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Cafe Express River Oaks

Cafe Express is a neighborhood café and deli serving fresh, flavorful meals quickly. You can enjoy hearty sandwiches, grilled entrees, and crisp salads for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. With ample seating for groups and a dog-friendly patio, it’s a flexible spot for casual dining. They also offer options for special diets and a daily happy hour that adds a little extra charm to your visit.

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Analee Rendón

Paris Baguette - Houston

Paris Baguette is a neighborhood bakery café serving fresh pastries, breads, and specialty cakes. Open from morning to evening, it’s a great place to enjoy a cup of Lavazza coffee, take a break, or catch up with friends. Their PB Rewards program makes each visit a little more enjoyable, giving you a reason to stop by again.

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BAM Desserts

BAM Desserts has built a reputation for custom cookies and cupcakes that not only look stunning but actually taste homemade. They are a go-to choice for themed parties and weddings, especially since they specialize in eggless, vegan, and gluten-conscious options. A monthly new flavor drop keeps the menu fresh, and mini desserts round out the case. Mobile ordering is seamless through their rewards app, which adds a layer of convenience that big chains can’t compete with.

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Blue Umbrella Bakery

Blue Umbrella Bakery in downtown Keokuk is equal parts cozy café and custom cake destination. The menu mixes scratch-made bagels, scones, and cakes with highly personalized cupcake arrangements that often exceed expectations. Cupcake bouquets, layered cakes, and tailored seasonal orders are just a few of the highlights. For fall, seasonal cakes with fruit fillings and spiced frostings shine, while the bakery’s approachable ordering system makes it easy to grab treats on the go.

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Double Batch Bakery

Double Batch Bakery in Bayonne is the definition of modern convenience with a window service concept and app-based ordering that makes grabbing sweets effortless. Custom cakes and cupcakes are popular, but their $10 surprise pastry box keeps fans guessing and returning. Seasonal offerings lean into cozy comfort, making their fall lineup especially popular. Quick pickup and mobile-friendly service set Double Batch apart from more traditional bakeries.

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Whisk & Arrow Sugar Studio

Whisk & Arrow offers a French bakery experience with a modern twist. The menu rotates with specials, but the star of the season is their fall-inspired pastries. Their mobile app allows advance ordering and rewards, perfect for those who want to skip the line and still snag a bag of cookies or macarons. Custom cakes and seasonal items are designed with both aesthetics and flavor in mind, making this spot as appealing for celebrations as it is for everyday indulgence.

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Baking Up a Storm

Baking Up a Storm thrives on variety, with a case full of cupcakes, breads, and seasonal pastries. Their fall menu brings cozy flavors into play with themed cupcakes and pastries available for mobile ordering. The bakery also caters to dietary needs, ensuring inclusivity alongside creativity. From rhubarb bread to German chocolate cupcakes, every order feels thoughtfully made and worth savoring.

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Sweet Corner Cakes

Sweet Corner Cakes has earned loyal fans for its custom cakes that balance design with taste. Birthday cakes, wedding cakes, and cupcake packs are a specialty, but their fall menu expands into seasonal flavors and quick-order cupcakes. Loyalty rewards and app-based ordering make it simple to plan for events or drop in for Thursday cupcake specials. The shop atmosphere adds to the charm, but the real draw is the ability to count on consistent flavor and flawless presentation.

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Kenzie’s Kakes & Coffee

Kenzie’s Kakes & Coffee combines bakery charm with a café vibe, offering custom cakes alongside creative monthly themes. Recent custom orders have included superhero birthday cakes and seasonal cupcake collections. Coffee drinks pair well with the desserts, especially seasonal specialties like chocolate-covered strawberry lattes. Ordering through their app makes custom requests easy, and the loyalty perks add value for regulars.

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Andrea Jones

Southwest Soda Pop Shop – Washington, DC

Tucked along the lively DC Wharf, this family-run soda shop is a charming throwback. The setting is outdoors with plenty of shaded seating, making it a relaxed stop while strolling the waterfront. Locals especially appreciate the friendly service and sense of community here, with young staff making the place feel fresh and full of energy. It’s a simple but satisfying spot that captures the joy of a classic soda stand.

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Soda Retreat – Salem, UT

Soda Retreat is a Utah favorite where soda culture has taken root more than almost anywhere else. Drinks here come in endless combinations, with crowd-pleasers like the Taledega. Families love the wide menu that includes cookies, energy drinks, and ice cream, making it a one-stop shop for treats. The atmosphere is bright and cheerful, and the staff is known for being courteous and fast.

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The Franklin Fountain – Philadelphia, PA

Franklin Fountain is a trip back in time. Staff dressed in vintage clothing serve ice cream sundaes, floats, and sodas in a shop decorated with old-fashioned flair. It’s small, but the experience is big on charm. Root beer floats, homemade ice cream, and traditional Coke served soda fountain–style make it a destination for both tourists and locals. It’s more than just a soda shop — it’s a living piece of history in Philadelphia.

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Lexington Candy Shop – New York, NY

Opened in 1925, Lexington Candy Shop is a true New York classic. This soda fountain and diner serves traditional Coke the old-fashioned way, along with classic American eats like burgers and club sandwiches. The vintage stools, retro décor, and nostalgic vibe make it a special stop in Manhattan. While prices reflect its Midtown location, the experience of sipping a Coke float in such a historic setting is worth it.

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Cloud 10 Creamery

A centerpiece of chef-driven Houstonscape, Cloud 10 creates small-batch ice cream and sorbet using seasonal, natural ingredients. Flavors like Toasted Rice, Nutella with Marshmallow, and Café Sua Da deliver balance. Included in the Houston Chronicle’s Top 100 Restaurants, Cloud 10 opened in a Heights bungalow and filled it with courtyard seating and community flair.

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Milk + Sugar

Lines often stretch out the door at Milk + Sugar, thanks to unique, rotating flavors and strong consistency. Flavors like Strawberry Almond Cheesecake and adult-leaning options like Happy Wife balance nostalgia and sophistication. A favorite pick, Milk + Sugar earns recurring praise for creative flavors that don’t rely on sugar overload, with patrons calling it “solid” and “super consistent”.

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Fat Cat Creamery

Rich, creamy, chef-inspired flavors like Chocolate Stout and Whiskey Butter Pecan make Fat Cat one of Houston’s most inventive grown-up ice cream spots. Located in a cozy courtyard setting, this shop combines ample portions, strong flavor, and a laid-back atmosphere. Locals call it among the best in the US for flavor depth and value.

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Cheaters Creamery

Cheaters offers hard-packed ice cream with an expansive menu of richly flavoured options like Butterscotch Pecan. Texture and sweetness balance consistently, earning comparisons to Blue Bell with a twist. Staff deliver friendly service even when flavor lines get long. A Reddit fan described the shop as “pretty close to perfect,”.

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Gelato Picks

Gelato Picks delivers artisanal gelato in a European-style setting in Sugar Land (Greater Houston area). Flavor lineup includes classics and inventive combinations; Pistachio and Cookie’s Cream rank among crowd-pleasers. Espresso and coffee drink options add to the appeal, making it a sweet stop after lunch or dinner.

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SMOOSH Cookies

This dessert hangout specializes in cookie‑sandwich ice cream. Choose two cookies, pick an ice cream, and have it pressed panini-style—genius for kids or casual treat runs. Cookie Split options replace bananas with cookies in a banana split style. Milkshake options and whimsical decor make it ideal for warm evenings or kids’ birthday outings.

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Ben & Jerry’s (Rice Village)

The local Ben & Jerry’s stands out thanks to dairy and non-dairy options, stellar shake offerings, and scoopable sundaes like strawberry waffle bowls. Family-friendly with visible staff hospitality, seating area comfort, and reliable flavor rotation. Central for students and families alike. Customers value accessibility, variety, and consistent service in the high-summer foot traffic area.

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Honeychild’s Sweet Creams

Modern homemade custard shop known for rotating handcrafted flavors and custard flights, offering five scoops for around $12. An open kitchen allows glimpses of the process. Ambient decor, simple but clean interior, and attentive service help it stand out—especially among organic-ingredient fans and flight-seekers looking for variety

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Kona Mountain Coffee - Honolulu

This small vendor breathes aloha into every cup, with ohana-level welcome and beans that proudly showcase Kona’s legacy. They offer samples, bags of beans, and chocolate-covered nuts that feel like gift-grade treats. It’s honest and local—no flash, just proud coffee craft that’ll make you appreciate why Kona coffee is world-class.

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Aleppo Sweets

If you’re looking for a cozy spot that serves delicious bites, Aleppo Sweets should be at the top of your list. The baklava here is legendary—crispy, flaky, and dripping with sweet syrup. Don’t skip the Turkish coffee for a rich, aromatic pairing. The cozy atmosphere with vibrant Middle Eastern decor invites you to linger a little longer, and the staff make it feel like you’re family.

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Cookie Chow

For those who believe there’s no such thing as too many cookies, Cookie Chow is your new go-to. Their cookie boxes are legendary for parties, holidays, or just when you need a pick-me-up. Think chewy, buttery goodness in every bite—these aren’t your average grocery store cookies. Owners who pour their heart into every batch make it even more special.

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Thrive Cakery

Thrive Cakery is where dessert dreams come true. From gooey, soft-centered cookies to show-stopping tea cakes, everything here is crafted with care and creativity. The sweet potato cookies are a fan favorite, but don’t sleep on the cheesecakes or brownie cups. The cozy, welcoming vibe and fair prices will have you coming back for more.

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The Hive - Hoboken

With exposed brick walls, local art, and communal tables, The Hive hums with positive energy. Their cereal-milk lattes are a fan-favorite, alongside vegan and gluten-free vegan pastry options. The team goes out of their way to learn names and greet familiar faces. Community boards in-store, and host inclusive events.

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Tea in Sahara

Offering samosas, tagine, and soothing mint tea—great for hiding behind a hot drink with a low-key ambience. The vibe is mellow and sophisticated, and if your ex shows up, chances are they’ll grab a corner table far from yours

Michael's Cookie Jar – Houston

The Dubai Chocolate Cookie is a game changer, but the Ballpark Cookie with Reese's pieces and caramel popcorn gives it a run for its money. Each cookie is rich, flavorful, and generously portioned. It’s the kind of spot that turns casual visits into traditions. The friendly staff and playful seasonal treats keep regulars coming back.

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Chip City Cookies- Chicago

These cookies are dangerously good, soft, warm, and gooey in the center. Try the s’mores, red velvet, or cookies and cream while they’re hot from the oven. Their rotating menu and easy-to-use app make every visit exciting. The friendly service seals the deal.

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Crave Cookies - Lake View East

Crave lives up to its name with inventive flavors and generous hospitality. Staff members make you feel like family, often tossing in a free cookie or a recommendation. Nut allergy-friendly and always fresh, their cookies are chewy, thick, and perfectly balanced. A must for any cookie lover.

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D's Dough - New Jersey

D's Dough delivers warm, decadent cookies with a gooey inside and light crunch on the outside. Holiday flavors and classic chocolate chip alike are baked to perfection. The shop is clean, the staff is upbeat, and each cookie is packed with flavor. One bite and you’ll understand the hype.

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Kookaburra Cookies

Kookaburra Cookies - Omaha

These thick, hearty cookies are a farmers market favorite in Omaha and Lincoln. The texture and flavor are always on point, and owner Eli brings unbeatable energy to every pop-up. Order online or catch them around town. Either way, it’s worth it.

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Doug and Dolly's Cookies – Nashville

From French silk to peanut butter Reese’s, these cookies are all about cozy, nostalgic flavor. Each bite is indulgent and perfectly balanced. The friendly service and pretty storefront make it a sweet stop every time. Great for gifts or a personal treat.

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Sloth Cookies – Utah

Sloth Cookies knows how to do simple right with warm, melt-in-your-mouth classics. The chocolate chip and namesake Sloth Cookie are crowd favorites. The new location is cozy and easy to find, and the value for portion size is hard to beat.

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RubySnap Fresh Cookies – Salt Lake City

RubySnap nails flavor and creativity with cookies like the raspberry cream cheese dream. You’ll get samples, smiles, and possibly a new addiction. Their gluten-free options are just as tasty as the regular lineup. This is not your average cookie stop.

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HiFi Cookies - East Nashville

HiFi mixes music and dessert in the best way, offering monthly flavors inspired by pop culture. Collaborations with chefs keep the menu fresh and unexpected. Whether it’s their rice crispy treat or seasonal cookie box, everything here feels thoughtfully crafted. A great local gift idea, too.

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Pink Door Cookies – Nashville

This colorful neighborhood spot serves up seven-layer cookies, vegan oatmeal raisin, and plenty of charm. It’s as much about the vibe as the treats. Staff are welcoming and quick to offer suggestions. Bonus points for dog treats and outdoor seating.

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Brittney Colton

The Cookie Crate – Elizabethton

Cookie Crate is known for excellent shipping and presentation, making it a favorite for gifting. Their seasonal boxes are popular for holidays and special occasions. Flavors range from classic to creative, and everything arrives soft and fresh. The customer service is stellar.

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Whipped Up Cookie Co - Lakewood

Whipped Up delivers stunning cookies for events that taste as good as they look. Samantha’s custom designs are detailed and delicious, earning rave reviews from clients. From baby showers to weddings, these cookies are always the hit of the party. And they ship, too.

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W Walnut Cookie Co. – Troy

A charming little spot with fresh-baked cookies and creamy milkshakes, W Walnut is full of flavor and warmth. Their OG chocolate chip is gooey perfection, especially paired with a latte. Locals love the friendly service and cozy space. It's perfect for an afternoon treat.

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Jacob Dunn

Bendy's Cookies & Cream - Trussville

Snickerdoodle fans, take note: Bendy’s does it right. Their seasonal blackberry buttered biscuit ice cream is also worth a trip. The space is small but cheerful, and the service is quick even for large groups. It’s a hidden gem with loyal regulars.

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Eileen’s Colossal Cookies – Casper

Affordable, massive cookies with classic flavors and custom options make this a local go-to. Their double lemon and white chocolate cranberry are especially popular. Great for last-minute party orders or a quick sugar fix. Friendly staff and fast turnaround.

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Matthew Chantelois

Kassi’s Cookies (Downtown Conway)

Kassi’s blends small-town charm with big-time flavor. The shop smells like heaven, and the cookies are always warm and soft. Chocolate chip is a standout, but the strawberry is a fun twist. Watch the bakers in action while you snack.

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Blair Bauer

Carol’s Pastry Shop

Old-school in all the right ways, Carol’s Pastry Shop in SugarHouse has been around for decades and is still slinging some of the best eclairs and cookies in town. It’s small, local, and full of charm. The macaroon brownies are indulgent, and the mini eclairs are shockingly affordable for how good they are.

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Karl Wang

Carlucci's Bakery

Italian influence shines at Carlucci’s. The almond croissants are flaky and flavorful, the breakfast sandwiches are generous, and their baked tofu sandwich is surprisingly memorable. Expect a wait during peak hours, but it’s worth every second.

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Fillings & Emulsions

A Cuban-inspired bakery that also happens to be gluten-free friendly. The guava pastries and passion fruit cake are incredible, and the Opera cake (yes, coffee meets cake) is a must-try. This is one of those places where everything looks so pretty you’ll want to buy one of each.