Category: Eat & Drink

Guide For the Boston Sweet Tooth

By Susie
updated 2 months ago

Sometimes you just need something sweet. Sometimes you need lots of things sweet. Luckily, Boston has that something sweet to feed your every craving. Whether it's cakes, pastries, muffins, candies, or something else sweet you're craving, this guide will help you locate the goods whenever you need them. Just don't forget to brush your teeth after.

Finale

I’m a long-time fan of Finale. I remember when it first opened in the theater district and I’d go with my family after a show. A restaurant that only sells desserts? YES, please.

Finale actually does serve “regular” food there and I’ve heard their sandwiches are veryyy good, though a bit expensive. Dessert is also a bit pricey and while it’s not my favorite in Boston, the presentation is amazing. Plus, I think there’s just something fun about going to a restaurant where everyone is eating dessert.

Sweet

The newest cupcake shop in Boston. I may be a little bias because one of my best friends works here (hi, best job in the world!), but Sweet’s cupcakes are seriously good. I consider myself a bit of a cupcake expert and it takes a lot to impress me.

First of all, the shop is incredibly cute with pink and brown wallpaper, lots of flowers, and candy everywhere. They pretty much only sell cupcakes, so you know they have to be good. I’m a big fan of the cappuccino cupcake, but the traditional vanilla and chocolate are also seriously fabulous.

I’m eating some tonight. Jealous?

Rosie's Bakery

Rosie’s is another bakery I’ve grown up with. It’s really, really difficult to make any reasonable decisions in this place; there are just too many amazing looking (and tasting!) delicacies.

No matter what your tastes are, you will find something here. They even have an absolutely amazing chocolate brownie called Chocolate Orgasm. You will fall in love. Rosie’s also does a really good job with presentation and is a great bakery to purchase from when you have a special occasion to buy for.

Athan's Bakery

I’m ashamed to admit that I’ve only been to Athan’s a few times since moving to the area. A problem that needs to be remedied immediately! I hear nothing but good things about this place and there’s so much to try, I might need to start making a weekly trip there.

Right when you walk in, you’ll feel like you’re in a genuine European bakery. They have tons of fabulous Greek pasteries, like baklava and Greek cookies. They also have spanikopita, my fave!

They also serve sandwiches, paninis, and salads. Athan’s is perfect for dining in since it’s located right in the center of cute little Washington Square.

Putnam Pantry

I’m not really sure what my favorite part about this place is. It could be their amazing chocolate. But it could also be the ice cream smorgasbord. Yes, ice cream smorgasbord. They serve you a dish of whatever ice cream you choose and you can go down the line and put on whatever toppings you want. This is basically a recipe for disaster as they have things like peanut butter and marshmallow sauce, plus tons of different candy toppings. You may feel a little sick upon leaving Putnam Pantry.

But don’t let that stop you from buying some candy to take home with you! They have so much fudge in this place, it’s ridiculous. But I’m not complaining.

Party Favors

If you know me, you know Party Favors is pretty much my favorite place in the world. Why? One word. CUPCAKES. Their cupcakes are pure heaven to me and the standard that I base every other cupcake on. There are so many other treats in this place that I’d love to try, but I just have to get cupcakes every time I’m there.

But also, they have tons of amazing cakes and their fruit tart is really good. Everything is so pretty and perfect to bring to a party. They also have lots of delicious looking fudge that I’ve never tried, but will somewhere.

Party Favors may be the #1 reason why I don’t want to move out of my apartment. It would be pretty much impossible for me to survive if I lived far from here.

Cheesecake Factory

I know, I know, it’s a big, always crowded chain. But you can’t deny, their cheesecake is TO DIE for. I have to admit, I’m not even a huge fan of cheesecake, but with so many delicious flavors it’s really, really hard to find one you don’t like. I mean, if you throw a little peanut butter and chocolate into anything, I’m likely to eat it.

The meal portion sizes are huge here so sometimes it’s tough to be in the mood for dessert after eating. But don’t forget, you can always get your cheesecake to go. You know you’re gonna be in the mood for it later.

Caffe Vittoria

Now, there are plenty of options for sweets and desserts in the North End. Pastries galore. But when I get to pick, I choose Caffe Vittoria over anywhere else. I used to not be a fan of cannoli, but after having one here, I’ve been converted.

Of course, being the chocolate lover I am, I love the cannolli shell dipped in a little bit of chocolate and some chocolate chips thrown in. Mmmm perfection. Caffe Vittoria also has GREAT coffee drink selections and tons of fabulous gelato flavors.

Gingerbread Construction Company

I have to admit I’ve never actually been in a Gingerbread Construction Company bakery, but I’ve certainly eaten enough of their muffins. GCC muffins may actually be the thing I miss most about not having an office job. Nobody brings these muffins to me in my apartment!

But seriously, if you like muffins, you will LOVE these. I mean, they have a Boston Creme muffin, how can you not love it?? I’m also a fan of the pumpkin raisin muffin and the strawberry shortcake muffin. But beware, though they are called muffins, these things are more like giant desserts. But because they are called muffins, that makes them OK to eat for breakfast.