We all love an elegant dinner out, but often by the time you’ve eaten your meal, there’s no room left for dessert. So why not skip the meal and start with the best part?
If you or someone you love has a sweet tooth, you’re in luck. DC has an array of incredible options when it comes to desserts of all descriptions, so next time you ask out that someone special, take them for a sweet treat at one of these amazing DC restaurants.
Le Diplomate
Our love for Le Diplomate is well recorded on this blog, and why not? It’s the quickest route to Paris we know!
You have to love the commitment of a restaurant that offers not just a dessert menu, but also a brunch dessert menu. On either, you’re sure to find authentic French specialties beautifully and creatively presented. On the standard dessert menu, be sure to check out French classics like Profiteroles or Pots de Creme.
On the brunch dessert menu, you can’t go wrong with Ile Flottante or a basket(!) of warm madeleines. *Swoon.*
RareSweets
From French decadence to a decidedly American menu, master pastry chef Meredith Tomason’s combination coffee bar, ice cream shop, and bakeshop plays with American themes, ingredients, and flavors to create combos that are always new. Choose from a variety of Seasonal and Classic cakes, cookies, and bars.
Don’t miss the Hummingbird cake, a true classic, and a rare find.
Un je ne sais Quoi
Dupont’s minimalist masterpiece, this bakery specializes in meringue-based pastries that are delicate and oh-so-delicious. Cute and quirky interior and a display to die for, no matter what you’re in the mood for or when you come in. Try the Paris Brest with a cup of tea, or go for the classic Napoleon.
The Cakeroom
The menu at The Cakeroom belies its name, offering not only cakes but cupcakes, cheesecakes, pies, cookies, and bars to satisfy any of your cravings. Beginning life in Adams Morgan as Sugar Daddy’s, the current iteration offers a huge variety of craveable treats as well as custom designs for cupcakes, event cakes, and wedding cakes.
In addition, private events can be held at The Cakeroom. Lemon Lavender cake is a particular hit, as well as the Nutella cookies.
Ted’s Bulletin
The brainchild of Mark and Ty Neal, who named it for their father, Ted, Ted’s Bulletin’s sweets menu will have you time-traveling back to childhood. Milkshakes are on the menu, along with adult milkshakes made with a variety of delicious liqueurs or The Millionaire Malt made with 18-year-old Glenlivet Scotch.
The rest of the menu includes a variety of Ted’s Tarts and classic Americana desserts like Devil’s Food Cake and Mile-High cream pies. On the weekend, though, it’s all about “Cinnamon Roll As Big As Ya Head.”
Georgetown Cupcakes
No list of DC desserts would be complete without the place that put DC desserts on the map. Crowds still line up outside of Georgetown Cupcakes and why not? Nobody does it better. With their amazing array of colors, flavors, and toppings, this is truly a local treasure. Be sure and stop by for their monthly seasonal menu, full of unexpected, yet perfectly right, limited edition cupcakes.
Kramerbooks and Afterwords Cafe
The beloved bookstore and cafe combo offer some of the best dessert selections in town–inventive and varied as the books on the shelves. For warm weather go for the Milk Cult Ice Cream Sandwich and as the holidays approach you can transition to the Pumpkin Cognac Cheesecake. Very festive!
No matter your preference, from fancy French pastry to hearty American cakes and cobblers to decidedly grown-up milkshakes, the inventive chefs of the DC restaurant and bakeshop scene have something to love waiting for you.
And if you want to live walking distance from your favorite boite or bakery, let us know! At Eng Garcia, we love helping our clients find the right home to fit their style (and taste!). Sign in at the website and let’s get started!