When asking yourself about something to do near me in Seattle with a group of friends or family, consider
Kemi Dessert Bar
Why Kemi Dessert Bar is a fun option when searching for things to do near me with friends and family
Kemi Dessert Bar is a charming and intimate dessert destination located on 12th Avenue in Seattle’s vibrant Capitol Hill neighborhood. It offers an impressive variety of thoughtfully crafted sweets that beautifully fuse Asian flavors with classic dessert techniques, making it an ideal spot for friends to gather and share unique treats. The bar’s offerings include delicacies such as black sesame rice crispy squares that evoke the essence of traditional Thai desserts, vegan yuzu cookies bursting with citrus flavor, and classic favorites like chocolate chip cookies, all displayed meticulously behind the counter. Its selection extends beyond sweets to include carefully curated beverages such as creamy brown sugar assam tea, hojicha iced tea, and refreshing mandarin orange sippers that complement the desserts perfectly. The space invites visitors to fill a box with an assortment of confections that make memorable gifts or impressive party contributions. Kemi Dessert Bar emphasizes quality and unique flavor experiences, drawing upon French patisserie techniques melded with Asian ingredients like matcha, jasmine, and hojicha. This dessert bar, while small, stands out as an engaging place to indulge in expertly made pastries and cookies that celebrate a vibrant fusion of cultural tastes, making it a perfect meetup spot to enjoy good company and exceptional sweets.
Here's what people think of Kemi Dessert Bar
As of recent, Kemi Dessert Bar holds a 4.8-star rating based on 35 reviews.
User reviews of Kemi Dessert Bar overwhelmingly praise the shop for its inventive and flavorful dessert offerings, highlighting the quality and variety of cookies, cakes, and pastries as standout features. Positive feedback particularly focuses on the black sesame rice crispy squares, celebrated for their authentic Thai dessert taste with chewy textures and nuanced saltiness. The vegan yuzu cookies connect well with customers through their fluffy texture and bright citrus punch, often described as delightful and memorable. Customers also appreciate the exceptional drinks menu that includes Asian tea flavors that pair well with the sweets. Reviewers consistently note the skillful use of Asian flavors like matcha, jasmine, and hojicha infused into French patisserie-style desserts. However, some minor critiques include a jasmine-flavored pound cake that was found to be overly fragrant by at least one reviewer, and some customers express mild inconvenience regarding the limited parking near the location. Despite this, the overwhelmingly positive sentiment and high rating of 4.8 from 35 reviews reflect a strong community appreciation for Kemi Dessert Bar's unique dessert creations and its place within Capitol Hill's growing dessert scene. Overall, the reviews position Kemi Dessert Bar as an exciting and successful venture that marries traditional and innovative baking, providing visitors with a pleasant, flavorful experience worth repeated visits.
Highlights from reviewers (Most Relevant)
Genevieve Condron
This cute dessert shop is a definite stop in. They are currently opened on the weekend and have a good selection. The worked was super sweet and helped me pick what I wanted. I got the tres leches and it was delicious. I will definitely be back.
Cindy
Kemi’s dessert bar is such a lovely addition to Cap Hill! I’ve loved the miso sesame cookie and Thai Tea basque cheesecake from her pop ups. We got: -miso sesame cookie -pandan crumble cookie -hojicha tres leches -Thai tea basque cheesecake -mango sticky rice krispy treat Especially loved the cookies and the Thai tea cheesecake. We highly recommend Kemi dessert bar and will be back to try more!!
Jordan C
Amazing baked goods, everything I got was genuinely delicious not one miss. The jasmine tea rice crispy treat changed my life and I will make the trek back here soon.
Carlie Badder
Top notch. I got the black sesame Rice Krispie and the Vietnamese coffee and toffee chip cookie and I had a bite of the miso sesame cookie and they were all amazing. I’ll def be back for the fruity pebble Rice Krispie and the pandan cookie.
Shelby Hutchison
The only people worthy of this spot after Coping Cookies closure. Kemi Dessert Bar is an insanely cute and delicious addition to Cap Hill. The Mango Sticky Rice Krispy Square is to die for and their Lemon Yuzu Crinkle Cookie is such a light refreshing sweet treat. They serve up some of the most amazing desserts that look like something out of a James Beard winning restaurant and I'm sure they take forever to make. But the team at Kemi are extremely humble, friendly and just love serving up treats for everyone that steps inside. I'll definitely be back. Welcome to the neighborhood!
How to reach Kemi Dessert Bar
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Why Kemi Dessert Bar may become Your Favorite Meetup Place for Catching Up, Celebrating or Just Hanging Out
Why rally at Kemi Dessert Bar with your friends?
Gathering your friends for a memorable meetup calls for a place that offers more than just great food—it should inspire joy, spark conversation, and create lasting memories. Kemi Dessert Bar stands out as an exceptional venue to do exactly that. Nestled in Seattle’s vibrant Capitol Hill neighborhood, Kemi Dessert Bar is renowned for offering a wide array of exquisitely crafted desserts that fuse Asian flavors with innovative baking. With its 4.8-star rating based on 35 glowing reviews, this intimate and welcoming spot has gained a loyal following, making it a perfect destination for groups seeking a sweet adventure. The joy of sharing a colorful box of treats, from chewy black sesame rice crispy squares to zesty yuzu cookies, naturally encourages conversation and laughter. Whether your group includes die-hard dessert lovers, adventurous palates, or vegans (thanks to their inclusive options), Kemi caters to everyone’s needs. The cozy ambiance combined with a unique menu ensures that meetups here don’t just satisfy hunger—they feed your friendship. Rallying at Kemi isn’t just about eating sweets; it’s about creating sweet memories together.
What activities can you enjoy at Kemi Dessert Bar that make it ideal for group meetups?
Kemi Dessert Bar may be modest in size, but it excels in offering a rich, multisensory experience tailored for social gatherings. First and foremost, the primary activity revolves around dessert tasting. Friends can indulge in sampling a variety of Asian-inspired sweets that range in texture, flavor, and style—think chewy Thai-style rice crispy treats with toasted coconut, vibrant vegan yuzu cookies bursting with citrus, and indulgent chocolate chip classics. This diversity makes it easy to start a fun tasting challenge or share-and-compare session between friends, which keeps the interaction lively and engaging. Another enjoyed pastime here is curating dessert boxes together. The thoughtful, aesthetically pleasing display invites guests to pick and assemble a personalized assortment that’s perfect to share at the venue or to take home and impress others. Beyond eating, Kemi’s selection of crafted beverages, such as brown sugar Assam tea and hojicha iced tea, complements the desserts well and adds a refreshing balance to the experience, encouraging slower, more immersive socializing. The bar’s intimate atmosphere also lends itself to celebrations, small parties, or casual hangouts, where the focus is on communal enjoyment and discovery. Altogether, Kemi Dessert Bar provides a dynamic playground for dessert lovers to interact, savor, and celebrate friendship.
Why is Kemi Dessert Bar perfect for hosting group meetups?
The unique qualities of Kemi Dessert Bar make it a standout venue ideally suited for group meetups. To start, its diverse and high-quality dessert menu caters to a broad range of tastes and dietary preferences, including vegan options, which ensures everyone in your group can find something they love. The intimate space promotes cozy, meaningful conversations without requiring a large, noisy venue, making it easier for groups to connect fully. Importantly, Kemi’s desserts are not only delicious but visually appealing and distinctive, often incorporating vibrant Asian flavors like yuzu and hojicha that spark curiosity and excitement, enhancing the social experience. The bar’s innovative creations, such as the black sesame rice crispy squares and vegan yuzu cookies, provide unique talking points that regular dessert venues rarely offer. Moreover, the staff’s attention to detail and friendly, knowledgeable service creates a welcoming atmosphere that makes guests feel valued and at home—a vital factor when picking a reliable spot for your gatherings. Finally, the location on Capitol Hill, a lively part of Seattle, gives groups easy access and the potential to combine a sweet retreat with nearby entertainment or casual strolls, rounding out a perfect day or evening out.
What can you expect from Kemi Dessert Bar’s dessert offerings and why do they impress?
Kemi Dessert Bar’s dessert selection is nothing short of inspired, merging traditional Asian flavors with modern presentations that consistently impress guests. At the heart of the menu are standout items like the black sesame rice crispy squares, which are praised for their chewy texture, nutty undertones, and subtle salty kick—elements that combine to create an addictive, layered taste experience. These treats uniquely echo Thai desserts with dried mango and toasted coconut, offering a genuine and elevated flavor profile. Then there are vegan yuzu cookies, which defy expectations by delivering fluffiness and a sharp citrus punch that delights even non-vegans, showcasing Kemi’s baking expertise. The dessert bar also features other crowd-pleasers like chocolate chip cookies and classic pastries, each baked to perfection and carefully crafted. Although a few items, like the jasmine-flavored pound cake, have received mixed feedback, the overall menu is consistently strong, demonstrating a willingness to innovate while honoring authentic tastes. The presentation and packaging add to the appeal, making every dessert an Instagram-worthy moment that fuels excitement and appetite during the meetup. This thoughtful curation is why Kemi stands out in the local dessert scene.
How does Kemi Dessert Bar’s beverage menu enhance the group experience?
Complementing Kemi’s impressive dessert array is a curated selection of beverages designed to enhance and balance the intense sweetness of their pastries and cookies. Unlike typical coffee-heavy dessert venues, Kemi offers unique Asian-inspired drinks, such as creamy brown sugar Assam tea and refreshing hojicha iced tea, which are perfect palate cleansers that complement rich or zesty sweets. The balance between creamy and earthy tones in these teas creates an elevated tasting experience that keeps all flavors vibrant without overwhelming the senses. For guests seeking something light and refreshing, beverages like the sparkly mandarin orange sipper provide a lively citrus note, adding visual appeal and a burst of flavor. This diversity in the drink menu allows groups to mix and match beverages with desserts, creating personalized pairings that encourage conversation and exploration. The non-traditional drink lineup also enriches the overall social atmosphere, making the dessert bar feel like a thoughtfully designed destination rather than just a quick stop, perfect for lingering visits with friends and family alike.
What about the ambiance and location makes Kemi Dessert Bar a great meetup spot?
Kemi Dessert Bar’s charm goes beyond its menu; the ambiance and location are also crucial contributors to its appeal as a meetup spot. Situated in Seattle’s bustling and trendy Capitol Hill area, the dessert bar is easily accessible and located in a vibrant neighborhood known for its lively cultural scene, nightlife, and eateries. This location encourages pre- or post-dessert walks, explorations, or visits to nearby art galleries and shops, transforming a gathering into a memorable day out. Inside, the space is intentionally cozy and inviting, fostering close-knit group conversations without the distractions of a large, noisy environment. The meticulous arrangement of desserts behind the display case doubles as a visual feast, enhancing the sensory ambiance. Lighting and decor complement this intimate feel, making the spot feel like a hidden gem where friends and families can relax and genuinely enjoy each other's company. This sense of warmth and exclusivity is vital for creating the right atmosphere for bonding, celebrations, or heartfelt catch-ups.
How can Kemi Dessert Bar accommodate different group sizes and preferences?
Though Kemi Dessert Bar is compact, it cleverly accommodates varying group sizes and preferences, reinforcing its suitability for private meetups and small gatherings. The modular nature of their dessert offerings allows groups to order a variety of small items to share, ideal for tasting sessions or communal snacking without the need for large, plated meals. The available vegan options ensure inclusivity, while the broad range of flavors caters to adventurous eaters and those who prefer traditional desserts alike. While the space may not suit very large groups due to its size, it is excellent for intimate gatherings of friends, families, or coworkers looking for quality interaction over quality sweets. Its friendly staff often assist with recommendations and help tailor orders to match group preferences, enhancing comfort and satisfaction. For larger occasions, take-home dessert boxes facilitate sharing and celebration beyond the venue, allowing Kemi’s magic to extend to parties or events outside the bar itself.
What special events or occasions is Kemi Dessert Bar ideal for?
Kemi Dessert Bar’s unique offerings and inviting atmosphere make it an excellent choice for celebrating a range of special occasions with friends or family. Whether it’s a birthday, a casual reunion, or simply marking the end of a busy week, Kemi’s wide dessert selection provides a festive touch that elevates any gathering. The bar’s ability to create made-to-order cakes and customized dessert boxes means groups can personalize their celebration with treats that are both delicious and visually stunning. Its intimate setting helps create a sense of togetherness, encouraging meaningful interaction wrapped in the joy of sweet indulgence. Additionally, Kemi’s reputation extends beyond the storefront, with some guests choosing their sweets for weddings or catering events—testament to the quality and appeal of their desserts. Whether onsite or via catered sparkle, Kemi Dessert Bar lends a delicious spotlight to any occasion where friendship and flavor take center stage.
Why should dessert lovers and casual visitors alike choose Kemi Dessert Bar for their next social outing?
Kemi Dessert Bar offers a rare blend of sophisticated flavors, high-quality ingredients, and a welcoming atmosphere that appeals to both dessert aficionados and casual visitors looking for a memorable gathering place. The emphasis on Asian-influenced, artisanal sweets introduces a fresh and exciting twist unfamiliar to many dessert spots, making every visit a mini culinary adventure. Meanwhile, the friendly staff, cozy environment, and assortment of beverages ensure that even those less versed in desserts feel comfortable and intrigued. This combination of approachability and innovation makes Kemi Dessert Bar ideal for anyone seeking a place to relax, catch up with friends, and enjoy something uniquely delicious. By focusing on quality over quantity and crafting an experience that champions sharing and discovery, Kemi promises a social outing that delights every sense and keeps guests coming back time and time again. Whether it’s a spontaneous meetup or a planned celebration, Kemi Dessert Bar is a standout choice that transforms ordinary hangouts into sweetly unforgettable moments.