When asking yourself about something to do near me in Seattle with a group of friends or family, consider
Hood Famous Cafe + Bar
Why Hood Famous Cafe + Bar is a fun option when searching for things to do near me with friends and family
Hood Famous Cafe + Bar in Seattle’s Chinatown-International District is a vibrant and welcoming hub that perfectly blends delicious Filipino-inspired flavors with a warm, community-centered atmosphere. Established in 2019, this cafe and bar is renowned for its all-day breakfast options, lunch rice bowls, and an exceptional range of house-made pastries. The standout attraction is their OG Ube Cheesecake, celebrated as one of the best cheesecakes in Seattle, featuring unique flavors like purple ube, white chocolate guava, and matcha. Whether grabbing a quick bite or settling in for a relaxed meal, patrons can also enjoy a single-origin Asian Pacific coffee program and thoughtfully crafted brunch cocktails. Hood Famous offers a cozy setting ideal for casual meet-ups with friends, featuring good vibes from day to night. Their location at 504 5th Ave S, Suite 107A, operates with hours that cater to various schedules, making it convenient to enjoy specialty desserts and meals throughout the day. This cafe-bar’s commitment to quality, authenticity, and community makes it a perfect spot for both locals and visitors looking to experience a taste of Filipino culture with a modern twist.
Here's what people think of Hood Famous Cafe + Bar
As of recent, Hood Famous Cafe + Bar holds a 4.6-star rating based on 611 reviews.
According to reviews by diners and critics alike, Hood Famous Cafe + Bar receives high praise for its unique Filipino desserts, particularly the ube cheesecake which many consider the best in Seattle. Reviewers appreciate the innovative blend of traditional Filipino flavors with contemporary dessert styles, noting the freshness and quality of the baked goods. Customers also highlight the friendly atmosphere, inviting setting, and the diverse menu ranging from all-day breakfast options to savory rice bowls. Positive feedback points to the cafe’s ability to maintain authentic flavors while providing excellent coffee and brunch cocktails, making it an attractive place for both casual hangouts and special occasions. However, some negative reviews mention occasional waits during peak hours and limited seating, which can affect the overall dining experience. A few patrons noted that the dessert portions, while high in quality, can be on the smaller side relative to price. Despite these points, the general consensus is strongly favorable, with most visitors recommending Hood Famous for its distinctive menu and vibrant ambiance. Overall, Hood Famous Cafe + Bar is celebrated as a must-visit destination for those seeking a flavorful Filipino culinary experience paired with a lively community space.
Highlights from reviewers (Most Relevant)
Alpha Nicolasin
Although we like cooking at home we always visit and support Filipino restaurants when out of town. Hood Famous delivers on taste, flavor and presentation! The chicken arroz caldo is luscious and comforting, with the toppings of crispy fried garlic and the thin chicken skin added an interesting and great contrast to the creaminess of the rice. The tapsilog and longsilog (beef tapa and longganisa patties were perfectly cooked and cooked. They were tender and flavorful. The desserts and drinks were equally delicious and provided a satisfying way to end our meal. The crew is amazing and friendly, and the chefs and cooks obviously know what they are doing and serving. The quality of the food and service is worthy of more stars than this platform can offer. The space is spotless and the vibe very upbeat without being loud. Great place to bring family and friends to! Pro tip: Visit the sauce bar they have next to the counter to make your own dipping sauce with the variety of vinegars and sauces they are offering for free. The Lakan hot sauce and banana ketchup will make your palate dance!
Kyle Cooley
This place is awesome. I rolled in a little after opening on a Thursday and it was pretty quiet. I ordered at the kiosk, grabbed a number, and sat at a table with a convenient outlet for my laptop charger. I easily connected to their free Wi-Fi (which is apparently not available on weekends — be warned). I started with a chicken arroz caldo with crispy chicken skin and a poached egg plus a pandan Italian soda. The arroz caldo is fantastic! Warm, hearty, and texturally interesting, it's comfort in a bowl. The add-ons are non-negotiable, in my opinion. The pandan Italian soda is also tasty and unique, though a coffee lover would probably just prefer a pandan latte. I enjoyed my food and sipped on my drink for a couple hours while I got some work done. The cafe picked up a little as the morning went on but it stayed relatively quiet and pleasant. Around lunchtime, I ordered a longsilog (basically a breakfast plate with Filipino pork sausage patties). I also added a mung bean patty to give it a try. When it arrived, I topped it off with some chili crisp and went to town. Wow! Explosion of flavor. The pork sausage is unbelievably juicy and tender. It's perfect with some runny egg yolk and a bit of rice. The greens and pickled veggies add a nice crunch and kick of acidity. The mung bean patty is a little less exciting — a bit dry and without a ton of flavor. But if you're not a meat eater, it's a decent alternative! I finished my meal and then ordered an assortment of pastries to go. They have a huge variety of unique flavor combinations! Several of them are classic Filipino sweets that you'd be hard pressed to find elsewhere in Seattle, so it was really cool to try them. The cheesecake is one of their specialities, so I got several varieties to try. Pro tip: you should really enjoy these cold. Once they warm up to room temperature, their flavors dull significantly. My favorites are the Vietnamese coffee and white chocolate guava, but the ube is also rich and unique. A few other standouts for me are the turon cream puff, the black sesame roll, the mango peach empanada, the bibingka corn muffin, and the beef mechado pocket. If you're a fan of less sweet desserts, you'll probably really enjoy the ube pianono cake slice, the cassava cake, and the biko. Overall, I can't recommend this place highly enough. The hot dine-in foods, hot or iced drinks, savory pastries, and sweet desserts are all flawlessly prepared in their own ways.
carol vang
Perfect location for brunch on a Sunday! My colleague and I stopped here as we had heard good reviews about this Filipino cafe! It did not disappoint! I tried their Ube Ice Latte, and it was the perfect blend of sweetness and expresso! I would highly recommend this drink! For brunch, I ordered the Pork Menudo (which is a tomato based pork dish with a side of rice). It was my first time trying it, and it was decent. The tomato taste was strong, which was not something I was used to. My colleague ordered the Longsilog, which was different from the normal sausage Longsilog he was used to. Service was amazing, and they were quick. The waitress accidentally spilled a bit of my latte but cleaned it up right away. I'd recommend anyone trying out this cafe if they want to try a Filipino cafe!
Rhodes Family
Super cute Filipino coffee shop with unique drinks (iced matcha with lilikoi), ube latte. Their mini cheesecakes were delicious with fun flavors like POG and white chocolate guava. I wasn’t the biggest fan of the lilikoi matcha…the flavors just weren’t my favorite. But everything else was good. They have a cute store with various Filipino goodies like chocolate, children’s books and soap.
Emeline Gros
I loved the vibe of this cafe. Lakan, the sous chef is so welcoming and kind. The waitress was too, very smiling. I've tried my first Biko there and I loved it. They make ube and Pandan latte too. My two favorite flavours 😋
How to reach Hood Famous Cafe + Bar
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Why Hood Famous Cafe + Bar may become Your Favorite Meetup Place for Catching Up, Celebrating or Just Hanging Out
Why rally at Hood Famous Cafe + Bar with your friends?
Gathering with friends at Hood Famous Cafe + Bar promises an unforgettable meetup infused with vibrant energy and unique flavors. Located in Seattle’s Chinatown-International District, this Filipino-inspired cafe and bar is much more than just a place to eat and drink; it’s a cultural and social hub where community vibes are as warm as the food and drinks. The ambiance effortlessly combines casual comfort with trendy, colorful aesthetics that invite laughter, sharing, and connection, making it an ideal setting to enjoy a relaxed yet lively outing with friends or family. The welcoming staff and inclusive atmosphere ensure everyone feels at home, whether you're coming for a midday brunch or late afternoon coffee with cocktails. The cafe boasts a highly rated menu featuring all-day breakfast, innovative rice bowls, and, notably, the original ube cheesecake—a beloved Filipino treat that after tasting, becomes an instant favorite. This blend of culturally rich food, stellar drinks, and a cozy yet modern environment makes Hood Famous Cafe + Bar a natural choice for social gatherings where great conversations and memories are made over exquisite dishes and drinks.
What makes Hood Famous perfect for group meetups?
Hood Famous Cafe + Bar shines as a meetup spot because it skillfully balances an engaging atmosphere with a menu designed for sharing and exploring diverse tastes. It’s ideal for groups due to its spacious yet intimate layout, allowing conversations to flow freely without being overwhelmed by noise or crowds. The diversity of offerings caters to varied preferences—whether someone wants a light pastry, a savory rice bowl, or a handcrafted cocktail, everyone finds something to enjoy. Its specialty, the OG Ube Cheesecake, acts as a unique centerpiece for any group dinner or brunch, providing a conversation starter and shared experience through its distinct Filipino flavor. Additionally, the cafe's focus on community and vibrant “good vibes all day” philosophy encourages relaxed socializing. The mix of coffeehouse culture by day and bar scene by night creates versatile options for different times or moods during your meetup. Hosting celebrations, catching up over brunch cocktails, or casual coffee tastings are all enhanced by Hood Famous’s commitment to quality and cultural authenticity, making it a memorable venue choice for groups.
What activities does Hood Famous Cafe + Bar offer for groups?
Hood Famous offers a rich variety of activities that cater to groups seeking both culinary delights and cultural experiences. The café operates primarily during the day, serving breakfast and lunch with freshly made Filipino treats and savory dishes perfect for sharing. Groups can indulge in communal dining, sampling their assortment of house-made pastries, such as ube cookies and calamansi bars, alongside heartier rice bowls made with traditional flavors that bring something different from usual brunch spots. Coffee lovers will appreciate the single-origin Asian Pacific coffee program, where friends can taste unique blends and learn about the origin of their brews. For those who enjoy social sipping, especially during brunch or afternoon hours, the bar offers handcrafted cocktails that fuse Filipino flavors and modern mixology, creating a dynamic drink menu that adds excitement to the meetup. The venue’s regular vibe of “all-day good vibes” encourages relaxed mingling and even small celebrations. Overall, Hood Famous enables groups to blend eating, drinking, and cultural appreciation into one lively, unforgettable social experience.
Why is Hood Famous Cafe + Bar rated so highly by its customers?
With a rating of 4.6 from over 600 reviews, Hood Famous Cafe + Bar’s acclaim reflects its consistent delivery of quality and atmosphere. Customers frequently highlight the unique, upscale Filipino desserts that balance traditional ingredients with modern culinary craftsmanship, such as the famously chewy ube cookie and the creamy buko pandan cheesecake variants. The attentive, friendly staff contribute to an inviting experience, making patrons feel welcomed and valued, which is crucial for repeat visits and group enjoyment. The all-day breakfast and lunch options receive praise for being both flavorful and well-portioned, appealing to diverse dietary preferences in groups. Reviewers also note the calm yet lively ambiance – offering the best of a coffeehouse and a bar without overwhelming noise or rush, ideal for gatherings where conversation flows naturally. These elements combined explain the cafe’s excellent public perception and why it stands out especially in Seattle’s dining scene as a place to bring friends and family.
How does Hood Famous cater to different tastes within a group?
One of Hood Famous’s strengths is its versatile menu that embraces varied preferences, making it ideal for groups with mixed tastes. From house-made pastries like the calamansi bars and mango calamansi cheesecakes to savory options such as breakfast rice bowls infused with Filipino flavors, the menu spans sweet, savory, light, and hearty dishes. The café’s coffee program highlights unique single-origin beans from the Asia-Pacific region, pleasing coffee connoisseurs, while the brunch cocktail selection provides adults with sophisticated, flavorful drink alternatives. This variety allows groups to customize their orders according to personal tastes, whether someone prefers a refreshing iced coffee, a classic brunch cocktail, or a culturally rich dessert. The focus on traditional Filipino flavors combined with modern twists ensures everyone experiences something fresh and memorable, promoting shared discovery within the group. Importantly, the flexibility in menu choices supports different dietary needs, from lighter fare to indulgent treats, accommodating diverse appetites in a group gathering effectively.
What is the atmosphere like for a meetup at Hood Famous Cafe + Bar?
The atmosphere at Hood Famous Cafe + Bar is a harmonious blend of vibrant cultural energy with a laid-back, comfortable setting conducive to socializing. Designed to reflect its Filipino heritage, the decor incorporates bright, welcoming colors and artistic touches that elevate the mood without being overstimulating. Whether visiting during daylight hours or into the early evening, the space manages to balance lively vibes with areas for intimate conversation. Music and lighting are curated to enhance rather than overpower, helping groups feel relaxed and focused on connection. The staff’s warmth and attentiveness contribute significantly to the positive energy, making patrons feel like they belong to a community. This thoughtful atmosphere encourages groups not only to enjoy a meal or drinks but to linger, share stories, celebrate milestones, and deepen relationships.
How accessible and convenient is Hood Famous for group events?
Hood Famous Cafe + Bar benefits from a prime location in Seattle’s Chinatown-International District, making it easily accessible by public transportation, walking, or driving. Its storefront on 5th Ave South offers a welcoming entrance to a unique cultural neighborhood filled with complementary shops and attractions, adding layers of interest for group outings. The cafe provides a spacious interior that can accommodate small to medium-sized groups comfortably, and the staff are experienced with hosting group events, ensuring service is smooth and attentive. Booking ahead is possible, which is particularly valuable for larger parties or special occasions. While the cafe’s hours focus on daytime and early evening, they align well with popular times for brunches, lunches, and casual meetups, offering a convenient window for most social schedules. Such accessibility and thoughtful service logistics make Hood Famous a practical and attractive option for planned group gatherings.
How does Hood Famous support cultural and community connection during meetups?
Hood Famous Cafe + Bar authentically celebrates Filipino culture through its culinary offerings and community-centered values, making meetups here an opportunity for cultural enrichment as well as social enjoyment. The menu’s traditional Filipino desserts and dishes provide a taste adventure that educates and delights, sharing aspects of Filipino heritage in an approachable way. The cafe also fosters a community space where people come together across cultural backgrounds to enjoy food, coffee, and drink inspired by Asian Pacific flavors. This focus on inclusive celebration helps deepen the social experience, transforming ordinary meetups into meaningful cultural exchanges. The “all-day good vibes” mantra extends beyond ambiance; it symbolizes a commitment to creating a welcoming environment that encourages openness, warmth, and connection. By choosing Hood Famous, groups not only enjoy quality food and drink but also engage in a vibrant cultural narrative that enhances friendship and understanding.
What special menu items make Hood Famous stand out for group dining?
Hood Famous’s standout menu items are deeply rooted in Filipino flavor profiles elevated by skilled craftsmanship, making them memorable for group sharing. The OG Ube Cheesecake is the centerpiece, prized for its creamy texture and distinctive purple yam flavor that is both exotic and comforting. Other popular choices include calamansi bars—a citrus treat with a Filipino twist—that offer a refreshing alternative to traditional lemon bars and are perfect for sharing. The buko pandan cheesecake and mango calamansi cheesecake also intrigue groups with their rich, tropical tastes layered over a buttery crust. On the savory side, all-day rice bowls feature ingredients and spices that provide hearty, flavorful options for group members seeking substantial meals. Pastries like chewy ube cookies with crisp edges delight sweet tooth cravings. These unique, high-quality dishes foster communal enjoyment as groups sample and discuss the diverse flavors, turning dining into an interactive, shared adventure.
Why is Hood Famous Cafe + Bar a must-visit for foodies and cultural explorers?
For food enthusiasts and those eager to explore new cultures through cuisine, Hood Famous Cafe + Bar represents a must-visit destination. The cafe offers an original Asian Pacific coffee program alongside an inventive menu showcasing Filipino desserts and savory dishes that are difficult to find elsewhere in Seattle. Its commitment to authentic yet innovative preparations brings forward a culinary experience both rich in heritage and contemporary flair. Visitors get to taste unique traditional ingredients like ube and calamansi integrated into upscale dishes and drinks, broadening their palate and cultural appreciation. Moreover, the cafe’s dedication to community and ambiance provides an immersive experience beyond food, inviting patrons to engage in storytelling and cultural exchange. For groups, this means sharing not just a meal but an enriched experience that educates, entertains, and brings people closer together through the universal language of great food and drink.
What customer feedback highlights the appeal of Hood Famous Cafe + Bar?
Customer reviews consistently praise Hood Famous Cafe + Bar for its exceptional Filipino desserts, highlighting favorites like the ube cookie’s chewy texture and flavorful richness, as well as the calamansi bars which are noted for their perfect balance of sweetness and tartness. Many commend the creamy cheesecakes featuring tropical flavors such as mango calamansi and buko pandan, which provide unique taste profiles that stand out in Seattle’s dining scene. Patrons also appreciate the cafe’s relaxed and trendy atmosphere, which suits both casual meetups and special celebrations. Friendly, attentive service and a genuine commitment to community spirit are recurring themes in customer feedback, reinforcing why visitors return. The combination of flavorful, high-quality food with inviting ambiance and excellent service creates a consistently positive experience that appeals to both locals and tourists. Such word-of-mouth and review-based reputation cements Hood Famous as a prime location for group outings and a beloved neighborhood gem.