While renowned for its history and innovation, Cambridge harbors a delicious secret: a thriving haven for those with a sweet tooth. Which, of course, is pretty much everyone.
As the birthplace of the iconic Tootsie Roll, the city has a rich candy legacy that continues to thrive today. You can experience that legacy firsthand during a self-guided tour of the origins of the Tootsie Roll, Charleston Chew, Junior Mints, Fig Newtons and other classic sweets. But that’s just the beginning of a delicious journey through the city’s finest chocolatiers, hidden candy shops, and dessert destinations that are sure to satisfy your cravings and leave you wanting more.
International Sweet Escapes
Cambridge is a melting pot of global flavors, with sweet shops offering treats from around the world. Indulge in delicate macarons at Praliné French Patisserie, the chewy and flavorful Japanese mochi doughnuts at The Dough Club or the chocolates and candies at Spindler Confections that are a mix of imported and made in-house. While there, Spindler’s Museum of Chocolate & Confectionery is a must-see, showcasing a fascinating collection of historic candy boxes, advertisements, packaging, equipment and more.
Indulge Like the Locals
If American made is more your style, you’ll feel right at home with a local dessert shop in every neighborhood. L.A. Burdick Handmade Chocolates is renowned for its luxurious, hand-crafted chocolates and decadent hot chocolate (making the hardest choice of your day dark, white or milk). Flour Bakery is renowned for its exquisite pastries and decadent desserts, tempting even the most disciplined sweet tooth. Sofra, a Middle Eastern bakery, offers sweet, savory, and contemporary interpretations of the traditional cuisines of Turkey, Lebanon, and Greece. Cookies are encouraged for breakfast at Cafe Beatrice, a bright and airy coffee shop in Cambridge Crossing. Or enjoy some of everything with the “bean to bar” Chocolate Tour through Harvard Square that’s filled with sampling and sipping.
A Scoop Above the Rest
It’s easy to chill in Cambridge, especially when it involves some of the best ice cream around. J.P. Licks is a local favorite, known for its rich, creamy flavors like coffee heath bar crunch and chocolate mousse. For a more adventurous scoop, head to Toscanini’s, where unique and bold flavors like burnt caramel and ginger are the stars of the show. If you're craving something with a twist, Honeycomb Creamery offers small-batch ice cream made with locally sourced ingredients, often featuring seasonal flavors (its Taco Tuesday specials are not to be missed). New City Microcreamery’s farm-to-table ice cream showcases local dairy which, when paired with liquid nitrogen, delivers an unparalleled level of smooth and creamy. Or check out Christina’s Ice Cream in Inman Square – a Cambridge institution with 39 flavors and more than 30 years of history. And for a taste of homemade goodness, Lizzy’s Homemade Ice Cream serves up generous scoops of classic favorites, like vanilla and chocolate chip, in a cozy, welcoming atmosphere.
So, indulge your sweet tooth and embark on a delightful journey through Cambridge's confectionery wonderland. You just might need a few visits to experience it all.
