Cupcakes in Chicago
 

If you love cupcakes, some ideas for you:

Every Saturday from 9-11pm at the Ritz-Carlton Chicago (160 E Pearson St) in the Greenhouse there is the Saturday Night Cupcake Buffet.

Swirlz Cupcakes www.swirlzcupcakes.com in Lincoln Park

Cupcakes www.chicagocupcakes.com (613 W Briar Place)

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I highly recommend Sensational Bites on Southport: http://www.sensationalbites.com/

If you're still in the mood to try some more, you'll be within walking distance of Southport Grocery: http://www.southportgrocery.com/

It's my understanding that the people behind Sensational Bites used to work at Sweet Mandy B's (1208 W. Webster), and you'll see a lot of similarities between the products at both bakeries.

See also the short article in this months UA Hemispheres magazine regarding some fo the Chicago cupcake destinations.

I went to Swirlz last night and had the gluten-free peanut butter chocolate.

It's $3/cupcake. I enjoyed mine, and would definitely go here over an ice cream store.

Finally got over to Sprinkles on Walton. Best cupcakes I've ever had any time, any place. ^

Actually, I was headed to the Belgian Bakery a few doors to the east, just across the street from the Bloomingdale's Building and remembered Sprinkles was down the street. I have heard their croissants were great. I was very disappointed - not flakey at all. :(

and
 

There's More Cupcakes downtown. On Friday afternoons, they have a happy Hour with free mini-cupcakes based on drinks--like Black Russians.

http://www.morecupcakes.com/

I've not yet tried them, but a few of my colleagues like Flirty Cupcakes, the cupcake truck in the Loop area. Daily schedules are on their FB & Twitter pages.

http://www.flirtycupcakes.com/

I drove past Sprinkles yesterday after the Cubs game, thinking I might stop in. There were AT LEAST 25 people in line outside. That is just crazy! :)

Wow! You people sure like cupcakes!!!!!!!!!!

Do they have sugar free/low-carb available??

Sprinkles has gluten free and vegan.

Speaking of cupcakes, Bittersweet is having an 'openhouse' on Sept. 13 - I believe 7-9. They promise a 'hands on cupcake demo' among other things, as well as a 'goodie bag' for those who RSVP and give an e-mail address 2 day previous. (An RSVP is not necessary to attend Monday however.)

I have never had their cupcakes, but I have had just about every cake and tort they make and they are all very, very good.

Here is their website:

http://www.bittersweetpastry.com/

I realize the open house is not on the site, but I got my information from a poster they have displayed on Alderman Tunney's window.

Occasionally my wife brings home cupcakes from SugarBliss and they are very good. If you are in the loop, I recommend them.

http://www.sugarblisscakes.com/

Sugarbliss has an AWESOME product and they seem to sell out virtually every day.

I'm sitting inside Sugar Bliss right now; just had the cookies 'n cream. All I can say is mmmmmmmmmm! ^ Interestingly, they also do 6" cakes with advance notice and delivery too.

Slightly OT...

When needing a croissant fix outside of Paris, I am quite in love with what Julius Meinl has to offer. I can vouch for the many flaky layers and buttery goodness. They now have three locations on the Northside, 2 in the Southport corridor and one in Lincoln Square.