Chocoholic heaven. Chocolate Nirvana. Exquisite. When I'm eating a Fran's dark chocolate truffle I don't care that I haven't had a date since parachute pants were in style. If I eat enough of them I'll never have another date. But I won't care since I'm eating dark chocolate truffles. It's not a bad Catch-22. Handmade and homegrown and better than Belgian chocolates I ate in Germany. Don't look at the prices. This kind of quality is worth it, and frankly boys, if you're in trouble, show up with a box of these and see what happens. read more

I was sad to leave this place as I moved back to Portland. Their Hazelnut diamonds, hazelnut crunch truffles are my absolute favorite. My mom adores the chocolate figs, ginger, and orange peels. The hot chocolate is also yummy. Come valentines day, their dark chocolate caramel hearts are DELICIOUS! Who ever came up with chocolate caramel is a genius! Service is typically great, though I once had a young girl who treated me rather poorly. **Visit Fran's after Easter and Valentines day for a discount on their left-over chocolates!** read more

Michelle Obama's favorite is the smoked salt caramels. It's if good enough for the first lady, it's good enough for me! It's on the high end for chocolates, so I wouldn't go here unless it's for an occasion or gift-buying. They do have samples but generally they go quickly - it's not like See's where the sampling is endless - if I'm going into Fran's and trying to sample a lot, I better end up buying something. Delicious and very high quality, you can tell that they know their craft. They have a very distinctive aesthetic, clean and modern-looking. You can probably think of someone you know whose style would jive well with Fran's. Give them some Fran's as a gift, they'll love it! read more

3.5 stars for me. I still prefer Socola or Teuscher's chocolates... I tried Fran's thin mints and the dark chocolate imperiales. Again for the price, it was good but not screaming mama great..... read more

You can get better or just as good chocolate in a dozen other places within a truffle's throw of Fran's. Go to Whole Foods (okay, you would need to chuck the truffle with a catapult or scud launcher to hit it) or that little market going up the winding street that the #74 is on (Ravenna blv.?). Anyway, you go into Frans to be pampered and get your chocos in a cute little box with a ribbon from a sweet clerk in a cute little store. And you get personal attention. Frans ain't just selling chocolates, sweetie. They sell an experience. They want you to chat and be chatted up. They want to find out what your sweet spot is (had to write that. sorry if too cute) and indulge it. If you are a chocolate junkie who just needs a quick fix and don't want the royal treatment, go the the Ave and buy some truffles from the crack dealer on the corner. You'll get it in a brown paper bag -- or one with little maryjane leaf designs -- and don't need to chat. But if you are the kind of junkie who likes to hang with your dealer, go to Frans and take your time. Kind of like the movie Pineapple Express, where Seth Rogen just wants to get his weed from James Franco and get the heck out. If that was me, I would savor the moment. Chill out with James and smoke that crucifix shaped doobie. You'll find that if you show your appreciation, and are a connosieur, he will bring out his special stash to share with you. He will take care of you. And you will leave a happier person. And the next time you return, expect a warm greeting and a personalized suggestion for some Cinderella 99 or some other strain that he saves for his special customers. Bottom line: Wouldn't you rather be pampered by James Franco and get the good stuff, or go the fast food route and get the skunk weed? I know what I want. To smoke some Cinderella 99 with James Franco, and have him smear melted Fran's chocolate all over my body and then lick it off. And I would do some licking of my own, if you know what I mean. ;-) read more

A Seattle classic for lovers of confections. Classic European style drinking chocolate, thick, decadent and sweet. read more

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Received the Chabako Box as a gift. I had know idea who or what Fran's was. Well played, Fran. I live outside NYC and have access to high end chocolate. I thought Fran's was fantastic and not too insanely priced for what you get. Even teenaged kids at my house were like "Wow this stuff is awesome." And these are boys who could give two craps about fancy candy. So you know it must be good. read more

The salted caramles are the BEST, especially the dark chocolate. I think that's the one with gray salt. I'm not a big fan of caramel, but the salted caramels are fantastic! They're soft, with perfect flavor. Not overpowering, but tasty. I've tried a variety of truffles here, all were great. Dark chocolate anything is good. Only downside is the pricing. It's a bit pricey $1.60 per piece, but....the quality is worth it. Buy a box of the salted caramels and they make a great gift anytime. Lastly, service is always great as well as presentation. read more

This is the BEST time of year to get a Frans hot chocolate. They are to die for. I'm also a pretty big sucker for the salted caramels. The U-village store recently expanded and it is much less claustrophobic. They have great pre packaged chocolate boxes which work well for a last minute party or hostess gift. read more

Gray Salt Caramels in Dark Chocolate. Get some. Soft, buttery caramel dipped in 64% dark chocolate, finished with a sprinkling of gray sea salt... read more

The salted caramels here will never be matched (the milk chocolate versions are my fave). And I've tried. I think it's the caramel--really smooth, buttery, and just sticky enough. Not so much that you have a lump at the roof of your mouth, but also not so sugary that wish you hadn't popped it in your mouth. In fact, it's a bit difficult not to pop several in a row. The girls who work here are super friendly, and always hand me a free chocolate to try. Now that they're carrying Sweet Beauty items at the counter, I'm not sure that I have an interest in any other chocolate shop. read more

This is my favourite place for chocolates. You can definitely taste the quality. I don't know if there's anything better than their salted caramels (smoked & grey), their oolong dark truffle, or their single malt truffle. The thins are also great if you want a "lighter" feeling. Also when it's hot outside, they pack a little ice-pack in your parcel to keep them from melting. Service is always very classy. The last time I was here, I came w/ my dog (not thinking I would stop in), but Marie helped me out and watched him outside while I made my picks, then let me hang out outside while she put together my customised box! Great service. read more

Fran's makes a damn good salted caramel. I buy mine at Gelson's. Not as amazing as Lillie Belle, but 100 times better than Moonstruck. They also have them at Jensen's in the Palm Desert area but they are significantly marked up. read more

What many folks don't realize is Fran's is one of Americas finest chocolatiers.It has been compared to La Maison du chocolat of France considered by some to the best in the world by the past Chocolatier magazine and the New York Times who have covered stories on their products. That's quite an honor. I like most of everything Fran has done through the years and have spent a considerable sum on her products through the years. My favorite product of all times isn't her most expensive or perishable It's a chocolate bar that won an award at the International Fancy Food show many years agoThe Gold Bar. It is an irresistible addictive dark chocolate bar with a caramel center from the gods with some fresh almonds If there is the close to perfect chocolate bar in heaven folks this it. I grew up eating and preferring milk chocolate.Frans was a game changer for me when I discovred them at the food show many years ago. It was the first American dark chocolate that let me say goodbye to Milk.Its not bitter like most dark chocolate and you taste the beauty of ingredients not a mouthful of sugar. Over the years I have purchased mostly mail order from them. However in addition to many of the items discussed here she also makes a great jar of caramel or raspberry sauce. And has a Gold Bar filled with coconut cream that will make most coconut lovers swoon.Visit the website for more of their delectable goodies. Fran's is a legend and success story. I salute her and many of their fine team members who I have had the pleasure of meeting and or speaking with over the years.And they stand behind your personal satisfaction with everything arriving in perfect condition read more

Outstanding. The absolute best in the Northwest. Everything is amazing. The grey salt caramels, dark chocolate truffles, coconut gold bars, Mmmmm. Also, the service is fantastic. I've been to the one in U-Village and the Four Seasons. The staff are fantastic! free samples, great advice and they're very patient, friendly and polite. They're pricey and worth every penny. You get what you pay for and you don't need to eat a lot of them. A little goes a long way. Go, eat and enjoy. read more

1st step: Yes, I have a problem.... I should have listened to my mother when she said to never take candy from a stranger but the gal behind the counter appeared so harmless. She even gave me the first taste for free. OMG, there has got to be something illegal in those dark chocolate and salt (hmm, maybe it is not just salt) caramels. All I can say is that that one little "free" sample ended up costing me $100.00 by the time all was said and done. I am hooked even more than Homer J Simpson was on the Ribwich I am not sure what the other 11 steps are but I am ready to donate blood (do they still pay you for that?), start a life of petty crime and panhandle for my next "taste". They say you need more and more to get the feeling from the first time. I am willing to try. read more

This review is for Fran's salted caramels only, as I live in Portland and came across these in my local New Seasons. I am a chocolate addict, and admittedly, purchased a 7-pack at the checkout counter on a whim. At $10 a box, they're a spendy treat. One bit was all it took though, and I was in choco-caramel heaven! Now it has developed into a full-on Fran's salted caramel addiction that is going to be very expensive to maintain :-) I found Fran's website, and even with $9 shipping feel it's a worthy investment in my mental health. read more

I am not even much of a chocolate lover but this place is awesome. My best friend got me hooked on the gray and smoked salt caramels. It is absolute happiness in your mouth!!! (interpret that statement whichever way you like). The place draws you in first thing you open the door. I honestly don't think they really need to even decorate the place because the chocolate products itself is enticing enough. Yes it is pricey, yes it is overwhelming since there are so many options, yes there is no justification for indulging this much on something, BUT THIS IS CHOCOLATE, great chocolate! Come to think of it, you don't even really need me to review this place because the second word of the name speaks for itself, CHOCOLATES. read more

Fran's Chocolates - Goodness in a bag - Chocolatiers & Shops Near Me - Seattle, Washington

Really disappointed in the customer service. I received a gift certificate from my sister this past *Christmas* and tried to use it this spring. It didn't work because Fran's was rehabbing their gift card system and told me to call back to use the card instead of using it online. Called this past Monday to place an order and spoke with Alec, who left me on hold for close to 10 minutes and then came back and said he couldn't figure out how to use the card and that I should just pay by credit card. I declined this option and he said someone would call me back. No one ever called back this week. Just tried to call Fran's *again* and no one is answering the phone. We have been customers for a few years now but the service has plummeted. read more

We were so busy on our trip that I didn't get a chance to stop by Fran's while I was in Seattle, so I had to do the tourist cop-out thing by buying some of the salted caramels in a "Made in Washington" airport shop. The caramels were surprising ... but not solely because of the taste. It was the size! They are so small! Maybe it's not like this at the actual store, but the 1" long candies made me kind of sad. The caramel inside is delicious and buttery, and the dark chocolate coating is yummy with the grey sea salt - but the actual confection isn't generous enough. I mean, I could gulp those babies down like a choco-covered Tylenol, they go that quickly. Bottom line: Fran, I hope that your store chocolates are bigger. Because when I want chocolate ... I want CHOCOLATE! At least try to match the size of See's! It's Fran vs. Mary - who will win? read more

Awesome chocolate, awesome staff! The chocolate is second to none, proud that they are from Seattle. Hazelnut crunch is the best, followed closely by milk chocolate espresso. Can't go wrong with any of the other options though. read more

Best salted caramel chocolates I've ever tried! Must try in Seattle and great treat while shopping around the village read more

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

The hot chocolate here is pretty good, would suggest getting the 3 oz cup. Trust me, 8 oz is too much for the concentratedness of the choco. You can have your choice of milk, and coconut milk or dairy. Choice of milk will change the flavor, but equally good as I tried both. read more

I have only had the caramel nuggets. Man O Man! What a treat! The one with macadamia nuts and covered in a bittersweet chocolate - mmm! Pricey little thang's but worth the special treat! (I but mine at Andronico's and Bristol Farm's) --------------------- Update - 9/6/07 I bought more Gold Bars and I also bought a box of Nuts & Chews (19.99) it was SO good! There were about 30 mini pieces of chocolate goodness! I actually like Fran's better than See's. read more

Chocolate = good. Ambience = upscale. What I'd like to review is the selection and pricing specifically for in-store purchases. I mainly got chocolates I can't get elsewhere like hazelnut diamond, hazelnut truffle, oolong truffle, and a dark chocolate Tas de noix (macadamia nut and caramel enrobed in chocolate). They threw in an extra piece of chocolate...maybe store policy if you have to wait a long time for people ahead of you to order drinks? The pricing was $1.60-1.70 per piece for a la carte seasonal chocolates. You can get a 5 piece box of the chocolate pumpkins for $9. Do a little math here, wait a minute, that's a dollar more with the box. Why do I want to pay for the box if I'm just going to stuff my face as soon as I walk out the door? The sales person disclosed to the customers ahead of me that the bigger boxes themselves cost $2 in addition to the chocolate, so if you're just buying chocolate for yourself, get it in a bag to go. read more

Great chocolates, great presentation, great looking store, great selection. We had 6 chocolates each all dark and all of them were well above average. Would give them a 9 out of 10. I have had chocolates from all over the world and Frans would compare to Richart, Thomas Haas in Vancouver, Vosges Haut-Chocolat and MarieBelle. Great quality with a smooth consistency. Flavours were distinctive but blended to perfection. Very fitting location in the beautiful new Four Seasons in Seattle. read more

I'm loving the new Fran's storefront in UVillage. The space is bigger and less intimidating. It has a great flow and entices you to buy something. I love that they change decor seasonally. It really entices you to come in and purchase tasty gifts for friends and family that will never be returned. I love this local artisan chocolate spot. They do chocolate so elegantly and have chocolates for every flavor profile. I'm a sucker for the salted caramel (of course...I'm cliché!), the hazlenut crunch truffle, and orange truffles. I love that when you purchase chocolate sets you get a free little signature chocolate. (At least over Christmas I did.) Either way, this is a great go to place for gifts or an afternoon indulgence. read more

If I could build a monument out of salted caramels, I would worship it each and every minute! Although I'm not sure how long this ohm to all that's good would last considering temptation may be it's demise. I'm not sure if it's the salt but I truly salivate for these caramels! The chocolate melts away to reveal a soft center of caramel goodness and the salted top leaves you with a taste of the best toffee you've ever experienced. Really it's the caramels that I come here for. I tried the decadent looking ganashe filled fig but was super disappointed. Maybe it was my fig inexperience but it wasn't worth the $4. I also tried a few of their truffles and really nothing stands up to the caramels, so that's why there's one less star. Nothing wrong with 4 star caramels though! read more

Unfortunately I cannot eat a lot of chocolate. It stems from childhood when I over induldged in chocolate. My body must have been acting in defense to the chocolate overload and now I can't eat the stuff without getting a migrane. Luckily the headaches come with eating chocolate of the darker variety. While most people probably wouldn't think of this as lucky I do as it allows me to eat tiny bits of milk or white chocolate without encountering too bad of a reaction. The way I see it is that it is all about knowing exactly what you can't eat so you can find ways around it. I headed to Fran's one sunny afternoon as part of a mission for my Aunt in CA. Her son, who had recently moved from WA, used to shower her affectionately with boxes of chocolates from Frans. Since he no longer lived up here she was left with serious chocolat cravings. Being the good niece I was I decided to pick up a box or two for her. I chose a couple of assorted boxes of truffles and as I was getting ready to pay the girl that was ringing me up offered me a piece of candy. I declined, explaining my unfortunate chocolate predicament but she insisted thaty I atleast try a bite of the grey salt caramel. She said I wouldn't regret it. I took a tiny bite, skeptically I might add due to the large crystals of salt, and was amazed. The caramel was delightfully chewy and the salt added a depth of flavor that I can't quite describe as anything other than exquisite. Sadly I didn't want to try any other items in fear of the repercussions but if they are as good as my Aunt makes them out to be then anyone who eats here will be in for a fantastic treat. read more

Two words, "expensive chocolates." now that's out of the way, this is a good place though if you're in trouble with your significant other and need to cheer them up. The smoked salted carmel was good, got a sample when I was there. Bought a small box consisting of 5 pieces and it came to $9 dollars. This is not See's candy, this is good stuff for that special occasion. read more

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

The Grey Salt caramels are probably the best thing I've ever tasted. I'm usually not too into sweets, but these are amazing. (Also--I completely missed this place the 4 years I was living in U-District, which is a true shame. I ended up with some via (i believe) Desert Wind's little shop in Prosser, WA.) Protip: You can order these to be sent elsewhere from the website. Delightfulness delivered! read more

I first heard about Fran's Chocolates on Food Network Canada. When I watched them make the Coconut Almond Bar. I knew I had to taste it. Looked them up on the internet and called. To my surprise upon asking if they could send me a package to Canada. Not a problem they said!!! The only problem I had was that I called on an empty stomach. Yes, it became expensive but oh my gosh!! It is so worth it. I was just about to place my order but, much to my chagrin, it's Memorial Day in US today. Now, I must now wait 1 more day to get my chocolate bars. Isn't that tragic??? read more

This is a review of the chocolate covered caramels. I haven't actually been to the shop in Seattle. My friend brought me Fran's salted chocolate covered caramels as a gift when he came to visit. They are ridiculously good. Please go and try one if you haven't yet. It will transform your opinion of caramel. read more

Fran's chocolates might knock your socks off if: a) you've never been to another, authentic chocolate shop in your life and b) Seattle wasn't full of sandal-wearing fashion wrecks. Definitely get the Salted Caramels; that's what they're known for, that's their bread and butter, and that's what you want to have. read more

Oh yes! I LOVE this store. Last time I went there after dinner and had a hot chocolate, one piece of ginger covered with chocolate, and one salted caramel chocolate. I love the service, all the information they give you about their chocolates and the shopping bags are so cute. Delicious chocolate! I can't wait to visit again! read more

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

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It's kind of expensive... but so delicious. It's better than Godiva (I know... of course there's going to be better tasting chocolate than Godiva) My boyfriend's brother bought it in Seattle for his mom when he visited a year ago, and I stole a piece, and I fell in love... and told myself that I WILL GET A BOX FOR MYSELF when I go to Seattle.. which i did.. and threw a fit when I had setbacks which made me not able to get another box a few days later. Yea... it's pretty damn good. The consistency of the chocolate there is very smooth, not too sweet, and very subtle... it just tastes very wholesome. Just try it! read more

Took the tour and it was amazing! Seeing the production line was pretty neat, watching them inspect and develop new products was awesome! The best part was the chocolate. My fave the salted Carmel . Bought a whole box ! The flavors were rich and creamy! Take the tour, you'll love it. It's a great experience. read more

How can I not love Fran's. Her choclates have such a personality. Very Seattle and still authentic. Just perfect size, just perfect balance of flavors, and still can identify that one ingredient standing out. Far better than most of those mix-in-different-things-and-get-noticed hype of chocolatiers (Recchuti, vosges, ..) Love her cookbook too! read more

Amazing hot chocolate. Their chocolates are amazing so to have that as a drink, OMG. Super rich and smooth. Love love love. They need to have one of this place down in Los Angeles. read more

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

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The Drinking Chocolate (aka Hot Chocolate) is exceptional. The depth of flavor and the wonderful slurping quality of the drink are delicious. After drinking Fran's version of "Hot Chocolate" I finally understand why ancient Mayan society reserved Drinking Chocolate for it's High Priests and Officials. read more