BALLARD. This quaint ­ if a tad noisy ­ little bake shop is a must for any sweet tooth gallivanting around the Ballard area. The lattes are hot and frothy, and the early morning appetite is appeased by everything from ham and cheese-stuffed pastries to croissants and brioches, all of them fresh-made and tasty beyond belief. After receiving your morning jolt of joe, go ahead and grab yourself a little something to go ­ a slice of quiche Lorraine for lunch or a cinnamony Appenzell nut twist might do the trick.

EASTLAKE. This well-known bakery plies patrons with a mouthwatering selection of pastries, coffee drinks, and sandwiches made with thick-sliced homemade breads. Colorful, hand-painted furnishings add a country feel to the bright, spacious dining room, and the diverse crowd is welcoming, whether you're wearing a suit or sweats. If you're looking for heartier fare than pastries and breads, try a full eggs-and-toast breakfast with the best country potatoes in the area, or splurge on an addictive house specialty: baked apple French toast.

BELLTOWN. Some fans say this tiny café is the best bakery in Seattle. It packs a crowd at lunch, but breakfast is a great time to relax in the cozy, artsy dining room and enjoy fresh coffee and juices. You'll also find friendly service and a massive, tempting selection of bagels, breads, French toast, tartlets, cobblers, and much more. Buy a loaf of the renowned potato bread to take along with you.

FREMONT. This dessert shop offers dozens of tantalizing sweets, including Gooey Bailey's Irish Cream Cake. Satisfy your sweet tooth with a luscious morsel of chocolate truffle cake or perhaps a slice of chocolate cognac torte. A turtle brownie with a glass of milk will transport you back to your mother's kitchen. If you're in the mood for something a tad less decadent, strawberry cake and lemon blueberry cake are excellent choices too. In fact, whatever your desire, you're likely to find it at Simply Desserts.

DOWNTOWN. Founded in 1912, this local favorite serves up hearty favorites in a no-frills atmosphere. The place may be small, but it's a fantastic destination if you want a quick bite or some fresh-baked treats. Counter service is the name of the game, although a few seats toward the rear allow enterprising patrons the opportunity to sit and eat. You'll find an excellent variety of soups and sandwiches to choose from, and the chili is second-to-none. For dessert, enjoy fresh pastries or a slice of their famous strawberry pie. You may also find yourself tempted by pumpkin cookies, carrot cake, and the chewy goodness of bagels and sourdough bread.