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    Sweet Relief

    4.0 (69 reviews)

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    Chocolate cream and chocolate cookies and cream
    Laura W.

    I bought a couple of cupcakes the other day from Smallcakes. I have actually been trying to visit since they opened but their hours are, frankly, terrible. I think it's best to sum up the positives and negatives in a list. Positives: +Best cupcakes I have had in a long time! I really enjoyed the chocolate cream more (it's like a 930 club cupcake or you could say, one of those Hostess ones with cream in the middle and thick chocolate icing) than the cookies and cream but both were perfectly cakey (not dry at all), very chocolatey for the cake portions, and sized nicely. + icing in general: the icing is my favorite part and I LOVED this icing. Not overly sweet but still quite rich. The chocolate icing was thicker and creamier while the cookies and cream was slightly more fluffy but well-flavored definitely with a vanilla base but hints of oreo. +Pricing: Each cupcake was slightly over $4 which I think is reasonable considering their size. I only ate 1/2 of one at each sitting because they are large and rich. I think there is a military discount because I was asked if I was military. Negatives: - Hours: how can you be closed on Sunday?! They are missing out on so much potential business given the amount of people that congregate in Pentagon Row on Sundays. Also, how can you close at 8pm on weekdays and 9pm on weekend nights?! Again, so much business lost! I can tell you too they definitely have closed before 9pm because when hubby and I tried to go there are 8:45pm one Friday night, the door was locked and the register person was counting the money. -Chocolate cream cupcake had less than a dollop of cream inside. If you advertise there is cream, it should be more than a tiny dot. Neutral: *The register person was not unfriendly but not friendly either. *I came at 7:30pm on a weeknight and the chocolate flavors (cake and icing both) were limited. They offer ice cream and coffee too. I will definitely return for cupcakes in the future and possibly for ice cream since there isn't anywhere else for that in Pentagon Row. I just wish they would revise their hours to be open on Sunday and be more flexible with their closing time. Otherwise, I'm a fan of Smallcakes!

    Smallcakes that pack a punch
    James M.

    My wife stopped in, she has been looking for that Cupcake shop that would really WOW her- I think she found it. She had nothing but compliments for each cupcake she tried. Everywhere else including the one in Georgetown & Old Towne were dry, not these, each one was moist & delicious. She bought a six-pack which was packed in a cool designed box that kept them intact for drive home. We shared with the Grandkids & everyone loved them. Granddaughter's favorite was the Strawberry & my favorite was all of them. Definitely a hit & will be a sure stop when in Del Ray.

    What we got.
    Kalyn J.

    I ordered chocolate cupcakes with rainbow frosting for my daughters birthday and attached a picture for reference. The bakery sent this declaimer with the invoice: "Please note, we do not claim to replicate the photo you provided, we will do our best to color each buttercream as close as possible. Colors like purple, red and blue will be lighter than those in the photo you provided." However, we thought they would have done a better job than this! Especially for $70.97 for 15 cupcakes! When my partner asked if they could re-do the frosting on the ones that were all blue/green, she said no and that they can't guarantee rainbow colors. I figured they couldn't promise that the frosting would be as perfect as in the example picture, or the colors as bright- but if they can't do rainbow frosting, just don't do it. You can't just put a disclaimer on your invoice and expect that all standards go out the window. It's sad bc we've ordered cupcakes from here before and were happy, but don't plan to again in the future. If you are going to charge $71 for 15 cupcakes, then they should be closer to the desired outcome. And if it isn't, then have more pride in your final product and redo them- or call the customer and explain the situation and offer another alternative.

    Red velvet
    Mandy P.

    Came here while browsing the mall. There was a woman in front of me who took forever and there was only one worker working. The working even gave her a discount bc she asked for it bc she was so fed up! When she finally left. The worker got through the other 5 customers pretty slowly given she was still hung up on that woman. Red velvet was okay but I wouldn't recommend it. It was overwhelmingly sweet and there was no complexity between the cake and the cream cheese frosting. But the cake was moist and better than the cupcakes at baked and wired! I probably won't be back though.

    Robert H.

    We ordered the chocolate cream cheese cupcake and split. It was very good and a nice treat after lunch. Was a little disappointed the signage indicated doggie cupcakes were available but was told they are only made on the weekends. Overall service was polite and receipt was offered via email.

    Walter anticipating his Pupcake
    Betsy J.

    New cupcake shop in Del Ray near the steak house on the Avenue. Just opened last week. Smallcakes, small batch cupcakes and ice cream. Week 2 of the shop, I treated my team at work for a colleagues birthday. 5 types sampled and all came up with the same response, delicious, not too sweet and moist cake. I had a pistachio macaroon - yummy crunchy and creamy and pleasantly green! Got 2 pupcakes for the dog- Walter was also pleased with his peanut butter frosting and a teeny dog bone on top. Looking forward to having a smash cake with red velvet ice cream next week. Thank you for coming to Del Ray!

    Omg so delicious! I reviewed this place a few months ago and decided to try again... yummy yummy yummy!
    Anna U.

    Update: decided to try them again and I was not disappointed! Omg look how adorable these St Patrick Day cupcakes are! Yummy yummy yummy!!! The office staff loved them!

    Lemon drop
    Heidi I.

    Lemon drop was bomb. Lemon flavor throughout the cake. Frosting was a tad on the sweeter side but I just prefer a whipped frosting. It's nomz either way!

    Ok Smallcakes...first of all, I LOVE CAKE. Like, ALOT. Sometimes I will be at home and say, "I need cake." I love cake so much, I can pretty much sniff out a good cake lol. The first time I ordered a cake from here, it was for my grand daughter's birthday. We ordered a pull apart cake in the shape of #2, for her second birthday. She dived head first into her cupcake, lol. She loved it! When I bit into my cupcake, I was so happy! The cake was fresh, soft, and moist. The buttercream icing was amazing! Everyone thoroughly enjoyed the cake and the next weekend, my mom asked me to order more cupcakes! Lol So today, we put in a same day order, because I was having my cake craving, lol. I didn't hold my hopes up, because sometimes you can walk into a bakery and get day old cake, etc. NOT AT SMALLCAKES!!! The cupcakes are so amazingly fresh and so delicious!!! You will definitely get orders from us again and again. Whatever you're doing, keep up the good work!!! These are the best cupcakes in the DMV!!!

    Amanda G.

    Beautiful cupcakes but other than that disappointed. Cake is a bit dry and frosting on the lemon was way too sweet. They're also more expensive than competitors which is not reflected in the quality.

    Smashcake = Sangria Cupcake + Coconut Avacodo Ice-cream + Guava Ice-cream. Then a cheesecake pie and a chocolate creme cupcake in the back.
    Michael R.

    Awesome service...great cupcakes, ice cream.... Frosting is velvety smooth, not too sweet, cake has a very good taste! Get the smash cake if you can. Ice cream plus a cupcake...pure delight!!

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    7 years ago

    Love these cupcakes! The owner is really nice and I always love to try the different specials they have.

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    4 years ago

    First time I came here, the cupcakes were so so good and well baked. I came here again with my daughter and she loved it!

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    Page 1 of 2

    Ask the Community - Sweet Relief

    Review Highlights - Sweet Relief

    They are consistent, moist, not overly sugary, and they don't leave a horrible sugar aftertaste in your mouth.

    Mentioned in 16 reviews

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    Goodies Frozen Custard & Treats - The Big Apple

    Goodies Frozen Custard & Treats

    4.4(296 reviews)
    1.1 miOld Town Alexandria
    $$

    The custard here is always yummy, with all the beautiful looking fixings on top. Makes you feel…read morelike a child again. If I had my way, I'd stop for some delicious dessert everyday. Sadly too much of anything ... you know how the saying goes, but ai digress. The gentleman server is always gracious, greets you with a smile, and he remembers you as a customer, so that's definitely a plus. The lines are always long, out front is mostly family oriented packed, so there's that. So many indicators that this is a place to stop at, after dinner, or a nice walk to the river. I usually get the boogie woogie, it's so scrumptious. Let's not forget the nostalgia down memory lane with the times piece objects advertising a trip to the drive in if any still existed. This place is cute, small, and memorable and really just perfect as it is. Last but not least... the music... that's really music. Dive in to this drive in... and see for yourself. I've chatted while waiting on line with folks visiting from out the country that has heard about this place to see what the hype is about, and I tell ya.., they had smiles on their faces.

    I have been looking forward to coming here for a long time and I am so disappointed. I seen to have…read moresimilar thoughts as other recent reviews. Not good and expensive. The menu didn't seem to be as extensive as normal (see my pic), and I ordered a brownie sundae. It was $10 and didn't even come with a full brownie. There were a few chopped brownie bits which did not taste good on top of average ice cream. I didn't even finish the whole thing and took two bites and threw it out. For $10 I would have at least expected a whole brownie. The vanilla ice cream was nothing special. Cash only. No parking.

    Photos
    Goodies Frozen Custard & Treats - Frozen Custard with peanut butter cup and Kit Kat topping  and chocolate drizzle for the win.

    Frozen Custard with peanut butter cup and Kit Kat topping and chocolate drizzle for the win.

    Goodies Frozen Custard & Treats - The Boogie Woogie and Red Velvet Donutwich

    The Boogie Woogie and Red Velvet Donutwich

    Goodies Frozen Custard & Treats - Storefront plants

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    Storefront plants

    Buzz Bakeshop - Birthday cake

    Buzz Bakeshop

    3.5(755 reviews)
    0.6 mi
    $$

    I stopped by this bakery on a Friday to pick up a birthday treat for my friend before our lunch. I…read moreusually go for cupcakes, but this time the chocolate cake in the display case immediately caught my eye. I stood there debating for a bit--looking at the cupcakes (carrot, red velvet, espresso) and even considering the macaroons, especially the chocolate one. But in the end, the chocolate cake kept calling my name, so I went with that. The woman helping me was really kind and even offered to give me a candle for the cake, which I thought was a nice touch. She boxed it up for me and didn't completely close the top of the box, which honestly made it feel a little extra special--like a sneak peek of the cake inside. I brought it to the restaurant where we were having lunch, and my friend was so happy when I surprised her with it. We shared it for dessert after our meal. I was a little nervous buying a cake I hadn't pre-ordered, but it turned out to be delicious--moist, rich, and perfectly chocolatey. There was a bit more frosting than I personally prefer, but the cake itself was gorgeous and tasted great. There was also a vanilla cake with rainbow sprinkles in the case that looked really tempting, but since my friend loves chocolate, I definitely made the right choice. She even compared it to a cake she had recently bought herself and said this one was better. I told her if she couldn't finish it, she could always freeze the rest and enjoy it later. That's actually what I like to do with leftover desserts--freeze them and pull them out when I'm craving a sweet treat. Overall, it was a great last-minute birthday pick and the cake was a hit. I'll definitely be back the next time I need a sweet treat--and honestly, I might have to try that vanilla cake with rainbow sprinkles because it looked so scrumptious!!

    I love Buzz's coffee and their quiches, but I wish they would stop describing their vanilla cupcake…read moreas coming with buttercream frosting, when it's obvious that the icing is cream cheese frosting. Buttercream frosting is made with butter, confectionary sugar, vanilla, and a bit of cream or milk. Magnolia Cupcakes is famous for their buttercream frosting. It tastes nothing like the "buttercream frosting" sold at Buzz.

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    Buzz Bakeshop
    Buzz Bakeshop
    Buzz Bakeshop - Chocolate cake

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    Chocolate cake

    Lady Camellia - Desserts

    Lady Camellia

    3.8(121 reviews)
    1.6 miOld Town Alexandria
    $$$

    Lady Camellia at The Waterfront is a small and elegant jewel box along the beautiful waterfront…read morescenery in Old Town. It felt positively Bridgerton-esque, my Dear Reader, from the butterfly patterned china, to the delicate King Louis chairs to the elegant three-tiered trays of pastries and scones. The salon was filled with multi-generations, ladies who lunch, and my dining companion was alas the only gentleman. We enjoyed Tea for Two: smoked salmon & brie and apple tea sandwiches; scones with cream, curd and jam; tartlets and crème brûlée. There are also savory options such as soufflés and English pies and of course, a very diverse multitude of tea. This is a lovely place for a special occasion and of course make reservations as this is quite small. Our tea was unhurried and leisurely and the staff was efficient and friendly. Lady Camellia is really my cup of tea.

    I'm not new to tea time- in fact, you could call me an afternoon tea enthusiast. I found this place…read moreafter searching (mostly in vain) for a shop that does afternoon tea/high tea. What you get for the money is INSANE. It's a great value, especially for such a HCOL area. I was so full after leaving; this is one of the few tea shops I've been to that actually give you a good amount of food (which was very tasty). I've seen a few reviews mention that the tea strainers don't catch a lot of the tea leaves. This is only true for some of the teas, but ultimately, if you usually drink loose leaf tea, it won't bother you. The shop itself is cute, and looks right over the water. It's small but cozy, and when it's full it has a nice vibe to it. You definitely need a reservation, and to get the time slot you want, you'd need to book well in advance. Servers were attentive and explained everything clearly. The only (very minor) suggestion for improvement would be that the brie and apple sandwich should use green apples instead of red. That would give it a nicer flavor profile.

    Photos
    Lady Camellia - Afternoon tea

    Afternoon tea

    Lady Camellia - Weekend Afternoon Tea Menu

    Weekend Afternoon Tea Menu

    Lady Camellia - English pie

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    English pie

    Fontaine - Just Peachy

    Fontaine

    3.8(929 reviews)
    1.3 miOld Town Alexandria
    $$

    Tucked just off King Street, Fontaine offers crêpes and classic French dishes in a charming, bistro…read moresetting. The crepes were good, I tried the Alexandrian and enjoyed it. The menu leans traditional, with a variety of options that highlight classic French flavors. That said, it's a bit on the pricier side for the overall experience. I'd recommend Fontaine more for a specific occasion, like taking visiting parents, or if you're dining with someone who needs gluten-free options, as they have good choices. Overall, a quaint and inviting spot that brings a touch of France to Old Town.

    To quote the great Tyra Banks: "I want to give you a zero, but that's not possible. So I give you a…read more1." Let's just say the food here was absolutely disappointing. All of the hip young girls in high school recommended this place to me and my friends and lets just say, they have never been more wrong. My girls and I went this weekend for a birthday brunch. I wanted a crepe, but when I saw it was 17 DOLLARS to slap some Nutella and strawberries on a piece of crepe is outrageous. I ordered a "Continental Breakfast," which, with tax and tip, cost me $30 DOLLARS. I wish you could have seen the look on my face when they gave me a plate of rabbit food. All 6 of us looked at the plate and laughed. Seriously, my 5 year old neice can eat 3 times as much of that in one sitting. So, in what world would that be enough food for a grown woman? My friend then went on to order the French toast for a grand total of $36 DOLLARS. Mind you, there was only one piece of toast, and the Inside was raw and soggy. Tasted like eating wet, soaked toilet paper. On top of the overpriced food and small portions, our "server" came to our table for a total of ONE SINGULAR TIME. My friend had also ordered a Chai Latte. Surprise, Surprise! It never came, and they still charged her for it. I think the nice man who brought us our food could see the look on our faces when we received our food, because he then brought us a free side of French fries. It is a huge problem when the french fries were the only sufficient thing I put in my mouth at this restaurant. I please, genuinely beg all of you to NOT waste your money. I promise there is anywhere else where you can get a crepe for double the size and half the cost. Once we left, we went down to Call Your Mother, the Jewish Deli, to get more food, as all of us left with our tummies still rumbling. Mind you, a full bagel sandwich and coffee cost HALF THE PRICE of one meal at Fontaine. Horrible. Mind you, it is 2 days later, and I am still thinking about this. I fully created a Yelp account just so I could leave a review. I think I would have a better experience eating an IHOP Continental breakfast than whatever I put in my mouth at this restaurant. Not worth the hype at all. Save your hard-earned cash and be a big baller elsewhere!

    Photos
    Fontaine - Back

    Back

    Fontaine - Egg salad with cucumbers. Delicious!

    Egg salad with cucumbers. Delicious!

    Fontaine - French 75

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    French 75

    Dolce & Bean

    Dolce & Bean

    4.6(155 reviews)
    0.3 miDel Ray
    $$

    Dolce & Bean focuses on chocolates, macarons, gelato and a few other dessert items…read more We were greeted warmly by a kind gentleman. After taking a look at the candy, gelato and desserts, we settled on key lime pie. The key lime pie was pretty good, though it was perhaps a little too sweet and the filling rather dry. Because we were first time customers, the shopkeeper offered us each a piece of complimentary candy. The candy had a shell filled with a confection containing Japanese citrus yuzu fruit. The shell was coated with dark chocolate. I'm just going to say this was the tastiest, most delightful candy I've ever sampled. Dolce & Bean also sells attractively designed packages of candies. These would make good gifts. We absolutely will be back for more candy and want to try the gelato. One minor thing is that the shop was chilly and I had to put my hoodie on. But heck, aren't most restaurants and stores around the DMV freezing cold in the summer?

    Such a sweet and quaint chocolate and coffee shop. Stopped in sort of by accident, and am so happy…read moreI did! Definitely a "mom and pop" shop which makes it feel warm and cozy. I have a suspicion the owner is the one who took our order and served us. He also gives out free samples of chocolate if you're a first time customer - which of course made me want more! I'd definitely return to support this small (and delicious) small business. Oh & I got a green tea macaron - yum!

    Photos
    Dolce & Bean
    Dolce & Bean - Happiness

    Happiness

    Dolce & Bean

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    Sweet Relief - cupcakes - Updated May 2026

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