Few things in life are more enjoyable than dessert.
It's delicious, a little decadent and, if you're lucky, consumed with fantastic friends in a great location. The next time your sweet tooth strikes in Park Slope, here are eight great places to stop for baked goods, frozen treats and, obviously, chocolate.
Great Baked Goods
From Sunday scones to fresh challah for Shabbat, here are the best places to carbo-load this spring.
Du Jour – 365 Fifth Ave.
Touting fresh baked goods like chocolate chip banana loaf and their signature almond bread pudding, Du Jour is an indulgent go-to for all your carbohydrate needs. They also have full breakfast, lunch and brunch menus — just remember to save room for dessert!
Cousin John’s Café and Bakery – 70 Seventh Ave.
The first thing you notice when you walk into Cousin John’s is the towering, tempting cakes. Look down just a little further, and you can’t help but linger over the cookies and scones. Every Sunday brunch order includes a slice of homemade chocolate bread, so you don’t have to worry about ordering a separate dessert here, although we won't judge if you do.
7th Avenue Donuts and Diner – 324 Seventh Ave.
This 24-hour greasy spoon is the real deal. A Park Slope institution since 1977, they make their donuts fresh, in-house every day. No hibiscus flower or cocoa nibs on these donuts, just honest, old-school crullers and glazes. Grab a baker’s dozen for just under $11 and make sure you have it in cash.
Let's Chill
As winter turns to spring, New Yorkers are bound daydream about hot summer days and cool summer treats. Here are the spots that will make you wish it were July, if you didn’t already!
L’Albero dei Gelati – 341 Fifth Ave.
With refreshing fruit flavors like blueberry apricot and more adventurous options like green bean and mint, or even bleu cheese, this local favorite is filled with families and foodies alike.
SkyIce Sweet and Savory – 63 Fifth Ave.
This place keeps the adventure going with bold Thai ice cream flavors ranging from raspberry cilantro to the infamously fragrant durian fruit. If you like your sweets less stinky, you can play it safe with tamer fare, including Belgian chocolate brownie or mango.
Culture: An American Yogurt Company – 331 Fifth Ave.
If you're trying to keep dessert on the healthier end of the spectrum, Culture serves fresh and frozen yogurt, all made in-house from local milk and no artificial additives, with artisanal toppings. They even feature winter-ready flavors like spicy hot chocolate and PB&J to keep the yummy happening year-round
For Chocoholics
We chocoholics are getting jittery just thinking about these decadent, choco-centric joints. Here are the best places in the nabe to get your next fix.
Cocoa Bar – 228 Seventh Ave.
For the chocoholic with an all-day binge in mind, Cocoa Bar bills itself as a "café by day, wine bar at night." During daylight hours, they serve chocolate-infused everything, including coffee, tea and iced beverages. At night, chocolate martinis and spiked hot chocolate, plus scrumptious desserts, dot the menu.
The Chocolate Room – 51 Fifth Ave.
With ample counter and table seating, feel free to park it here as long as it takes to nibble your way through The Chocolate Room's sinful chocolate creations including brown sundaes, chocolate layer cakes (we hear Oprah's a fan) and chocolate caramel popcorn. Can't make it to their Park Slope or Cobble Hill locations? No worries, The Chocolate Room now has an online store to meet your cocoa cravings, no matter where you are.
With so many delectable treats to choose from, you may want to go ahead and schedule a few extra sessions with your trainer. Trust us, it's worth it.
Want to live across the street from one of these delicious spots?