Alliance Bakery & Cafe

4.0 star rating
424 reviews Rating Details

Categories: Bakeries, Coffee & Tea, Sandwiches  [Edit]

1736 W Division St
(between Hermitage Ave & Wood St)
Chicago, IL 60622
Neighborhood: Wicker Park
(773) 278-0366
Nearest Transit:

Division (Blue Line)

Hours:

Mon-Sat 6 am - 9 pm

Sun 7 am - 9 pm

Attire:
Casual
Accepts Credit Cards:
Yes
Parking:
Street
Price Range:
$
Good for Groups:
Yes
Good for Kids:
Yes
Takes Reservations:
No
Delivery:
No
Take-out:
Yes
Waiter Service:
No
Outdoor Seating:
Yes
Wi-Fi:
Free
Good For:
Dessert, Breakfast
Alcohol:
No
Noise Level:
Quiet
Ambience:
Hipster, Casual
Has TV:
No
Caters:
Yes
Wheelchair Accessible:
Yes

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424 reviews in English

  • Review from Melissa S.

    Chicago, IL

    4.0 star rating
    5/22/2012

    Strolled by here yesterday and decided to walk in after spending a good 10 minutes admiring the cake art in their window display.

    Friendly staff, yummy treats, I'm into it! I made the person helping me repeat the macaron flavors about 10 times before I realized they were written right in front of my face, but she didn't complain. I'm eating a rose macaron right now, in fact. I'll return!

    I do wish they had just a couple more gluten-free options around. Oh, and they should make maple macarons, that's a really underrated flavor, IMO. But, you know, not every place can cater to me.

  • Review from Jane E.

    • 0 friends
    • 180 reviews

    Boston, MA

    5.0 star rating
    5/21/2012

    One among the many good bakeries in Chicago. I love going here for the treats as they truly are irresistible. And the cafe makes great coffee worth every penny. Also, studying there can be fun - if you can find a place to sit. Oh yeah, finding a place to sit during times that are busy - difficult, if not impossible. And you have to jump rope over the various power cords that dart the area.

    It's worth going to if you're all by yourself and want to kick it on off hours - heavy hours, forget it.

  • Review from Maria H.

    Hackensack, NJ

    4.0 star rating
    4/17/2012 1 photo

    We used Alliance for our wedding cake.
    The tasting process was efficient, smooth and the sales staff was awesome in helping us execute our creative vision and staying within budget..

    overall the cake was beautiful, and the guests raved on how terrific it was. thanks Alliance!

  • Review from Anahit G.

    • 8 friends
    • 20 reviews

    Chicago, IL

    4.0 star rating
    4/15/2012

    This is one of my favorite cages in Chicago. Their macaroons are amazing, and I know my macaroons!!! They make delicious pastries and coffee, and beautiful cakes (and offer wedding cake tastings!).

    The only drawback is the lack of room in the cafe for seating, and the constantly crowded lounge next door. But, for treats to go, it's perfect.

  • Review from Brett K.

    Chicago, IL

    5.0 star rating
    4/3/2012 2 Check-ins Here

    My new neighbor and best friend.  

    Breakfast sandwiches on the weekends are becoming and obsession and all the standards are awesome.  Dipped into the cakes and pie case for the first time this weekend with parents in town visiting and was not disappointed, cheese cake turtle and key lime graham, mmmm....

    Great coffee, people, outdoor seating, dog treats, etc etc etc

  • Review from Jake W.

    • 5 friends
    • 12 reviews

    San Francisco, CA

    4.0 star rating
    3/25/2012

    I was inspired to come to this place because of a conversation I was having with my hairdresser at Swagger. I mentioned how I liked the neighborhood because it reminded me of San Francisco, to which the hairdresser replied how hipsterific she found the area. She said she was afraid to even go into Alliance because of the nasty attitude permeating off the workers behind the counter. Of course, I always take such invitations to abuse as a challenge to annoy and overwhelm the hipster chromosomes with a false air of sunshiny happiness. So I decided to dress up in a collared shirt and dress pants, put on a backpack, turn off the Toxic Narcotic and put on the Katy Perry to show them how this firework can sparkle.

    Well, my apparel change was unnecessary, because the girl behind the counter was wonderful and helpful, easily engaging in playful banter and making suggestions. I ended up getting a Moroccan Mint tea and some pastries that looked good, then wandered over to the next door lounge. It had a giant open area with a leather couch and chairs, tons of tables and chairs, and a bunch of back rooms that feel like old 1920's parlor rooms in an F Scott Fitzgerald novel. It is the perfect place to study and the clientelle is a mixture of punkish people, hipsters, trendsters, and the general public. I have been back a number of times and started doing my study with cookie breaks.

  • Review from Aimee M.

    Addison, IL

    5.0 star rating
    3/11/2012

    For a while I was obsessed with Macarons, and Alliance was my go-to spot when I wanted a bit of Macaron delight. But who am I kidding, I still love Macarons and I love that Alliance has a nice selection of inventive flavors for Macarons.

    I've had cupcakes and quiche from here and they have been consistently good. I wish they'd put more passionfruit cream in their filled passionfruit cupcake, but that's just cuz I'm a sucker for anything passionfruit.

    So that being said. Me lovey the passion fruit Macarons! My all time favorite here at Alliance.  I love the tart and sweetness of it, the little crunch of the meringue shell and the bit of chocolate that complements so very well.  The most recent time I visited I tried the balsamic fig Macaron--reminiscent of a fig newton, but so much better and so much more adult.  Lime coconut, raspberry, vanilla--my other go-to's when I'm treating myself to Macarons.

    Friendly service.  They seem to love it when my eyes open wide and I say Ooooooh, when they describe one of the pastries/desserts I've asked about.  So sad that I don't live very close.  But it's always worth a stop when I'm in the area.

  • Review from Annie N.

    Chicago, IL

    3.0 star rating
    3/5/2012

    I might be one in a million, but I honestly don't see what the hype is about this place. I've been here couple times and tried some of their baked goods, and I desperately want to give them a better rating, but nothing, really, hit the spot.

    First off, my boyfriend brought me a red velvet cupcake from here once. It had some sort of berry filling with cream frosting, and i just thought the flavors did not go well together. Nevertheless I decided to wait for future visits before I'd give this place a review.

    I came back again to get coffee, and everything was fine, but again not worth writing a review. So finally this past weekend, when I suffered from a chronic craving for croissants that we stopped back in here for our morning coffee and snack. Honestly, I think most of their baked goods are overpriced. The spinach & feta cheese croissant was almost 4 bucks, and it was big, but light as a feather. Their normal croissants were 2.50, and I hate paying that much for something I can inhale in under 2 minutes. Although, it seems to be the normal price for croissants in this city. It was good, but not out of this world. It cured my current pain, but of course not too long after I was again craving for some better croissants (I told you it's chronic). The boyfriend got 2 bagels and they were both ok. Coffee was good (Metropolis), and employees were nice.

    We sat next door in the lounge area for a while. It was around 10:00am, and I was surprised to see the place so crowded with many people on the computer. The lounge area itself was very clean with tons of natural sun light, and I can see it being a perfect place for studying or even a short convo.

    I do very much appreciate their creativity, which shown on their displayed cakes and baked goods. But honestly, some of the cakes were a bit disturbing for me personally (at the moment it's the human heart being displayed - I assumed - for valentine?).The next time I'm stopping by, I'll buy some macarons, and then I'll have some better judgement. But for now, it's more of an average spot for both desert and coffee.

  • Review from Mary Ann C.

    Oak Park, IL

    5.0 star rating
    3/22/2012

    We now order all of our birthday cakes from Alliance.  They do a fabulous job!  We have had them create a Prada handbag cake, cow cake, and Angelina Ballerina cake.  Obviously, the handbag was the one for me....and our little one liked the other cakes!  The cakes are moist and delicious!

    Love buying cookies, scones, and any other treat out of the cases when we are in the neighborhood.

    My favorite bakery!

  • Review from Phillip C.

    Schaumburg, IL

    5.0 star rating
    2/26/2012 1 photo 1 Check-in Here

    Checking out a new bakery is always fun, because there's a chance I might strike gold and find my favorite dessert on Earth - the French Macaron.  You know, the little pastries that look like tiny burgers, that come in dozens of different flavors and colors.  The macarons here are a bargain compared to other places that make quality macarons, at $1.50 a piece.  They didn't have the price listed, so I was shocked my total was so cheap.  I've only been able to try a few flavors, since they were running out when I stopped by.  I tried the Pistachio w/ Dark Cherry, Coconut Lime, and Passionfruit Chocolate, which were all really good.  Their macarons pack a flavor punch and have a perfect airy chewy texture.

    They also make a variety of other pastries, including cupcakes, cookies, croissants, bagels, cake pops, as well as sandwiches and java.  They make nicely decorated mini tarts, cheesecakes, and other sweets, perfect for giving as a gift.  If you're looking for a unique cake, they whip up some nifty designs, which you can check out in their window display.  The 3D bloody heart with an arrow through it looked pretty sweet.

    The bakery itself only has a tiny table, but they do have a lounge next door where you can take your baked goods.  Free wifi, macarons, and coffee - sounds like the perfect place to get some work done or read a good book.  This place is now my go-to macaron joint and I'm looking forward to going back for their other flavors.

  • Review from Stacey B.

    • 0 friends
    • 1 review

    Chicago, IL

    5.0 star rating
    5/7/2012

    We ordered our wedding cake from Alliance.  Not only was the tasting excellent (they actually gave us choices to taste instead of slices from the case like other bakeries), but Mitchell was a delight to work with. He had lots of creative ideas and totally worked with us so we could have exactly what we wanted within our budget.  All of our guests thought the cake was beautiful AND was delicious. We got many, many compliments on it.  

    I would highly recommend them due to their professionalism, ease to work with, and both the cake's appearance and taste.

  • Review from Morenike K.

    • 13 friends
    • 10 reviews

    Chicago, IL

    4.0 star rating
    5/2/2012

    So far, one of the best bakeries in the city. The service was great and the food was great.

  • Review from Anita S.

    • 6 friends
    • 1 review

    Chicago, IL

    1.0 star rating
    2/21/2012

    I've been a huge fan of Alliance in the past, I love their baked goods and their coffee is always delicious. Today, however, when I went in to order paczkis the staff was extremely rude. There was a line of about 2 or 3 people and I patiently waited in it for my turn. When it was my turn the woman behind the counter asked the man behind me for his order instead of me, when I was clearly the next person in line. It seemed that they knew each other and he was a former regular. I would've overlooked this if not for what happened next, the woman behind the counter noticed that I was clearly overlooked and did nothing, then the man behind the counter helped another woman behind me in the line. I finally spoke up and said "I think I'm next." I ended up spending about half an hour in line this morning before work.

    I probably should've said something but hate making a scene, instead Alliance won't be receiving my business again. They'll probably be just fine without it, I'm just sad about the way I was treated.

  • Review from W S.

    • 0 friends
    • 2 reviews

    Chicago, IL

    1.0 star rating
    5/16/2012

    For the price it is really not great, but the fact that questions to the staff are met with disinterest or annoyance is unacceptable.  For a bakery that looks to be so inviting, I hoped for a lot more.

  • Review from Angie M.

    Chicago, IL

    3.0 star rating
    Updated - 2/21/2012

    Despite not being a major fan of the bakery, I can bump up the starts to Alliance for one reason.

    PACZKIS.

    Happy Fat Tuesday, ya'll.  My raspberry rose paczki is the best treat ever.

    Was this review …?

    1 Previous Review: Show all »

    • 2.0 star rating
      9/15/2009

      I don't really understand all the hoopla for Alliance Bakery. Maybe I'm just not ordering the right… Read more »

  • Review from Clare S.

    • 32 friends
    • 5 reviews

    Chicago, IL

    4.0 star rating
    3/21/2012

    I've stopped in here twice on a whim while having dinner/brunch nearby. Both times I got a red velvet cupcake, once plain with cream cheese frosting, and the second time with a raspberry filling and an italian buttercream. Both cupcakes were delicious! I was very impressed by their italian buttercream. My friend got a vanilla cupcake, which was unfortunately on the dry side.

    The cakes in the window are BEAUTIFUL.

    I've not been to the cafe yet, but I've heard great things, so I'm sure I'll be back soon!

  • Review from Basil D.

    Chicago, IL

    4.0 star rating
    4/13/2012

    Read all the way through:
    Let me say that I love the bakery here, but I'm absolutely livid. I was told when I walked in this morning that the beignets were still being made and that there was a new person making them.  So I had my coffee and worked in the lounge. An hour later, I went back, and I got my beignet, which was stone-cold.  It was obviously not being made fresh, but defrosting from the freezer!  More so, they have amazing breakfast sandwiches, but if you ask to have it heated, they put it in the microwave!  What the hell?  What self-respecting bakery that takes pride in its work will put perfectly excellent bakery and throw it in a microwave so it will get all "gummy".  AND...AND....if you ask if they can warm it in the oven in the back, you are promptly told, "no"!  
    Geez people....  so close to being one of the greatest bakeries in Chicago.....
    Ike H....the same lady was the one who LIED to me about the beignet!  I agree, she is NOT the most pleasant person to deal with...everyone else there is pretty cool.

    So,
    I went and spoke to the owner about my experience this morning.  He informed me that the beignets were in fact made fresh, but that the new girl making them put cold filling in a fresh, out of the oven, hot beignet, which is what caused the problem.  So I changed my 2 star to a 4 star.  The owner was extremely proactive, very pleasant, and offered me another beignet tomorrow!

  • Review from J-Bird G.

    • 0 friends
    • 35 reviews

    Saint Louis, MO

    4.0 star rating
    3/16/2012

    Macaroons.   what more shall i say?

    Go there and try every kind they have.  Then return the next day and try more flavors, as they mix it up quite frequently.

    Excellent coffee as well.

  • Review from Sarah S.

    Schaumburg, IL

    3.0 star rating
    2/26/2012 3 photos 1 Check-in Here

    I went to Alliance Bakery yesterday because the cakes in the window lured me in! They were cute & quirky (see pictures) like having a giant heart with a knife in it...a super cute Panda cake...and Nightmare Before Christmas cakes! Love! The shop was super busy for a 530pm on a Saturday so I had a great feeling about it. Long line that didn't ease up our entire time there.

    Based on my personal preference of how I like my cupcakes (with thick, sugary frosting...not the light airy stuff that so many boutique shops use), these can't take the claim of being amazing cupcakes for me.

    Buh~buh~buh~break down:

    Double Chocolate Cupcake - Wasn't a big fan. Cake was slightly too dry. The frosting didn't have a rich flavor or hardly any chocolate flavor to it at all.

    Vegan Chocolate & Peanut Butter - I'm all sorts of healthy, dontcha know~ so had to try this one (check sarcasm). The chocolate cake had good flavor buy verged on being too dry...it was just barely passing for a good level, but I wouldn't call it moist. As I said, not a fan of this airy frosting but on this cupcake, the frosting tasted straight up like peanut butter. I love me some peanut butter but in a cupcake frosting, the flavor left a lot to be desired.

    Chocolate Ganache with a Salted Caramel center -  The ganache on this cupcake was great! The filling was just like frosting in the center...I was hoping for a thick but not sticky salted caramel center, not the same airy frosting that their cupcakes are topped with so I was a bit disappointed.

    This shop has so much more to offer than cupcakes, like their awesome inventive cakes plus tons of other goodies. I would absolutely come back to try some of their other items, but will skip the cupcakes.

  • Review from Samantha G.

    • 7 friends
    • 37 reviews

    Chicago, IL

    5.0 star rating
    3/5/2012

    I have not been in the lounge (yet!) so this is just about the bakery itself.

    We just moved to the area and this is the spot I have been the most. Not only do they have Intelligentsia coffee but anything you get with it will be delectable. I've tried their breakfast pastries, desserts and lunch time spread (curry chicken salad sandwich is wondrous!) and have yet to be disappointed. I feel the price is in line with the quality and the fact they are open at 6am  will keep this my top bakery in the area.

  • Review from Jeanne J.

    • 30 friends
    • 306 reviews

    Chicago, IL

    1.0 star rating
    2/27/2012

    There's one thing that I've enjoyed at Alliance Bakery - their lemon bars. Have been coming back at least once a week since November to try something new, never to be impressed.

    Will not be stopping by anymore. Was attempting to put on a bakesale for a charity organization and got in touch with four bakeries on Division. Alliance, and especially Michael Nitschky, the retail manager, was the least accessible and professional of them all.

    To get just a *response* - what ensued: I stopped in, told to email; emailed, never got a response; stopped in again a few days later, was told Michael would get the letters/brochures I printed out by 9AM; received no call, even though they were aware that the sale was happening in the afternoon; finally called again past 11AM when I received no word; he answered the phone with "this is Michael" and I had to brief him about everything as if he hadn't really gotten any messages. It's not a big deal if you can't help -- the least you can do is respond when the decision is so clear-cut on your end and keep us from waiting around with our hopes up.

    It was easier to get a hold of (and positive response from) more corporate Sprinkles Cupcakes.

  • Review from Kate G.

    • 4 friends
    • 33 reviews

    Chicago, IL

    4.0 star rating
    4/15/2012

    Grabbed a half dozen different flavored cupcakes for a birthday and they were a hit. They all have the surprise centers (filled with frosting, or fruit, or whatever), which are fun. The passion fruit/meringue/lemon curd cupcake was especially delicious, as was the strawberry with strawberry frosting. The salt/caramel/chocolate was slightly disappointing but that didn't stop any of us from finishing it.

  • Review from Char Y.

    • 1096 friends
    • 908 reviews

    Chicago, IL

    4.0 star rating
    3/21/2012 2 Check-ins Here

    I dropped by first thing in the morning to get some croissants and macarons. The croissants are the best in the city so far! both the chocolate and the almond was authentic and delicious! the macarons perfect!

  • Review from Ana H.

    • 1 friend
    • 7 reviews

    Chicago, IL

    5.0 star rating
    3/3/2012 1 photo

    Great cake and pastries.
    You must try all of their cup cakes at least once.

  • Review from Amanda T.

    • 33 friends
    • 223 reviews

    Chicago, IL

    4.0 star rating
    2/13/2012 1 Check-in Here

    I fell in love with Alliance as soon as I walked by and saw an edible display of "The Nightmare Before Christmas." I try to avoid bakeries as much as possible but I couldn't resist this one. By suggestion I ordered a red velvet cupcake. I'm not a big red velvet fan but this baby was the best red velvet cupcake EVAR. I also got a vegan cupcakes, and it was surprisingly good. I doubt I will ever be a vegan, but if I did it's good to know there's at least one place in the world where I can get a humane tasting baked good.

    The cafe is very quaint and quiet. A wonderful place to grab a sweet, an espresso and get some work done.

  • Review from naomi S.

    • 0 friends
    • 20 reviews

    Chicago, IL

    2.0 star rating
    5/10/2012

    Kind of sad to be writing alliance a two star review but the place has really gone down hill the past year or so.... I have always order cakes from there for friends parties/ my little ones birthdays ect.. Their cookies/ croissants are average and wayyyyy over priced.. They don't make most of their baked goods and they never carry bread anymore... But I really loved alliance for their cute cakes!! I was going to get a small teddy bear shaped cake ( for 20 people) for my little ones first birthday and they wanted to charge me $ 400.00... Ridicules!!! They made a cake last year for my other sons birthday for 30 people and it was $175.00 and I thought at the time that was a bit high but I went with it because I love their designs and I like to shop local but 400.00 (440.00 with tax and would make it $20 a slice) for a 20 person teddy bear cake is just wrong! They are popular with wedding cakes ect.. Their bakery seems very disorganized too ( they've misplaced two very important orders that I ) Plus I had placed  a large cookie order with them for a shower and they used the wrong colors and the cookies looked really  sloppy and tasted stale....

  • Review from Stephany C.

    • 11 friends
    • 15 reviews

    Chicago, IL

    4.0 star rating
    2/18/2012

    One slight drawback - walking outside to the cafe area while trying to balance personal effects, a pastry, and coffee may be challenging.  Anyway, fantastic baked goods and coffee - great place to hang out!

    Macaroons (lots of interesting flavors) and almond croissants are some faves!

  • Review from Ike H.

    • 0 friends
    • 4 reviews

    Chicago, IL

    1.0 star rating
    4/12/2012

    When did this lovely spot become such a mess? It's now dirty and feels like starbucks.

    In the morning, the woman that now works there is simply mean - unless you know her kids - then she won't wait on anyone else. It 's sad to see such a great spot become another tragedy. I have been going to Alliance for well over 10 years. And it's now a sad spot. Try Letizia's or Milk & Honey. Pass on Alliance.

  • Review from Julia S.

    • 13 friends
    • 36 reviews

    Chicago, IL

    4.0 star rating
    3/18/2012

    Desserts here are heavenly. I'd like to marry the pastry chef if possible. The fluffy macaroons and oh so delicious, perfect amount of cream, dough and frosting eclairs are my favorites.  Great place to get dessert for a dinner party or if you just want to treat yourself a bit.

  • Review from Daniele N.

    Chicago, IL

    5.0 star rating
    11/15/2011

    I have been to this place several times before.  Once I felt like the people who work there were kinda rude, and because of that I stopped going there.
    But I am looking for bakeries right now for our wedding cake next year, so I decided to go there and give these guys a new chance. I was attended by a very caring girl, I ordered a chocolate cupcake filled with caramel cream and topped with chocolate paste ( i don't know the name of that, but it wasn't frosting).  I told her I was interested about the wedding cakes and she gave me a card, a book with wedding pics, and info about their website.

    Everything I have tasted so far in this place was delicious.  Never once I had to complain that something didn't taste good, or that it was too dry, or too sweet. My mom owns a small bakery in Brazil, so I do have some base of what is a good cake and what is not (he he)!
    The coffee is pretty good too, I would say I rather their coffee better than starbucks coffee.  I love that they have the place next door for lounging, and I think i will be going there to study some time.

    After eating that cupcake I just ran across the street to my gym ( Wicker Park fitness) were I relieved the guilt of eating that many calories.

  • Review from James A.

    • 2 friends
    • 18 reviews

    Chicago, IL

    4.0 star rating
    3/26/2012

    I stop by here on some mornings to get coffee on my way to the train. I think their americano is the best in the neighborhood - my go-to drink. The Alliance blend intelligentsia coffee is great as well, a bit on the sweeter side. I've never felt the need to add either sugar or cream to a coffee drink from here, since it is always perfectly smooth and mild tasting. Great croissants as well!

  • Review from Porscha W.

    • 5 friends
    • 13 reviews

    Chicago, IL

    4.0 star rating
    2/1/2012 1 photo

    This place is awesome! Had a 3D cake made for my birthday. Not only was the design beautiful but the carrot cake that it was made of tasted so good, it was nice and moist :).

    I put the picture in the photos on here, it's of a film reel. It costs a little bit but it was well worth it. It helped make my birthday one to remember.

  • Review from Ariane S.

    • 3 friends
    • 18 reviews

    Chicago, IL

    3.0 star rating
    1/31/2012

    I really wish I could be obsessed with this place since Iive right around the corner but I'm not a bready baked goods type of person so it fails me every time. The cookies are crunchy so if you're into that sort of thing this is your place to go, and their bars are not as gooey and delicious as they look, in fact they are rather dry and bland.

    It depresses me to be writing this, because like I said if I could just freaking like this bakery my life would be so much simpler.

    However, the lounge aspect of the bakery is pretty neat. You can pretty much stay in there for however long you'd like and not buy anything and they will never know because its not connected to the bakery.

    Unfortunately, I like be surrounded by some sort of pleasing design and the lounge is essentially an outdated college cafeteria lounge.

    Their  coffee however is delicious. So if you are walking past and would like a down to Earth simiple coffee than jump on in.

    Also, their window displays really make me smile.

    Have I mentioned I would really love to love the baked goods from this place?

  • Review from Cristina C.

    • 17 friends
    • 2 reviews

    Chicago, IL

    5.0 star rating
    12/26/2011

    I recently wanted a specialty cake made for a special occasion.  I have never had a large specialty cake made so I was a little nervous, but Alliance went above and beyond during every step in the process.  .  

    When I first called the bakery to describe what I wanted and when I wanted it, they gave me several ideas and suggested several days/times to come in to meet with a cake decorator to design the cake.  

    When I went into the store to design the cake, I met with a great designer who put together a few ideas and then called in the owner who really took it to the next level.  My original design would have had very little cake, so the owner came up with a new design that would not only feed my guests but also look great.  

    When I picked up the cake, it looked better than the original sketch.  The cashier offered helpful tips to keep it fresh and cool as well as to bring it out to my car.  

    At the party, everyone was very surprised by the design and then thrilled with the taste of the cake.  It was extremely moist and had the perfect amount of peanut butter filling for the chocolate cake.   All in all, a huge and delicious success!

  • Review from Rebekka T.

    • 13 friends
    • 67 reviews

    Chicago, IL

    3.0 star rating
    Updated - 3/23/2012

    The newness of Alliance has worn off from when I first moved here. The drinks and food are ok, but the new sitting area looks like a conference room. Also, sometimes there's music playing but if there isn't, it's deathly quiet you can hear every conversation.

    Was this review …?

    1 Previous Review: Show all »

    • 4.0 star rating
      12/28/2008

      i like getting my food and going over to the separate seating area.  the food is good. the drinks… Read more »

  • Review from Eliot J.

    • 75 friends
    • 158 reviews

    Chicago, IL

    3.0 star rating
    3/16/2012

    super cool cakes and pastries.  their food products aren't the best i've had, but they're decent.  i often use this place as  a study venue and, for that, it's a great destination (although it fills up often) - nowhere near as noisy as a starbucks, and you're supporting independent local business.   sadly, the coffee sucks.  but i think starbucks' coffee sucks, too, and i'm clearly in the minority on that opinion.  

    the jaded hipsters working the counter aren't particularly friendly, but they're not slouchy.  i emailed inquiring about a birthday cake order once via alliance's website but never got a reply.

  • Review from Mike K.

    Charlotte, NC

    5.0 star rating
    12/17/2011

    I can't believe I never wrote a review for Alliance!

    I used to go there for coffee all the time when I lived nearby, and sometimes I'd get a lemon bar or a black and white cookie.  Everything was of top-notch quality.

    The staff are very cool and friendly, and the interior has a great old-timey feel.  Very classic atmosphere, but very hip attitude.

  • Review from Summer N.

    Honolulu, HI

    4.0 star rating
    12/15/2011

    Super sad because I found this bakery just a few months before I moved and am addicted to their macaroons. The flavors change from week to week, and sometimes I'd come too late in the afternoon and all the macaroons would be completely sold out. Liked all the flavors (although the rose macaroon tasted a little perfume-y, but still pretty good), but passion fruit was my favorite. I think the key is the cookie part is crispy and not gummy like some other macaroons.

    Still haven't found a place in Hawaii that quite compares...

  • Review from Katherine L.

    • 13 friends
    • 26 reviews

    Chicago, IL

    5.0 star rating
    3/13/2012

    The perfect place to work in a low-key, casual environment. Great cakes, from the looks of it; haven't tried them, but loved their cuban espresso. The perfect mix of sweet & *strong* (caffeine-wise)!

  • Review from Mandy P.

    Chicago, IL

    4.0 star rating
    2/12/2012 1 photo

    I had a fabulous experience with Alliance pretty much up until the guy who boxed my cake broke the "30" on the top of it. I wasn't thrilled however; I wanted to try it before I decided what my general review was going to be. Had the cake been dry, I most definitely would have only given the bakery 3 stars because despite that, it was a work of art. I was happily surprised when I actually got to try it; it was a true culinary delight! The cake was so moist and flavorful. I had chocolate with vanilla buttercream on the base layer and red velvet on the top. The red velvet wasn't anything special without cream cheese icing, but it was still better than some others I've had. I definitely recommend Alliance for special occasion pastries or just any day pastries.

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