Oct. 14. is National Dessert Day, which, in our opinion, should be considered a holiday right up there with some of the greatest. If you see desserts as a guilty pleasure, treat yourself today! Or if you’re like us and see desserts as a staple, then be sure to add these to your daily repertoire. 

Bi-Rite Creamery

Farther away in location but well worth the trek, Bi-Rite Creamery has two locations in San Francisco. With over 8,000 reviews on Yelp, this store mixes classics with unique flavors that are well-known favorites of Bay Area residents. Popular flavors include Honey Lavender and Balsamic Strawberry. Tip: It’s always crowded, so if you want to skip the line, avoid coming during peak hours. The Mission location near Dolores Park has many hipster brunch and coffee places nearby. The neighborhood is an enjoyable place to spend some time in the city.

Juice Shop

Looking for a healthier, yet equally delicious dessert? After weeks of dining hall entrees or greasy food from Asian Ghetto, you might want to head to Juice Shop. Rather than getting the typical green juice, try Juice Shop’s Cacao Banana Maca Malt. It’s an almond drink blended with sweeter ingredients such as cacao and banana. You can indulge in a decadent drink, yet still feel healthy because Juice Shop aims to provide 100 percent organic, non-GMO ingredients in all its juices. 

Choux

Bonjour! Founded by a Parisian native, Choux is an authentic cream puff experience. The cream puffs are  similar to miniature donuts, but feature a sweet vanilla or raspberry custard filling topped with icing and are garnished beautifully. These cream puffs come in adorable packaging and make great gifts for everyone. Failed your midterm? Bring these to your professors, and you’ll definitely get a better grade on your next midterm. 

Vampire Penguin

Vampire Penguin is  a new dessert location in Berkeley. Their shaved ice is infused with sweet flavors such as green tea, strawberry and mango. Their toppings such as fresh fruit, almonds, red bean, condensed milk and popping boba, to name a few, add an elevated, unique flavor.  Their most popular flavor is Strawberry Cheesecake. It’s a strawberry and vanilla shaved ice that’s topped with graham crackers, strawberries, raspberries and drizzled with white chocolate, strawberry sauce and condensed milk. Check it out if you’re looking for something different on National Dessert Day. 

Trouble Coffee Company 

Who says coffee can’t be a dessert? Trouble Coffee Company is a West Oakland gem. It has unique minimalist decor and an interesting concept of no menu and no electronics. This coffee shop is one that encourages conversation. It doesn’t have a menu, so customers personally have to ask baristas for recommendations. The baristas can whip up whatever your heart desires. Our personal favorite, The Girlfriend, is an Earl Grey lavender latte that makes a perfect compliment to their delicious cinnamon toast. Its no electronics policy, although not strictly enforced, continues to enhance a social environment. Come here to spend a relaxing afternoon reminiscing with friends.