Veniero's Pastry Shop   

As old as it is sweet, this family-run Italian cafe and bakery has been the de facto dessert destination of the late-night East Village scene for decades (it opened in the 19th century). It's big and blinding: two low-slung rooms of bright lights, shiny tiles, metal ceilings, glass surfaces and mirrors hide nothing. If that doesn't wake you up, then the double-shot of espresso will. The counter carries every confection your sweet tooth desires: windmill chocolate sponge cake, sfogliatella with ricotta cheese, strawberry millefoglie, bite-size cannoli, spumoni, rum- and custard-filled creme puffs. It's a dizzying and satisfying denouement to any date. And if you're still not awake, a sobering vision of your date with powdered sugar on their nose will do the trick.