If you've got a sweet tooth that won't be denied, fear not: we've found the freshest Baltimore eateries to quell your cravings. Here are the newest places to check out the next time you're in the mood for some desserts.
Donut Alliance
4311 Harford Road, Hamilton-Lauraville
Donut Alliance is an all-vegan doughnut shop serving up yeast-raised doughnuts, coffee and more from its space at 4311 Harford Road. The brainchild of Jeff and Emily Arenberg, the brick-and-mortar space is the result of a successful wholesale business.
Doughnut flavors on offer include birthday cake, rosewater, peanut butter, Boston creme, cookies and cream and pink lemonade. For beverages, the shop serves kombucha in addition to its coffee offerings.
With a just one Yelp review so far, giving it a five-star rating, Donut Alliance is still gaining an audience.
Yelper J T., who reviewed Donut Alliance on May 31, wrote, "Very happy to have an all vegan donut shop in Baltimore. The Boston Cream was amazing, as was the "Maple Bacn" donut."
Donut Alliance is open from 8 a.m.–1 p.m. Wednesday-Friday and 9 a.m.–1 p.m. on weekends. (It's closed on Monday and Tuesday.)
TSAOCAA
4 W. University Parkway, Tuscany-Canterbury
Tsaocaa is a spot to score bubble tea, juice, smoothies and desserts. Located at 4 W. University Parkway near the Johns Hopkins Homewood campus,
The desserts on the menu include French toffee pudding, Japanese matcha tofu and Hong Kong-style eggette. (Also known as egg puffs, these crispy treats are made of waffle dough cooked in a shape reminiscent of giant bubble wrap, often with a sweet filling inside the bubbles.)
Tsaocaa's main attraction, of course, is its bubble tea drinks, in flavors like passionfruit and lime green tea with mixed-in ingredients such as strawberry boba and grass jelly. (You can check out the full menu here.)
Tsaocaa currently holds five stars out of seven reviews on Yelp — a strong start for the fledgling business.
Yelper Jun T., who was the first to review Tsaocca on May 16, wrote, "This is probably the best bubble tea I've had in the U.S. The milk foam is rich and fantastic. My wife brought her friends there the next day, and they all loved it."
"The ruby milk tea is the best milk tea I've ever had in Baltimore/DC area," Yelper Yvonne Z. said. "HK-style eggette is awesome, you must try it."
Tsaocaa is open from 11 a.m.–8 p.m. daily.
Roll Ice Cream & Coffee
3222 Eastern Ave., Highlandtown
Roll Ice Cream & Coffee is an ice cream parlor also serving coffee and tea. The concept dessert originated in Thailand: liquid ice cream base is poured onto a nitrogen-cooled stone and mixed with flavors and toppings to order, then scraped off in decorative frozen rolls.
This month, mixes include the One Flew Over the Cocoa's Nest, with chocolate ice cream, fudge brownie bits and chocolate chips topped with whipped cream and chocolate drizzle. Hot or iced coffee and a range of espresso drinks from locally roasted beans are also available. (You can check out the full menu here.)
Yelp users are generally positive about Roll Ice Cream & Coffee, which currently holds four stars out of 13 reviews on the site.
"They basically take everything you want and put it on a cold stone and smash it all up together. ... It looks almost crispy in the photos and when you first see it but it's creamy and smooth," Yelper Sarah B. noted. "They have a separate rolling station for those allergic to peanut butter and other common allergies."
Yelper Mary R. was less impressed with the process, explaining, "The result is delicious and tasty, but not worth the price."
Roll Ice Cream & Coffee is open from 11 a.m.–9 p.m. on weekdays, 9 a.m.–9 p.m. on Saturday, and 9 a.m.–8 p.m. on Sunday.
Melody
800 Saint Paul St., Mount Vernon
Melody is a café, bar and all-day restaurant, offering doughnuts, coffee drinks, sandwiches and more. Located at 800 Saint Paul St. in Mount Vernon, it has free WiFi and displays work from local artists.
On the menu, look for items like cinnamon bun, Belgian waffle and doughnuts, as well as the breakfast sandwiches with egg, bacon and cheese. In addition to a range of espresso drinks, the bar sells craft beers and wines by the glass. (Take a peek at the full menu here.)
Melody currently holds 4.5 stars out of four reviews on Yelp, indicating good reviews.
"Very comfortable spot with couches, TV, and coffee bar," said Yvonne T., who was the first to review Melody on January 26. "We enjoyed our cappuccinos and food, and plan to return for karaoke night on Fridays."
"Delightful. Cozy. Lovely place!" agreed Yelper Rosie K. "It is inviting and comfortable, and the owners and staff are super sweet."
Melody is open from 7 a.m.–9 p.m. on Monday-Thursday, 7 a.m.–1 a.m. on Friday, 8 a.m.–1 a.m. on Saturday, and 9 a.m.–6 p.m. on Sunday.
