Bittersweet Pastry Shop & Cafe

d0r0thy98 

on Citysearch

20 years ago

Expensive, yes ... but worth it. – Never make the mistake of trying to come in here on the morning of, say, Mother's Day: You won't be able to see the counter. Bittersweet is such a lovely bakery for special-occasion desserts, and the small dining area is reminescent of a Frence patisserie. 

aldicks 

on Citysearch

20 years ago

Best Birthday Cake EVER! – I went into Bittersweet to order a birthday cake for my roommate (a HUGE chocolate fan) and it was so fun-- you get to pick the kind of cake, the filling and the frosting/glaze and then they garnish with fresh flowers or "confetti". My roommate's cake was beautiful... a six inch, four layer chocolate cake with dark chocolate mousse and dark chocolate glaze garnished with fresh baby pink roses. The inscription was written in a very unique and beautiful way. And, after the outside was destroyed throu... read more

Contributor 

on Citysearch

20 years ago

Sunlit and simply decorated, this Belmont patisserie is the Charlie Trotter's of bakeries. – In Short This cozy Lakeview cafe draws rave reviews for its fresh, delicate pastries and other baked goods, from miniature lemon meringue tarts to fancy decorated cookies and cakes. From morning till early evening, neighborhood regulars dash in for a quick bite or settle down with coffee and a scone at one of the small tables scattered around the bright, comfortable space. Wedding cakes are a specialty, from a tier cake topped with r... read more

jmcgeach 

on Citysearch

20 years ago

If you like Chocolate... – Then you have to try the Chocolate Mousse Cake here! It is phenomenal! It is seriously like mainlining chocolate. I have shared this find with many friends and family, and have had many requests to bring the cake to the next social function. 

mga3 

on Citysearch

21 years ago

Below expectations – While the overall appearance was upscale, we were disappointed with a number of the items that we tried. The muffins were dry and somewhat old. The brownies were very greasy (and wrapped in tissue). The cookies were above average. 

pixy_stix 

on Citysearch

21 years ago

Great Place for Coffee – Bittersweet was not what I expected for a neighborhood bakery. It's a bit more upscale than the usual Chicago bakeries. I loved the food and the dessert and it's a really cute place. The only complaint that I have (and it really isn't a complaint) is that it is a little pricey compared to places like it. 

fomoco 

on Citysearch

22 years ago

Not your neighborhood bakery – No doubt about it, Bittersweet's treats are yummy! Their salads, quiches, sandwiches and coffee are good too. However, they are a lot more pricey than the neighborhood bakeries I grew up with and the neighborhood bakeries I frequent now. Also, I am sorry to say that the service is very poor. It seems that every time I've been there, the wait has been very, very long with no "thank you for waiting" or "sorry for the long wait" to greet me when my turn finally arrives. A more friendly staff (or a... read more

joe_arostegui 

on Citysearch

22 years ago

Dolci di Paradisi! – I have never experienced a more divine collection of pastries! Each treat was better than anything I have enjoyed anywhere else. All of my visits to Chicago include daily pilgramages for peaceful indulgence at Bittersweet. Judy Contino!--noone does it better than Judy!! Please be sure to look again after ordering and enjoying...there will be something new fresh from the kitchen, most likely brought to your table for your valued opinion. 

poopolaka 

on Citysearch

22 years ago

Gorgeous wedding cake – We got our wedding cake at Bittersweet for our July 2002 wedding. They customized it precisely to my specifications, and the pricing was reasonable. A plus: I brought them my parents' vintage cake topper from their wedding, and Judy told me to renovate it myself so I wouldn't have to pay them a lot for labor, and then bring it back for them to place it on the cake. I really appreciated it, and she gave me tips on how to improve its appearance, too.