Bright, inviting South End spot caters to local sugartooths with a remarkable selection of fresh, inventive pastries, savory snacks and coffee.

A steady stream of South Enders stop by at all hours to Joanne Chang's award-winning bakery and cafe. Friendly employees start each day by listing the daily specials, a quote-of-the-day and the weather forecast on a large blackboard. With a mountain of newspapers and tons of natural light, this is a perfect spot to linger over breakfast. The bakery is a labor of love, evident in Chang's irresistible offerings. Those looking for sweets can choose from an astounding selection, including ginger molasses cookies, homemade pop tarts and the much-beloved sticky buns. Sandwiches are made to order on superb focaccia; fillings include apple-wood smoked bacon, tarragon chicken and oven-roasted vegetables.

Photo by Christine Liu