How Sweet It is to Be in Charleston – Best Bakery/Pastry Shops

By Mark A. Leon

How often do we wake up or find that mid day slump and we just crave some good old fashioned sweets.  We are of course in Charleston, so any old sweets will not do.  It is critical that we put some serious thought into the right delicacy for the right moment.

We have become home to some of the most beloved pastry chefs around.  Some don the kitchens of our high class restaurants and others have found a nest to enchant our taste buds with sweetness.

Here is our guide to some of the best bakery/pastry shops in the Charleston area.

Luckhaus & Brubaker Sweets and Treats – 1939 Maybank Highway, James Island, SC – You will immediately be swept away by the life-size chocolate sculptures throughout the store and decadent smells.  You much indulge in one or more of the truffles (mocha, baileys, key lime) and a homemade cake (each slice is meant for sharing).  If you have that special puppy at home, pick up a doggie treat.

Wildflour Pastry – 73 Spring Street, Charleston, SC / 1750 Savannah Highway, West Ashley, SC – If you are lucky enough to get a homemade cookie (Oatmeal walnut cranberry is heavenly) or key lime pie,  you will be in seventh heaven.  They muffins with cream cheese topping, brownies and amazing coffee drinks are why the neighbors keep coming back.  The savory pesto, mozzarella and sun-dried tomato turnover is a repeat favorite of ours.  They have some yummy puppy snacks as well.

Sugar Bakeshop – 59 1/2 Cannon Street, Charleston, SC – Cupcakes, tarts, cookies, muffins or pies:  This place is just adorable and the owners are just as sweet at the edibles.

Kaminsky’s Desserts and Bar – 78 North Market Street, Charleston, SC – What can you say, homemade pies, steamers, Baileys, Kahlua, tea and pie right in the heart of Market Street.  This is a romantic, family or people watching hotspot for late at night after a hearty meal and long walk by Waterfront Park.

Mudd Pie Girl Bakery – North Charleston (Customized Bakery Needs) – If you need the perfect wedding cake, this is your baker.  At the ripe young age of 4 or 5, she knew what she wanted to do and she does it so well.  If you need a customized and incredible catering need met, look no further.

Cafe Framboise – 159 Market Street, Charleston, SC – The French know pastries and crepes.  This team will knock your socks off for breakfast, lunch and dessert.  Their selection is tremendous and each item is made with love.  Try the fruit tart, quiche and sweet crepes.

Carmella’s Dessert Bar – 198 East Bay Street, Charleston, SC – If you want a fine glass of wine, a scoop of homemade ice cream, a large delicious piece of cake or muffin, an espresso martini, chocolate covered strawberries or hot cocoa while you people watch on East Bay, make your way to Carmella’s.

Take some time to review the menus and look at some pictures to whet you appetite.  Then make some plans to get on a sailboat and head to the island of sweet dreams.