There are restaurants for every meal of the day: breakfast, lunch, dinner – even brunch gets its own special weekend spot in many places. But few restaurants only serve dessert, and even fewer limit themselves to just one type. Considering America’s notorious sugar habit, this seems a little silly. Here are some of the best dessert-only spots in the US where you can get your fill of all types of sweet treats.
Max Brenner
While technically Max Brenner does still serve some food items – they figure you should attempt to line your stomach with some real food before you dig into dessert – sugar rules the roost at this wildly popular dessert chain. No matter what sweet treat you happen to be in the mood for, Max Brenner has you covered. Prefer your dessert in liquid form? Check out their impressive menu of hot chocolates, milkshakes, and “choctails” The Hazelnut Hot Chocolate is like drinking melted Nutella, if you’re into that sort of thing. But be sure to sample some of their own unique specialties as well. The Chocolate Crepe “Pasta,” made from dark chocolate crepes that have been cut into twirlable, pasta-like ribbons, is topped off with vanilla ice cream, melted chocolate, and hazelnut candy for a creation you won’t find anywhere else.
DŌ, Cookie Dough Confections
While cookie dough has long been a staple ice cream flavor in parlors across the country, cookie dough itself is emerging as the dessert trend du jour. Sure, we’ve all been sneaking bites of it while baking since we were kids, but now DŌ in New York City allows you to indulge safely and deliciously. No salmonella worries here – this pasteurized cookie dough is completely safe to eat as is. You’ll find flavors ranging from the no-frills Commando to more complex combinations, like Fluffernutter (peanut butter, marshmallow fluff, and dark chocolate chips) and Nuts For Nuts (peanut butter, Reese’s Pieces, and Reese’s cups). They also have seasonal offerings, which rotate in and out – but we recommend getting there soon to try Cookies & Cream (Oreo bits and white chocolate hazelnut swirl).
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Rice To Riches
Rice pudding might not be the first dessert you think to seek out, but Rice To Riches in New York City will have you changing your stance in no time. This is not your grandmother’s rice pudding (tasty as that might have been in its own right). Here you’ll find unique flavors like Sex, Drugs, and Rocky Road, made with dark chocolate rice pudding topped with mini marshmallows and toasted almond pieces. If you’re looking for something slightly more traditional, try The Edge of Rum Raisin. This alcohol-free pudding is rum-flavored and studded with juicy golden raisins. And in true New York City fashion, you don’t even need to visit the store – you can have your rice pudding delivered right to your doorstep.
Beverley Hills Brownie Company
Brownies are such a classic dessert (and let’s face it, relatively easy to make yourself) that you might wonder if you really need to visit a shop dedicated to them. But the Beverley Hills Brownie Company takes this sweet treat to a higher level. The Movie Mix, topped with salted caramel, fudge frosting, M&Ms, and popcorn, is a must-try. For those who can’t get enough of all things orange in the fall season, be sure to taste their autumn specialty: the Pumpkin Chocolate Chip brownie. The combination of chocolate, cream cheese frosting, and spiced pumpkin is just the thing to get you in the mood for cooler weather.
ChikaLicious
If you’re looking to take a more sophisticated approach to enjoying dessert, ChikaLicious in New York City is the place to go. They offer a fixed price selection of petits fours and dessert-style amuse-bouches, with the option to add a wine pairing. You’ll find elevated options like Sweet Potato Ice Cream Brûlée with Frosted Pecan and Amaretto-Apricot, as well as a Warm Chocolate Tart with Pink Peppercorn Ice Cream and Red Wine Sauce. These are the types of desserts you definitely won’t find anywhere else.
For dessert-focused articles and content, check out Sweet Talk on in-sight