While exploring Seattle, I did plenty of walking. I happened to walk by Fran's one night and decided to go in for some chocolates. I decided to get the Chocolate and Tea Tasting ($10) which includes an orange confit, a truffle, a caramel and a Fran's milk chocolate. For my truffle piece I chose their Hazelnut Crunch and for the caramel option I chose the Smoked Sea Salt Caramel. For my tea I chose their Imperial Oolong. It was completely bland and watery with the recommended seeping time so I let the tea seep a bit longer. Even after waiting for twice the recommended seeping time, it was still bland. I really loved the chocolates, but I'll pass on the tea in the future. So while I was picking out chocolates for my chocolate and tea tasting, I was trying to ask the sales associate questions for recommendations since it was my first time but she gave the most unhelpful useless answers. Not to mention, she was not too friendly. I was so annoyed I didn't buy anything else from her even though I walked in with every intention to buy a decent amount of chocolate. Anyways after enjoying my delicious chocolates. There was another friendlier sales associate who I noticed was much nicer with the other customers coming in. So I actually ended up asking him for recommendations. I ended up getting some of their Almond Goldbites ($3/piece) to bring home to my parents. These were a dark chocolate with almonds and caramel. Love their chocolates, didn't care for their tea and service has room for improvement. I would have bought everything in one transaction if the first associate I dealt with was even the slightest helpful. When a customer comes in trying to buy something, it isn't that hard to make a sales. read more

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Store: located inside of four seasons. Very clean and elegant appearance. It gives the breathlessness feeling upon walking in. Very nice glass showcase chocolates and clean shelves on the side for prepackaged chocolate. Couple tables for seating. Service: received an offer of sample upon entering, even my DD, 7 year old, received a piece of silver heart chocolate. Excellent and beyond attentive customer service. Food/ drinks: very rich drinking chocolate. I also bought the nut & fruit chocolate bars as souvenirs. Price: $2.5-$5 per piece. Various of prepackaged chocolate available too. read more

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I became a fan of Fran's chocolates when I read articles from magazines like Gourmet, Bon Appetit and tried out their almond caramel bars when Bobby Flay said it was a gourmet Almond Joy bar on steroids at the food network. I just got to try them with New Seasons Market. So far it has been my favorite gourmet chocolate bar ever since. Then I ordered their products online which was so convenient because I can choose which bars which were all delightful. Fran's chocolates have one of the best American and European-style chocolates you can eat and indulge. Every online order is made at this location. So I order twice a year either on my birthday and the holidays to give to special friends and few family members for them to enjoy. Fran's chocolates has the best caramels, candy bars, dark chocolates, bonbons and their hot chocolate is also out of this world. read more

Better than Hershey's, but still doesn't compare to Belgian or French chocolatiers. The chocolates are smooth but lacks depth. It's a tad on the too sweet side. For the price, I was hoping for something along the lines of Maison du Chocolat or Neuhaus. It's an indulgent treat, but their pricing on boxes are weird. It's the epitome of American artisanal chocolate. Beautiful packaging, but unsatisfying. The taste is mediocre for fancy chocolates. If you want 12 normal pieces and not any of the small pieces, you get a box of 9 and a plastic baggy of 3. Because they won't sell "incomplete boxes" because they don't want the chocolates jostling around....like the baggy of 3 doesn't jostle around? Maybe a better explanation of the box pricing at first would have been helpful to avoid confusion. Buying a dozen chocolate pieces shouldn't be that complicated. read more

Conveniently located right next to the steps to the back of the market and across the street from the Seattle Art Museum. There's no excuse to drop in here when you're in the area. They are my favorite local artisan chocolatier and always give you a sample when you pop in. There's a reason why Obama used to order all of his holiday gifts to staff from here - he had refined tastes! The folks who work this location are really friendly and the perfect face of this business. Always professional and helpful, they will help you get whatever you need wrapped up in no time at all. They offer beautiful packaging in classy matte finish boxes with lush satin bows. Nothing could be classier as a gift - whether for work or for family the gifts from here are as versatile as they are beautiful. Form and function flow flawlessly together in this small but lovely space! read more

Delicious chocolate with various ingredients suitable to your taste palette. The place is in downtown Seattle close to Pike place market. Great customer service! read more

The two ladies were so nice We came at the last second and they still let us browse around even though we only got 2 chocolates to share Lots of options Clean establishment We would definitely come back read more

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

Fran's made my in person experience right by sending me hot chocolate since I wasn't able to purchase any in person. I tried it last night and it's very high quality chocolate shavings with a very small ingredient list. Thanks! read more

Fran's Chocolates is the Neiman Marcus of chocolates. Once I walked through the door, I double checked myself -Do I look okay?, Am I wearing my mask properly? Right away I noticed several Simple Human's dispensers in the store filled with hand sanitizer. Next to the dispensers, I see face masks available for those that need one. I was greeted right away. I was asked if this was my first time in the store. When I said, "this was my first time." The sale person enthusiastically explained the different kinds of chocolates in the store. The sale person was very patient with my many questions about the chocolates. The truffles and caramels are delicious. With my purchase of two boxes, I received a complimentary caramel. I also got a little cheat sheet to identified the chocolates you purchased. It's located near Pike Market in the Four Season Hotel. read more

Fran's Chocolates - My box of chocolates. - Chocolatiers & Shops Near Me - Seattle, Washington

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Fran's Chocolates is a must for anyone who hasn't tried the chocolates or for visitors. They have multiple locations around the Seattle area, but this one is located in downtown Seattle, right by the Seattle Art Museum and walking distance to Pike Place Market. It makes for a perfect stop from sight-seeing for some artisan chocolate. My bestie was in town and after visiting the Seattle Art Museum, we stopped by here for some chocolate. I recommend for anyone just to stop by, as the staff offers you a complimentary chocolate, which is usually their chocolate-covered salted caramel. I gotta admit, I am not a fan of caramels, but I do love their truffles. They have a mix of dark and milk chocolates in all different forms, like truffles, bars, and they also offer a few drinks, like hot chocolate. Fran's is definitely a high-end chocolatier in the area, so you'll spend a pretty penny on these quality chocolates. But they sure do taste good. They also make for great gifts, as they are packaged beautifully. And they always offer seasonal items for different occasions. I recommend all chocoholics to visit Fran's. read more

Such an incredible place to stop by after the pike Place market for air conditioning and ice cold espresso and ice cold drinking chocolate. Came in with out-of-town guests from California. Not only that they each enjoy a sample of salted caramels, but with such attentive and outstanding service by Cathy and Alec and Samsam, this stop became the perfect place to pick up several boxes of chocolate to gift it to friends back home! A home run drop in experience. Thanks for outstanding customer service and experience. Also, it was absolutely fantastic to see such a great representation of diversity represented in the staff. read more

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Pricey but delicious chocolate! The flavor is delightful -- not too overpowering, very fresh, and a great balance of flavors. The caramel is some of the best I've ever had. I would definitely come again! I would give Fran's 5 stars but the service on Tuesday around 6:30-7 PM left something to be desired. I was standing there for over 5 minutes before anyone bothered to ask me if I needed help, even though I was clearly looking at the chocolates. The man who serviced me was extremely unhelpful as well. When I asked for recommendations he constantly said they're all amazing and tried to sell me more even though I was obviously making a purchase already. He also offered samples to every customer except me even though I was asking for details about the flavors, having never come here before. Next time I come I will ask to be serviced by someone else if he's still at the counter. read more

This is such a great place for gifts. You won't be disappointed and neither will the person you give them to. I got a small box and it offered a great mix of things they offered. Caramels, dark, milk and flavored chocolates. You can buy all sorts of pre made boxes or mix your own. They also offer some season goodies. read more

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I tried a chocolate covered caramel and an oolong truffle. The caramel was ok. The truffle's chocolate was excellent, very smooth. But I couldn't taste the oolong. Service was very friendly and the store is aesthetically pleasing. I think these would make good gifts, but I wouldn't buy it for myself. read more

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

This chocolate shop is like my old friend. Never miss a chance to visit here when I'm in Seattle. Recommend: Grey Salt thins Orange Confit Salted Caramels Macadamia Gold Bars read more

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We visited the store while staying at the hotel next door. The gentleman who helped was a delight to talk with, especially his pastry chef background and world travels. We selected a variety of truffles, salted caramels, gold bars and a peanut butter cup. I also had a small drinking chocolate which was amazing. And he was right, I will definitely be ordering more of those gold bars - far superior to the other brand. Thank you for the wonderful experience. read more

Went in close to closing time and the place was still quite popular. Good for buying small chocolate gifts ( I got a couple of their 3-pack salted caramel). Also got a hot chocolate for myself. Hot chocolate was super rich and came with a piece of chocolate. The space itself is quite small so there is only a couple of seats, so not really a place to sit and drink and chat. They were also handing out chocolate samples. read more

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

Amazing chocolates. I heard about Fran's when I moved to Seattle and have been meaning to drop into their shop (1 near Pike Place, 1 in University Village) and if you really don't have the time, just stop by Whole Foods as they always sell them. I stopped by to purchase a birthday gift for my friend. While the choices were plentiful, I'd say you wouldn't be stricken with paradox of choice as there weren't SO many that you'd walk out stunned. They're known for their sea salt caramels (my fav is the dark chocolate sea salt caramels). I love that they give you a piece of chocolate to taste when you walk in. read more

What a cool little shop, right across from the Four Seasons! When I travel, I always try to bring back a box of fancy chocolates for my husband. He's watching kids while I'm enjoying a nice quiet hotel room and a few days away from the rigors of modern parenting. The least I can do is bring a hit of chocolate home from my trip! It wasn't at all hard to find a pre-packaged box I knew he would love. I failed to get my free sample, however! I'm just now reading about that in these Yelp reviews! Dangit! But, the customer service was lovely. The woman who helped me was lovely and I enjoyed the few minutes we chatted about being parents to little ones. I should have remembered her name, she was customer service perfection personified. read more

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

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Perfect place to grab a gift for a friend, a loved one, or yourself (no judging here)! Opted to create our own 45 pc box. Pieces were on the tiny side however, despite how small they were, each piece did not disappoint and packed a big punch. Hands down best salted caramels! I also want to thank the two lovely ladies who helped us last weekend. Both were super friendly, very helpful, and quite patient. Never once did I feel rushed. I know that I can be so indecisive sometimes, especially when I'm in a situation where there's so many yummy options to choose from :) read more

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

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Fran's is a Seattle establishment. Yes it's fancy and yes it's pricey, but I think it's worth it. I first heard about Fran's on Food Network and knew I had to try their coconut gold bar (thanks fellow coconut lover Bobby Flay!). This bar is rich and very delicious. If you like coconut at all you have to try it. I also got the almond gold bars for my husband and he really enjoyed them too. As much as I recommend the coconut bars, I feel like the salt caramels are the true stars of the show. I tried them all and really liked the grey salt and the smoked salt caramels. I could eat them every day! I also tried their chocolate dipped apricot (just okay) and dark espresso truffle (awesome). Customer service was stellar both times I visited. The girl that helped me last time wrapped up a small gift for me perfectly and really took her time to make it just right. read more

Fran's Chocolates - The reason to visit! Expensive but worth it - Chocolatiers & Shops Near Me - Seattle, Washington

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Fran's the real deall! Her salted caramel is out of this world, delicious! Fran's also looked high end from the outside and loved the window display, but once you get inside, it's even nicer than the outside. And if there's anything you need to taste, Fran's Hot Chocolate is just "sooooooo" good!! I highly suggest you order it. Until then, Cheers! ~ :p read more

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

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I like Fran's Chocolates. They make great presents to bring home to people... much better than an I Love Seattle T-Shirt. Who doesn't like chocolates? This of Fran's Chocolates as another Godiva's chocolates but a little better. Good customer service. Super sleek store. Fellow yelper Bong E told me he felt like he was in a jewelry store. :) The chocolates I bought here and the little chocolate I sampled while I was there was all good. Better than the Theo's chocolates I bought. Both are chocolates made from Seattle. BTW, their Macadamia Gold Bar and Almond Gold Bars are delicious! Another bonus, if you are in the military you get a small discount if you show your ID. I will be back. read more

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

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This review is long over due but here I go. I was walking in the area and saw The Four Seasons hotel then I saw a chocolate shop which kind of reminded me of Godiva. The shop was very clean, upscale and modern but the prices weren't crazy expensive. They had several exotic chocolates which I thought wouldn't be that great but I tried some and they were pretty good. I also got a hot chocolate because I'm a big fan of hot chocolate. I would definitely come here again because it's so nice, the chocolate is very tasty, the prices are good and the employees are nice. read more

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Located on the main street just down the hill from Pike's Place, this store will light up any chocolate loving passerby. When you enter, you will likely think you're in a boutique rather than candy store. They serve coffee and of course chocolate beverages as there are three high top tables for customers. The staff are personable and eager to answer questions. My favorite Fran's chocolate is their salted caramel dark chocolates. There are two entrances, the street one and one from the Four Seasons Hotel lobby. The only misstep was my ability to dodge the guy handing sample chocolates to try. This is my go to chocolate place since Neuhaus closed their store up the hill. read more

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

The service was not as expected, they were curt and little off putting. When I heard hmm sigh. There's a lot of choices, so I bought what I bought. Overall you go for chocolates- very good. I order for the Holidays this was the first being at their store. Yes I may go again over the weekend, I may peek to see those two aren't there or order ahead. read more

Had a chocolate craving to fill. Friendly greeting & service. Got drinking chocolate, a latte and a mix of different chocolates - oolong tea, ginger & salted caramels. Enjoyed it all sitting in the sun in front of the Four Seasons. Great place to satisfy your chocolate fix. read more

Their chocolates are really really good, particularly the salted caramel ones. I have been here a couple times before and was going to leave a 5 star but today's experience was really awful. So I know this place hands out free samples when you walk in. I was never offered one before but didn't really think any of it, till today. I walked in and started browsing and noticed this white male staff, short height blond hair with purple highlight handing out samples.....well to be precise, only to white people. I was never offered one even tho I was standing right there, when he offered to a white couple. My friend was on the way to meet up with me from her hotel so I was waiting for her close to 30 min. While I was waiting, I made eye contact with him a couple times, and he just ignored and walked away with samples. He didn't even offer any assistance. What was interesting was that it wasn't just me. All the other Asians who walked into the store, 6 different people, 4 separate times, was ignored by him as well. He is handing out samples only to white people. It was just so crystal clear. Since he didn't have a name tag, I took a photo of him. Then he yelled at me, saying "are you talking a photo?" Why would he get mad unless he knew that he did something wrong and I was onto him? I just completely ignored him. When my friend finally came over, and we approached the showcase, he shit talked about me like I didn't understand English and what he was saying. Then he kept going in and out of the back of the store, like he was running away. I had an intention to buy a box from here today but obviously left without getting anything, and my friend didn't either when I told her what happened. Trust me, I hate people who make everything about racism but today's case was so clear, and when he got caught he yelled at me and shit talked about me. Looking at other low rated reviews, I am not the only one who noticed discrimination and judgements. It doesn't matter how good your chocolates are, if you have an employee like that, I would never ever support your business. read more

Great chocolate shop, love their hot chocolate and keep coming back for it whenever I visit.

Stopped by here to grab some chocolate to bring home for a friend. It's a fancy chocolate shop and I was a bit intimidated when I walked it. When I walked in, I already knew what I wanted: Gray and Smoked Salted Caramels. It's a bit pricey but that's what the homie wanted and that's what I was getting. I ended up getting a small box for $22. I believe it has 9 pieces in it? Anyways, a bit pricey for chocolate. However, they had a chocolate bar where you can buy singular pieces for $2+ so I had to try it just to see why itms so expensive. I walked up to the counter and was greeted by a friendly employee. I made it easy because I already knew what I wanted to try. I got two pieces: 1 gray salted caramel and 1 smoked salted caramel. Much to my luck the gray salted caramel was their free sample of the day. So he only charged me for one (yas!). Now, on to the flavor. I have to say both are definitely worth the money. It has that really good balance of chocolate and salted caramel. Soooo good and sooo worth the price. I wish I bought more! When you're in the area, you'll definitely want to stop here. I know I will when I'm in the area again. read more

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

When we walked in we got the free sample of grey salt caramel. Yum! This place is supposedly one of Barack Obama's favorite chocolate. So we wanted to visit during our short travel to Seattle. Barack didn't lie - everything is good...but expensive! We bought what we thought was the least expensive but worth-it option, which was the 10 piece box for $22. The cheapest one was a 3-piece for about $10. You can also buy single ones to. It's hard to decide which one is our favorite, but if we had to pick it would be the smoked salt caramel. You would think that it would taste the same as the grey salt, but no. The different salt actually made a difference. You can also dine in there. Have a cup of espresso or hot chocolate and enjoy it with their selection of assorted chocolate. We didn't because we were so full from eating all kinds of stuff from Pike Place Market (it's walking distance from the Fran's). read more

Cleanliness: only 4 people allowed in the store at once. Very clean inside. All employees wearing masks. We got a box of 9-12, mainly their salted caramel chocolates. This is the one to get. If former President Barack Obama likes them, you know they're good. Chocolates are pricey, but the quality and presentation are there for the price point. read more

Frans is one of those must stop places for one reason the greatest hot chocolate you have in your life I think all it is is chocolate ganache with a little bit of milk steamed now it is pretty expensive dollar an ounce I think but well worth it chocolates are amazing I got their big variety box but it's like 65 bucks they have smaller ones to for cheaper or we can buy individual ones but if you can only get one thing besides the hot chocolate get the coconut bar it's most amazing Almond Joy you ever have read more

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

Honestly, If I can recommend anything.. of course the chocolates are delicious but during the colder months, go and get yourself a sipping chocolate from Fran's. No need to thank me :P I can only drink a 3oz. It is unbelievably rich, obviously chocolatey and so so delicious. The plus point is that they will make it with dairy free milk if you ask. read more

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

A must go when in Seattle! The ambiance is relaxed, decor is minimal, it honestly looks like a jewelry shop for chocolates. Chocolates glisten when you walk in, and the free sample makes me think damn when will you ever find chocolate that good? Also as a sucker for pretty things, the packaging of the chocolate is A+. This shop is located near Pikes Place (easy walking distance) and is situated inside a hotel. What's great is that once you walk out there's an area for valet cars or drop offs giving you space to have an overview of the Ferris wheel and the pier. I was there around sunset and boy was it gorgeous! I only found out about this place because I read somewhere that this is Obama's favorite chocolate (and he used to buy them for guests at the White House!) Anyways chocolate wise, a bit on the pricey size so I consider these for a special occasion dessert or splurge. But if you are in Seattle for a trip, try it! You won't regret it! The sea salt caramels are my favorite! Both dark and milk is good! The caramel isn't super sticky to your teeth and it's super smooth! I wish I bought some of the other chocolates but well maybe next time! read more

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These chocolates are so delicate and delicious. They have a nice caramels if you are into that, I know I am. Chocolates are small and expensive but when is good chocolate not expensive. Loved pretty much everything I tried! read more

The Obama's favorite chocolates! Stopped here on the way to Pike's Place. They offered some free samples,which was cool. Overall store is clean and very organized. Price range of these chocolates are insane and way out of my price range, but check this place out if you are willing to invest more into some delectable chocolates! read more

*** This review is about the included card only *** Fran's makes great chocolate, for sure. One item I wish they'd change is the card. You can write what you'd like and they'll include with the chocolate. The issue is they print the receipt on the top of the card and put your message at the bottom. I think they should keep the card clean/professional looking so as to be a nice keepsake and have an additional piece inside that's the receipt. I asked them about this and they said it can be done but you have to request it in the special instructions. I feel that's a request 90% of people would want so this review is to let people know to do so. In the special instructions, let them know you want the receipt to be printed on something other than the card. Then you'll have a perfect Fran's experience! read more

Got a chocolate drink. It was definitely chocolate. The type of chocolate that makes you do the :x face. They're not joking around. That's that real cocoa. They throw in a freebie as well. Like awh thats so nice. read more

Very snooty girl that greeted us and then said zero words even while she was cashing me out. Chocolates are good and pricey, but with poor service it's just not worth it. read more