There is a crucial piece of life advice every Southerner shares with one another – order dessert first so you don’t miss out on the best part of the meal.

With that in mind, here are just a few of our favorite desserts around town.

Panna Cotta from Emmer & Rye
Courtesy of Emmer & Rye.

Kafir Lime Panna Cotta at Emmer & Rye

This Rainey Street spot dishes out creative, New American bites planned around the farmer’s haul. Local, seasonal, daily menus and dim sum-influenced offerings are the name of Emmer & Rye's game. After dinner, taste the Kafir Lime Panna Cotta, topped with honeycomb, pecan granola and tangerine - a treat for the eyes as well as the tastebuds.

Mango and Sticky Rice at Dee Dee

Enjoy Northern Thai specialties featuring market-fresh ingredients from Dee Dee's food trailer with picnic tables. Try the traditional Mango and Sticky Rice for a sweet finish to your meal, only available when mangoes are in season!

Moon Pies from Micklethwait Craft Meats.
Courtesy of Micklethwait Craft Meats.

Moon Pies at Micklethwait Craft Meats

Smoked meats, fresh breads and creative sides pour from the Micklethwait Craft Meats East Austin food trailer. Try the brisket Frito pie and save room for the moon pies if you're lucky enough to stop by before they're sold out for the day.

Lemon Rosemary Cake at Chez Zee

Nestled below the Northwest Hills neighborhood, Chez Zee is an American restaurant and dessert bakery that's been a mainstay of the restaurant community for over 15 years. Eclectic in decor, filled with folk art, a baby grand piano, patio dining, outdoor courtyard, and an art gallery.

Chocolate cake from 1886 Bakery & Cafe in front of a bowl of strawberries, a bottle of champagne and two champagne glassesChocolatarium at Swift’s Attic

Located in the heart of downtown Austin along Congress Avenue, Swift’s Attic offers a sophisticated atmosphere and shareable menu. You may think the chocolatarium belongs in a museum, but this inventive, colorful dessert is as flavorful as it is elegant.

Italian Cream Cake at 1886 Café & Bakery

Located in Austin's historic Driskill hotel and overlooking Sixth Street, 1886 Café & Bakery specializes in breads and pastries of all designs. The legendary Chocolate Cake dates back to 1886, and the Italian Cream Cake is as rich and scrumptious as you might imagine. Order it for your next event or stop in for a slice next time you're in town.

Birthday Cake Ice Cream Sandwich at Launderette

A 2016 James Beard Award finalist for Best New Restaurant, Launderette serves up vibrant Mediterranean-fusion fare in a modern space that was once home to an East Austin washateria. The dessert menu is expansive, but the Birthday Cake Ice Cream Sandwich is a solid bet for any sweet enthusiast.

Contributed by Susan Richardson. Photo of chocolate cake, courtesy of the Driskill Hotel.