Top Pot Doughnuts — Restaurant in Seattle

My first time in. We flew into Seattle instead of the Vancouver airport so I wanted to stop here. Loved the location and walkability/easy parking, and the atmosphere of this place. We were greeted by a super friendly staff member who apologized for the lack of variety this morning -- we arrived at 10:40 (Friday morning) and he said it had been an unusually busy morning. I still thought there was a great selection; I didn't even realize they were low so I'm just imagining what it's like at full capacity.

When we first walked in, I knew to expect a cool book vibe (I have a doughnut cookbook from this company so they talk about it in the intro) but it was even cooler than I expected. Very warm, retro, and cozy. It doesn't feel like one of several locations; it feels like a chill neighborhood single-location shop. I definitely wanted to hang out and look at the books (which you can pull off the shelf to read) but we had to hit the road for Vancouver, so we just did take-out.

The guy who served us was so dang friendly and helped suggest what we should try by taking us through the doughnut hole selection (which I just realized are called "pot holes" - ha! clever).

We got the basics since I was super curious what I should be expecting when I use the cookbook again. The doughnuts were room temp by this time of day (expected) but there was still a nice crunch on the exterior and soft interior. My favourites were the old fashioned, powdered sugar, and cinnamon sugar. Least fave was the chocolate with chocolate glaze (but I've actually never had a chocolate doughnut I've loved even though I'm otherwise a strictly-chocolate dessert fan). The orange and chocolate was really good but a little too sweet for me, although the flavor of the orange really hit and the texture was great. It wasn't achingly sweet, but I preferred the old fashioned's level of just-sweet-enough.

They do also have filled doughnuts (like Bavarian cream) as well as bars (like maple doughnut bars), and coffee etc.

I'd like to come back mid-week early morning to see the full display...

Super nice Barista and I love the Library type set-up, and seeing so much Merch available. I immediately noticed the Rainbow sprinkles donut because I've loved them since I was a kid. The Barista described the flavors to me since I wanted to make sure it wasn't strawberry or something weird, and then he proceeded to inform me of another donut with different colors, which was the exact same flavor, just a little cheaper. I explained my infatuation with the sprinkles but still went with his offer, since it always helps to save money and I don't want to be swayed by physical appearances especially if they taste the same, LOL! Also got a cold brew coffee which had a very bold flavor. The other donut I got, was the caramel apple cider, which was something I had never tried before. It was amazing! The icing is like a combination of traditional caramel and regular donut icing- With how [the icing] sticks to my teeth, it was still so reminiscent of traditional caramel. I was very impressed! The donut was also lukewarm and very soft. It's very important to me that a donut is soft and warm, and this definitely fit the bill! Too often are cake donuts dried out and/or cold and bland. Admittedly, I've been in Washington for almost 5 years, and I have never stepped foot in a Top Pot Cafe. I was probably pessimistic of the quality, but now I will be happy to...

While the pastry was delicious and the decor amusing. The service was horrible. One of the service associates at the register literally threw the doughnut on the counter, and after charging my card, he put down the receipt on the counter and walked way without saying a word. It felt as if he couldn't even look at me. I never received my copy, nor was asked if I wanted one. I had ordered a bottled soda and had to literally asked a second associate for a cup, at first was offered a coffee paper cup, until he got to realize that for a cold beverage maybe a plastic cup would be more appropriate.

I sensed/ observed that the first associate was not fun of people of color since his demeanor and service changed drastically with the subsequent customers that came in.(non-colored) as a New Yorker I've never experienced that subtle racism until today. I guess thank you Top Top rude associate for giving a taste of condescending...