Do you think that you should always eat dessert last? Think again. Vaccaro's pastry shop, at 222 Albermarle St. in Little Italy, is the place to go whenever you get a craving for something sweet. Offering a menu comprised solely of desserts and coffee drinks, Vaccaro's has been satisfying sweet teeth in Baltimore since 1956.
Whether you decide to carry out or eat there, you have a wide array of choices to choose from. Vaccaro's offers pastries, coffee, specialty coffee drinks, gelati, Italian coolers, Colloseos (specialty waffle dishes) and granita (Italian ice). Known for its rum cake and cannolis, this family pastry shop serves any traditional dessert you might imagine, including clairs, cream puffs and cheese cake. Vaccaro's also offers many of their own creations, such as the V-52 Bomber (vanilla gelati topped with hot fudge, cookies and whipped cream), pumpkin cheesecake and the apple-strudel Napoleon.
The hot chocolate and coffees come in oversized, bowl-like cups and the pastries could pass as meals themselves. Freshman Jackie Walsh says, "This is not your after-dinner kind of dessert place. Bring a friend, because you won't be able to finish these portions by yourself."
The setting is warm and perfect for enjoying a piece of cake with a friend. Says sophomore NaMee Kim, "The atmosphere was really cozy and nice."
The only drawbacks are the prices (all the desserts on the menu range from about $4 - $10) and the distance from campus. Though it is not as easy as walking or taking the shuttle, the $10 cab fare to Vaccaro's is not bad, especially if you split the fare with a friend. Plus, the Little Italy neighborhood is worth exploring, and a dessert at Vaccaro's is the perfect end to a day out.
Says freshman Nabila Rahman, "I wouldn't go there just for the dessert, but if I were in the neighborhood, I would definitely go."
If you still don't feel like making the trip, Vaccaro's delivers select cookies and pastries to anywhere in the United States via UPS. They also make party platters, as well as wedding and birthday cakes.
Vaccaro's has some great specials: Every Monday is "All-you-care-to-eat coffees and dessert" for $10.95, and if you go there on your birthday and show ID, they will treat you to a dessert and coffee for free.
If you do decide to pay a trip to Vaccaro's, the tirimisu is worth trying. Upon tasting it, freshman Vandna Jerath broke into giggles and said, "This is really good. Really good. This is one of the best cakes I've ever had." Freshman Sam Hahn said "It's addictive. Can I eat more?"
People who would rather skip the heavy desserts for something a little more heath-conscious are in luck; Vaccaro's has several different flavors of granita and several Italian coolers and specialty coffee drinks. But beware - with the glass counter of desserts beckoning, it will be hard to take time to count calories. All in all, if you like dessert, Vaccaro's is worth the time and trip. After only one bite of cake, freshman Jared Hierman exclaimed, "I'm going there next weekend!
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