A Cookie & a Cupcake, a Napoleon & a Wedding Cake; Where to Find Great Bakery in Cleveland

Stuck in Cleveland and your sweet tooth is going off? You're in luck. Cleveland has some of the best bakeries going. Here are some of the tops you will find west of the Cuyahoga River.

A Cookie & A Cupcake

This first one is a real gem. Nestled in Cleveland's Tremont neighborhood, home by the way to Iron Chef Michael Symon, is A Cookie & A Cupcake. This is one to go into because it is so visually stunning. From the cupcakes to the individual cheesecakes, this is the way treats are supposed to look. Check out their cake gallery, baking at its artistic best. Try the Grasshopper cupcake, my daughter's personal favorite.

A Cookie & A Cupcake is located at 2173 Professor Avenue, Cleveland, Ohio 44113

The West Side Market

Cleveland's West Side Market, located at the corner of West 25^th and Lorain Avenue offers much for those with the munchies. Inside this historic open market, you will find many stands offering sweet edibles. A favorite of mine is Theresa's Bakery. Theresa's makes Cheesecakes, pumpkin rolls, bread and other baked goods. Don't walk away from Theresa's without one of their fantastic apple fritters.

While at the West Side Market, don't overlook any of the other baked good stands. They say don't go shopping hungry but in this case, I say do!

Theresa's Bakery is located at stand D-6 in Cleveland's historic West Side Market.

Farkas Pastry Shoppe

If your tastes are for fine European style baked goods then Farkas Pastry Shoppe is for you. Started over 35 years ago this exquisite example of pastries at their finest has been baking fine desserts for the restaurant trade for years. You can sample their wares Wednesday through Saturday. Everything from butter cream tortes to linzers and nut rolls this is baking at the top end. Try the Napoleon, a Farkas signature.

Farkas Pastry Shoppe is located at 2700 Lorain Road, Cleveland, Ohio 44113

Gypsy Beans and Baking Company

The Gypsy Beans and Baking Company, located in the eclectic Gordon Square Arts District of Cleveland is a great place to sit with your coffee and pastry and just watch the people go by. If you go here, try the maple muffin or the carrot cake along with your coffee. Take these treats down to nearby Whiskey Island and enjoy the view of Lake Erie and the Cuyahoga River. Spectacular in all aspects!

The Gypsy Beans and Baking Company is located at West 65^th and Detroit Road on the southwest corner.

Colozza's Bakery

If you like wedding cakes and you don't even have to be planning one to enjoy the sights in the window here, than Colozza's Bakery in Parma is for you. After looking the decision becomes tough. Do you pick the Danish or the coffee cake? Maybe a strudel or a Raspberry Barber Pole? I think I'll settle for the Lady Lock!

Colozza's Bakery is located at 5880 Ridge Road, Parma, Ohio 44129

Clevelanders, if I've missed you favorite, don't worry. I could have written about dozens more bakeries on the West Side alone. For more information on any of the bakeries listed here, click on the link at the end of the article. Happy eating!

A Cookie & A Cupcake

The West Side Market

Theresa's Bakery

The Gypsy Beans and Baking Company

Gordon Square Arts District

Colozza's Bakery

Farkas Pastry Shoppe