Dessert-Focused Cafe, Decadence, Now Open in Brightwood

decadenceFormer nurse and self-described foodie Robin Franklin often found the desserts lacking when she went out to eat. "You either have very few choices, or the choices that you have are just OK," she says.

That's a big part of the inspiration for her new dessert and wine cafe, Decadence, which opened in Brightwood a week and a half ago. (The business is still waiting on its liquor license, so there won't be any wine until next month.) "Sometimes you just want somewhere else to go after dinner. You're not quite ready to go home," says Franklin, who lives in Brightwood.  

Franklin's specialty is her bread pudding. In addition, Decadence serves around 15 desserts, most of which are cakes, pies, and cupcakes. Among the highlights are a sweet potato cake and a salted caramel pecan cheesecake. Some of the desserts are made in-house, while others are brought in from other local bakers.

Decadence also has some small plates, which range from mini crab cakes to slow-roasted beef brisket sliders to cheese and charcuterie boards. When she gets her liquor license, Franklin will serve a limited selection of wines and beers. In the meantime, she has a tea cart that will roll to the table so that you can see your loose leaf tea pot prepared in front of you.

The place also serves breakfast and lunch. Morning offerings are limited to chicken and waffles and shrimp and grits as well as some baked goods like muffins, quiche, and danishes. Sandwiches, soups, and salads are available for lunch.

Decadence has just 24 seats and will also feature local artists as well as open-mic nights.

"It's very small and intimate," Franklin says. "And it's sexy too."

Decadence, 6204 Georgia Ave. NW

Photo via Decadence