ZipPicks Awards
Best Cheap Eats in Portage Park
Master Critic Review
Miski Chicago (Miski Custom Cakes & Bakery)
7.8
A dessert-and-snack bakery with a Peruvian lean, best experienced as a focused sweet run plus one savory pastry. It’s a good “bring something home” stop—bright, casual, and priced for repeat visits.
Must-Try Dishes:
Peruvian empanadas with aji, Alfajores, Tres leches cake slice
Scores:
Value: 8.2
Service: 7.7
Consistency: 7.8
Food Quality: 7.9
Atmosphere: 7
Cultural Relevance: 7.2
What makes it special: Peruvian-style sweets and empanadas in a grab-and-go format.
Who should go: Dessert people who also want a savory bite
When to visit: Midday for the widest case selection
What to order: Empanadas with aji, alfajores, tres leches
Insider tip: Do one savory empanada plus one dessert—two sweets can feel redundant.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Free street parking nearby; usually easy during the day, a bit tighter on weekends.
Dress code: Very casual — everyday clothes, quick-stop friendly.
Noise level: Low — quiet bakery atmosphere with easy conversation.
Weekend wait: No wait typically; brief line possible if the case is busy.
Weekday lunch: No wait typically.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — most desserts are vegetarian, plus select savory pastries.
Vegan options: Limited — occasionally one or two items, but not a dedicated focus.
Gluten-free options: Limited — some naturally gluten-free sweets may appear, but most items contain gluten.
Best For
Better for: Affordable Peruvian-style sweets and empanadas you can grab quickly or bring home.
Consider Alternatives If: You want a sit-down dessert café experience or a wide range of vegan or gluten-free options.