When asking yourself about something to do near me in Seattle with a group of friends or family, consider
Raised Doughnuts and Cakes
Why Raised Doughnuts and Cakes is a fun option when searching for things to do near me with friends and family
Raised Doughnuts and Cakes, nestled in Seattle’s Central District, offers a delightful and nostalgic experience perfect for social gatherings and meeting up with friends. Founded by baker and owner Mi Kim along with her business partner I-Miun Liu, this bakery emerged from a pop-up concept in 2017 to a full-fledged shop in 2018, embodying the spirit of classic gas station-style doughnuts that evoke childhood memories. The shop specializes in yeast-raised doughnuts fried fresh daily in oil, ensuring a lighter, less sugary taste compared to typical cake doughnuts. Their offerings, though smaller in size, are flavorful and unique, including favorites like raspberry holes and black sesame mochi doughnuts. Beyond doughnuts, the bakery expanded its repertoire in 2019 to include Raised Cakes—light, fruity cakes inspired by a blend of Asian and American styles, with flavors rotating weekly and available on weekends. The inviting atmosphere is complemented by occasional doughnut-making classes and seasonal treats such as Lunar New Year-themed cookies. With an emphasis on simple, clean flavors and freshness, Raised Doughnuts and Cakes provides a warm, friendly environment where guests can savor artisanal baked goods, making it an ideal venue to catch up with friends in a cozy, community-oriented setting.
Here's what people think of Raised Doughnuts and Cakes
As of recent, Raised Doughnuts and Cakes holds a 4.6-star rating based on 443 reviews.
Customers frequently praise Raised Doughnuts and Cakes for its delicious, flavorful doughnuts and cakes that stand out due to their freshness and distinctive lightness. Positive reviews highlight the nostalgic quality of the doughnuts, reflecting owner Mi Kim’s inspiration from childhood memories of gas station treats. Many reviewers also appreciate the welcoming and community-minded spirit of the shop, noting the presence of the bakery’s rescue dog mascot, Noodle, and charitable initiatives like blanket drives in exchange for free doughnuts. Fans of the bakery enjoy the rotating cake flavors, the craftsmanship behind each offering, and the unique twists such as mochi doughnuts and seasonal cookies. However, some negative feedback mentions that doughnut sizes are relatively small compared to other shops, which can feel pricey for some patrons. Others have noted that the shop sometimes closes early once sold out, requiring customers to plan their visits carefully. Despite these minor critiques, the overall sentiment remains highly favorable, with many customers expressing a strong desire to return for unique flavors and the friendly atmosphere. Thus, Raised Doughnuts and Cakes garners recognition as a beloved local bakery known for quality, community engagement, and memorable baked goods.
Highlights from reviewers (Most Relevant)
Normandean Catungal
I remember going to their previous location and this new location is more convenient to get to. So big upgrade there. One thing I'd like to speak to is their take on an everything but the bagel donut. By far one of my favorite iterations compared to other places. One other type of donut that I enjoy getting here is when they do a fritter. It's consistently an enjoyable donut, especially when they change up the flavor profile. Don't discount their other donuts though. It's just for me. These ones were the ones that stood out.
Rebecca Eugenio
We loved the cake that Raised made for our wedding day! Communication for the ordering and pickup process was smooth. We opted for a simple yet elegant design for the cake cutting and also ordered a few sheet cakes for our guests to enjoy. We can’t thank Raised enough for their delicious cake and excellent service!
Amber L
I ordered a cake from Raised Doughnuts for my wedding. The process for ordering was so easy since Raised Doughnuts had the exact pricing on their website and the flavors listed clearly. I got a single tier 10 inch round white cake with raspberry and earl grey filling and it was delicious! It was so light and flavorful and all our guests loved it as well! The pickup process was pretty easy too - you have to drop off a cake stand the week before and then can pick it up the day of! I can’t wait to order another cake from Raised Doughnuts!
Jess
Raised does great donuts. I’d appreciate not being asked if I want to tip the cashier every time I buy a donut though. Tipping for service is nice but for someone to put a (pricey) donut in a bag is tipping culture at its finest.
Rupi Sekhon
Return visit and was absolutely amazing again. I really love the everything bagel donut. Also love the seasonal changes. The banana cream was awesome this visit. I would recommend getting here early as they do sell out of donuts.
How to reach Raised Doughnuts and Cakes
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Why Raised Doughnuts and Cakes may become Your Favorite Meetup Place for Catching Up, Celebrating or Just Hanging Out
Why rally at Raised Doughnuts and Cakes with your friends? Raised Doughnuts and Cakes is more than just a place to grab a quick snack; it is an ideal spot for gathering with friends and family thanks to its inviting atmosphere, exceptional products, and unique community vibe. Located in Seattle’s Central District, this modern café has carved out a niche with its airy, flavor-packed doughnuts and custom cakes that elevate any social occasion. The combination of quality and creativity in their offerings, along with a warm, welcoming service, makes it a go-to place if you want to enjoy a shared culinary experience with others. Whether you're celebrating a birthday, hosting a casual meet-up, or just catching up over a relaxed brunch, Raised Doughnuts and Cakes offers the right environment and treats that encourage connection and smiles. Its consistent high rating of 4.6 from over 400 reviews highlights customer satisfaction, indicating reliability and excellence. Additionally, the shop’s commitment to special events and community engagement adds a meaningful touch to social gatherings, making it a memorable spot to rally your group.
What makes Raised Doughnuts and Cakes perfect for group meetups? The business’s layout and product variety are crafted to cater to groups of any size comfortably. Visitors appreciate the seating and ambiance that promote long, leisurely visits rather than rushed stops. The doughnuts themselves, slightly smaller but packed with flavor, are perfect for sharing and sampling variety—especially the seasonal specialties and raspberry holes, which have gained cult favorites status. Its menu extends beyond doughnuts to custom cakes, ideal for celebrations, allowing groups to tailor their experience to any occasion. Moreover, Raised Doughnuts and Cakes often hosts events such as doughnut-making classes and special pop-ups, which can be engaging group activities that entertain beyond just eating. These unique offerings create interactive opportunities for your meetup, turning a simple outing into a special event and bonding experience. Its community-oriented spirit, like supporting local pet rescues and other causes, also resonates deeply with guests looking for places that make a positive impact.
What activities can you enjoy at Raised Doughnuts and Cakes? While the star attraction is the artisanal doughnuts, the café provides a range of ways to make your group’s visit more engaging. First, you can indulge in tasting sessions where your group samples a variety of distinctive doughnuts, from black sesame mochi to tart raspberry holes, sparking delightful conversations about flavor and texture. For more interactive fun, their doughnut-making classes serve as hands-on group activities where you can learn the craft behind these gourmet treats under expert guidance. For those looking to celebrate, ordering a custom cake allows your group to personalize the occasion, with the bakery’s skilled decorators creating artistic cakes that impress visually and gastronomically. Additionally, Raised Doughnuts and Cakes offers “Raised to Glaze Kits,” which guests can take home to replicate the doughnut experience, adding a creative layer to your gathering even after you leave. The venue occasionally hosts themed events and seasonal specials, which add surprise and excitement to each visit, making every meetup distinct and memorable.
Why is the environment at Raised Doughnuts and Cakes conducive to social gatherings? Reviews often cite the café’s friendly, knowledgeable staff and intimate atmosphere that make every guest feel welcomed and valued. This low-key yet charming ambiance allows groups to feel comfortable, whether you're out for a loud celebration or a quiet catch-up. The careful attention to detail in the décor and service ensures that guests can relax without feeling rushed, encouraging longer visits ideal for meaningful conversations and shared moments. The smaller size of the doughnuts encourages sampling multiple flavors, turning eating into a communal activity that sparks interaction and joy. Moreover, the shop’s reputation for freshness and local community engagement lends a cozy, authentic vibe that resonates well with groups seeking not just good food but a feel-good environment. Because the business sells out quickly on busy days, gathering here prompts spontaneity and excitement, enhancing the overall social experience.
How does Raised Doughnuts and Cakes stand out compared to other doughnut shops? The café’s dedication to quality, innovation, and community sets it apart from standard doughnut outlets. Each doughnut is thoughtfully crafted using premium ingredients, resulting in unique flavor combinations that delight more sophisticated palates. Although their prices may be slightly higher, many customers attest that the taste and artistry justify the expense, especially when celebrating special moments with friends. The focus on seasonal and limited-edition flavors adds an element of exclusivity and anticipation to visits. Additionally, Raised Doughnuts and Cakes is proactive in supporting local causes and involving their customers in community efforts, enhancing the meaning behind each purchase. This attention to both product excellence and ethical engagement creates a strong loyal customer base that values the experience as much as the food itself.
What practical tips can help your group plan a meetup at Raised Doughnuts and Cakes? Due to its popularity and limited quantities, it is advisable to arrive early or pre-order to ensure your preferred selections are available. Planning your visit during weekdays or less busy hours might also allow for a more relaxed experience with ample seating and service attention. If you want to organize a special celebration, contacting the business ahead of time for custom cakes or group activities like doughnut-making classes can make your event seamless and personalized. Consider pooling funds with your group to sample multiple doughnut varieties and share the experience, elevating the social vibe. Finally, engaging with their frequent community events or seasonal specials can add that extra spark for your gathering, making it both fun and memorable.
In summary, Raised Doughnuts and Cakes offers a compelling destination for meetups with friends and family. With its outstanding doughnuts and cakes, interactive experiences, charming environment, and community-oriented ethos, it creates an inviting space that fosters togetherness and delight. Perfect for casual socials, celebrations, or culinary adventures, this spot is a must-try for groups seeking both quality and connection. The excellent ratings and strong devotion from local patrons underscore its appeal as a memorable meetup choice.