It may not be the most accommodating place to sit down with a Sunday paper and a cupcake, but Sweet Mandy B's is the best venue for cupcakes (and certain other deserts) in all of Chicago. Combining cupcakes and a walk around this quaint area of Lincoln Park is the perfect leisurely Sunday activity. If the current interest in cupcakes can qualify for a fad (such as the around the block lines for New York City's Magnolia Cupcakes), Sweet Mandy B's is certainly at the forefront of this craze in Chicago. While prices for cupcakes and traditional cakes seem on the radically exorbitant side of the price scale, these are some of the most worthwhile two-dollar cupcakes you will ever try.
Located in San Francisco's River North district, the Doughnut Vault has grown to famous for their fluffy dough treats. Their glazed donuts sell like hot cakes everyday, which is one of the reasons behind getting there early. The item that is in most demand on their menu is the Chestnut Glazed donut which sells out really quickly and is a customer favorite. So get there soon for your fluffy glazed dough.
The Hoosier Mama Pie Company has taken their famous business offline and opened a pie shop baking their classic, old-fashioned recipes locally. All pies are made by hand and from scratch, so you'll feel like you're being spoiled the way you were as a child with every sweet bite. They bake just about every kind imaginable, including the classic all-American Apple Pie, Banana Cream, Coconut Cream, and Lemon Meringue. They throw some newer, deluxe recipes in the mix as well, offering irresistible delights such as the Chocolate Chess, Maple Pecan, Passionfruit Meringue, and Peanut Butter Pie. You won't know which to try first—you'll definitely be coming back again and again.
Stan's Donuts & Coffee Wicker Park is the flagship of the Los Angeles based acclaimed donut shop. The collaboration of Stan Berman and Chicagoan bakery entrepreneur, Rich Labriola, this vibrant restaurant is a much loved spot among donut lovers in the neighborhood. Splashes of celery green and pink can be seen on its vintage tiles and the KitchenAid stand mixers wall makes an interesting sight. Get tempted by their array of baked goodies or just simply gorge on their Peanut Butter Pocket, Glazed Old Fashioned, Buttermilk Bar, Lemon Pistachio Old Fashioned, Cinnamon Roll and Maple Caramel Bacon Pecan Bar. Have a gelato or complement your donuts with hot coffee or tea.
Located on North Wells Street, La Fournette is a family-owned Old Town French bakery. The outlet has a capacity of occupying up to 40 people at a time. Their menu is diverse ranging from salads, crepes, croissants, quiches, macaroons and beignets. They also offer catering services so book them to making any party or event extra special. The place is ideal for people having a sweet tooth.
Take a trip down memory lane as you enter Spinning J Bakery and Soda Fountain. Its vintage drugstore decor replete complete with old soda fountain, salvaged wooden elements and spinning tools will certainly transport you to a bygone era. The tempting aromas of freshly baked delights are enticing and every piece of pie, pastry and snack looks as heavenly as it tastes. Try the Key Lime Hibiscus Pie, Goat Cheese Cashew Caramel, S'mores and Blueberry Crumble. Additionally, don't miss their unique soda flavors such as the Rosey Plum Phosphate, Peanut Butter-Banana and Lavender Grape.
