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(773) 278-0366
1736 W Division St
(Hermitage Street)
Chicago,
IL
60622
41.9034
-87.6715
Neighborhoods: Wicker Park, West Side
Hours:
Mon - Sat: 6:00am - 9:00pm
Sun: 7:00am - 9:00pm
Price:
$
Last updated 8.29.11
What People Are Saying About Alliance Bakery
Featured Review
Emilie Zanger
Contributor
The staff behind the counter at this Wicker Park bakery must not flinch when passersby do a double-take, then backtrack to stare at the eye-popping window display of elaborate, rolled-fondant wedding and special occasion cakes. Many neighborhood denizens know the friendly--if occasionally frazzled--staff by name, due to ritual morning coffee stops and often pause for a quick conversation before dashing off to the races. Two large glass display cases contain all manner of carb-o-licious goodies, from savory spinach and feta-stuffed croissants to lemon-tinged black-and-white cookies and every…
Editor's Tips
- What to Drink:
- Try the custom-roasted "Librarian Blend" coffee from local roaster Intelligentsia.
- Know Before You Go:
- By virtue of the access to free WiFi, the bakery's next-door lounge space is more a second office for students and work-from-home types than a place to meet and mingle. If you're planning to chat, keep the volume down to avoid looks of unveiled scorn from fellow patrons.
- The Extras:
- Ordering a custom cake is convenient using the bakery's online order form. Simple cakes take about 48 hours to create, while more ornate designs require 72 hours.
- Fun Fact:
- Owner Peter Rios has competed in many national and international pastry competitions, including a Food Network Challenge and the Grand Prix of Chocolat in Paris.
| food quality | 0.0% positive |
|
|---|---|---|
| service | 25.0% positive |
|
02/15/07
Always bad service - pastries O.K.
by wfree
I've tried Alliance Bakery a few times, hoping to see an improvement. But the staff is consistently rude and spacey, they seem to be annoyed to serve you, and have trouble hearing what you order. Try the other place instead - Letizia's Natural bakery, 1 block west further on Division. Or Sweet Thang around the corner on North Av. Far better than all of them is Bittersweet (on Belmont.)
- Pros: Cookies & pastries o.k.
- Cons: Terrible service
01/25/07
I love this place
by klhaag
I look forward to Saturdays when I don't have to hurry to work, and can instead head to Alliance Bakery for fresh made bagels, crossiants, and coffee. While I have never tried the sweeter things, all the breakfast items have been outstanding. There also are tables outside where you can enjoy your fare and get in some morning people watching. As for the previous reviewer who didn't like the samples on the counter, I don't think I would like them either as they are dog treats.
11/19/06
THE WORST BAKERY IN THE CITY
by saralynn99
The food, coffee and rude staff here could not possibly be any worse. Every time I manage to forget how awful my last experience was, I go in just to be majorly disappointed all over again. My sister in law to this day loves to tell the joke of when she bought a box of cookies here for a party. They were inedible. Actually, last time I was in Alliance Bakery I tried one of their free samples and rapidly saught a napkin to get that awful pastry away from my tastebuds. It's weird to me how poor this place is.
- Pros: Neat old architecture
- Cons: Mean counter help, terrible food and terrible coffee
07/02/06
DA BOMB
by spinonegal
THIS IS THE BEST BAKERY EVER YOU MUST EAT THERE. MUST BUY CHOCOLATE CUPCAKES. theY ARE DA BOMBDIZZLE.
- Pros: FABULOUS CUPCAKES
- Cons: NOT GREAT AMBIENCE
10/18/05
Dissapointed
by kb1
The croissants were the only thing I can recommend. I would opt for carryout- the place is lame.
The Details on Alliance Bakery
Place Categories:
- not disappoint charming bakery
- love place
- great baked goods
- enjoy fare
- consistently rude staff
- bad service
- worst bakery
- good study spot
- not like samples
- usually full quiet room
- awful pastry
