While the number of food options on campus has blossomed in recent years, the dessert presence is left to be desired. Though many vendors have their own dessert options— from Nutella crepes to milkshakes— the move of Red Mango out of the Bryan Center left campus without a definitive dessert option. Luckily, there are lots of stores near to campus to help you #treatyoself and satisfy a stress-induced sweet tooth:
via. Pincho Loco
Pincho Loco
This laid-back ice cream shop is a quick walk from East Campus. Featuring classic Latino flavors such as tequila, guava and tamarind, as well as the usual flavor suspects, Pincho Loco serves great ice cream and milkshakes.
via. Big Bundts
Big Bundts & More
Directly off of East Campus on Broad Street, Big Bundts & More serves arguably the best cake anywhere near campus. Their cake lounge sells cake by the slice, as well as artisan cake balls. With flavors changing seasonally, there’s always something new and delicious to try.
via. A Sassy Spoon
Pine Cone
Conveniently located in Brightleaf Square, Pine Cone serves local, high-quality Maple View ice cream and Joe Van Gogh coffee. The store smells like heaven, and serves some of the best ice cream in Durham.
via. Bigger Bolder Baking
Snow Factory
The newest addition to Ninth Street, Snow Factory serves Thai pan-fried ice cream rolls. Though the store has had extremely long lines— possibly in part to how new it is— its desserts are easily the most aesthetic near campus.
via. Chicago Magazine
Locopops
A little bit farther than the other locations, Locopops is on Hillsborough Road off of East Campus. The menu consists of a number of ‘regulars’ options, as well as ‘guest star’ pops rotating weekly and monthly. While many of their ‘paletas de crema’ are vegetarian and gluten-free, all of their ‘paletas de agua’ are vegan.