Chicago

To call the staff at this desserts-only café perky would be an understatement. Imagine Keebler elves on crack and you get the picture. But if you were surrounded by homemade treats such as red velvet cupcakes, whoopee pies, butterscotch pudding, s’mores, chocolate gingerbread cookies, and raspberry bars, you probably would be too. The stained glass cupcake over the front door is a sign of what awaits you inside. The cornflower blue floors and pastel yellow and green walls add to the whimsical atmosphere, which isn‘t a bad thing. Really. Not convinced of the authenticity of the goods? Take a seat at the counter and you can watch the bakers in action. This place may be a diabetic’s vision of hell but for us it’s sugar-buzzed heaven.

Photo:  Lisa Shames