South End Buttery

The signature cupcakes at this cafe and bar — the Madison (vanilla), Simon (chocolate), and Harriet (carrot cake) — are named after owner Robert Gordon pooches. "It's quirky — they match the colors of the dogs," he said.

Price: $1.95 -$4 (depending on size and flavor)

Our take: The oversized sugar confetti sprinkles on the cupcakes remind us of childhood birthday parties. Yet the carrot cake variety is spicy and cinnamony and perfectly adult.