Tucked alongside Washington Avenue, Small Oven Pastry Shop proves that amazing treats can come from the smallest spaces. The award-winning walk-up pastry window has quickly become one of Philadelphia’s most beloved dessert destinations since opening in 2020. Every item is baked in small batches for peak freshness, and whether visitors crave something sweet or savory, there is a treat crafted with precision and packed with personality.
Gray’s Ferry locals have fallen hard for this colorful, blue-and-white takeout window, which has earned praise from “Philadelphia Magazine” and “The Inquirer.” Most notably, its soft serve made the 2022 “Best of Philly” List, and for good reason! Flavors rotate weekly and tend to sell out fast, so early risers are rewarded. This weekend (Nov. 14-16), customers can swirl together Rum Raisin and Cinnamon, and if they wait for December, festive flavors like candy cane, nutmeg, and even eggnog will emerge. Do not forget the specialty toppings: cider donut crumbles, snickerdoodle crunch, and candy cake sprinkles. All tempting enough to trek for ice cream even as the temperatures drop!
Of course, the fall pastry menu is just as irresistible. Seasonal treats like the pumpkin cheesecake Danish, pear spice cheesecake bar, caramel apple hand pie, and pumpkin chocolate chip crinkle cookie embody autumn in every bite. Visitors will also find returning favorites such as the cherry tahini cookie, raspberry morning bun, and kitchen sink cookie. Drexel University senior, Ajay Santiago, calls the latter his favorite. “The crunchiness of the nuts works well with the flavor and texture, [and this is coming] from someone who typically does not reach for nuts.” For those who lean savory, Small Oven is equally known for its caramelized onion croissant and leek and feta croissant. Both are buttery, flaky pastries that prove not all pastries need to be sweet to be comforting.
But this quaint window offers far more than just pastries. Small Oven provides catering services, special holiday menus, and even custom cakes that showcase their artistry as much as their skill for baking. They are open Wednesday through Sunday, often drawing a cheerful crowd outside their bright storefront. The easiest route? Walk to Trader Joe’s at 22nd and Market St. and take the 7 bus, a short 8 minutes, to 23rd and Washington Ave. The crowd can be spotted and anticipation can be felt before the window is even seen. Bonus: the northbound 7 bus drops off right by Trader Joe’s for a convenient grocery run on the way back.
To blow off the frigid weather, try one of their drinks made with homemade syrups in their detailed drink menu. Notable offerings include winter chai, lavender haze, blood orange, and brown butter syrup. For customers who end up falling in love, there is even an option buy an eight-ounce bottle to take home. Before fall ends, do not miss their spiced peach cider either, the perfect pairing for a crisp afternoon stroll.
Perhaps the most heartwarming of all, Small Oven’s community spirit is just as rich as their desserts. When SNAP benefits were disrupted earlier this year, they teamed up with other Grays Ferry businesses to organize an emergency food drive for neighbors in need. It is this mix of commitment to quality, commitment to craftsmanship, and commitment to community that makes Small Oven quite so special.
So, this holiday season, skip the supermarket sweets and head to Washington Avenue instead. Whether it is a soft-serve swirl or a freshly baked Danish, visitors will leave with hands full, and hearts a little bit warmer.