by Mad Hatters NYC
You might know someone with a sweet tooth, but we have a whole mouthful of them. Each. The phrases “That’s too rich” or “I’m too full for dessert” simply do not exist in our vocabulary. So sniffing out Salem’s desserts is a labor of love. Salem’s dizzying array of restaurants will make sure you never go hungry. But if you’re looking to satisfy a craving for something sweet, here are some fun options to consider.
Caramel Patisserie
Caramel Patisserie is an authentic family-run French bakery in the heart of Salem. Brother-and- sister team Dimitri and Sophie Vallier grew up in France and brought their love of pastry with them when they immigrated to the United States. At Caramel Patisserie, they whip up delicious croissants, tarts, meringues and more. They come from a long line of pastry chefs, and it shows.
Coffee Time Bake Shop
There is a large Polish community in Greenpoint, Brooklyn, so needless to say, we know our pączki. These Polish doughnuts are deep fried then filled with fruit or cream (or both!), and at Coffee Time Bake Shop you’ll find an incredible selection made from scratch. So even if you’re there for their famous Bismarcks, make sure you get some pączki to go. You can never have too much dessert, right?
Melt Ice Cream
In our household, ice cream is a year-round indulgence. But for most people, it’s the perfect way to make a good summer day great. Melt is a passion project for its founder, who was inspired by summers on the shore, as well as its owner, who loves all things Salem. They partner with other local Salem businesses to highlight the best this charming city has to offer. This boutique ice cream shop offers unique flavors using local and organic ingredients whenever possible. Vegan? Not to worry, they always have something for you too.
A&J King Artisan Bakers
Popular lunch spot A&J King Artisan Bakers has many scrumptious sandwiches on the menu, but don’t sleep on their delicious pastries if you’re craving something sweet. A&J are Andy and Jackie King, who met in culinary school and later started their bakery in 2006. Their bakery was named one of America’s 50 Best Bakeries by The Daily Meal, and their passion for baking by hand was the subject of a book they co-authored together. Their croissants, cakes, tarts and other pastries show off their skills to perfection.
Kakawa Chocolate House
If you’re a chocolate lover (who isn’t?), Kakawa Chocolate House is a necessary stop in Salem. The adorable shop is located just steps away from Salem’s famous Peabody Essex Museum, and is the Santa Fe chocolatier’s only satellite location. Handmade chocolates in an array of unimaginable flavors will tempt you, so if your experience is anything like ours, you will happily discover the term “chocolate coma”. But Kakawa is also passionate about the history of chocolate, so you will also find amazing drinking chocolates that go far beyond the hot chocolates you grew up with. Don’t miss trying one of these magical elixirs.
Goodnight Fatty
If there’s a better name for a cookie than a “fatty”, we have yet to discover it. Every weekend, Goodnight Fatty offers a new line up of cookie flavors, which remain secret until you order and are only available after 6pm. To enjoy one (or more!) of their fatties, you can walk up to their counter, order online for pickup, or request a Fatty Drop (you know, what boring people call delivery). With flavors like Chunky Monkey and Nutty Buddy, a bottomless glass of milk will most certainly come in handy. Thanks to Goodnight Fatty, you will never have to go to bed hungry on a weekend.
These amazing establishments are just a small taste of what Salem has to offer. It’s no surprise that the city that takes Halloween to the next level also offers a wide variety of delicious treats. So whether you’re exploring its amazing history or its beautiful parks, make sure you discover Salem’s sweet side too.
Author Bio:
Lynn and Justin are the founders of Mad Hatters NYC, a NYC-based travel, lifestyle and food website. They are real, hard-working, busy people, just like you. They spend their free time either exploring the city they love, or fleeing it to see the world. They hope their stories inspire their readers to get out and do the same. Their Salem, MA travel guide explores why you shouldn’t wait until October to visit.
Tags: After 5PM, Family, Things To Do
