I absolutely hate this place for loving it so much. I come to Pittsburgh a few times a year and gain 5 lbs on pastries alone from Prantls. Western Pennsylvania in general has a plethora of decent to excellent bakeries compared to most of the world. (Yes ... including odious France.) It's shocking but true. That toasted almond torte of theirs is ridiculous and absurd in its ability to seduce a grown and curmudgeonous man making him feel young and spry and full of vim and vigor (until the sugar crash of course). The dainties made of pastry, cookie doughs and creams are all part of a conspiracy to keep me one of Western Pa's obese sons.