The only thing D.C. loves more than a political scandal is dessert. In this high stress city, sugar is the only thing keeping us sane - well, that and Joe Biden's Instagram (check it out here). Whether you're craving boozy milkshakes or the fanciest cupcakes money can buy, D.C. has you covered. For the city-dweller with a serious sweet tooth, here are my seven favorite places to grab dessert in the district.
1. Pitango Gelato.
With two locations in the city, Pitango is both delicious and accessible. Within the last few years, it has gained a cult following and rightfully so. The gelato served up here is nothing short of perfection. They boast classic flavors like chocolate and vanilla, but also offer avant-garde ones like mojito, black tea and cardamom for the adventurous souls. After a day touring the monuments or visiting the Capitol, treat yourself to some of Pitango's finest. You won't regret it.
2. Ted's Bulletin.
Ever stuck deciding between a pint of Ben and Jerry's and a night out on the town? At Ted's Bulletin you can have both with their boozy milkshakes. Unlike the shots of Burnett's you're probably used to throwing back, you'll actually enjoy drinking these. Whether it's after dinner or during brunch, it is always the right time for one of Ted's famous adult milkshakes.
3. Milk Bar.
For one of the most unique desserts in the district, head to the Milk Bar located in CityCenter for cereal-milk flavored soft serve. It tastes just like the milk at the bottom of a bowl of cornflakes - seriously. For the full effect, ask for the crunchy cereal topping. If cereal milk isn't your thing, try their popular Compost Cookies or Crack Pie.
4. The Sweet Lobby.
After years of searching for the perfect cupcake in D.C., I found what I was looking for at The Sweet Lobby. The small shop located near the Eastern Market metro boasts both shorter lines and tastier cupcakes than the ever-popular Baked and Wired and Georgetown Cupcake. No matter what you order, you can't go wrong at this Barracks Row bakery.
5. Wicked Waffle.
Waffles typically fall into the "breakfast" category, but not at Wicked Waffle. Loaded with cheesecake, Nutella and other goodies, these sugar-laden waffles will satisfy even the most serious sweet tooth. If you don't see exactly what you want on the menu, don't hesitate to ask the staff for a custom order. These skilled waffle artisans can create anything your heart desires.
6. Dolcezza.
If you just came back from study abroad and are already missing Europe because it's so much better than America, stop complaining to your friends and go to Dolcezza. Their handcrafted gelato is reminiscent of the stuff you had in Italy or France or wherever you spent the last semester. Skip their coffee and go straight for the gelato. The prices may be a bit steep, but, trust me, they're worth it.
7. Thomas Sweet.
This adorable ice creamery serves up a wide array of flavors like mocha Oreo and cake batter, but the best part is the toppings section. You can get whole Kit Kat bars, a million different types of sprinkles and cookie dough bites. Does it get better than that? The treats served up here are not for the faint of heart. With generous scoops and myriad toppings, your best bet is to skip your prior meal to make room for the copious amounts of deliciousness you are about to consume.
Running the United States government is no easy task, and Washingtonians love rewarding a hard day's work with some well-earned dessert. What's your favorite place to grab dessert in the District? Tell us in the comments below!
