolates. read more

Heard a lot about Fran's chocolates, and was so excited to finally try! Their grey salt caramels are tiny and $2, but they are the most perfect bites of sweet and salty! I also got a box of grey salt thins, and savoring each bite! The chocolates are a little pricey, but so worth it! read more

I love Fran's Gray Salt and Smoked Salt Caramels. At first bite, they doesn't knock you immediately over. I thought yummy buttery caramel, salt is interesting, but then something about the salt makes you want another, and then another, and another...ok, you get the picture. Husband and I had the caramels and Hazelnut Crunch Truffles as favors at our wedding (if you are buying a lot, you can buy by the pound). We ordered an excess just in case and near the end of the reception found some of the extra boxes half-empty where someone ate out the caramels and left the truffles. Someone/people had apparently gone through the boxes and eaten the caramels leaving the poor truffles on their own. No insult to the poor truffle--they are delicious (I am a big hazelnut fan), but I guess there is something about those caramels that are addicting. Oh, and those chocolate/cocoa covered almonds they sell are good, too. read more

Fran's Chocolates - Gray Salt Caramels - Chocolatiers & Shops Near Me - Seattle, Washington

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The customer service in this store is great and the chocolates are as yummy as one would expect for a high end chocolate store. My main gripe is that they don't give you samples when you go in. I was raised on See's Candies in California, which, granted, is not at all in the same league as Fran's. Nonetheless, even walking into a See's Candies you're always offered a truffle to sample. At Fran's you can spend $100, and they hand you your box of chocolates with a smile and a bow, but no samples?! I'd still really like to try their hot chocolate. It seems like a delicious way to break from holiday shopping. read more

This is irrelevant but I totally thought I reviewed this place when I saw that Denise L. had already reviewed it. What are the odds that the last reviewer has the same name as me?! Anyways, mindblown moment over. NOW TO THE IMPORTANT STUFF. I love Fran's! I am not a chocolate fan; 80% of the time, I don't care for chocolate. Fran's is an exception. Though pricier than other chocolates, the quality is noticeably better. This is the only place where I'll eat something sweet & salty at the same time (grey salted caramel). Everything is so smooth and not overly sweet. I don't know if anyone else notices this, but the way the chocolate handlers oh so delicately put the chocolates in the boxes...I feel like I'm buying diamonds. They're so gentle with it; I feel like just organizing the chocolates in a box is an art. The store is spotless. I appreciate a clean, organized store! read more

Fran's Chocolates - cheers! - Chocolatiers & Shops Near Me - Seattle, Washington