4. Restaurants

Cupcake Royale

4556 California Ave SW, Seattle, WA, 98116
  • (206) 701-6266
  • Store is closed

Cupcake Royale Menu

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  • Laura L.

    I wish they would make some vegan cupcakes, but I am glad they have granola you can buy - sometimes I come here for breakfast while I'm working out of the office, and get in a little laptop time at the cupcake shop. It is a little loud in here to get any work related phonecalls or conversations in (a few rugs could warm the place up and make it less echo-ey).

    (4)

  • Chipsie P.

    This was the first time I tried Cupcake Royale cupcakes. I got the lavender and coconut bunny. Maybe because it was the end of the day, and so they were not super fresh....The cake part itself was DRY, like supermarket/ mass produced type of cake!! I just liked the buttermilk kinda taste to it. The frosting was dense (which is okay) but WAAAAY TOO SWEET! For the lavender one, aside from the lavender color of the frosting, I didn't feel that much lavender flavor to it. The coffee shop itself didn't look appealing. When I was paying, I noticed a big fly flying around there and the display case is wide open. I am not coming back.

    (1)

  • kim v.

    I was so excited to tear into the cupcakes we got but as I unwrapped the first one, I notice a large part of the cake was missing . I was deeply saddened and unfulfilled. The cake was very dense too!

    (2)

  • Ricky M.

    I like this place, but not for the Cupcakes. They serve Stumptown coffee which is my favorite kind of coffee. The cupcakes are pretty good though. I prefer the cupcakes that are not white or black. The Pumpkin Maple that they are service right now is a tasty treat.

    (4)

  • Erin W.

    Sorry Cupcake Royale, I'm sick of your nasty dry cupcakes and your consistenly rude service. I'm a huge fan of cupcakes and will happily pay $3 for one if I think it's worth it.. Unfortunately the cupcakes here are just plain average. Cake is always very crumbly, tasteless and dry. Frosting is okay, but on the skimpy side. Come on, Cupcake Royale. If you're going to serve up dry cupcakes, at least give us a little frosting for the crumbs to stick to! The espresso is good and there's free wi-fi, so that's worth one star, I guess.

    (1)

  • Stephan h.

    Um, EW! Impromptu visit today after getting on the wrong bus and landing in West Seattle (THE most white bread area of any city outside of Ohio). This place is a nightmare! I was greeted by a huge swarm of flies and the stench of 100 unshowered, grown men. EVERY table top was covered in either milk spills, cupcake crumbs, or both. Finally took me and my Red Velvet, which wasn't as good as past delights, down the block to Starbucks. Sad.

    (1)

  • Seattle F.

    The posters here are neurotic. I've sampled most cupcakes there. Some better than others probably just due to my taste, but they're amazingly delicious. My favorite is the strawberry shortcake currently.

    (5)

  • Steve P.

    Overpriced, dry cupcakes meet inept baristas. If you want a inedible cupcake and/or a bad coffee drink, this is the place.

    (1)

  • Kate S.

    I love cupcakes. I love cupcake royale--in fact when I lived on the eastern side of Washington state I placed an order for a dozen cupcakes and drove across the mountains to get said cupcakes for a friends birthday. They are always lovely, moist, fresh and just the right amount of frosting. Im knocking the West Seattle location a star just because every time I have been there the staff was unfriendly, and I felt rushed to place my order and get out. Attitude makes a big difference and id rather make it out to Capitol Hill these days if I need a lavender cupcake fix (which is an amazing tasting cupcake by the way, probably my favorite out of all the ones they offer)

    (3)

  • Mandy L.

    Yummy cupcakes! My boyfriend always gets the salted caramel and it is soooo good. I get whatever chocolate cupcake they have that day. Always good! The staff is always really friendly and will explain all of the flavors to you. Make sure you go the day you want to eat the cupcakes, they have to be eaten the day you buy them. I also like that they use local ingredients. Yum yum!

    (4)

  • Jon B.

    Cupcake Royale, your cupcakes look pretty and delicious and appealing, but they are dry and not very tasty. Your employees look pretty and delicious and appealing as well, but they look pained and are not very friendly. Why don't you smile employees? Why aren't you happy? How can you not grin as you say "Legalize Frostitution" to yourself? Cupcakes are a happy food! A joyful food! A food to celebrate! You should honor their being, their frostiness, their beauty! Maybe once you do then your cupcakes will begin to show some personality as well.

    (1)

  • Stephanie P.

    I consider myself a bit of a cupcake connoisseur and this place has some delicious cupcakes! My favorite is the red velvet and I love the seasonal pumpkin spice flavor too. The cupcakes are moist and delicious and there is just enough buttercream frosting to go with the cake but not make it too sweet. I recommend eating them with a spoon. They also have great merchandise, t-shirts, buttons, etc with fun sayings.

    (5)

  • Pablo G.

    Across the street from the iconic Easy Records, yet slightly unassuming, makes this a great location. The deathcake royale was to die for and my latte was pretty good. Much better than I expected. Service was prompt, but it would have earned another star if it wasn't for the attitude... cupcake.

    (3)

  • Beccie F.

    Mmmmmmmmmm. i had a standard vanilla with buttercream frosting and that badboy was pretty good. only been there once and neglected to try the coffee. but as far as cupcakes go, yeah, they're pretty on-point!

    (5)

  • Nathan R.

    I thought I'd give this store a chance- maybe it'd exceed my experiences in Ballard...ahh...not the case. Same dry cake and dull frosting. The drip coffee is really bad as well, and the folks behind the counter didn't seem to happy to see me, but maybe they recognized me? Wait, am I starting to be recognized? I'm a STAR... and only one star for you as well Cupcake Royale.

    (1)

  • Robert K.

    I must admit that I have never been to the store, but our friends picked us up cupcakes that we ate the same day they were purchased. I don't care if there are no preservatives in these cupcakes, they should not taste as dry as they did. I bake at home, and there are no preservatives in what I bake, and mine do not taste like this 6-8 hours after baking. As at least one previous posting has commented, either the recipe makes dry cupcakes or Cupcake Royale serves day-olds for full price. I really cannot remember the last time I had a cupcake this bad from a commercial baker.

    (1)

  • Denice R.

    I'm pretty picky about my cakes and cupcakes. I want mine MOIST, flavorful but not too sweet, and creamy icing that doesn't feel like I'm exfoliating my teeth when I chew (i.e. gritty). I find Cupcake Royale's cupcakes to be dry and I don't fancy the icing. I know many people who RAVE about these cupcakes though, so give one a try and decide for yourself.

    (1)

  • Alanna M.

    I hate to say this but I really don't know what's so great about these cupcakes aside from their cute and creative names for each cupcake. I think the cupcakes are all way too dry. I wanted to give them the benefit of the doubt and gave them another shot but I always get the same product. For the price... there are better options in the city.

    (2)

  • artana d.

    I like the cupcakes and the café space, but they do not outweigh what I don't like about the West Seattle location. The baristas appear to always be high and or highly uninterested in serving you. They may have Stumptown coffee but they can't pull and espresso for beans. If you get there after 2 pm there may not be any cupcakes for you or better yet they may serve you a really stale brick like cupcake. If you get there an hour before closing there may not be any coffee for you. Nothing says "Welcome" like lack of service with lack of product. I've been there about half a dozen times, glutton for punishment I suppose, and always walk out of there astounded by their lack of customer service and passable coffee. If you want the cupcakes without the bad attitude go to the Queen Anne Metropolitan Market. They have the Cupcake Royal cupcakes fresh delivered daily to the bakery and they don't run out.

    (1)

  • sandy y.

    CUPCAKES....TASTE FTL. I had experience better elsewhere, *Trophys*. But I can say their cupcakes were ok. I had a day off and took my nephew here to experience my cupcake craveeee. We order 6 cupcakes. 2 lavendar cupcakes- The best one outta the 6 1 triple threat-way too stale 1 original-taste like coffee..burnt coffee..NO THANK YOU 1 red velvet- it was ok but could of been better. Prices for all 6= $14.00 Not bad but it is what is is. Totally won't come back to this location. :) Service=quick and friendly.

    (2)

  • Alison H.

    These cupcakes were so disappointing. After hearing rave reviews about the salted caramel chocolate cupcakes I was really looking forward to them. They did NOT live up to the hype. The cake was overcooked, flavorless and dry, to the point that the top was literally hard, and the frosting was overly salted. We also tried the chocolate cherry cupcake, which was mediocre at best. I really should have asked for my money back after the first bite.

    (1)

  • Frank M.

    I haven't had good luck here. Coffee is OK. Service is indifferent. Cupcakes are subpar and I was overcharged the last (and I do mean last) time I was in. There are much better choices within walking distance.

    (2)

  • Brandon M.

    I really want to give C.R. a better grade. I mean, cupcakes... I freaking love them. I want my wedding cake to be made OF cupcakes. I wish I was 2 inches tall so I could jump out of a cupcake. And Cupcake Royale is a friendly place, with a bright clean interior, friendly staff, and a pleasantly sarcastic marketing sensibility. So why two stars? 'Cause their cupcakes are totally mediocre. No one dislikes them. That's because they don't taste like anything. Bland, slightly too sweet, slightly too much frosting and just 1-step above safeway prepackaged cupcakes. Try Eats Market instead... WAY better. More complex, and actually tasty.

    (2)

  • David A.

    My GF's been asking for some great cupcakes recently. I was going to Cupcake Royale on Capital Hill but I decided to go to West Seattle. Cupcake Royale is where Ben and Jerry's use to be. I found a great parking space almost in front of the door. The girl behind the counter was friendly and I decided to get a 4 pack. I chose Triple threat, Carrot cake and 2 Red Velvet. After dinner we opened the box for the special treat. The cupcake was dry. Way too dry. Red Velvet was too dry to enjoy. Only the middle was edible. Very disappointed.

    (2)

  • Natasha S.

    I am a hardcore cupcake lover and this place is absolutely NOT worth the hype. On my first visit the cake was dry, bland, and crumbly - I had to keep a napkin underneath my cupcake to catch the sea of dry crumbs. Frosting was meh, but there was definitely not a good frosting-to-cake ratio and it had a crusty shell - nasty! I was positively dying for a glass of milk afterward. I was hoping my second visit would be a better experience but the cake was just as bad and furthermore, the staff seemed very distant and snotty; no smiles, no helpful suggestions, and practically threw my change back at me. I can't believe people continue to come to this place! If they think these cupcakes are a good example of "fresh," "moist," or "tasty," they don't know what they're talking about. I'm particularly disappointed because Cupcake Royale is more or less the face of Seattle cupcakes, and in this girl's opinion they are not deserving of that prestige in any way, shape, or form. Take your money someplace else - New York Cupcakes, Hello Cupcake, or Trophy. Hell, come to my apartment and I'll bake some for you... just don't go here!

    (1)

  • Jeff F.

    I can't understand how Cupcake Royale got so big, so fast. Their cupcakes are crumbly and dry. The frosting is hit or miss. The store here is alright but the staff is so unfriendly. A 16 oz. cup of drip coffee cost nearly $3! WTH?!? At least their neon sign makes a nice addition to the Junction. For a decent cupcake and reasonably priced coffee take the time to cross the street to Coffee to a Tea with Sugar.

    (2)

  • Lyle A.

    Simply delicious! Atmosphere/cleanliness: Small and well-lit on this corner shop. Clean and nice choice of decor. Service: Friendly and accommodating service. Food: I sampled 4 different varieties of cupcakes here and what particularly stood out was the salted caramel and the red velvet. The salted caramel struck all the right chords when it came to flavor. The moistness was also just right and the buttercream on top perfectly sweetened with the contrast of saltiness and the texture was smooth, not slimy. I hate shortening-laden frostings that make you feel like you just swallowed a garden slug! As for the red velvet, I've tasted many varieties, but Cupcake Royale has done this cake justice. The cream cheese buttercream was perfectly tangy not too sweet, and again, the smooth texture was present. Cupcake Royale does cupcakes justice with good moisture in their baked goods and they have nailed the buttercreams in both texture and the right level of sweetness. Follow those delicious cupcakes with a cup of Verite coffee and you have a perfect afternoon snack!

    (5)

  • Patty S.

    Hello Update! So I did go back out of desperation on the way to a party, however it has come to my attention that this place is so crappy! Wow, not only is the cake stale but the don't flavor their cake. It's either a chocolate cake, or a vanilla cake with flavored frosting. What a gyp. I'm pretty sure that you could go to Something Delicious and get better cupcakes. The drive's sure to be worth it.

    (2)

  • k v.

    Buzz buzz buzz... no, that's not the buzz of people chattering about their love of Cupcake Royale, its the buzz of FRUITFLIES all over the cupcakes in the case! I wish I was making this up. Today I was walking by Cupcake Royale thinking, "Hm, a subpar cupcake would go great with this nice sunny day in Seattle. I bet the weather would even make them taste better than usual. Let's try it!" (Cue ominous music.) While perusing the selection, I saw an oddly-shaped dark spot on one of the cupcakes in the case and thinking it was a strange shape and location for a chocolate sprinkle, I looked closer only to discover a fruitfly doing whatever fruitflies do (laying eggs?!?!?!) on the cheerful yellow frosting and flying around inside the case. GROSS. But there wasn't only one. Or two. Or three. I'm talking about a compost pile's quantity of the suckers. An amount that cannot be overlooked. An amount that warrants a serious Yelp-ing. Cupcake Royale, you are so enticing with your good graphic design and your clever slogans, but please, get with it. You need a better cupcake recipe in general, and bugs+cupcakes are just a recipe for FAIL.

    (1)

  • Valerie G.

    Their salted caramel cupcake is delicious! The icing was amazing, although the cake was just a little dry. I'm also a big fan of their "Legalize Frostitution" shirts. I can't wear mine to work because people look at me funny, but it's fun for around town.

    (4)

  • chris y.

    A great West Seattle experience. Although they have locations elsewhere, if you happen to be on California Ave. you really should check it out. The cupcakes aren't the worlds best, but they are pretty dang good. It's not uncommon for them to sell out daily. The lavendar is their signature cupcake, I also like the mint. Another one of the establishments that makes West Seattle so wonderful. If you're looking for fun, unique flavors and experience, check it out.

    (4)

  • Jav V.

    I usually prefer cupcakes made from boxed cake mix. Something about bakery cupcakes always seems off to me. Cupcake Royal does it right though. They are moist and tasty and don't use too much frosting. They have a great selection as well.

    (5)

  • Kris P.

    So after hearing about Cupcake Royale, I've been wanting to check them out. The store was quiet, and we were the only ones inside, purchasing cupcakes. The two ladies working were at least friendly. We tried a half dozen different cupcakes, and I have to say that their saving grace was the frosting. Now, first off I'm NOT someone that usually like frosting. But, the cake was so dry that it was needed. Also, their prices, in my opinion, for cupcakes, are insane. Will we go back? Probably not. I will however try some other cupcake places to see if I can find one that is moist and worthy of the cost.

    (3)

  • Karen E.

    I love cupcakes and our friends took us there with the footnote that these weren't the best cupcakes but okay. They were going to take us to their favorite spot another day. And they were right. I got the salty caramel one with a chocolate cake base. It was dry all around the edges like it was day old, though clearly not, since they had racks and racks of cupcakes there and it was late in the day. The chocolate taste was nice though. The frosting was the appropriate amount, not too much and it was really creamy and nice. Overall though it really was too bad because I wanted to like it better and just couldn't. The marketing they do was kind of annoying, with all the t-shirts and coffee mugs jumping out at you as you walk in the door, way before you see the cupcakes.

    (2)

  • Anthony W.

    Bought 4 cupcakes for some friends. They were stale and dry. I seriously regretted paying so much for these when they were way worse than what I could have picked up at the grocery store. This company is all image, the taste is disgusting.

    (1)

  • Jeremy K.

    ok, well im in the pac NW for a few days, heres the first of hopefully many FUCin cool blips. 3.5 stars and as i was saying.. the wedding i was attending and participating in were using these pretty gems as the stand in for the cake, novel concept, wifey and i ran the same dealio. five fine years saturday. they were very nice to look at, the swirls of frosting were sweet and that served the balance out the cake, which imo was a bit dry and the main deduction with the rating. so the yellowcake with vanilla was nice, yellowcake with chocolate frosting and precious decorettes was fine. now the peculiar cousin in the cupcake family, red velvet, had that distinct twinge to its icing and light coco in the cake, but its red!?! oh you, you crazy cupcake they had a very simple yet ornate cupcake rack for display for the event, it was nice and held maybe 75 cupcakes, but very 'pain in the ass' to load into the zip car with a few peeps in the back seat already. it is in a great location, the locals or tourist or whoever wanted to, were exclaiming in the middle of the intersections "YEY! ROYAL!" is a sure hit for being scene and apparently heard, so i honor that as well. so if you wanted a destination to 'eat' up a couple of hours going to and doing, this seems to be it. my lost was the cake itself, but perhaps the consistency could be different for you, i saw it as good, but not 'run out into traffic without looking' to get to.

    (3)

  • becki r.

    Picked up 2 dozen assorted cupcakes on Dec 23 as a gift for my mother in law's bday. 1 dozen would be for her and the other would be ours to taste-drive. The guy behind the counter seemed indifferent that I was there at all, much less needed help and the shop wasn't busy at all. Once, he brought out my order he removed the receipt and didn't exchange pleasantries or offer a receipt. What was even more disappointing was the cupcakes themselves. They looked and tasted like day old baked goods. So not worth the money I paid for them.

    (2)

  • Meredith L.

    Chocolate cupcake with mint icing? Yes, please.

    (4)

  • Amanda S.

    I had an entertainment coupon for BOGO, how can you go wrong with that? I am writing this kinda late but I stopped in here during the West Seattle festival and wanted to pick up my favorite flavor of double chocolate, in addition to trying the infamous salted caramel cupcake. I was expecting the salted caramel to be some huge revelation, possibly having stuffed caramel in the cupcake, but it was simply sea salt on top of caramel frosting. Was not too impressed. I like my cupcakes moist and gooey, like dare I say..Trophy..but these did not exceed my expectations. I am also siding with Kate S and taking off a star (maybe two) for the customer service. Being that you would be surrounded by heaps of sugar goodness, you should be in a good mood in front of your customers. Please do not be indifferent and lack the essential communication skills when someone asks how your day is going? I too wanted to stay around and savor my cupcake, but the staff's indifference completely turned me off from that idea. I guess I will stick with Trophy for consistent flavor and service

    (2)

  • Lorelei C.

    I visited from Portland this past weekend, this place is cuuuuute. I love the interior (and the exterior, for that matter)... I really only needed some morning coffee as a pick me up. We saw that they sold Stumptown on their sign so we migrated to that. Now that I see how tasty their cupcakes looked I wish I would have picked one up to have later in the day... but there will be more occasions for that I'm sure. I I did pick up some stickers so I could come tell PDX all about legalizing frostitution.

    (4)

  • kristine k.

    Love the coffee! The cupcakes are tasty too, but the cake sometimes is quite dense. I've been a couple of times recently in the late afternoon and the selection is dismal (damn morning cupcake eaters!) Will keep coming back for free internet and coffee!

    (4)

  • Rachel S.

    The frosting is good. The cupcakes themselves, not so much. I've been here a few times and while the cupcakes weren't bad, they were not nearly as moist as they should have been. They tended to be dry. If a business is devoted SOLELY to one thing, they'd better be able to do that one thing really really well. Cupcake royale doesn't. Go down to the next block and buy dessert at Bakery Nouveau instead.

    (2)

  • Kira M.

    I'm a fan of salted caramel anything- so I was excited as I ordered the salted caramel cupcake. Presentation was gorgeous, and the cake was pretty delicious. It was pretty late in the day, so I'll excuse a minuscule bit of dryness. Beautifully created espresso, and fun art on the walls. Fantastic spot to just sit for a bit and people watch the AK junction crosswalk.

    (4)

  • Diana L.

    Had a surprise birthday party for my baby sister over the weekend. Ordered 2 1/2 dozen cupcakes - One dozen choc with vanilla frosting, one dozen vanilla with chocolate, and 1/2 dozen lavender and one special chocolate/mint for the birthday girl. Asked for simple black, silver or white and purple polka-dots on the frosting. What did I get? Frosted cupcakes with purple and white sprinkles. I could have done that all by my little self and saved the nearly $70 bucks this set me back. I was horribly disappointed in the quality of the decorations as well as the cupcakes themselves. They were dry, poorly iced and did not come out of the paper box holes without loosing their tops. The choco-mint cupcake was lopsided and the icing was all gloppy on one side. Not attractive by any stretch of the imagination. I know I will never order from here again and I can not recommend them to anyone I know. Wish I had made my own and saved the remaining $65 bucks for a gift.

    (1)

  • Dave S.

    Just discovered this place a few months ago. Great cupcakes and great coffee. Staff was a bit rude tonight but they haven't been that way before. Will chalk it up to them having a bad day.

    (3)

  • Jacquie P.

    Bumping up my review! They've hired a few new people who aren't so grumpy and actually smile and chit chat. Also, they have instituted cupcake happy hour where if you buy 3 you get 3 free! That was a nice surprise when I had to buy enough for my entire office. I still hold a bit of my original grudge, but the huckleberry cupcake of the month was so good I'm starting to forget...

    (3)

  • lilly s.

    Cup cakes are Betty Crocker-ish and a bit pricey. Just watch out for what I called mommie and mini me days when a bunch of West Seattle wanna be snobs and their well-dressed toddlers take over the back lounge area and eye you with suspicion when you weave your way to the bathroom. I used to work in the area so I had a latte card in the little file on the counter, please feel free to use my card for eventual free lattes, I don't work in that area anymore. Code/card name: 'Orange'.

    (2)

  • Marc P.

    Hm. A cupcake bakery chain. A mass-produced fad food. Though the stores are designed well, I don't think it's enough. The cupcakes are OK. Nothing to write home about. (But obviously, sufficiently notable to write on Yelp about.) Coffee is OK. Good place to get work done. Service is really friendly. Can't say much beyond that.

    (2)

  • Kristen S.

    ladies and gentleman, we are at war- cupcake war! as the war over who has the most supreme baked treats rages on, cupcake royale wins my heart! First of all, they are the nice, over-sized cupcakes. The texture is so dense, and delicious. The cake is not too sweet, it's just perfect. The edges are a little crispy, which i love. But the real money maker are the frostings. holy cow! i had the salted caramel, it brought a tear to my eye- it was a revelation. so delectable and mouth watering, nestled on a mild chocolate cupcake, it was divine. The other one I tried was the lavender- I gotta say, it made me giggle. Never have i tasted a cupcake that was so feminine. it actually tasted fun and girly- it was a true pleasure to eat. Very awesome! soldier on, cupcake royale- you are amazing!

    (5)

  • Michelle B.

    Just as cute as the other two, but no better than the other two. I stopped in, took a peek at the dry red velvet cupcakes that I've choked down before, felt sad for the measly amount of cream cheese frosting that was on top, looked around for another cupcake to change my mind, sighed, and left.

    (2)

  • Mary M.

    Had my first Cupcake Royal red velvet cupcake today and I'm in love... Deeply in love. The cream cheese frosting is way better than Trophy's and it's also sold at the Metropolitan Market which are open 24/7. I could have a yummy cupcake no matter what time it is!

    (5)

  • Walt W.

    The cupcakes look really good and they should since the store is named after them. But they are dry as a brick. Blah. Good for WiFi because you can't screw that up right? I want my $2.50 back.

    (1)

  • Kimterese B.

    I ONLY go for the cupcakes! :O) Let's just start with that I had the company cater my wedding with their signature wedding cupcakes. (meaning for an additional cost they will fancy up their cupcakes with candied flowers and such) When the baker knew I was inquiring about having them cater my wedding, she readied a box of cupcakes with a variety of flavors. I was fortunate enough to sample each one of them. Have I mentioned that I LOVE CUPCAKES! Not because, it seems like cupcakes are a phenomena right now, but because they are delectable, tasty, and a right amount of cake for me. (I am talking specifically about Cupcake Royale cupcakes-for now nothing compares) My most favorite cupcakes are the "Dance Party" vanilla cupcake with pink icing and sprinkles, and the "Coconut Bunny" with coconut buttercream and vanilla cake. Have I mentioned that we ordered cupcakes for my baby shower in August? ;O)

    (5)

  • Muffin S.

    Ohhhhhhhh.... so good! All the regular flavors are great but I love trying something new with their Cupcake of the Month. And Cupcake Harvest Festival is definitely another reason why I love fall.

    (5)

  • John G.

    I bought the dozen cupcakes Groupon special a couple weeks back and came in to pick up my pre-ordered cupcakes for our Christmas party on the 23rd. The guy who helped me was friendly and efficient, and the cupcakes were ready and packaged just how I'd asked. Even though the store was busy (apparently many people had the same Cupcake Groupon for Christmas idea!) I was in and out in a flash, and my Stumptown Americano really hit the spot. And to top it all off, the Red Velvet was a huge hit. Cupcakes to the rescue!

    (4)

  • Laura S.

    A total fan of their Salted Caramel, Carrot Cake, and the Dance Party cupcakes! The vanilla buttercake is so scrumptious I can even describe how much I love it. They're not too sweet and don't dry out too much when sitting overnight. :)

    (4)

  • Tori J.

    I wanted to like Cupcake Royale- it's a cupcake store! I wanted to. I think if you don't like cake,but do people who can't add five items in their head without giving you a Alan Rickman attempt of a sneer - that you will love this place. Coming in it was deserted, and for a place that boasts royal proportions in neon- I expected to see something more of presentation than a display case with two shelves- also some kind of back to it would be nice for that pesky little sanitation detail. I wouldn't mention it if there was not need to, it doesn't take a swarm to make the point they could call it " Lord of the Cupcakes" if you get my drift. Anyhow I arrive and set my starbucks iced tea on the counter, and it seems that is a declaration of war. The now incensed staff of two curtly asks if they can get me anything to drink as I try to figure out what our party of six wants. The dude ( as the staff is comprised of one part dude) continues to ask everyone in our party of six twice if they want something to drink. Forging on I go slow repeating it because the person behind the counter does this head movement like the old Disney cartoons when they eat an ear of corn and it sounds like a typewriter. But there was no corn , only the apparent labyrinth of the three by three cupcake case. Even after telling her there would be six cupcakes, after every cupcake she would ask if that was all in a haggard tone of voice, she seemed quite sprightly when we arrived by the way. After cupcake number four she asked again, and I said two more. It was then she got out a four cupcake box and set the cupcakes in, then after getting the last two out stopped like a deer in the headlights and turned to her barista supervisor. " They want six now!" she said, looking about to expire from the excitement she created. Taking a step back from the counter and this unusual exchange, I just watch silently with the most contained expression I can manage, it is not that contained but I manage not to laugh. I had tried to occupy myself with some "legalize frostitution" stickers while the cupcake melodrama unfolded. I was really enjoying the sticker puns and put three ont he counter as he led her through their prices, she had the total! HUZZAH! then I set the stickers on the counter. This also caused a small rip in the frosting-whitecake continuum. After I turned around the display so she could read the sign that said 3 for somethingoranother.00 I waited another five minutes. And now the cupcakes- It was clear nothing was stale but it tasted like pillsbury and the lavender icing tasted as much like lavender as purple butter cream could. Which is not at all. That was a huge disappointment. It SMELLED like lavender but didn't taste like it. The flavors on the frosting are really subdued, and in the case of the lavender bland. But there were six of us and we like to share, so there's more. Cream cheese frosting: exactly like eating cream cheese- no sweetness. Strawberry- an actual taste of strawberry but not at all removed from a Pillsbury concoction. Salted Caramel- Salty , but more salt than caramel and the whole thing rendered the cupcake with even less depth of flavor. We did end up getting a coffee,and the brand ( Verite I suppose?) was okay, the barista did what he could but the roast was off. It would be a very sad day for Seattle if these were " Seattle's best cupcakes", as their website boasts. Just, no. Go up the street to Safeway- their baked goods may be blatantly corporate but nobody will treat you like a criminal for buying things from their store.

    (1)

  • Ian M.

    Stunningly average. The cupcake was too dry, and definitely too pricey. Looking around Yelp, there seems to be a fascination with cupcakes. I don't know if it's a regional thing, as I've never witnessed this phenomenon anywhere else, or if I'm just not plugged in. I've only been once, and would be willing to try again, so I might revise my review, but for now, I don't see what the fuss is about.

    (2)

  • Robert H.

    Cupcake Royale is probably the biggest name in the cupcake game, in a town that takes their cupcakes seriously. Too bad they're not also the best.. Don't get me wrong. They're good enough to get my money now and then, because they make some interesting flavors. Others make moister, more substantial cupcakes. They serve Stumptown coffee, so it's not bad, it's just there are better baristas in this town. They have wifi, but you have to register with them to use it, which I find annoying. Still, the Coconut-lime cupcake I just had was tasty.

    (3)

  • Garbiel A.

    Yeah, the rainier cherry cupcake, the June cupcake of the month, is the good shit.

    (4)

  • Monica S.

    Cupcakes were moist, fresh & delicious. The lavender icing is nothing short of heavenly. The staff were very sweet & helped me pick out 18 varieties to serve my coworkers. I had to sneak one leftover in for breakfast. (This is odd for me because I'm very much a healthy eater and I don't ever eat sugar but for special occasions.)

    (4)

  • Ronnie K.

    Oh...my...gawd... If you're looking for a good way to break your diet, then this is the place. All of this is said in a positive way, of course. I mean, we're dealing here in gourmet, made-from-scratch cupcakes. At Cupcake Royale, you get the full meal deal -- quality ingredients (REAL butter, baby...Paula Deen would be proud), a wide variety of flavors, and such whimsical and artful detailing of the frosting and decorations. Almost too pretty to eat. Almost...

    (5)

  • I Hateeverything I.

    What a bunch of putzes. Curating cupcakes and spewing attitude into espresso. In several visits to this place I cannot find a friendly welcoming face in the place. But they do make the perfect cupcake. So I'm unable to stop going. Go get a cupcake fix and indulge in a fantasy of yanking the black rubber earring out of the dweeb behind the counter.

    (2)

  • Amanda G.

    I had heard about this place through a Seattle cupcake blog and was in the area and thought why not... I give them one Star for originality but I thought the cupcake itself was average. Nothing really special about it I had the lavender cupcake. I am a huge fan of lavender in sweets but it was really sweet and dry. Not a good combo. My husband had the Original and pretty much the same thing for him. $2.50 for a cupcake isn't bad especially if it is made from high quality ingredients and fresh. The guy who had helped us wasn't to friendly. I give them 1 star because I really liked the art on the walls. I want to hope that maybe I just went on a bad day but judging from others comments I probably would not go back unless I was towing around a little kid that wanted a treat. There was another cupcake place down the street that I may try next time.

    (3)

  • Calana M.

    I absolutely adore this place. The cupcakes are great and the frosting even better. I feel like a lot of people who must be complaining about the "dry" cupcake are those who are used to eating cupcakes full of oil and other funny business. The only reason I'm knocking down a star is because the coffee has been pretty hit or miss for me. Sometimes the drip is great, and sometimes it tastes like it's been there all day. Otherwise though, love the place :]

    (4)

  • Caitlin R.

    When the name of your business has the word 'cupcake' in it, you'd think there would actually be cupcakes at the establishment. Not so with the West Seattle Cupcake Royale! The CR in Ballard is awesome and seems to make more than one batch of cupcakes throughout the day. On more than a few evenings have I left the bakery empty-handed and disappointed that they ran out of cupcakes. For shame, Cupcake Royale, for shame.

    (2)

  • Charles C.

    I've had amazing cupcakes, I've been to the West Village and been fortunate to taste the delicious goodness that is a Magnolia Bakery cupcake. These cupcakes do not come close. I've been here multiple times thinking that maybe I just got a bad batch or the wrong flavor. No, no, no! Cupcake Royale simply sucks! They're dry, flavorless, cheaply-made, overpriced cupcakes belong in the dumpster rather than on anyones palate! Not to mention the workers are rude!

    (1)

  • Christine T.

    I've given Cupcake Royale plenty of opportunities to change my mind, but this past experience has cemented my opinion of them. The cupcakes themselves are just ok. I got mine at the end of the day so I wasn't expecting much, but the dried out top and crumbly cake left a lot to be desired. The lackluster product is not reason enough for me to write this review. The main reason why I won't go back or recommend that anyone else go is because of the customer service. I understand people can have bad days or just want to go home, but you've got to learn to put that aside or at least try to hide it if you want people to come back. I had a friend in from out of town and we had just had dinner around the corner at Fresh Bistro (great place). Despite my misgivings about their cupcakes, we decided to try it since he wanted some coffee and something sweet. So my friend orders an espresso and is told he can only get it to go. The only way he was able to drink it there was to convince her that he could drink it fast, but we could already tell how annoyed she was with having to make the drink in the first place. (It totally wasn't worth the trouble, he said it was awful.) As we're making our cupcake selections, we're told that they're about to close in 15 minutes. Ok fine, we get it, we won't take our time paying you money for things you'll just throw out anyways. As we're eating our cupcakes (as fast as we can) she's shooting us more annoyed glances before finally turning off all the lights right at 9pm. Guess I didn't really need to see that last bite. I don't normally like to write bad reviews, but this visit deserved it. There are so many other cupcake places to choose from, don't waste your time there. Better yet, go the store, buy a $1 box of chocolate cake mix, and make a dozen at home. It'll be WAY better than the $3 cake you'd get there, plus you won't feel like you're ruining someone's life with your presence.

    (1)

  • Mary Moon H.

    Coconut Bunny, 'nough said! This sweet little cloud of cocnut and cakey goodness is by far teh best cupcake I've had! And let me tell ya i've had my share of cupcakes! I'd give 4 stars but the past two times i've tired to go they were either closed or open but totally out of cupcakes. Ya kind of need to keep the cupcakes baking ya know?

    (3)

  • Sara A.

    Nice space with plenty of room for hangin' out & people watching windows. My iced americano was fine. Tried the royale w/cheese cupcake. it was good, but too crumbly. I liked the frosting. I am also getting a little tired of the down your throat branding @ cupcake royale (the cutsie cupcake puns, merchandise everywhere you turn). I guess I wish they were better, but good enough will have to do.

    (3)

  • Rachel S.

    Wow, reading the reviews I realize I'm not the only one that thinks this place isn't the greatest. The thing about their cupcakes is this: The actual cupcake is just eh, it's the FROSTING that's really amazing. Every flavor of frosting they have is amazing. I always find the cupcake part to be just so-so. Oh, and I am known to be quite finicky in this regard but I don't think their coffee is very good.

    (2)

  • Erin K.

    I love cupcakes and am anxiously awaiting Sprinkles arrival in Seattle but until then what am I to do?! So I tried the lavender cupcake, since it was voted one of the "ten best cupcakes in the U.S." I thought it was good. Not great, but good and worth $2.50 (Sprinkles are $3.25 a pop!) I would definitely have another one, or half a dozen...

    (4)

  • Raymond R.

    A friend of mine & I like to talk and drink coffee on Fridays every now and then. So we tried various places at the Junction. At one point we gave Cupcake Royale a try [2-3 times]. We had no preconceived idea about the place. While the location and atmosphere seemed pretty good. We quickly found a new spot for two reasons the coffee was bad and the cup cakes were over priced!

    (1)

  • Lee T.

    I have had better cupcakes, which is to say that I don't care for their cupcakes. They are a little less than "ok". I gave them an extra star because they are local, they use local ingredients and give back to the community.

    (3)

  • Megan H.

    I highly recommend the lavender, strawberry and peach cupcakes. Their other cupcakes are phenom too, but not as delish.

    (4)

  • brenbot s.

    I was excited to eat cupcakes here but wasn't super impressed. I went later in the day so the trick might be to get there earlier when they are fresher. They don't have too many options of different cupcakes, mostly different frostings. I did like the lavender frosting though and I think they have a nice tea selection.

    (3)

  • Kara B.

    Yes these little morsels of goodness are a pleasure to eat. My favorite is the Lavender cupcake although I'm not a huge fan of frosting so I have to scrape about half of it off.

    (4)

  • Debra Y.

    Simply the best cupcake in Seattle! The first time I bit into a Dance Party, (vanilla cake with pink buttercream frosting) I knew I would never go anywhere but Cupcake Royale again. Some reviews say the cake is too dry and dense, but it is that density that reminds me of the "made from scratch" cupcakes of my childhood. I have tried Trophy and Pinkabella, along with a multitude of other local cupcake shops from Olympia to Seattle, and Cupcake Royale remains the gold standard of cupcakes for me. The less dense cupcakes of Trophy, (among others) remind me of the "cake mix" texture cupcakes that I can buy at any grocery bakery. I have been to every location of Cupcake Royale, and have always been impressed with the very friendly service. I love everything about these cupcakes!

    (5)

  • reverend w.

    $8 for a pint of ice cream....wtf.. decided to buy it and it's just not that good. Its just ice cream. Ill go to husky next time and for $3.50 get a giant cone .

    (2)

  • P A.

    I ordered a tiramisu cupcake and a red velvet cake pop. The tiramisu cupcake frosting itself was delicious but not the cake itself. I thought the cake was just okay. I definitely would not order the red velvet cake pop again. I've had a lot of red velvet over the years and this particular one did not taste similar to any other... and in this case it's not a good thing. On a side note, the square ipad terminal that they use as a register was running awfully slow. The cashier was trying to really hard to small talk but it ended up being super awkward with lots of silent moments. Kudos for trying but sometimes it's better to not.

    (2)

  • Sarah B.

    Quick Read: mediocre cupcakes, good frosting, cake is large, dense, lacks flavor I love cupcakes and have tried many of the places selling them in Seattle. Cupcake Royale is a popular chain in the area, so it is pretty easy to get your hands on one of their cupcakes (they are also sold in some grocery stores, like Metropolitan Market). The marketing/vibe of the place is kind of fun, and their stores sell goods such as mugs and T-Shirts with phrases like, 'Legalize Frostitution,' etc. They certainly make you WANT a cupcake. The perfect cupcake should have both good frosting and good cake. At Cupcake Royale, the frosting is good and is what I feel differentiates the flavors. However, the cake itself is bland and dense, which is unfortunate because they are pretty decently sized, too. To me, this makes it not worth the calories. They usually have the same group of flavors, with maybe one or two rotating flavors, and I can barely taste a difference between the cake in a vanilla and the cake in a lemon drop (the frosting is crucial to the lemon flavor). I should admit that I will totally eat one of these cupcakes when I'm in a craving crunch and don't feel like driving to Yellow Leaf, but I always take off the bottom of the cake and throw it away to save on calories. Most cupcake places (and bakeries in general) strive to give you moist cake, but the texture of Cupcake Royale cupcakes in general just feels dry and almost chewy to me (again, it's the density). Basically, these are carb-bombs.

    (2)

  • Jess M.

    I was so excited to try the new seasonal Butter Popcorn and Caramel Crunch and the Cornflakes and Whiskey. As always, the vanilla cake was delicious, but we didn't really notice the special flavors much. We wished there was more toppings on the cupcakes. The Butter Popcorn and Caramel Crunch seemed just sweet with some crunch bits (but not enough) on top. The Whisky caramel on the whiskey one was really good, but again, just not enough of it. We were left feeling a bit disappointed since we had seen the seasonal flavors on the website and were super excited to try them.

    (3)

  • Leigh F.

    I have never been more compelled to write a one-star review for a business. I wish I could give them zero stars, in all honesty. I am not a huge fan of the cupcakes here (Trophy cupcakes are the bestttt), but I needed some gluten free cupcakes to take to a classroom birthday party on short notice and I know that they offer some. I tried calling several times the day before, but no one ever answered, so finally I left a message in the evening about ordering cupcakes. I was really hoping I would get a call back before closing, but no such luck, so I went in the next morning to see what they had available. Granted, I needed 26 cupcakes, which is probably a lot on such short notice, but the employee who helped me was so rude about it and especially unaccommodating. They didn't need to all be GF, but I did pretty much clean them out with the GF selection they had available. Whenever I asked a question about the quantities of other varieties she had, she just replied with, "If you needed that many cupcakes, then you should have pre-ordered." She said this to me probably four times within the first two minutes of our interaction. Okay, I get it, but maybe you (a) should answer your phone or (b) learn a little bit more about customer service if you're going to work in this type of industry. I felt really uncomfortable. It was almost as if she was pissed off at me for wanting to buy so many cupcakes. "Like I said, if you needed so many you could have pre-ordered." Oh my goddddd. Then I did the unthinkable by asking if she could double check in the back for me on a certain cupcake type, so she went back there and came storming back out with who I assume is the manager and she glared at me, too!!!!!!! WTF. Then she barked, "I have to call to see if we can get more cupcakes now!" and got on the phone. So I see you do in fact know how the phone works... FUNNY, I COULDN'T GET ANYONE TO ANSWER IT WHEN I TRIED TO SPECIAL ORDER. I only left with 18 cupcakes and had to go to another Cupcake Royale location, where they were way nicer about me WANTING TO BUY CUPCAKES. Isn't that the point of this business? To sell cupcakes?

    (1)

  • Dana M.

    Unfortunately after trying the rest of the cupcakes I had to take a star away. None of the flavors wowed me and by the second day they were all pretty dry. I'm sure if we had picked them up in the morning and ate them all in one day like the label on the box suggest I would have had a better experience but unfortunately my stomach won't allow me to eat 12 cupcakes in one sitting... Damn you stomach!!

    (3)

  • Nicki C.

    I am a cupcake fanatic and love to bake, so anytime I go out and see a cupcake place I'm willing to give it a try. Going the Cupcake Royale(any location, I have been to various to make sure I can stand behind what I'm saying) is not something I look forward to or would do when I'm wanting a little something sweet. Their prices are pretty high for cupcakes and in my opinion they aren't very good at all. They are over cooked and super sweet. The edges are always slightly hard and the middle not soft and delicious as it should be, as far as frosting goes a little sweetness goes a long way and they sure overdid the frosting. My best recommendation is to try and look elsewhere. I hate to not like a place at all but that is how I feel, I was very disappointed.

    (1)

  • Kathleen C.

    I've had a handful of cupcakes from here over the years. Every time without fail, the top of the cupcake alway detaches from the rest. Like the "muffin top" part. It's kinda weird. I went again this past time because it was just nearby and convenient. Now I remember why I prob shouldn't. Cupcakes: There's really nothing special about it. Just a normal cupcake. Trophy cupcake is the best I've had. This is compared to rando cupcake shops I try when out of town too (Sprinkles in SoCal, and places I don't rmb in SF, NYC, DC, etc). Coffee drinks: I got a iced nonfat mocha. Not very good. I only drank half of it and decided it's not worth finishing. I think they use Stumptown beans. See my earlier review. I would say that this mocha was worse than the drink I had at Stumptown. My friend got a bottle of rose lemonade that was quite interesting and worth getting. Just an ok spot and no good coffee. I will likely not return.

    (2)

  • Amy H.

    I'm pretty sure this is the first time my birthday has lasted an entire month! Lucky for me, because it means all things festive and sweet, including the jewel of California Avenue: Cupcake Royale. One of my lady friends took me here last week for a birthday treat, and I was so pleased they had a selection of GF chocolate cupcakes to choose from.. with sprinkles! I picked the one with salted caramel frosting and had to restrain myself from going back in and buying a dozen of them after my friend and I said our goodbyes. Corner location, street parking, holds hands with Cafe Verite, provides clever quips about coffee and dessert in the form of cupcake swag.

    (4)

  • Stacey W.

    Latte was spot on & the grasshopper cupcake was good- esp the buttercream & ganache frosting, but the actual cake lacked moisture. I felt like I was eating a stale $4 cupcake. The reason I give this location 2 stars is because I went in for the 1st time with my Mother in law & my infant. We sat inside right by their front door & the employee decided to clean the inside of the glass door & food case. She sprayed windex indoors with our cupcakes in front of us by my infant! I was so mad I notified one of the other employees and stormed out of there! Just because it's coffee & cupcakes doesn't mean it's not still a food establishment! When I go out for burger & fries I would never expect someone to be spraying cleaning chemicals indoors by my food & baby!

    (2)

  • Crave N.

    Beautiful cupcakes!

    (4)

  • Tl W.

    I so would love to love this place but I find it to just be so very hit and miss. Another 4 pack of stale lemon drop cupcakes today that tasted at least 2days old, I myself will just pass on this place for awhile and probably will be better for my health anyways. My couple of friends who shared these cupcakes with me over coffee agreed that these were definitely not a fresh cupcake at about 12pm is when I purchased them and tried to enjoy them just shortly after. The lady who boxed the cupcakes up did wear gloves which to me is very impressive and I wish other places would share the same practice on clean. At times this place has amazing cupcakes but too bad it's not consistent.

    (2)

  • Cin-Yee S.

    Originally stopped in just as they opened - needed to find Stumptown whole beans in West Seattle (did not want to fight the commuter traffic to their roastery location) for my coffee geek best friend before heading to the airport for a early flight. Cupcake Royale saved the day! Purchased their Hair Bender roast and two cupcakes: tiramisu and carrot cake. Shared the cupcakes next day in Las Vegas and everyone loved the moist cake and rich, creamy frosting. Not sure when happy hour is, but will be sure to find out for next time I am in town.

    (4)

  • Amy M.

    The last cupcakes I will ever try. Cupcake royale cupcakes ruined me for ANY other cupcake... I can taste the quality of the ingredients used, omg. The consistency of the cake is delicate and fine. I can tell pastry flour is used, not bulky all purpose flour. There is Not gaping air bubble pockets or any overly eggy boingyness to the texture. The frosting is smooth! Not the average gritty overly sweet butter cream we all know from crappy bakeries. They offer unique and delectable flavors. (Lavender! Yum!) terimisu, carrot cake and chocolate bunny were all chow. I have only been inside of the location once myself and the customer service was very pleasing. The barista guy working was a nice fellow who offered genuine conversation. Not pretentious, awkward service or scornful under paid resentment like a lot of coffee shops near closing hour. 4 stars: awesome product, good service, high price. The price is standard for specialty cupcakes, but damn. I suppose if they were any cheaper I would be over weight. (No offense) They offer vegan and gluten free, too. Just in chocolate, I think.

    (4)

  • Iryna C.

    I'm really surprised to read negative reviews about this place. I cannot imagine that anybody wouldn't enjoy a cupcake that is made from scratch out of local organic products. There is a big variety of cakes. You can totally find something that you'll love and something that will bring you back over and over again. I've been a customer of cupcake royal for almost six years. I have never been disappointed. My yuck to people who think that cupcake Royal uses shortening for their frosting, really?!?

    (5)

  • Marie M.

    Such good coffee here and a nice staff. Cute and spacious inside with lots of seating and outlets for getting work done.

    (5)

  • Anne G.

    Cute, clean West Seattle store and lovely people working there, but I gotta say the cupcakes are lousy. Always dry, occasionally bordering on hard, and generally with little flavor. I'm not a baker or a competing business - I'm just a girl who loves her cupcakes and will look for them wherever I go. This store is near my house so I've visited a baker's dozen times and always leave disappointed. How does this place top the list of Seattle's best cupcakes? It's a conspiracy that must be investigated. (There are several other bakeries in West Seattle - all much better in the cupcake department - please look 'em up and give 'em a try.)

    (1)

  • Tom H.

    One of the biggest swindlers in the city. The price for the product is hilarious. Cupcakes are the perfect treat for millennials with intimacy issues. Carbo-load because you were toilet trained at gun point, and mommy didn't talk to you for a month because you screwed up at soccer. I drive by this joint four dimes a day, and it is always packed so what the hell do I know, but 16 bucks for 4 cupcakes? Meanwhile, in a refugee camp in South Sudan...

    (2)

  • Donna B.

    ok I have read your reviews and said one day I would visit one of your shops but never got around to actually doing it! Well today was the day, and what better day than Easter Sunday! I decided since I don't live super close to take back a few cupcakes with me since I would need to "sample" the goods...lol. I decided to pick my fave, red velvet cake, lavender (suggested by my girlfriend who came w/ me), a salted caramel cupcake, and a coconut lime cream. So far, I did try the red velvet and it was so delicious I wanted to eat another BUT seeing as that would be totally piglish of me, I shall wait and SHARE with my sister who I will be meeting tomorrow for her birthday. yay! I will return Cupcake Royal!

    (5)

  • LeaDan Y.

    Go for the cupcakes, stay for the ice cream. But walk there so you don't have to feel guilty the entire time. This is really a cute place to stop for dessert, or two. Our friend wanted us to try the cupcakes but we decided to get cupcakes to go and ice cream in. I choose red velvet overload that day. Though I did go with the red velvet ice cream in a cup bc I was informed that you can't really taste the red velvet in the waffle cone. We also got the red velvet and lavender cupcakes for the road.

    (5)

  • Emily B.

    My favorite coffee shop in the entirety of Seattle! This place rules! The baristas are sweeties that stay tuned in on real world happenings and aren't afraid to have a conversation with you while they make your coffee (which is even more amazing than their wonderful attitudes somehow). Every once in a while they sell cute plastic cupcake toppers that I buy for funsies because they're less than a quarter for a cutie deer and what not. But most of the time I go in for a latte before work to start my day off right. I've only had a few cupcakes before (compost cupcake is a MUST TRY for you chocolate feinds) but it's been a while because I'm not a "sugary sweets" kind of gal.

    (5)

  • Jason F.

    It's been a while since I've stopped in to Cupcake Royale, but I made a stop this week. It was a little bit after 6pm and the place was picked pretty clean, cupcake-wise. But, I found something I could deal with and got a latte to go along with it. The crowd was pleasant, quiet and staring into their various electronic devices. The staff was super helpful and made one of those designs in the coffee foam, oooooh fancy. Can recommend!

    (4)

  • Clara L.

    Had a batch catered to a company lunch and was excited to try them. They were very well presented and scrumptious looking. I opted for a lemon cupcake, adorably garnished with a lemonhead candy. Upon taking a bite, however, all I could taste was shortening. It is quite obvious they use a butter-flavored shortening instead of shortening + real butter in their buttercream frosting, and it left a very greasy, filmy texture and artificial flavor in my mouth. Even the cupcake itself tasted like it had artificial butter flavor added. Compared to the appearance I was quite disappointed. I ended up throwing it away before even eating half of it.

    (2)

  • Eunice W.

    Not being a big cake fan, I was surprised to find myself walking into a cupcake place to get a sweet treat. Actually, we were going in for coffee and I spotted a tray of tiny cupcakes and was going to buy 1 to try. The girl behind the counter offered me a sample that they had out and I was hooked! My intention was to buy one for me and my two friends but HEY it was HAPPY HOUR and guess what BUY 3 Get 3 FREE. Who could resist! I labored over which 6 flavors I would pick...and if you are judging a cupcake by it's frosting I was torn. Red Velvet is not usually something I jump for joy over but it was wonderful. Salted caramel was a bit of heaven in my mouth. Carrot Cake was moist and probably my fav. Needless to say, we ate them all and skipped dinner due to the incredible sugar high!

    (4)

  • Ari Y.

    Very disappointed. Limited selection, and very pricey.

    (2)

  • C S.

    I love this place, from the cupcakes to the staff, and the vibe is great. Settle in to people watch and indulge, it's a great place to relax.

    (5)

  • Sara R.

    I went here on the chocolate tour and the mini cupcakes we had on the tour were great! The chocolate cupcake was also vegan so if you're looking for that, this is a good place to go. I didn't purchase anything here after the tour because of the price, which is also part of the star rating - the prices seem ridiculous for a bakery. It is Seattle, though, and near Pike Place...the cupcakes are delicious if you're willing to pay the price!

    (3)

  • Kara G.

    I think maybe I should have come earlier in the day. There was a limited selection when I arrived, maybe 5 or 6 flavors. I got the Tiramisu, and a Lemon Drop for my husband. I couldn't tell if the cake was dry, or dense, or light, or what. The frosting was nice and light, but I can't put my finger on the cake. Again, maybe I should come earlier in the day and try one more time. The man helping us seemed to suggest that they don't do the baking there. I don't know if that's true, but it's what he said.

    (3)

  • Maui M.

    This place is awesome for one main reason: Stumptown Coffee. The taste of Portland's finest in Seattle is a treat! The cupcakes are decent. There needs to be more unique/ different flavors, and more options for food in general. Otherwise good vibe, a little alternative, comfortable seating.

    (5)

  • Erica T.

    Cupcake Royale is a cute little cupcake place that serves coffee and other treats. They have wifi, and there are always people there on their computers. The staff was friendly and helpful. I've had the salted caramel, and I thought it was pretty good. The cake was a little dry and crumbly, but the frosting and sprinkle of sea salt made up for it. I though the cupcake price was a little steep. I may go back if I'm in the Junction and desperately craving a cupcake, but the price and hit or miss quality will likely prevent me from going normally.

    (3)

  • Dom M.

    The best ice cream I've had in awhile. We bought the coconut sorbet and shared it with vegan chocolate cupcake. I felt it should have maybe been in the "day old" bin they had, as it was pretty dry. The ice cream really impressed me though, and it's too bad they can't scoop it out and sample bc I would have loved to try the other flavors. Another great thing about this place is being able to take my puppy inside. Being new to Seattle, it's great to take advantage of businesses that are pet friendly.

    (5)

  • Alicia D.

    I love cupcake royale, just not this location. They never seem to have any gluten free cupcakes when I go so I've started just going to the queen Anne location. In the past when I went to this location the cupcakes (at least the gluten free ones) were always very dry with barely any frosting. I mean come on the frosting is the best part!! I'm Giving this location a 3 because I do like the staff and although the cupcakes aren't great here, they aren't the worst cupcakes either.

    (3)

  • Aimee K.

    I'd give this place 2.5 stars if possible. In all fairness, neither of us are big on sweets anyway, so we're probably biased right out of the box. We each have one or two sweet Kryptonite selections we fall victim to, but for neither of us is it cupcakes. We stopped in here completely on a whim after lunch at Kokoras and ordered a tall cup of drip coffee with a red velvet cupcake to split. The ratio of frosting to cake is balanced and they totally complemented each other. For a red velvet cake fix, this place would check out just fine, but it wasn't anything life-changing and our cupcake was a little on the dry side with a tendency to flake. Our cup of Verite coffee was pretty abysmal so we didn't finish it. The bill totaled just over $5. Ambience is notable for people-watching as it's right on the corner of the main Alaska Junction intersection and there's lots of bar seats available at the window, if I'm not mistaken, just for that purpose.

    (3)

  • David D.

    Surprised to see the negative reviews. Come one people. This is a great place, cozy and friendly. Lots of moms coming with their kids. I have sat there for many hours drinking tea and working on my laptop.

    (5)

  • Katherine T.

    Cupcake Royale has the most adorable packaging and overall store displays. The cupcakes are just okay to me - the cake is good, sometimes a little dry. The icing for most flavors is overly sweet, but then again that's just my personal taste. I think all together they are a little over hyped, I would go back again but with Bakery Nouveau just down the street from this location, Cupcake Royale will see me very rarely.

    (3)

  • Chelsea S.

    I'm reviewing Cupcake Royales ice cream only. Not being the biggest cupcake fan I still love good ice cream and good cake. Cupcake Royale has some really delicious, inventive flavors that are inspired largely by their cupcake flavors. Many have real pieces of cake and frosting swirled throughout. The base of the ice cream is delicious and I love places that pack their ice cream with flavor and pieces. The staff has always been top notch when I have visited the store. The store is clean and seating plentiful. Good location on Market St. Sample as many flavors as you like. My favorite is the banana rum fudge or whatever it is called...all I know is it has bananas foster feel to it, a great hit of rum, AND chocolate to boot!!!

    (4)

  • Susan M.

    Well, it was a little better this time I guess? Maple bacon cupcake sounded wonderful, but it was just gross. The rich frosting totally overpowered the savory, & the cupcake was SO dry. I wanted to dunk it in something. Maybe they serve old ones? Two other people with me ordered cupcakes too & seemed disappointed they consumed the extra calories for something mediocre at best. I ordered a latte & it was good this time. Service was good too.

    (3)

  • Tara K.

    Terrible coffee, bad service and stale cupcakes. I can't believe people rate this so high.

    (1)

  • Christopher S.

    What can I say? Mediocre cupcake and mediocre service. Employees seemed out of place, it was a nice shop but I think they could have more options of cupcakes and happier employees.

    (3)

  • Chelsea J.

    I love Cupcake Royale as a company and their cupcakes are delicious. This shop is no exception because I love their products. However, when I was here this weekend there were lots of fruit flies all over one of the cupcake flavors in the display case. I didn't see any flies on any of the other flavors so this was strange. Maybe it was something in that one cupcake recipe or frosting. Anyway, that part was icky but the cupcakes I took home (salted caramel, caramel apple, lavender, and red velvet) were all excellent. The employees were nice, too! I'll be back for sure but hopefully won't see fruit files next time!

    (4)

  • Liz K.

    This place is perfect. If only cupcakes had no calories. The yellow cake with chocolate frosting reminds me of the cakes mom would bake as a little kid. The gay pride cupcakes were awesome too! Also, the frosting is just right. Not that heavy cream cheese stuff or greasy butter cream. Their frosting is the right balance. The cake is a satisfying heaviness without being too dry. Somehow it's soft and fluffy while still feeling thick and moist. The right level of cakey. Some cupcake places try to overcompensate with giant lobs of frosting or complicated flavors. This place has nothing to hide and the proof is in this perfect little cupcake.

    (5)

  • Vik M.

    This place has obviously made a name for itself (hello, multiple locations in Seattle), but as far as I am concerned they are just O.K. My fiance and I have collectively tasted 5 different flavors and haven't found one that would grant this place a 5 star rating. This is a place to try, because you may love it, but its just not my cup-of-cake (I try to be clever ... I'll stop). I will say unless you actually like lavender flavored things ... DON'T DO IT! It was like I bit into my frebreeze plug-in... whoa there! Too much flavor in too little icing.

    (3)

  • Jen O.

    Great: Folks. These guys are fast and friendly (even to the point of playing along with a surprise and helping me hide a present in my husbands to-go bag!) They give the place a local, neighborhoody feel despite being part of a chain. Also great: FoCR card (Friends of Cupcake Royale). Load a gift card and get a bunch of perks. Really good: Coffee and cupcakes in inventive, rotating flavors. Yum. Not-so-great: Parking (over which they have no control, but it factors in) and atmosphere (a lot of which they have no control over, but it super factors in). The layout makes it kind of hard to find an area that feels like your own (side-by-side or shared tables, not bistro). Also, because of their popularity (yay you guys!), it can get pretty loud and crazy. BUT these are not huge detractors, especially if you are on foot and in-and-out. Overall: Go Team FOCR!

    (4)

  • Hana J.

    It was Mother's Day that brought me frantically searching for a bakery that has gluten-free options. My adoptive mom has been on a gluten-free diet since her thyroid has massive problems, and we needed a gluten-free dessert that was delicious and won't make her die - or feel like dying. I called around, and all the bakeries in Seattle gave me the same spiel - no, we don't have gluten-free cupcakes, no we won't prepare gluten-free cupcakes, no, it's Mother's Day, go away. I rang up Cupcake Royale as a last ditch attempt at a bakery and someone answered the phone. I asked if they had gluten-free options, and they said yes. I asked how many they had, and they said they had four cupcakes left to offer if I could come down. Amazed, I said I would be right there and hung up the phone. Now my navigation skills aren't exactly, well, spectacular - so naturally "right there" really meant an hour and a half later after getting lost. But I found it and went in and was greeted by two friendly guys at the counter and a delicious smell of baking. I asked one of the guys if they had any gluten-free cupcakes left, and to my dismay, they said no. But they peered at me for a second longer, and asked "Were you the lady that called for gluten-free cupcakes? We set them aside for you." THEY SAVED THE FREAKING CUPCAKES FOR ME. I almost cried. My gluten-free mother did cry when she saw her present. They rang me up and I asked if I could do anything to repay them, for they earned fifty gazillion golden stars. They asked for a yelp review. So here it is. To the two boys that saved those cupcakes for my mother who had not eaten a single cupcake for years, and helped me get the best Mother's Day present ever.

    (5)

  • Spenser D.

    Pretty good cupcakes, solid cookies, and great locally roasted coffee. I appreciate the atmosphere and their internet is generally reliable. I love coming in here to do some reading or writing when I don't want to venture too far from the Junction. Be sure to look for their Chinook book coupons where you can get a pint of their delicious ice cream when you buy four cupcakes. Also, always try the seasonal cupcakes! The pumpkin maple ( I think it was) is reeeeeally tasty. The usuals are good too, like red velvet, vanilla, chocolate, etc.

    (4)

  • Teresa J.

    Love their logo and branded items, the tag line 'Legalize Frostitution' is genius. But, their frosting lacks rich flavor and leaves a film of shortening in my mouth and the cake is dry. As much as I want to love this place, I can't. Go in and enjoy the store, but the cupcakes will leave you wishing they were better.

    (2)

  • Nikki H.

    For the life of me, I cannot understand the bad reviews. I am a huge Cupcake Royale fan, a huge West Seattle fan and I love this location. It's my second favorite CR after the Ballard one. (I think, at this point, that I've been to all the locations). I've never encountered anything but warm, friendly staff. I love their cupcakes - I like that they stick to a few perfectly done, perfected flavors with a few seasonal additions. I'd never been a fan of vanilla cupcakes before but theirs have converted me. I love my CR lattes, their new ice cream is AWESOME, and as for West Seattle - I even dig the decor. I adore Cupcake Royale for their simplicity & goodness and for what they stand for. (That other place... *cough cough* Trophy *cough cough* too frilly, too much going on and no neighborhood or social activism going on that I can see.)

    (5)

  • Calvin Y.

    I chickened out. I had a choice between the hot and exciting cupcake or the tamer, more boring one and I didn't man up: Cupcake Royale's flavors of the month for February 2011 are Chocolate cake with Strawberry frosting and Red Hot (made from Theo Chocolate's Ghost Chili). Instead of ordering the Cupcake made using the World's Hottest Chili, I got the Chocolate Strawberry instead. Neither exciting nor super tasty. The cupcake top (or the muffin top) was a bit harder than expected and the frosting was on the sweeter side. I'd recommend skipping Chocolate Strawberry altogether and just get one of their regular flavors instead and save yourself the extra money. While the cupcake didn't wow me, they do have great baristas here -- very friendly and flexible. I came by at around noon and ordered a grande drip (16 oz) with the cupcake, but unfortunately they only had 8 oz left so she didn't charge me for the coffee. If you're looking to get some work done -- then this is a good place as they have free WIFI (you have to sign up for an account) and a good number of outlets near the tables.

    (3)

  • Monica T.

    Cupcake flavors are delicious and creative. Friendly staff and helpful with suggestions. If you go at the right time, they have "happy hour" which means 6 cupcakes for the price of 3. The only two critiques I have are about the price and the cupcake itself. One cupcake is around $3.50 (a little more for the fancier flavors). The cupcakes themselves are pretty heavy... Not a spongy, fluffy recipe. If I had to compare it, I would say that it was more similar to the consistency of pound cake. To end on a positive, it smelled magnificent inside (good coffee + decadent sugary pastries) and lots of cute and cheeky merchandise inside.

    (4)

  • Darci S.

    Strolling around West Seattle and stopped in for something sweet. I love anything Salted Caramel so that was the obvious choice. It was a good cupcake. Period, end of story. I'd eat it again I suppose but I wouldn't make a special trip. Kind of expensive for what it is. Cute place though!

    (3)

  • Jennifer L.

    I didn't think these cupcakes were amazing. I had the salted caramel and the huckleberry. Neither impressed me. They are really big which has it's pluses and minuses. Plus - more cake. Minus - if the cake isn't that good you have more cake. My cupcakes were really dry and dense. I was hoping for light and fluffy. In the end, I didn't think the cupcakes were worth $3.75 each.

    (2)

  • Laura L.

    A little sleepy for a coffee and sugar joint. I'm a big fan of Cupcake Royale in Ballard. It's ridiculous how much of a fan I am. I like coming to West Seattle, and I like the junction area, and I am glad that there's a Cupcake Royale here, however, there's a lack of energy every time I come in here, and I can't help but feel a little sleepy. Is it the corner? Is it the weather? I'm not sure. That being said, the coffee is good, and the cupcakes are the same great quality as always. Maybe the Feng Shui is off? Not sure, but let's face it, I'll be back for more because I'm a fangirl.

    (3)

  • April J.

    Normally I love Cupcake Royale, the service is usually really great at this location. However, today I was subjected to a display by a female employee that made me want to run for the door. When I came in, I placed my order with the man behind the counter. Service was great, as usual. After I finished my transaction with him, I waited for a bit and saw that no one was making my coffee. The guy who rang up my order noticed that too and he went over to start making my coffee, like I said, great customer service. This is where everything went sideways. Out of nowhere a short, dark haired girl came running up berating the man who was helping me. I couldn't hear everything that she was saying but she was obviously angry, but I heard him say that he was trying to help her out, and she got more mad at him and continued on her tirade. Other customers in the dining room were watching this happen too. As a customer, I don't care who's job is what as long as I am being served and the people are polite. I felt her display was both rude and created a very awkward air in the establishment. If I see her working behind the counter, I'm not sure that I will stay. There's a lot of places in Seattle to get a cup of coffee. At least the first half of my transaction was a pleasure, the 2nd half left a bad taste in my mouth.

    (1)

  • James B.

    Came by here at 7:30pm and they had a single cupcake for purchase. Seems a bit odd to have nothing to sell with 30 minutes left until closing. Very disappointing. Luckily Husky deli was still open.

    (1)

  • Carolann S.

    I take my girls here once and a while as a treat. I went the first time and the cakes were really dry. So I came back again thinking maybe it was a one time boo boo, but no. they were super dry again. it must be the recipe they are using.

    (2)

  • Alice C.

    Cupcakes are something I dont really indulge in all that much, but when I was in W. Seattle yesterday and had a couple minutes to kill, I popped in for a cup of coffee and to see if any of the offerings looked appealing. I got a double macchiato (my computer wants me replace macciatto with 'Mercan- like the pubic wig- BAD COMPUTER!) and one of the baby cakes- I'm glad CR offers the smaller alternatives, as sometimes I don't want to maul an entire one. I know some dislike CR's cupcakes due to their tendency to get on the dryer side as the day progresses, but the baby cakes were still quite moist and tender at about 3 PM, and my macchiato was also quite good. This particular CR location, although on the busy California/Alaska intersection, seems considerably not-quite-as-busy than the Ballard and Cap HIll locations, though I've only been here a couple times when it was raining, so also take that into consideration. 4 stars.

    (4)

  • Tina L.

    I've never been a cupcake fan because the frosting always tastes like you're being waterboarded by sugar and the cake is usually just...meh. My cuz and brother in law got this as an after dinner desert and god it was delicious. I highly recommend the salted caramel, but then again, that's the only one I've had. Would definitely go back to seattle just for more. Best cupcakes I've ever had.

    (5)

  • Monkey T.

    Sweet, tasty cupcakes. Sweetness mostly in the icing, cake is soft and moist. More icing than cake. Great variety to choose from and Monkey will return for Babycakes(mini cupcakes). Monkey do: LEMON RASPBERRY - icing too sweet for Monkey's taste TRIPLE THREAT - Mmm... chocolatey goodness Very clean, plenty of seating and friendly, helpful staff.

    (3)

  • Marjory B.

    Presentation is lovely. The salted caramel was really good. Tried a few others and they were just ok, none stood out...but the whiskey maple bacon was just gross.

    (3)

  • Johnny N.

    Stopped through during a road trip, just before the holidays, and was well pleased to stumble upon the place. Warm, inviting atmosphere with friendly staff who actually know how to make a good cup of coffee. My buddy and I split a six-pack of cupcakes and all of them were delicious and moist, not dry, as is too often the case with cupcakes. It may be irrelevant now, because I'm sure holiday flavors won't be back until the end of the year, but the egg nog and chocolate peppermint were my personal favorites. If you're looking for a nonseasonal flavor, go for the Royale with Cheese; it's a sure bet and has a rad name to boot.

    (5)

  • Kelly C.

    This would be a 5 Star rating, if they took the cakes out of the oven 2 minutes earlier than they do because the cakes are always on the dry side. I've had the cakes a few times where someone in the bakery was doing something right and the cakes were so moist and wonderful I wanted to eat a 6-pack. I don't want my cupcake to crumble in to a million pieces when I try to take a bite. PLEASE take your cupcakes out a little earlier so they are moist and stay together when you bite in to them! Coffee is always really great, I mean it's Stumptown so how can you go wrong. Service is always awesome too. Sometimes the place gets SLAMMED and things can get a little slow, especially if there is only one person working, but then you have to keep in mind that each cup of coffee is being hand made for you... it's not a freaking Drip-O-Matic. I have to LMFAO at a couple of the reviews - like getting a toothache eating a cupcake... seriously? IT'S A CUPCAKE. Umm... maybe take better care of your teeth and try not taking out your tooth pain on your local bakery's goods. Or whining because you show up with a huge group of people a couple minutes before an establishment closes and crying about a last call before closing - apparently you've never been to a bar at last call. Last call is a courtesy to the customer, not a bother. Reviews like those need to be on "Real Actors Read Yelp" for the hilarity. Every time I have had an issue with an order, I have brought it up in the shop and the staff there have always been more than willing to fix any issues. One of the few places left in the junction where people are personable and I look forward to going in to get a cup of coffee. And sometimes to torture my aching teeth (I kid I kid... I brush and floss, so my teeth can handle it) with a Cupcake. Please... less time in the oven with those cupcakes and this would be a 5 star review all the way.

    (4)

  • Sara F.

    I am not a big fan of cupcakes !! never liked them. Up until i tried Cupcake Royale after a friend suggested it. OH my goodness! these guys know what they are doing. The frosting is perfect, not so heavy or sugary like other places of around seattle. I tried four different kinds and all of them were very good. Thank you Cupcake Royale for making me believe in cupcakes again. looking forward to dropping by again.

    (4)

  • Jay H.

    3.5 stars? Yeah, that's about right. So this CR is not as cool or friendly as the Capitol Hill location but it's also not hostile and crappy like the Ballard location. I'm hoping a few more visits over the summer will... not effect my waist line too much and offer more opportunities to see them increase their awesome. They have super cool and comfy chairs, big windows for people watching and two front doors. TWO FRONT DOORS!!!! Next time I'm going to do circles through the doors for a few minutes... because I'm special. If you happen to witness this spectacle... just high five the weirdo. I'll appreciate it. The staff dude wasn't Chip Chip the circus monkey friendly but he was alright. I got a lavender cuppie cake 'cause it's my fave. I also picked up one of their margarita cupcakes which basically tastes like key lime pie... which is awesome! I was definitely happy with my cuppie cake choices and both of them were a fine example of their species. Soft and fresh cake with delicious frosting on top. Drop 'em in a nice little box and now you're cooking with gas. I'm a fan.

    (3)

  • Michael L.

    Cupcake Royale was the prefect option for us. We ordered 10 dozen cupcakes and a groomscake for our wedding. It was the perfect sweet treat and our guests loved them! On-time delivery. They provide a wedding specialist that helps coordinate your options, order, and delivery.

    (5)

  • Kristine H.

    I've been here a couple of times to nip in and grab some cupcakes before heading to another destination. It's been hit and miss with customer service but the cupcakes themselves have been solid. I like the salted caramel and the red velvet. And recently I had their huckleberry cupcake which reminded me of moist pancakes with a slightly tart but sweet icing. The coffee is strong and solidly made. I prefer other coffeehouses but sometimes you crave it with a sweet treat. Street parking only, hence the dashing in to grab my goodies and go. I wish there was a small lot but none of the CRs are located with lots. Take a friend with you and buy a cupcake for his or her trouble.

    (4)

  • Ashley E.

    Short but sweet review, I had the Chocolate Cheese cupcake, the cupcake was moist and the icing was spot on a little too sweet but good. My friends and I came in a little late in the evening around 6, and there were only 3 cupcakes left so I had limited options but I wasn't disappointed :)

    (4)

  • Anna Z.

    All the Cupcake Royale locations offer great service, coffee, and cupcakes. The frosting is super sweet and delicious. Super exciting are their monthly special flavors. The Elvis, anyone? It's banana peanut butter and scrumptious. My only gripe is the lack of selection of gluten-free and vegan flavors. For those with dietary concerns, it feels good to be included, but they need to grow their repertoire. Their coffee is from Stumptown, and while great, the store location is right next to Ballard Coffee Works. With only two locations in the city and some of the best coffee to boot, Ballard Coffee Works should not be passed up. Grab a cupcake and eat it outside with your coffee from BCW.

    (4)

  • Rachel G.

    Why do people like to crap on Royale? I don't understand why they get such a bad rap. Here's the thing you must know about baked goods: you MUST get them when they're fresh if you want them to be good. So if you're going at 8pm when they've stopped baking for the day at 11am, yeah, they're going to be a little dry and stale because Royale uses fresh ingredients with no preservatives. The summer flavors they come up with, usually involving some kinds of berries, are the JAM. I remember a raspberry lemonade a few years ago and right now you can get raspberry rhubarb, which is super delicious. Also, you've got to admit their marketing plan is genius. Their T-shirts and stickers push the envelope just enough to make a statement, but still cute enough to not be taken too seriously. They have evolved from "legalize frostitution" to "does this cupcake make me look gay?" and I'd happily sport any of those mottos!

    (5)

  • Erin H.

    CUTE place, I only popped my head in here but I really loved what I saw. Small and quaint little shop with dark wood and VERY friendly help. Actually the ambiance was the best part of my review because the cupcake was only meh... I got a salted caramel cupcake; the cupcake was moist and had a great texture but the salted caramel frosting just tasted like a bland vanilla with maybe a little rum-ish flavor. I will next try their carrot cake one and if they murder that. I will not feel the need to go back.

    (4)

  • Jennifer A.

    I've had two individual cupcakes from this location and two half-dozen sampler packs from the Bellevue location. That's 14 cupcakes and none that really stood out. The cake is dry. The "flavored" frostings are flavorless. The single cupcake to-go package doesn't keep the cupcake in place and you just end up with a frosting mess all over the sides of the container. The last cupcake I got, purchased at this location, was the seasonal cupcake for May - Raspberry Rhubarb. I'm not sure how you get soggy, flavorless rhubarb in a dry cupcake, but they managed it. Rhubarb should have a little bit of a kick to it, but this had none - I only knew it was in there because I could see the rhubarb strings. So far, I much prefer PinkaBella cupcakes. I haven't made it to Trophy yet, but I hope to soon.

    (2)

  • S. G.

    Wow, I'm pretty sad to see the low rating -- this hasn't been my experience at all. Then again, I'm not quite a foodie or anything. Personally, I like the cupcakes, and I really enjoy getting to decide between my usual go-to (salted caramel... NOM) and whatever the seasonal selection is... generally this ends in getting a 4 pack and dividing them amongst family members so we can all have a bit. They've always been awesome quality. Love the kid-sized cupcakes (lessens aunty guilt of returning said child to mom and dad after the visit, haha) Sandwiches are pretty tasty, probably a 4/5 if I had to give it a number though. The coffee is great, and I've been known to take a joe-to-go to study groups on a regular basis at the groups request. The tea selection is mighty tasty too, though, I've only had it once... but I recall liking it, so there's that. Staff ranges from "adequate" to "amazing" with more experiences to the latter. A big up to this business though for providing health insurance to it's employees -- I'm not super great at keeping up with those things, but it does push me in their direction. I really like to support businesses that take care of their employees

    (5)

  • Ashley S.

    best cupcakes in town. I've tried most of their cupcakes and coconut bunny is one of my favorites. A lot of people recommended salted caramel so I decided to try it and for me it just wasn't good. I guess the saltiness was just a bit too much for me. But other than that I love how the cupcakes are larger than regular cupcakes. Its worth the money. Their cupcakes are always fresh and delicious. Now they even serve ice cream! Which I still need to try out. This place is definitely my go to cupcake joint.

    (4)

  • Andria H.

    Overpriced cupcakes that were just okay.

    (2)

  • Joshua B.

    I've only been there once but it was a great trip. When I asked the lady behind the counter "what do I need to have" she suggested the snickerdoodle cupcake and something else. However, since snickerdoodle is my favorite kind of cookie I was already sold. Nize sized chunks of cookie-ish crumble on top of a butter cream that wasn't overly sweet all toping a cupcake that wasn't too dense, but flavor packed and not mouth drying without having to be soggy. That with a glass of milk made a great (if slightly unhealthy) snack after lunch.

    (5)

  • Michelle W.

    i'd give them 5 stars if the people were nicer. The ice cream is amazing! I had the salted caramel cupcake ice cream to go in a pint. They do a nice ice cream sandwich as well. Just right for dessert after dinner on a warm night.

    (4)

  • Teresa T.

    Stopping by for a quick pick-me-up, a friend and I are both much bigger fans of Trophy's but when urges call, you must answer them. I got the Huckleberry while she got the Peanut Butter and we split both down the middle and swapped...PB&J! Royale's cupcakes are too try for my taste, they have an almost cornbread quality to them. Something I am not looking for in a cupcake. There is TONS of frosting and that is great for some people but we both found ourselves wiping off forkfuls of frosting. Royale is a decent place but for around $3 for a cupcake, I think I'm better just not indulging in one.

    (2)

  • Cheryl R.

    Do not come here solely for the cupcakes! These cupcakes are just okay, and by no means the best out of all of Seattle's cupcake joints. Some flavors are definitely better than others (I like the lemon, a friend likes their seasonal strawberry). Unless you have a dying obsession for cupcakes, I'd say skip them here. For example, Coffee to a Tea with Sugar (which is located across the street next to the pet store) has MUCH better cupcakes, once they're brought back to room temp that is. They also have the added benefit of a lovely little play area in the back for the Kiddies. Not to mention great tea and coffee drinks for the Moms and Dads. And if it's really amazing baked goods you're looking for, you'll have to walk a little further south to Bakery Nouveau. All that said, I think Cupcake Royale KNOWS this about their cake recipes and that's why their shops are really about so much MORE than just cupcakes. The bakery area is small and hidden off in the back. I suspect the cupcakes are baked elsewhere and sent to each store for decorating. This location is really a cafe. And a boutique (tee shirts, mugs, etc.). It's a place to meet friends, have a decent espresso drink or fresh juice, to type away on your laptop and/or to peruse a copy of The Seattle Weekly. Sit down. Stay awhile. Great location in the heart of the Junction. Plenty of street parking and lot parking off of CA Ave. Prices are high, as you would expect. Staff is luke-warm. Tee shirts (especially for the little kids) are really cute, and make great gifts for your out-of-town family.

    (3)

  • Celeste T.

    I had a chocolate cupcake with cream cheese frosting from this location, and a latte. I happen to love their marketing campaigns...all the stickers! OMG. Can't say I'm seriously into cupcakes, still, though I definitely prefer the cream cheese topping to the buttercream.

    (3)

  • Kirsten V.

    So so so good! I'm kind of a cupcake snob, and these cupcakes definitely met my expectations. Oftentimes, these kinds of pop-up cupcake shops sell cupcakes that are just vehicles for sickly sweet frostings. Here, I thought they achieved a good balance between frosting and cake. When we visited we tried the gingerbread, peppermint bark, pumpkin clove(I think? Not the pumpkin maple), and the Kate (I think? chocolate with pink buttercream)-- sorry, I didn't do the ordering. The peppermint bark is a must try. The frosting isn't too minty that it tastes like toothpaste, but it's not too faint that the flavor is lost to the chocolate cupcake. I know, it's just a cupcake, but damn it was good. I can't comment on the price/parking/service/etc., because I was just visiting, but as far as cupcakes go- I'd say 5 out of 5.

    (5)

  • Jenny K.

    Prefer the Bellevue location because the staff is friendlier, but same amazing cupcakes. Tried the salted caramel and cupcake royale (choco cupcake with cream cheese frosting) and mmm, mmm, good! Also had a bite of the November speciatly cupcake, pumpkin cardamom. Didn't like that one too much, probably just new to the tast of cardamom. Great location on California Ave, but next time I'm in that area I'll go to one of the competing bakeries like Bakery Noveau.

    (3)

  • Kristine P.

    Yummm. My guilty pleasure. The white cupcakes are so dense, almost like pound cake. Love love love Dance Party. My favorite cupcakes, and the employees are always friendly and nice. It's dangerous that this place is within walking distance of home

    (5)

  • Nancy B.

    5 star coffee and 3 star cupcakes. Yes, the cupcakes are moister. The frosting for the rainier cherry flavor of the month is amazing... but not even a hint of cherry on the cake??? I love the environmental concern, and the coffee is killer!! We went on a Saturday and the place was busy with a full case of cupcakes. This staff was chilly, but after lunch down the block at Jak's I chalked it up the the neighborhood vibe. There is a 3 hour free parking lot up the hill and across the ally - the street parking spaces seemed to turn over quickly.

    (4)

  • Minda w.

    Johnny W. brought me back 3 custom decorated cupcakes from the elite event. Salted Caramel on chocolate, Pink cream cheese on chocolate, Lavendar on white. 3 whole cupcakes all to myself! Well decorated too...for a guy. hehe =P Thank you Johnny W.! Loved the Lavendar frosting on white cake. The white cake was super moist on the inside and had a bit of a crust on the outside. The lavendar frosting was very light and aromatic. It even had bits of real lavendar in it. This one is a winner. The salted caramel was a bit too salty and the pink cream cheese was a bit plain to me. The chocolate cake was also a bit dry. All in all, decent cupcakes but I'm sure there is a better place out there.

    (3)

  • Yukio W.

    Came in this morning excited to finally try their cupcakes... Just ok. Ordered a cup of joe and a royal cupcake (chocolate cake with cream cheese frosting with dark chocolate flakes)... Frosting was too sweet it gave me a toothache. Maybe I shouldn't have had a cupcake in the morning.... But I think I'd rather go across the street to bakery nouveau.

    (2)

  • Jandi L.

    Great drip coffee and espresso. Lots of seating. Great cupcake selection and the staff is always nice! Love Cupcake Royale!

    (5)

  • Katy H.

    OMG. Have you had the salted caramel cupcake? Wow - it's literally one of the best cupcakes I've ever had. I've been on a cupcake binge lately and although I'm ashamed to admit it - I tried like... 6 flavors in one night! Keyword is 'tried.' I didn't eat 6! I won't tell you how many I ate... but man, these cupcakes were awesome! The Capitol Hill location is just down the street from me but I happened to be in West Seattle the other night. It was like cupcake heaven. I tried the double chocolate flavor, the party flavor, the red velvet (yes - you read that right! They have RED VELVET!) I even tried the lemon drop. My friends and I were raving about how great they were and then low and behold - we had torn through dozens of these cupcakes in a matter of minutes. I think I know where I'm getting my next b-day (cup) cake!

    (5)

  • Melissa B.

    The cupcakes here a good, but a little sugary. I personally like going with a friend and splitting a cupcake - that way I don't hit my threshhold of sugar. It may sound boring, but their vanilla cupcakes are the best.

    (4)

  • Kimberly G.

    Great cupcakes in a variety of flavors, from classic to inventive (my personal favorite so far is the lavender). The white cake is really light and moist, there is a good amount of frosting without it being overwhelming. They are large and at $3.75 each, I've only sampled a handful of flavors so far. My biggest complaint is that when I went in the other night an hour before closing they only had two cupcakes left, neither in a flavor I wanted. They do have tasty cakepops though, the red velvet one is better than the red velvet cupcake. Parking at that time of night in this neighbor was also bad, in the afternoon is was much easier, and if at all possible it's better just to take the bus. I did find that the mini-cupcakes (I think they have a different name for them) were a little on the dry side. This is a good way to sample the classics and the flavor of the month though.

    (4)

  • Corinna F.

    Cupcake Royale definitely draws the line between people who like an air-light donut, and people who like a nice, hearty, pound cake-like cupcake. I LOVE Cupcake Royale - yes, the icing is great, the flavors are creative, but what really gets me every time is the actual cake. Especially the vanilla - it's dense, it's flavorful, in short...it's perfect. My ONLY complaint is that on occasion the cupcakes I have gotten haven't been quite as fresh as I was hoping they would be - but definitely not something that would stop me from going again and again by any means.

    (4)

  • Patrick L.

    First time visiting Cupcake Royale, after having cupcakes from most of the other local favs as well as famous ones elsewhere. Unfortunately Cupcake Royale fell short of our expectations. I had the Vanilla Lavender. The frosting was pretty good and not too oily, but the cupcake itself wasn't moist. In fact, it was a bit dry, and worst of all, they didn't put enough mix in the cup for baking, so it didn't even fill up the paper liner. My gf had the Chocolate Coconut Bunny. Again, good frosting, but cupcake was on the dry side. Very doubtful we'll be coming back, when there are places like NY and Trophy in town.

    (2)

  • George C.

    Good coffee The cupcakes are very good. The red velvet and seasonal chocolate cupcakes are amazing. I like the salted caramel too! I usually take a dozen cupcakes with me when I want to spoil my clients. It's always a hit! I pre order the day before and pick them up the next morning.

    (4)

  • Monica T.

    I love this place. They have the best cupcakes in Seattle. They have a great selection and a cupcake of the month to keep things interesting. The staff is always friendly and helpful. Want a good deal....wait til its closing time and they have happy hour for cupcakes! Try the coconut bunny or lemon....my favs!

    (5)

  • Howard C.

    The waitress/ counter person tried to make us feel bad about using our groupon and also for not preordering. There wasn't any text on the groupon stating that you had to preorder your cupcakes. Besides that, it was 15 minutes before closing and they had over 4 or 5 dozen cupcakes left; our one dozen wouldn't have made a difference. The cupcakes are also too dry. Horrible customer service - with so many cupcake options, that is reason enough not to return.

    (1)

  • J C.

    Cupcakes, yay... BUT THE APPLE JUICE THEY'RE CARRYING. GET SOME!!! Don't forget to ask about how it's made and what it does when you open the bottle!

    (5)

  • Colleen W.

    Good coffee! Go Stumptown. You make my Portland boyfriend very happy. When it comes to high end cupcakes, they aren't the best I've ever had. I like Trophy and the Sugar Rush Bakery cupcakes better. The cake is a little on the dry side, but the frosting is delicious. The lavendar frosting is my fave. I wish I could give 3.5

    (3)

  • Willamenia B.

    I'm a fan of CR cupcakes over some of their competitors because they aren't cake like. If I wanted a piece of cake, i'd eat cake and not a cupcake. I like my cupcakes to have a large flat tops that are dense and almost crunchy. CR cupcakes work for this reason for me. Their tiramisu, triple threat and classic are the standards flavors I usually order. I'll venture to one of their seasonal flavors. Consistency is an issue between locations and even at the same location, but they bake their cupcakes fresh daily so I don't expect them to be perfect every time. Again, I like the crunchy tops so I look for the ones that have a big flat top and brown on the edges. I'm a little disappointed when they don't. If you're really lucky and they've been slow, you can hit CR happy hour where you can get 6 cupcakes for price of 3.

    (4)

  • Chariya S.

    My Fiance and now Husband picked up cupcakes for my bridal shower from this location. Let me tell you, if it wasn't for groupon, I would have just stuck with Trophy's. We had 12 giant cupcakes for my bridal shower. 2 lavenders, 2 salted caramel, 2 classic, 2 red velvet, and 2 of something else. It looked nice and pretty, but the taste was not good at all. It was super dried!!! I'm not a milk drinker, and I wished I had milk to wash it down. What a disappointment :( Wished I had time to run to Costco and picked up some of their red velvets. Trophy's has the best moist cupcakes ever!

    (1)

  • kisha f.

    Disclaimer: I have not actually tried one of the cupcakes here. Because, as I was waiting in line last summer, I noticed bugs. Crawling all over the cupcakes. In the display case. I actually did not notice-thankfully, my then three year old alerted me. Obviously, I could not bring myself to consume one of the pastries after viewing the insect activity, but we discreetly notified one of the clerks of the issue. Even more disgusting, he shrugged and said there wasn't anything he could do about it. Ew, ew, ew.

    (1)

  • Elizabeth L.

    Like this location even more than the Cap Hill spot - W. Seattle's perch is very sunny, friendly staff and in general, a nice cheery corner spot. Opted for the tiramisu over the maple leaf - always tempting seasonal selections.

    (3)

  • joanna T.

    For Easter Dessert I got cupcakes from cupcake royal. My family and i split them all so we could try different ones. Here are the ones we had and our opinions: Dance Party- good, but rather plain vanilla cupcake Salted carmel-too much salt, i think its hard to get the balance right. Triple Threat- a bit dry, but so GOOD! Esp the frosting. Coconut bunny, cute, good tasting. The clear winner with my family and the one i would go back for was the COCONUT LIME , it was moist, the flavor balance was perfect, it was just so good!

    (4)

  • Katrina D.

    Grossness! I cannot believe these are so popular! It must be a case of "It used to be really good, but with the growth and loss of control over quality, the cupcakes now suck." Seriously, do people really like their cupcakes?! In my opinion they are dry and just not good... I think I would be able to get comparable quality for a discount at any grocery store chain. Actually, I would pick going to Safeway for their version of cupcake any day! My manager brought me one of these (lavendar cupcake) the other day and, no joke, I gave it to my dogs after trying with no luck to eat it. I have tried unsuccessfully before at a party here too. Take it to Yellow Leaf if you want a real cupcake!

    (1)

  • karina c.

    Amazing selections. I love the seasonal local options. Frostings tend to be a bit sweet but the cakes are always amazing. Super friendly staff is a big plus in my book.

    (4)

  • Kat S.

    Dear Cupcake Royale, I have tasted your dry, overpriced cupcakes, and would never patronize your store for them. However, I like the Joe To-Go boxes of coffee that you sell so I could (in theory) serve coffee to my party guests without a coffee maker. So, in anticipation of my holiday party, I asked you guys to set up a Joe To-Go for me to pick up right before my party started. I was very clear that I didn't want to have to remind you about it, or wait around for a long time, and the reason I was telling you this the day before was so I could just come in and pick it up. So why, when I walked in 20 minutes before my party, did you guys have no stinkin' idea that you even carry something called Joe To-Go, let alone that I had ordered one to be ready? Everybody makes mistakes, but the real icing on the cupcake was when you gave me attitude about it. When I walked out in anger and frustration, it was a nice touch to yell, "Thanks for nothing!" which cemented my resolve to not only NEVER patronize your store, but also tell everyone I know in the area to actively shun you. It is incomprehensible that in this competitive job market, every single employee working behind the counter that day hasn't been fired and replaced with people who actually want a job. If the manager is reading this, it is definitely time for a staff purge. It makes me sad that I even have to give one star. Sincerely, Kat

    (1)

  • charles b.

    They have some very good cupcakes.

    (5)

  • Kimberly M.

    Cupcake Royale West Seattle is a nice place to hang out in the heart of The Junction, especially for the young and free at heart. I love the large size of their cupcakes (muffin style) and the unique names and flavors to their seasonal cupcakes. I fell in love with the Salted Caramel on my last visit and loved the flavor explosion I got from the Strawberry 66 on this trip. I find that their cakes are quite dense, like pound cake consistency. Invariably, this makes the cake dryer than I'd like. It isn't a bad thing, but sometimes you don't have a drink handy to fix the dryness and then you can't bring yourself to take another bite. It may depend on the mood, but sometimes you want a thick cake, other times a light cake that's easy to bite into. The frosting flavors there are good, although I'd like to see the Lavender Cupcake improved. The cupcake looks perfect, but it barely smells and tastes of lavender in the frosting. Perhaps if they crushed the lavender buds before mixing it into the vanilla butter cream which is atop a vanilla cupcake... With two light flavors such as these, something needs to happen to make them more pronounced from each other. I must admit that I have compared their cupcakes to another place (flavor for flavor) and unfortunately Cupcake Royale's did not hold it's own. Their cupcakes were lacking in flavor of the cake and moistness. Even the coconut topping atop the Coconut Bunny was stale. Because of the thick batter, they were certainly heavier than the other brand and a bit larger d/t the muffin top. I have heard the other CR locations are producing better cupcakes, so I will have to try my luck there. In terms of customer service at West Seattle, the times I have been there the staff were polite, however, exuded a bit of a 'Whaddya want?" presence. Every trip I've made there was a 'In & Out' and I've enjoyed my treats in the comfort of home. Overall, Cupcake Royale is a nice cupcake boutique and I'm glad they're in West Seattle, bringing business to the Junction and utilizing local fresh produce and products. They are certainly a forerunner in this type of venue (which is surviving despite this economy) and are very active in the community.

    (3)

  • Danielle F.

    I love their frosting and their creative flavors - the cake itself is on the "meh" side. The new line of ice cream is AMAZING.

    (4)

  • Tom T.

    We come here all the time. The staff has always been really friendly. They have cool art from local artists on the walls--I even bought some once. The coffee is my favorite in Seattle. Oh yeah, and they have cupcakes that are really tasty.

    (5)

  • im j.

    OK cupcakes, good frosting. Not sure what's the hype is all about. For people those are so generous with the stars, this is what you get for making them think that their cup cakes worth $4.

    (2)

  • Cherise F.

    (Disclaimer: I've been here twice for beverages and have yet to actually try their cupcakes so I can't speak for those.) I stopped here one morning before work and wanted to try their apple cider. It wasn't on the menu and I'm pretty sure the cupcake-icer girl who stepped in when the barista was busy overcharged me. There's no way an apple cider is the same price as a Morning Glory chai. I was too polite to say anything and my total (after a tip) was $5+. When the charge came through my bank account I was only charged $4.38 so my conclusion is that my probable overcharge was fixed. Yes, I will have some honesty with that cupcake please.

    (4)

  • Stacie K.

    Great little place. Has a homey feeling. Clean and inviting. I got a cupcake card that gets you a free beverage, free cupcake of the month,, and a birthday cupcake. Good deal. So I got a card, 4 cupcakes, and my husband got a free espresso. He said it was the best espresso he had ever had. I left with an original cupcake, a dance party cupcake, a red velvet cupcake, and a kate cupcake. The dance party was awesome. The cake was very soft, but not a ton of flavor. Nice though. Sometime too sugary can be bad. Just the right amount of butter cream icing. Yum!

    (5)

  • Victoria T.

    The marketing team deserves all the credit for any success of this business. However, quasi-naughty slogans won't bring me back once I've choked on dry little vanilla briquettes with average frosting. Tease.

    (1)

  • Sarah R.

    Ehhh... I don't get the whole cupcake revolution. Although I hear it's being taken over by pie now anyway. I have had cupcakes here 2 times. The bread was dense and mostly dried out & the frosting was harder than necessery and lacked any real flavor. The first time, my friend actually dropped her box of cupcakes and there was ZERO damage done to the frosting. Nice, but is that right? I'd rather make betty crocker box cupcakes. At least that way I know they will be moist! On the bright side... the store is cute & the coffee & tea are very good here.

    (2)

  • Kay N.

    I heard about this place through a friend who says the cupcakes are to die for. I am a huge cupcake fan and probably have this weird obsession for them. I tried their red velvet cupcake with cream cheese frosting. It is really good and their salted Carmel chocolate cupcake which I thought the frosting was bomb. I thought that the cupcakes weren't too sweet which is a good thing. I ordered about 6 cupcakes and one was sort of dry. I wish the cupcake texture was a little less dry and more moist. I just love the frostings that they do. Now, I'm probably going to hop on over to trophy and yellow leaf to try!

    (3)

  • Taylor J.

    I've never actually had a cupcake here. The times I've come in wanting a cupcake, the pastry case has been bug infested. Really?! The people working here are kind of...clueless (to put it nicely). Do they actually know anything about what they're selling? These were the best of all the other applicants? They're also quite rude. Lovely combination. This is an unfortunate review because I actually really like Cupcake Royale. The location in Ballard is significantly better.

    (1)

  • Jana U.

    Cupcake Royale was one of the first cafes to blow in on this cupcake craziness so when I first visited their store in Ballard I was surprised at how dry and unappealing they are. Part of the joy of cupcakes is the sheer decadence of frosting and sprinkles. These cupcakes had none, the frosting was dry and the cake needed moisture. I frequent the West Seattle store now simply because it's in my neighborhood and I'm always in need of caffeine, but I will always buy cupcakes from Trophy - never Cupcake Royale. Sorry guys.

    (2)

  • Elsa B.

    Meh. Box cake mix has made better cupcakes than what I had last night. My husband bought me a cupcake from this place. I was excited. Who doesn't love cupcakes?! I bit in. First impression? It was stale. The inside was still moist, but the outside was dried out. I know it was 7pm but STILL. Seriously not cool for a $3.75 cupcake. My second impression? What flavor is this? The cupcake was really blah. Maybe I belong in a trailer park, but I'll take me some Duncan Hines box cupcakes over Cupcake Royale any day.

    (1)

  • Elizabethe A.

    Living in so close proximity, it pains me to say that I am not quite in love with this place. For a classic like Chocolate on Vanilla, you can't go wrong here. the cupcakes are big, the icing will satisfy your sweet tooth, but when it comes to things like the red velvet, it fails to perform. I found it a little dry, and the icing did not have enough cream cheese for my liking. I also thought that the salted caramel cupcake was dry too...Maybe it was just a dry day...

    (3)

  • Nathan H.

    BEST.CUPCAKES.EVER. I can't claim to be an officianado of cupcakes, but these sure rocked my world. I have had several different varieties here and I have not had a bad one yet. Come..Eat...Stuff your face....the only thing you will regret is not having room for one more.

    (5)

  • Kate C.

    Another instance where I wish I could give half stars. My twins and I have been in search of the perfect Seattle cupcake for a few months. After seeing Cupcake Royale on "Cupcake Wars," we decided to visit them over the holiday weekend. Since we were coming from the South end, I opted for the West Seattle location, thinking it would be closest and easiest to find parking. I have had CR cupcakes in the past and found them to be really dry and crumbly. I will say lately that has been improved, and I found the cake on the ones we bought on this trip to be fine in this regard. We had Salted Caramel, Coconut Chocolate Bunny, the "Kate" (natch) and the Dance Party. I was excited about the Salted Caramel - but that excitement soon turned to disappointment. The frosting tastes bitter, almost like it's burned or something. I can't quite put my finger on it. Was not excited that there were 2 more in the box that I had bought for my husband (who loves and adores the Pinkabella salted caramel). He, by the way, hated it. Ate one bite and proclaimed it "unedible." One twin tried the Dance Party and only ate about 2 bites before deciding she didn't like it. I thought the chocolate cake on the Salted Caramel was good. I also enjoyed the whole Kate- liked the icing alot. Hence the two stars. So I guess we are still on the search...... Service was okay - the girl who waited on us was a bit snotty but not a huge deal.

    (2)

  • steve c.

    The idea is a good one: open a store that serves cupcakes-who DOESN'T like little cakes with cool flavors? Unfortunately, they don't pull it off-the gimmick isn't really worth $2.50 for a small icing-filled sugar rush full of heaven. Maybe if they had dancing bears inside, or if they had "what do you know about cupcakes?" trivia-something extra-but as it stands, they really aren't anything other than a gimmicky place I've visited twice that sells sugary little mini cakes.

    (3)

  • Krissi P.

    Triple Threat Chocolate - ohhh, can life get any better? And the frosting is EDIBLE! I generally hate frosting, particularly the grocery store bakery type that's mostly lard and flour, but this is delicious! The cake part was a little bit on the dry side, but that's forgivable.

    (5)

  • Ryan P.

    NOT EVEN CLOSE to as good as everyone says it is. I was thoroughly unimpressed. Orange / Coconut something or other was not so bad.

    (3)

  • Del rae M.

    gucky. I'd say more but my mouth is too dry.

    (1)

  • Jennifer R.

    Okay, I love these cupcakes. For me these cupcakes = heaven. Moist, not too sweet, buttery, and the frosting, my god the frosting! I could eat the frosting up with a spoon. My faves are the orange and the lemon. And the plain jane. And the carrot. I know a lot of people prefer the Coffee to a Tea cupcakes but not me. The bakery itself is fine, nice, nothing special -- not like the cupcakes! Mmmmm, I may need to run out and get some...

    (4)

  • Shelbi ..

    Better than Coffee to a Tea. I like the red velvet. But still not sure what the draw is to this place. Will have to try it again and update the review.

    (3)

  • Rachael G.

    I'm not generally a cupcake lover, however I was told to try Cupcake Royal as they are the "best in town"! (Specifically the white cake with pink frosting). I was quite pleased and didn't find them to be dry at all, (as I've been reading in some of the other reviews) but instead, quite moist and delicious. I would especially recommend the carrot cake with white frosting.... very yummy!

    (4)

  • mark M.

    Great cupcakes: Simple, just the right amount of frosting. The only (small) complaint is that the red velvet cupcake can sometimes be a little dry. For a good value, they have a "cupcake happy hour" where you can get a 6-pack for about the price of a 4-pack. They do this late in the day when they have a bunch of cupcakes leftover.

    (4)

  • Yani W.

    I'd driven by this place a few times, and I was super excited to go try one of their cupcakes. When I finally made it in, I got the mint chocolate one. Granted I compare this to my favorite mint chocolate torte cake, but I was a bit disappointed. The frosting rocked, though was a little on the dry side, but the cake part just didn't do anything for me. After eating it I decided it wasn't worth $2, and would stick to my original torte cake. I do like the novelty of the cafe and will probably try them out again when I'm in the area.

    (3)

  • David H.

    What a crazy craze. Cupcakes? I had my first in Ballard, and while I am no addict, the little desserts make a great gift. Buy a box, and buy a friendship for at least a little while.

    (4)

  • Joel D.

    Amazing cupcakes! The Verite Coffee section is always welcome. Nice addition for the West Seattle area! Great location, free wifi, very spacious, overlooking the bustling intersection at California and Alaska streets. Just wished it didn't close so early :(

    (5)

  • Nichole R.

    I have really liked Cupcake Royale in the past. I go in at least once a week. They have a nice staff and a great location for people watching and meeting up with friends. The cupcakes are good (especially first thing in the morning when they are freshly frosted!) and the Stumptown coffee they serve is great! But I have a HUGE complaint about how freaking hot it is in there! I attempted to go in a few times during the hot weather and I cannot even stand to be in there just to order my drink, let alone hang out. The cupcake frosting is melting off the cupcakes and they look nasty and it literally feels like a sauna. I've complained to the staff and they sympathetically said that they have an AC unit , but that it never cools down in there. The thing is obviously broken! I really wish the management would figure out the AC so I could go back and enjoy one of my favorite hangouts! PLEASE FIX THE AC! Thanks!

    (3)

  • B B.

    If you get a fresh cupcake-they are fantastic. I think it comes down to what kind of frosting you like. I like the sugary buttercream of Cupcake Royale-not the waxy whipped stuff. I also like the inventive flavorings- the new Sea Salt Caramel is sooooo good!

    (4)

  • Mary A.

    I want to love this place, I really do, but the cupcakes are just mediocre at best. I've tried to love that Red Velvet one, but any Southerner would tell you it ain't nothin like a red velvet cake. The Carrot Cake one is the best of the bunch, and its just average. The cupcakes are dry, the icing isn't any good, and the edges of the cupcakes are crispy! If you want the best of the best in cupcakes, head up to Portland and go to Cupcake Jones down in the Pearl. Now that's a cupcake!

    (2)

  • Melissa D.

    i really only keep coming back here for one reason, and one reason only: the CHOCOLATE LAVENDER cupcake. for a while it was an addiction; now, at $2.50 a pop, i've learned to curb my cravings... i don't typically find them to be dry and crumbly, and the frosting is SO delish! however, i'm boring and never order any other kind of cupcake, so maybe i'm missing out on the dry, tasteless varieties...

    (4)

  • Amanda C.

    I wish I could give you more stars, but I go here so often based on location convenience... not so much taste. Their frostings are delicious -- some of the best I've ever had. Their cakes, however, are very dry and crumbly. I prefer a moist cake. I'm not sure if that's just their recipe or if they serve day-old cupcakes. Either way, its always so disappointing to bite into smooth, creamy frosting and then be let down by a dry cake. Every so often I'm treated to a moist cupcake, and all is well in the world. But more times than not, I'm disappointed. :(

    (3)

  • Alli D.

    Cupcake Royale's creations are almost too cute to eat. Almost. Especially the little ones. It feels like you're committing a crime, ending a little cupcake's life before it has a chance to grow and thrive. Like eating veal. Anyway, you get past the guilt real fast after the first bite. Last night at the Royale Block Party, I ate a grand total of 3 mini's--two salted caramels (WHY is that combination so good?!), and one of the red velvets (classic). You're probably wondering if I felt guilty about it. The short answer is: No. The long answer is: No; In fact, paired with some strong, dark Verite coffee, it was more fun than clubbing baby seals.

    (4)

  • Susan B.

    I special ordered a twelve pack of cupcakes for my husband's birthday--when I went in, the order had not been filled correctly. They fixed it immediately and gave me a refund. I already loved this place, but will make sure that people know that they care about getting it right!

    (5)

  • Marianne G.

    The red velvet is amazing...yum!

    (4)

  • Emily Y.

    Salted caramel is definitely my fav.

    (4)

  • Frank N.

    I'm not a cupcake kinda guy. I do end up at this Cupcake Royale fairly often though. And I do munch on a cupcake every now and then along with my standard tall americano w/walking room. But really I'm here for the great verite coffee, good wifi, and lots of room. The people watching on the Alaska St Junction in West Seattle is also a big highlight! The baristas/employees here are good people and it's very family friendly. Really - I'm not here for the cupcakes. Seriously - me? I don't have a sweet tooth. Ok fine - the salted caramel and that peanut butter one in honor of Elvis were pretty amazing but I don't indulge. Often. Now if West Seattle had a Top Pot - I'd be in trouble! (hint hint)

    (4)

  • Lindsey S.

    Went to a Yelp event the other night and lo-and-behold, friendly Cupcake Royale provided some yummy treats for us! There were many many flavors available, but I decided to try just one (hey, I had beer to consume!) and ate the Salted Caramel cupcake. Now, I'll be honest. I'm not a cupcake kind of gal. I don't really care for cake in general, there's never a good cake-to-frosting ratio for me. But I have to admit, if every cupcake tasted like this Salted Caramel cupcake, I'll be gaining lots of weight this year due to Cupcake Royale. It was probably the most moist and soft cupcake I've ever had, it was sooo good. The frosting was delicious and not overpowering or 5" thick. I would say that it could use the crunch that Alisa suggested, pecans, or toffee or something. I don't go to West Seattle very often, but if I find myself down that way I'll swing by CR and try out more flavors. Thanks guys!

    (5)

  • Channing C.

    It's a shame that I had to go all the way to Seattle to find the best cupcakery ever! The cupcakes here are so delicious that I went on their website to research if they shipped to Cali. I went here twice. On my first visit, I got the salted caramel cupcake. It was like baked Starbucks. I usually don't like frosting that isn't homemade but I lapped that shit up like a dog drinking water on a hot day. On my second trip, I got the lavender cupcake and it was like purfumed heaven in my mouth. I especially enjoyed the little pieces of real lavender flowers that were mixed in to the frosting and the white cake was perfectly ballanced as it wasnt overly sweet, leaving the creamy frosting take over and be the star. Where I live, many cupcake places are popping up but none of them hold a candle to Cupcake Royale. When I return to Seattle, I know where I'm heading to first.

    (5)

  • Anastasia W.

    The cupcakes were alright, but not that great. They were a little too sweet for my liking. We tried two different flavors, neither of which impressed me. (One of which was "Lavender" which I was told was award winning)

    (2)

  • Kira B.

    I had a classic cupcake and a cup of drip coffee today. Comparing Cupcake Royal's cupcakes to California's ever-so-popular Sprinkles, I find CR to be far superior. They make Sprinkles and all their imitators taste like cake mix cupcakes. I like my cupcakes very dense and filling. Cute shop, I almost bought a cupcake with antlers v-neck but was scared off by the $25 price tag for a mere T-shirt.

    (4)

  • Jen F.

    This place is good in a pinch, I guess. The cupcakes are dry and the texture of the frosting made me wonder if the cupcake had actually been made that day. I even fell for the Valentine's Day marketing gimmick of the devil's food item, Deathcake Royale. It was good, very very rich. But nothing where I thought, "I have to have this again!" And... it's about 1-2 inches on each side (it's a cube shape) and it was almost SEVEN DOLLARS. My mouth about dropped when I saw the size, compared to the cost. Like I said, it's good in a pinch for those of us in West Seattle who may be craving a sweet treat, and specifically a cupcake. But then again, head to the Fauntleroy Thriftway and pick up a slice of cake from their bakery, bigger and less expensive.

    (2)

  • Nancy C.

    Have read about this place several times and when we went to the West Seattle Farmer's market, my girls really wanted to "have lunch" here. So dessert for lunch it was. The cupcakes were good - not fantastice. They were not dry as other people had indicated but they were sold out of several flavors. The pumpkin I tried was good but the frostling had way to much sugar in it for me. Since we weren't regulars the service was pretty poor and the guy gave my daughter some lame reason and mumbled explanation of why he couldn't make her an Italian soda.............. Will I go back? Maybe, maybe not.

    (3)

  • Rita L.

    I now refuse to allow my tastebuds to suffer from crummy poser cupcakes unless it is Cupcake Royale's. I've had the carrot cake and the lavender flavors, and really, the $3 splurge and daunting 500+ calories is so worth it. These homemade goodies are perfect when you're having a bad day, or want to celebrate the end of Finals week, or to satisfy your fatty food baby needs with your girlfriend. They're so good that I humbly request Cupcake Royale to be my last supper before I die. These cupcakes pairs well with a cup of coffee (or milk!) - so give 'er a try!

    (4)

  • Victoria K.

    I LOVE Cupcake Royale, I've been to the Junction location multiple times and have loved everything about it. It may be a hipster hangout, but the cupcakes make up for it. My favorite cake so far has been the chocolate with cream cheese frosting. Mmmm. I would highly recommend this to anyone who loves HUGE cupcakes and would love to take advantage of the 6 for $9 happy hour special!

    (4)

  • Jeff G.

    Whose bright idea was it to put the tweaky guy on Barista duty on a busy Sunday afternoon? Well it wasn't too busy until he tried to bumble his way through a bunch of orders in between dropping CDs on the floor while trying to change the music. In the time I watched him he served up two hot chocolates which were supposed to be mochas, made up the wrong sized latte and forgot my drink entirely(and I should have been ahead of all of those people). He mumbled something that sounded like "thanks for your patience" but I'm not quite sure. To be fair, I've been there plenty of other times and the experience has been decent.

    (3)

  • Zach B.

    Okay, so I am almost over the cupcake mania that has been sweeping the nation over the last several years. The cupcakes at this particular location are definitely a three star for me, and I follow the meaning of the star rating here on Yelp; they are "A-OK." In fact, they are quite good...beautiful...smell amazing...and generally taste pretty good (despite the fact that they dry out quickly). The one thing that does deserve a four or a five star though is the latte that they produce. I have been impressed every single time with the latte I have received. Somehow they are always hot, smooth, and with the perfect amount of velvet-y foam. So yes, cupcakes are sort of overrated at this point, and yes, they are sort of overpriced, but it is important to remember that cupcakes are fun, make people smile, and can be quite satisfying, especially if they are accompanied by a truly impressive latte.

    (3)

  • Alisa B.

    First off I want to say thank you soooo much to this specific royale for supplying our little Yelp get together tonight with such awesome free fare! What sweet people! Tonight I was feeling flush so I pigged out on the lemon drop cupcake which had a lemon drop sitting a top a fluffy pile of lemon frosting over a wonderful dense white vanilla bean cupcake and a red velvet cupcake which was good but could have used some more cream cheese in that frosting. I also sampled a piece of my friends salted caramel which was very good but I feel like it could have used a little crunch like crumbled brittle on top or something. Overall I'm totally thrilled by how well this place treated us and will go back to west seattle royale next time I'm in the area to thank them myself.

    (5)

  • Jule G.

    I came here because I had a Groupon for 3 4-packs. I'd already read the other reviews, so I came prepared. I got the lemon marscapone, lemon drop, salty caramel, and triple threat. What I basically ended up doing was beheading all of the cupcakes because what the other reviewers said was absolutely true: the cake part is pretty dry. I don't know if it's because the cupcakes are old or have been sitting out or something, but a dry cupcake at that price is definitely uncool.

    (2)

  • Rosey J.

    It's an under statement to say that I like cupcakes....I LOVE cupcakes. When I think of cupcakes, it brings back fond memories of the bake sale during elementary and the good ole days when you could buy them for a quarter! Wow, now I sound like my dad when he tells me stories about buying candy for pennies or nickels. I was uber excited to see a whole store dedicated to cupcakes. I went into check out the place on a weekend and had a latte and a coconut frosted cupcake with yellow cake. The latte was good, the cupcake was highly disappointing. Both the frosting and cake was dry, what a travesty! I'm not sure if they bake their cup cakes on site or if it gets delivered...it tasted like day old stale cupcakes. To add insult to injury, the dang cupcake was $3 a piece! Even though I was disappointed at the cupcake, I found their t-shirts to be hilarious! I even picked up a hot pink tee that said "Legal frostitution *LOL*

    (2)

  • Sara F.

    What's not to love about this place? I read other reviews and couldn't believe it... C.R. was one of the first places I went on my "I live in West Seattle now, welcome me bitches!" walk. They have fully comfortable, plush seating, lots of round tables for chatting, expresso and beer/wine, and great people behind the counter. In fact, after chatting a bit, I got a free cupcake on the house!! And the cupcake? Pretty spectacular. The frosting was cold and soft and pretty. Only thing I would've wanted (and this is just me)-- a box and a fork, I don't like eating messy food like that in public. How embarassing, cupcake frosting and lipgloss mix. EW. FYI: they also have laid-back acoustic sets on Fridays.

    (5)

  • Thigh C.

    Likes: 1. I'm not really into cupcakes (or sweets in general) and personally, I think this should how a cupcake tastes like. Dislikes: 1. Kind a overpriced. 2. Too much frosting. Oh well, you have the option to scrape it though (which I did). Don't get me wrong, it tasted good but too much sugar for this cupcake is not necessary. I tried the lavender and the pink one.

    (4)

  • TA S.

    One of my favorite places in the world. Amazing cupcakes - huge fan of the Triple Threat. Whenever I go to W. Seattle I drop by and bring home some wonderful cupcakes... I have also got many friends addicted to them. Yummy - love this place

    (5)

  • Stephan J.

    I showed up at 8am(when they open), in need of some cupcakes for work. They were just filling the case with breakfast items and didn't even have cupcakes that were frosted yet. The lovely shaved headed lady working behind the counter quickly frosted a dozen minis to order. She created a both amazing and beautiful assortment that was quickly devoured by the coworkers. I enjoyed one too! This place is great!

    (5)

  • Yup S.

    Cafe. Big windows. Vintage. Vintage coke. Sounds like spoken poetry about cupcakes to me!!!! No really, didn't try the cupcakes..but I guess I still sat in the place for a good 30 minutes chilling with a coke in hand, waiting for dinner reservations to come up. I like the place, well lit with natural colors and saw a lot of people order cupcakes. Nothing amazingly ridiculously great, but nothing terrible happened.

    (3)

  • Ivy L.

    Hooray! I ate one of their Cheese Cupcakes, I don't remember the name thought, so i will call it Cheese Cupcake. Thought once I had a cheese muffin, and it just tasted like pound cake. I've heard bad reviews about Cupcake Royale's cupcakes, before going here, I've only eaten Trophy's cupcakes which are 100% de-licious. But these cupcakes are good as well, I can't say which one is better since I haven't eaten a cupcake from Trophy's in a while, though they did open a store in University Village, yay! I have yet to go there and try one again. It's worth it for only $2.50 compared to the $3 down at Trophy's.

    (4)

  • Jenny F.

    If I were a cupcake business psychic, this is what I would say about the Cupcake Royale establishment in west Seattle: Ahhhh....little one...stare into the crystal ball (is that ball really made of crystal?) Cupcake Royale started as a company that wanted to make it! Their owner came from Starbucks corporate, and had the marketing DOWN! It was wildly successful, and reveled in being the new fun place for Seattle to go to replace the non-existent sunshine with a sugar injection. Then...they became so successful that they couldn't keep up with the demand! They also got a crapload of pride in that process, and decided not to be thankful for the client walking through their door. Crap! This caused them to run out of cupcakes on a regular basis and treat their customers rudely a large percentage of the time!!! They decided to cut quality of product by creating the robot version of cupcakes...no personality in the actual cake. Different variations of frosting were supposed to drive the customer interest in their product but it didn't work! Then...they decided to close at 8pm in west Seattle when there are dozens of people out walking around in the still well-lit dessert prime time. Sadly, that spelled "selfish, and uncaring about your customers" to the customers that tried to open the locked doors! Look again into my crystal ball...unless this place improves their client relations, product quality and decides to stay open later in the summer when people are out and about, they may not make it.

    (1)

  • Kim S.

    Honestly, their cupcakes are just okay. Personally, I don't think any cupcakes are as good as homemade ones, or even the ones I can make out of the Pillsbury box. The problem I've found with cupcake shops and their cupcakes is that the edges of the top are always stale and the frosting, dry. Can't blame them though, since it's likely from sitting out all day. However, the location is great, and that is why I go. There is great people watching found at the Junction. The only drink I've tasted here is the hot chocolate and it's not very good. Starbucks is better.

    (3)

  • Kel M.

    The huckleberry cupcake was too sweet for my taste. Go early for the best selection of crafty cupcakes.

    (3)

  • Gina T.

    Not for the waist line conscious but a sweet treat now and then means this place is heaven!!! They do the pretty thing with the coffee foam that when I try becomes a total mess. I love that they are on the street corner and free wi-fi with a side of total frosting indulgence. Is there anything better... I will keep looking but it's gonna be hard to find. PS the cupcakes are to die for!!!

    (4)

  • Nicola L.

    Okay, I need to be honest here: I am not a cupcake fan. Cupcakes remind me of the snacks that I used to have in Italy where I grew up (such as Girella Motta or Merendine del Mulino Bianco). Good but not as exciting as other desserts. John and I split a Classic cupcake that was nice and two iced Mokas. I guess that if you like cupcakes, you may really like this place!

    (5)

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Map

Opening Hours

  • Mon :8:00 am - 8:00pm

Specialities

  • Delivery : Yes
    Accepts Credit Cards : Yes
    Parking : Street
    Bike Parking : Yes
    Wheelchair Accessible : Yes
    Outdoor Seating : Yes
    Wi-Fi : Free
    Good for Working : Yes

Cupcake Royale

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