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Bake
Master Critic Review
Bake
8.2
Bake is a cozy Bucktown/Wicker Park bakery specializing in American-style cakes, cupcakes, and pastries from a husband-and-wife team. Guests come for items like pistachio croissants, confetti cakes, and cookies that feel tailored to birthdays, office parties, and casual treat runs.
Must-Try Dishes:
Pistachio croissant, Confetti cake, Cupcakes assortment
Scores:
Value: 7.2
Service: 8.2
Consistency: 8.2
Food Quality: 8.4
Atmosphere: 6.4
Cultural Relevance: 7.8
What makes it special: A neighborhood dessert shop where cupcakes, croissants, and layer cakes cover everyday cravings and celebrations.
Who should go: Locals planning birthdays or craving classic American sweets.
When to visit: Late morning or early afternoon before the most popular cakes sell out.
What to order: Pistachio croissant, a slice of confetti or rainbow cake, and cupcakes.
Insider tip: For special occasions, pre-order whole cakes online to avoid day-of shortages.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking only; availability can be limited on weekends and during peak shopping hours, so allow extra time to circle the block.
Dress code: Casual and come-as-you-are — neighborhood bakery attire is perfectly fine.
Noise level: Low to moderate — small counter-service space where brief conversations are easy and takeaway is common.
Weekend wait: Not applicable — bakery closes before dinner; expect the busiest period to be late weekend mornings with occasional 10–20 minute lines.
Weekday lunch: Typically no wait; short, fast-moving line during pastry and coffee rushes.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — most pastries and cakes are vegetarian-friendly, though ingredients vary by item.
Vegan options: Limited — offerings may be occasional or seasonal; confirm day-of availability at the counter.
Gluten-free options: Very limited — not a dedicated gluten-free bakery and cross-contamination is possible.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes — better for a casual, low-key coffee-and-pastry meetup than a long sit-down outing; most guests order to-go or grab a quick table.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes — seating is first-come, first-served and limited; expect takeaway to be the most reliable option during busy hours.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes — families and kids are common, but seating is compact and strollers may be easier to manage during off-peak times.
Best For
Better for: Celebration cakes, cupcakes, and classic American-style sweets with visually fun designs and dependable takeout for birthdays and office treats.
Skip if: You need extensive vegan or gluten-free options, or you’re looking for a full café with spacious dine-in seating.