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The downtown cupcake wars got a whole lot more interesting with the opening of this café and bakery in July 2008. Occupying a snug, white-tiled storefront scattered with dark wood tables, Sweet Revenge feels like a chic bistro. Not only can you sit down to enjoy your dessert here, you can linger over it with a cup of espresso—or even a glass of prosecco (the ultimate secret weapon in out-cupcaking the competition: a liquor license). The baked goods here are markedly more sophisticated than those churned out by other shops: Small and densely moist, the cupcakes come in artisanal flavors like Mexican vanilla, Malaysian coconut, and Mayan chocolate. Each is topped by a hefty swirl of thick buttercream or coat of rich ganache, and attractively wrapped in baking parchment. There’s nothing cloying about these creations—not a sprinkle or pastel smear in sight. — Sarah Gold