Bittersweet Pastry Shop & Cafe

"Bittersweet is one of the best places for custom cakes for special occasions. They’ve opened a newer location in Pilsen to complement the original in Lakeview. Find a good selection of quiche, pies, cheesecakes, brownies, and more. There are also special events like tea parties." - Ashok Selvam

"Top Chef contestant Katsuji Tanabe develops the menus for Bittersweet’s monthly afternoon teas which include standards like scones, macarons, and sandwiches along with rotating dishes such as lumpia and clams casino. The tower of snacks is accompanied by tea from Rare Tea Cellar, with cocktails or bottomless bubbly available for an extra fee." - Samantha Nelson, Eater Staff

"Rich and decadent, Bittersweet’s French-style hot chocolate is served with a scoop of whipped cream but isn't too sweet. This treat is a dessert unto itself, so it’s best to come prepared with a relatively empty stomach. Mochas are also on the menu." - Naomi Waxman, Eater Staff

"Lakeview’s Bittersweet Pastry Shop & Cafe has served generations of customers from their weddings, to their baby showers, to their children’s graduations. On Thursday, July 27, the bakery will celebrate its 30th anniversary and showcase renovations — including power outlets in the counter and Wi-Fi — and menu changes that it hopes will allow it to stay in business for the next three decades." - Samantha Nelson

"Bittersweet is a popular destination for wedding and special occasion cakes, but it also whips up fresh cakes every day that customers can enjoy by the slice. Regular options include cheesecake, flourless chocolate cake, and chocolate peanut butter torte, but there’s always a special cake of the month." - Naomi Waxman, aimee.levitt