Before we start shoveling pumpkin pie next week, let’s ponder something more substantial: cupcakes. Who has the best in town and how can we get there on Metro?

Quite simply, Auntie Em’s Kitchen in Eagle Rock has what may be the best carrot cake cupcakes in town. Auntie Em’s is at 4616 Eagle Rock Blvd. To get there take the number 68 bus from Union Station. (Or check the Trip Planner for other connections.) You can eat real food at Auntie Em’s and it’s good. But why consume nutrition when you can have cupcakes?

In Pasadena, Polkatots Cupcakes has won at least one award for its dulce de leche. To get there take the Gold Line to Lake Street Station and walk north a couple of blocks to 720 N. Lake. You’ll need the walk so you can eat more cake.

And here’s one last suggestion on the other side of town. Go to Sweet Lady Jane at 8360 Melrose (about a block east of La Cienega) for lovely coconut cupcakes and very good red velvet. Metro Local 10 goes right by and connects with the Red Line near Vermont/Beverly Station.

What are you suggestions? Send them to the Metro Dining Map.  Or email us at sourcemetro@gmail.com.