Pumpkin spice and everything nice.
From Safeway to SusieCakes, the sheer amount of pumpkin-spiced morsels now being prepared each fall is equal parts mind-boggling and drool-inducing. But before you go about harpooning the same-old pumpkin pie your fork this year, consider taking your taste buds on an autumnal odyssey, lead by mouthfuls from some of our favorite local PS-infused offerings. Here's a rundown on our favorite Bay Area pumpkin indulgences.
Gott's Roadside's Pumpkin Milkshake
Who doesn't love a portable pumpkin-flavored treat that requires no heating or utensils? At lunch and dinner, complement your pumpkin shake with equally festive entrees and sides, such as Gotts' turkey-and-stuffing-inspired burger and braised sprouts. But get there quick! As of Nov. 22nd, their seasonal shake will disappear till next season. // One Ferry Building (The Embarcadero), gotts.com
SusieCakes' Pumpkin Cheesecake + Spice Cake
They may make one of the best pumpkin pies around, but you'd be remiss to side-step SusieCakes' seasonally available pumpkin cheesecake—one of our annual favorites thanks to its sweet custard texture and notes of citrus. This season, the beloved bakery also rolls out a spice cake (pictured at top). Decisions, decisions. // Multiple locations, susiecakes.com
Mariposa's Pumpkin Chocolate-Chip Muffins
Mariposa Baking's luscious pumpkin, chocolate-chip muffins are a favorite every year. These incredibly moist muffins have a yummy brown sugar crumble, notable spice mix, and sweet chocolate chips studding the pumpkin puree. Better yet, they even come in a four-pack muffin tray for easy reheating in the oven at home. // Locations in Oakland and SF, and also available to order online; mariposabaking.com
Brenda's Pumpkin Pancakes With Pecan Sauce
Who says you pumpkin cravings can't be satiated before noon? Well, certainly not the southern master chefs at Brenda's French Soul Food. This Creole eatery with a cult following is known for its authentic New Orleans–style beignets, shrimp-and-grits, and, come fall, pumpkin pancakes. Served in threes with a dousing of pecan sauce, they're a seasonal breakfast treat that's worth every single Cheat Day calorie // 652 Polk St. (Tenderloin), frenchsoulfood.com
Batter Bakery's Roasted Pumpkin Bread
What goes better with a cup of coffee than a classic, simple pumpkin bread? Batter Bakery roasts its pumpkins prior to pureeing them, affording them a certain caramelized taste that's rare in other pumpkin cake iterations. Should you have a hankering for cocoa, this year the bakery is also offering its pumpkin bread with Guittard chocolate chips. Order at least 48 hours in advance. // 1517 Pine St. (Tendernob), batterbakery.com
Timeless Coffee's Vegan Pumpkin Cake Roll
This time of year, Timeless Coffee Roasters is a bastion for sweet squash renderings, populating their bakery and espresso menus with pumpkin-spiced offerings. Distinct from the rest is their vegan, cinnamon-butter-frosted, pumpkin cake roll. It's a mouthful to pronounce, but worth it. For an extra dose of deliciousness, ask for a side of honey for drizzling. // 4252 Piedmont Ave. (Oakland), timelesscoffee.com
The Ice Cream Bar's PX Pie Ice Cream Soda
Pumpkin-spiced adult beverages? Get spiked at The Cream Bar and Soda Fountain where the PX Pie ice cream soda comes with Anderson Valley Fall Hornin' Pumpkin Ale, spoonfuls of crème fraîche ice cream, and a floater of Toro Albala Don PX 2010 sherry for an extra hit of yuletide sweetness. Lyft! // 815 Cole St. (Cole Valley), theicecreambarsf.com
