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Colson Patisserie
Master Critic Review
Colson Patisserie
8.0
Colson Patisserie is a Belgian-French bakery where bomboloni-style donuts sit alongside croissants and tarts, with raspberry-filled donuts and sufganiyot standing out. Since 2006, it’s been a South Slope standby for slightly pricier but carefully made donuts that feel more patisserie than diner.
Must-Try Dishes:
Raspberry Donut, Vanilla Bomboloni, Hanukkah Sufganiyot
Scores:
Value: 7.7
Service: 7.1
Consistency: 8.3
Food Quality: 8.4
Atmosphere: 6.3
Cultural Relevance: 8
What makes it special: European-style bakery turning out filled bomboloni and seasonal jelly donuts.
Who should go: Donut lovers who prefer patisserie-style fillings over classic diner rings.
When to visit: Morning through early afternoon before popular donuts disappear.
What to order: Raspberry donut, vanilla bomboloni, seasonal sufganiyot when offered.
Insider tip: Check holiday menus; Colson’s Hanukkah donuts are pre-order magnets.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking only; typically manageable on side streets before 10 a.m. but tight during school drop-off and weekend brunch hours.
Dress code: No dress code — casual bakery attire; athleisure, jeans, and winter layers are all normal.
Noise level: Low to moderate — mostly takeout traffic with soft café chatter; easy to hold a conversation.
Weekend wait: Not applicable — bakery closes before dinner.
Weekday lunch: Usually no wait, but popular donuts may sell out by early afternoon.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — most pastries and donuts are vegetarian, with several sweet-filled options.
Vegan options: Limited — occasional vegan pastries but generally not a vegan-forward menu.
Gluten-free options: Very limited — they offer select gluten-free pastries, but no gluten-free donuts and no separate prep area.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes for a casual, low-pressure morning or afternoon date — the cozy café vibe and high-quality pastries make it easy to chat without committing to a full meal.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes — it’s walk-in only. Small tables can fill during peak morning coffee runs, but turnover is quick.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes — families stop in frequently. Seating is limited and compact, so best for quick stops with kids rather than long hangs; no dedicated kid amenities.
Best For
Better for: European-style, filled donuts with patisserie-level technique and seasonal flavors — more refined than classic diner options in the area.
Skip if: You want large, inexpensive classic donuts, extensive seating, or a big café menu — consider traditional donut shops or diners instead.