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39 reviews for Brown Sugar Bakery
Review Highlights
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"The BEST caramel cake I've ever tasted." In 8 reviews -
"Cupcakes were still warm and so freakin good." In 9 reviews -
"I love the red velvet cakes and the turtle cakes." In 8 reviews
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39 reviews in English
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Review from Stephanie L.
Chicago, IL
2/18/2012
I have tried a lot of their goodies from caramel cake, rum cake, cupcakes (red velvet, caramel, turtle) and have been nothing short of pleased. This is my staple bakery. I always buy goodies for work or different events and people are always pleased. I am so happy I found this place!
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Review from Monique P.
Chicago, IL
5/22/2012
Don't get me wrong! Delicious cakes and goodies! I love supporting black business and think it's beneficial to our community. But when I say POOR CUSTOMER SERVICE! I mean poor! This is the most ignorant, arrogant and most nastiest having attitude woman. (The owner who bakes the cakes) won't get another dime of mine! I know it's a cliché but sometimes, I get really frustrated when I hear people say they don't like dealing with their own kind such as supporting black business. But this lady is the epitome of why people say it! Never again! On to the next one, I am going to try the other bakery not too far away on 69th and King Drive called The Krazy Kake House.
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Review from D O.
Chicago, IL
5/1/2012
In a word, "delicious!" Their product gets an A+ every time. My complaint is with the lack of consistency. There is no set menu. There is no listing of all the flavors they offer. Sometimes I've shown up and they've had no cupcakes at all. I don't like the fact that they don't give you an itemized receipt, either. I like to know exactly what I'm being charged. Also, they recently raised the prices, thus causing me not to visit as frequently as I used to. If they made some professional improvements, they'd be able to compete with the heavyweights.
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Review from Andrea R.
Chicago, IL
8/17/2011
I LOVE BROWN SUGAR BAKERY! There's been days when I've picked up my kids from school and said "let's go to the bakery." They automatically know I'm talking about Brown Sugar and their eyes light up!
I've yet to have a bad slice of anything from there. The cakes are decadent, the brownies are delicious, and the cupcakes are fantastic! They have generous amounts of frosting (which I love) and the cakes are moist and fresh.
Unlike others, I've NEVER experienced ANY rudeness. The owner (Stephanie) ALWAYS greets us, even if it's looking up from the phone quickly to say hello, or peeking out the back. I've been in when there was a private event going on and she even came over from that to say "hello." And, I've never had a rude store clerk. I do agree that the cakes should be labeled, but the person in front has never hesitated to tell me what they are even if she did just tell the person in front of me.
My favorite cake - the turtle cake! My hubby's a fan of the pineapple coconut. My daughters' love the red velvet and the double chocolate. We also enjoy the strawberry lemonade & dreamcicle cakes.
Brown Sugar Bakery does custom orders, too! For my oldest daughter's Sweet 16, Stephanie made her the cutest 3-D cake. In preparing the order, she took the time to talk with my daughter and really tried to capture her desires in the finished products.
I will remain a LOYAL Brown Sugar Bakery customer. -
Review from Katina H.
Country Club Hills, IL
2/10/2012
I am so Glad that I made the trip to the bakery. I purchase FOUR slices of cake, and I was able to share with my family. Thanks to the Owner for sharing these GREAT cakes with the community.
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Review from Joanne I.
Chicago, IL
5/25/2011
Pro's: nice decor, nice display of treats
con's: The owner has a NASTY attitude, the treats are not labeled (I thought I purchased a vanilla cheescaky cupcake, only to find out it was something else) , the icing is delicious/but the cake tastes like it came from a box. You can never sit and enjoy your treats..the tables are always "on hold" for something. really? I can't see myself rushing back to this place just to deal with attitude and duncan hines box cake. That's what Walmart's for. -
Review from April H.
Chicago, IL
12/13/2010
Move over chocolate. You've been replaced!
That means alot coming from a chocolate fiend. I am openminded about food,but when it comes to cake....I rarely choose anything but chocolate.
Brown Sugar Bakery just made history with me and my tastebuds. My boyfriend and I went there to pick up some dessert before heading to Lem's for BBQ.
I played conservative and got a piece of chocolate cake. I admit I was tempted to get the caramel cake since having a delicious caramel cupcake that Brown Sugar makes for Robust Cafe...but decided to play it safe...My boyfriend on the other hand gets a slice of caramel cake.
Approx 1 hr later at my home after finishing our Lem's bbq we both bust out our cakes.
Chocolate cake...mmm mmm good!
My boyfriend starts to eat his caramel cake. Now my boyfriend isn't a big sweets eater. He usually will take a bite or two and offer a piece to me. This time I am noticing my usually generous boyfriend is stuffing his face and not offering any to me, even after i let him try my chocolate cake.
I must have that cake!
I finally remind my boyfriend that he needs to share too. He should have put this woman in her place and kept his cake. Reluctantly and pretending he wants to share, he tells me to have a piece.
(YES! reluctantly J. YOU hesitated when I asked!)
I take one bite..Despite the sadness in my boyfriend's eyes....I had to devour the rest of his delectable dessert.
I finished that sucker off, quick.
I had no idea caramel cake was so good. First time I ever had it and my mom is a professional baker who makes pastries for a living. I think it might be a south side thing? African -American thing.?Southern thing?
Whatever thing it is, it's gooood.
Take it from a woman who is the daughter of a pastry chef...Brown Sugar Bakery knows cakes! -
Review from Tiffany T.
Chicago, IL
5/18/2011
I love this place the cakes are very good and moist and portions are huge. I love the red velvet cakes and the turtle cakes.....however the customer service here is not that great unless the owner is operating the cash register. I have been here plenty of times and sometimes there is a young lady operating the register who has no personality and is very unfriendly:(.
but i continue to patronize because the desserts are awesome and my son loves their butter cookies.. -
Review from Lisa B.
Oak Park, IL
Updated - 11/20/2011
Visited again for the third time, this cements for me that the deliciousness of the cupcakes and cakes is consistent. I had the turtle cupcake , the taste, size and price in comparison to the trendy cupcake place on the northside of Chicago is far superior. Any cupcake lover, travel over to the southside of Chicago for one of these cupcakes you will not be sorry. Not only will you get a delicous big cupcake for a very reasonable price, you get the experience of being in the heart of the southside of Chicago.
The customer service was sincere and pleasant, the owner walked in while I was getting my order, and spoke to me with a warm smile.
I tell you cupcake lovers, Brown Sugar cupcakes is far superior than any cupcake place in Chicago.
Happy Thanksgving.1 Previous Review: Show all »
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9/28/2011
Brown Sugar cupcakes are fantastic. The cake is moist and tasty, with a generous amount of… Read more »
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Review from Kara M.
9/10/2011
Is it wrong that I went here right after I got out of the dentist's office? while you ponder the answer to that question (which is philosophical like the whole tree falling no one around thing) I will let you know that if you're in the area you should definitely stop by for a piece of vanilla cake topped in caramel. it was moist and the caramel was just sweet and sticky enough to satisfy my sweet tooth and you get a pretty big slice. i picked up a sugar cookie to go also and i while it was a good cookie I wasn't really wowed. i'm all for supporting local places so if I'm in the area I'll stop by but I don't think I'm going to drive out of my way to hit up BSB.
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Review from steven s.
Chicago, IL
1/23/2012
I frequent the place regularly and all of the sweets, especially the Carmel cake is is great! If you have a big sweet tooth the cake slices are large, but I normally get the cup cakes because they are large enough to satisfy.
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Review from Kim P.
Chicago, IL
9/17/2011
Guys if you want to score cool points with your girl - buy a slice of cake!
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Review from Candace P.
Chicago, IL
10/8/2009
I like to call myself a connoisseur of cake because I'm always eating it...lol. After hearing so much about Brown Sugar Bakery, I finally got the opportunity to experience it at a birthday party recently. I also got the opportunity to meet the owner Stephanie, who is sweet as she can be. Anywho, I was graced with Red Velvet cake. This cake was so smooth and delicious...just melted in my mouth. After eating the first slice, I asked if I could have another...of course they said yes.
So after experiencing that mouth watering slice of cake, I took a visit recently to Brown Sugar Bakery to get a slice of the caramel cake that I kept hearing about. Now you don't get your normal slice of cake, you get almost three slices of cake as your one slice. You can't be that for $3 and some change. So I ended up getting a slice of the caramel and red velvet. My children and I indulged in both slices of cake within an hour. So so good. The caramel just melts in your mouth. I also got two chocolate chip cookies for my children and they said they were delicious as well.
I will try to make a point that when I'm on the south side to stop by and get me some Brown Sugar sweets. -
Review from Yvette M.
Chicago, IL
9/22/2010
First of all the proprietor, Stephanie Hart is one of the smartest women I know. Opinionated and sure, she knows her stuff. So, I talked to Stephanie after my salad. In fact I had invited about 20 women for a meeting at Brown Sugar Bakery and we ended with here giant, melt-in-your-mouth cupcakes.
Im a strategic eater, so I had the Red Velvet cup cake and the Carmel cut before the other women could get to the table and took half of each. HEAVEN!
The good news is that I can walk to Brown Sugar. Mom loves the Coconut Cake and I usually run in and get us both a piece. How do your make your mom smile? Show up with love in your hands. Get the love at Brown Sugar Bakery. YUM! -
Review from Natatia O.
Chicago, IL
7/20/2008
I've been a fan of this place since it opened. so much so, that I consider the owner, and her staff, friends. The baked goods are delicious, and the service is warm and personable.
Hands down, the Brown Sugar Bakery has the best Carmel Cake in Chicago. This tastes just like Grandma use to make! But if you want the true Brown Sugar Bakery experience, you MUST try the Taffy Apple Carmel Cake! It is to die for!!!!! -
Review from Grace S.
New York, NY
3/25/2010
Pros: The best red velvet cake you can have north of the Mason-Dixon line, a hands-on owner who's unafraid to chat you up and tell you her inspiring life story -- a slice of South Side Chicago at its finest.
Cons: This place is all the way down on 75th Street in Grand Crossing, and for a white and uptight kid to get out of her comfort zone and remember there's a world out there, I'm not sure that's a con at all.
Balance: PROS
BOTTOM LINE: When you want to take a minute to slow down, treat yourself to something delicious and feel like life isn't so bad, this is the kind of place you should come to. -
Review from Mindy S.
4/19/2010
Dare you to find better cake, especially the caramel apple, in the city.
I always leave with a few days worth of rations. Then I hide them at home and don't mention them to anyone, so that no one else can have my precious.
Super top-notch. Shows that Stephanie loves what she does. -
Review from Karyn W.
Chicago, IL
12/26/2008
I HAD to check this place out after a friend described the Turtle Cake to me. She absolutely had me once she said that the four layers alternated between yellow and chocolate (and that was the first thing that she said)!
The cakes there are sooo moist and tasty, and I was really impressed. Every time I've visited, the staff has been so helpful and warm. The next time I go in, I'm hoping that I can sit down, relax, and enjoy my cake with a cup of coffee.
The only reason I'm not giving this place 5 stars is the lack of credit card machine... -
Review from Johnny T.
3/8/2011 1 Check-in Here
Oy. I can't abide continued bad service. I just can't. I don't care how great your product is, I can't... I won't do it. If the product is unbeweaveable, I'll give credit where it's due and keep it moving. If the product is alright AND there's an abundance of 'tude? Houston, we have a problem. In fact, we have a sit'ation.
I rolled into BSB on a food high. Even though the weather outside was frightful, my belly was so delightful. My endorphins were kickin', the company was good and I was in the mood for a sweet treat to end the overall experience. Well...
We walked in to find an altercation at the counter. It turns out a patron did not receive what she ordered... or thought she ordered. The argument went around and around with neither side being very happy with the outcome. I was doing my best to have a drama-free day, so I stayed out of it and tried to avoid the bad vibes that were free-floating. After a while of listening to the argument, someone from behind the counter was finally ready to wait on my group. The desserts (cakes and cupcakes) looked phenomenal but we didn't know what they were. To her credit, the counter clerk listed off each and every item. Thing is, she had to do this for every customer. A chalkboard in the front of the store would go a long way to helping this traffic snarl. Anywhoo, I decided on a piece of turtle cake (yellow and chocolate cake topped with thick caramel frosting) and a cup of coffee. I began to saunter my way over to the tables when...
"You can't sit here."
"...what?"
purposeful eye-blink "You.can't sit here. It's reserved."
"Oh? This entire area? There's just three of u..."
"It's reserved for a private party."
looks around and sees no one. "Okay. When are they arriving? Maybe we coul..."
"It's.reserved."
Turns out the owner was giving us the hospitality so frequently mentioned in previous reviews. Not being able to actually enjoy the food I purchased in the bakery would have been a good thing to know before buying it. Maybe I would have chosen it to go. Maybe I wouldn't have. That should have been my decision. Being a blustery day, eating outside wasn't an option. We couldn't take our food to another establishment. Eating in the car was out of the question. So...
One of us ate on a chair and two of us shared an ottoman. How's that for gracious hospitality. As I hunched over and tried to balance hot coffee and my cake (to be fair, it was a slab), I overheard another counter argument about a messed-up order. More nasty words and eyerolls exchanged, I began to believe the bad press. My dining companions seemed to find solace for the lack of grace with their food. I did not. The frosting was incredible. Thick. Home-made. Delicious. The cake tasted... box-y. This didn't taste like homemade cake. It was thick, not dense. There was no airy quality to be found. I could only get through a part of it and my sweet tooth is strong. The coffee was, similarly, disappointing. For some reason, I could not add my own cream and sugar so I had to play marco polo (or, red light/green light) with the additions. To the surprise of no one, they were off.
I left in a grumpy mood. I can get bad coffee, so-so cake and a room-full of attitude for free. I don't need to spend my time and money to do so. Oh, and that reserved room? Empty during the entirety of our stay. I basically ate on the floor of a business and was entertained not by the conversation of friends but by the arguments from other patrons as the proprietor watched... and acquiesced. That is not okay. It's not.Listed in: La Dolce Vita, This Is Why I'm Fat, Dessert, Touring Chicago, Bakin' tastes goood
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Review from J H.
Chicago, IL
2/24/2009
Let me firstly qualify myself, I mean just so you know. I grew up with one of the best bakers in the world ... my grandma. Now, you're probably thinking I'm biased because, hey, she's MY grandma. I can dig it! I say this, however, to let you know I KNOW CAKE! And other sweets!
I can remember my grandma baking cakes and letting me lick the leftover batter from the mixer. Ohhh, and the one time my sister pinched off one of the cakes and got beat by my grandmother with a broom (she doesn't eat cake to this day).
Oh yeah, who the hell is that in the profile pic for Brown Sugar? Did I miss something?
But anyways, I'm digressing! I am a self-appointed cake expert and qualified critic. I know cake like Tiger knows golf (I grew up on it). So, keep this in mind as you read my review.
So, before the place opens @ this new location I run into an old friend who is helping with getting the place together. He immediately gives me a whole (and, I mean BIG caramel cake). Pretty cool of him.
I take the cake home, and I actually forget all about it. My granny passed in Nov of 2007 and before that she probably made her last cake in 2003-4. Since then I don't eat much cake because everything always, always, always pales in comparison.
So my kids ask, "what's in the box?" They indulge of course and I took a small piece of one of theirs. The cake is pretty decent I must say.
A few months pass and the bakery finally opens. I go in and the owner is there and very cool. We talk and she suggest the turtle cake. My Granny never made turtle cake ... I taste ... IT'S OVER. Yep, I'm a sellout! But wait though, that's just for the turtle cake!
Oops, I lied. Cause, a few weeks later I had the cheesecake. WTF did I do that for? Are you kidding? If you ever wondered what sin would taste like ... this would be it, and you would for sure be destined for hell, or at least fat as hell!
I was actually pretty close to slapping the **** out of somebody. No more, can I say, nobody makes cakes like my Granny, cause Brown Sugar is close and some of 'em exceed her baking.
Do yourself a favor, get you butt over to Brown Sugar! Please don't buy everything (they will let you taste, btw). And don't blame me if you happen to pack on a few extra pounds ... you will be hooked!
Deducted one star for no debit/credit. Pricing is very moderate for cake, in my opinion. And it's baked fresh daily, also they ARE open on Sunday! -
Review from Charle W.
New Orleans, LA
2/13/2010
YASSS! I just got back from Brown Sugar. We'd actually passed it on our way to Wings Around the World and I said to my boyfriend, "We are definitely going there on our way back." Boy, was that a good idea! Never have I been more happy to spend the $10 minimum! The cakes are ever so moist, the peanut butter cookies are huge and in a pack of 2 cost a little more than a buck, the smoothies were delightful even on a near-freezing day. We also got a slice of sweet potato pie. OH MAH GAWD! Delicious!
Stephanie, the owner, is just as sweet as her treats. She's so warm and welcoming and made us want to stay even longer. We had somewhere to be, but this establishment was so inviting that we sat down and tried a bite of everything we got.
I live all the way on the Northside and can't wait to go back to the Southside just to feel like I'm back home -
Review from Izzy N.
12/11/2010
Thick cheesecake topped with gooey caramel and no graham cracker crust but a slightly chewy, carmelized candy crust instead. Fuck Yeah, that's what I'm talking about right there. So dense and gooey that I can barely cut through it with my plastic fork. So I quit and saved the rest for later. I could have french kissed that thing. But I was with guests. That would have been so totally inappropriate. Besides, Johnny had just lectured us on yelpers acting right in public. So no PDA with food today. It was so freakin good and hot. Hot as in sexy. Not hot as in be careful you might give yourself third degree burns! HOT! Hotter than my ex! And he's hot. I also took a bite of some cake and it was moist and about equally as tasty. Mama likes.............. BUT THEN:
Clouds started to come together. Dark, grumpy clouds probably on their period ready to kill with their bare hands! Mean mugging earthlings below! Wind blowing simultaneously signing the cross on your forehead to protect you from what you are about to experience. Bitchiness. We were planning aloud to sit down here and enjoy our treats. But Nay! Said the owner type looking lady. That little section was closed for an event happening in 30 minutes. ONE of us asked if we could hang out there for a little bit before this thing would happen but we were denied. Banished! (That was meant to be said in a shakespearen way: banish- shed) I felt like we were being scolded. Left a little bit of a bad taste in my mouth. Only one of us can have attitude in this here relationship, and it's going to be ME. We ended up putting some ottomans together and we sat for a little bit chatting and eating our sweets in slight fear.
So back to the baked goods, the goods here are straightforward. Cakes look like cakes. Not shaped into babies or boobs congratulating you on your sucessful breast augmentation. It's shaped like a gigantic chunk of cake. It looks homemade and I bet I could easily buy one and pretend that I baked it myself and people would actually believe me. Izzy you are so talented. You found the time to bake a cake after working all day?? Bravo, Izzy.. Bravo. See what a good homemaker I am? I can hold down 40 hours a week at work (that's right, mama's got medical benefits), bringing in some money, I know how to drive safely, I can clean AND bake! Marriage material indeed. They sell some cupcakes, cheesecake as I mentioned, cookies, muffins and brownies. It would be so very helpful if there was a menu board, it is 2010 afterall. Or at least label the selection so you know what's goin on. It's CASH ONLY. The other gals at the counter were nicer and fast with a steady flow of customers coming in and out. I was extremely impressed with my cheesecake. It kicks cheesecake factory's ass down to an unrecognizable pulp and that's saying something cuz I think the cheesecake factory's cheesecake is kick ass. -
Review from Tene G.
South Holland, IL
6/25/2011
The BEST caramel cake I've ever tasted. The other's pale in comparison. The cake is moist, fresh, and light. It gets no better than this! The owner is an absolute joy and the service is excellent. I also highly recommend the strawberry colada! We purchased this cake for Easter dinner and my family devoured that cake within the hour. All that was left were crumbs! We won't be getting our pastries from anywhere else!
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Review from Rahshonda K.
Chicago, IL
Updated - 5/2/2011
Ok just left Brown Sugar and they have fully redeemed themselves!!!! Attitudes were on point!!! The owner was so inviting and warm!!! Was this the same place I visited a few weeks ago? Cupcakes were still warm and so freakin good!!!! I am definitely going back the vibe was on point!!! Five stars earned!!!!
Listed in: Rolling on the SOUTH…
2 Previous Reviews: Show all »
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4/25/2011
Well Well Well!!!! I wished that I didnt have to take a star off for attitude but the tude in that… Read more »
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Review from Shawan B.
Chicago, IL
11/22/2011
I had the Red Velvet Cake is was good but the Customer service stinks. I want to support local businesses. Please know that customer service is very important. This business will NOT last long if owner does not get customer service in order.
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Review from Shartese P.
Oak Brook, IL
11/5/2011
I love it. I have bought cakes for the last two birthday parties I had for my kids. This cake has been the talk of the party. And, its still moist after about three days in the fridge. Thumbs up!!!
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Review from Geri C.
Chicago, IL
1/16/2011
I drive by here every day & it's a MUST I stop by at least 3 times a week for a Carmel cupcake :))) this place is full of special treats but those are my favorites , great service & the owner is always in greeting customers with a huge warm smile !!
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Review from abs t.
Chicago, IL
9/15/2008
LOVE this place!!!! And i mean LOVE it! The caramel cake, the bread pudding that tastes exactly like my grandmother's, and then my favorite... the turtle cupcakes!!
I discovered Brown Sugar Cafe randomly this summer, and ended up going back about 6 times in two weeks. Since I didn't want to gain 100 pounds on delicious cakes, cupcakes and puddings, I had to give myself a stern talking to. it was hard, but I finally kicked my addiction.
The one thing I had that I wasn't really a fan of was the brownie - it was pretty dry, and I'm a chewy-brownie kind of gal. Also, I had a small piece of plain cheesecake here once, and it was just ok. Tasted like... plain cheesecake :)
but I do think it's worth the drive... if only for the bread pudding, turtle cupcakes, and caramel cake. One day, I'll venture out and try some of their other stuff, but these 3 are so good I haven't tried anything else.
Hmm.. I just read the other post about taffy apple caramel cake. I've never tried that one, so now it looks like I have another excuse to return! (but this time, with my 12-step program in hand! :) ) -
Review from Marki L.
Chicago, IL
2/25/2009
I'm in love with the cupcakes. My twelve year old son is the one who turned me on to Brown Sugar. Every Saturday morning he eats the Key Lime pie while he is at work. The cupcakes are large, moist, and will fix any sugar craving. The cupcakes aren't the only excellent dessert, I also like their caramel cake, pound cake, and red velvet. but, when you are on a diet it is best to just get a cupcake.
Listed in: Best Sweet Tooth Spot South of…
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Review from Bril B.
Chicago, IL
3/6/2010
I produce The Chicago Tap Summit and every year we bring in Master Teachers from all over the world. Many of our Master Teachers, now request Brown Sugar Bakery's Caramel Cake and one of them even went so far as to put it in his contract!!!! My nickname used to be Cake Daddy because I was a connoisseur of baked goods. I have, since, cut meat, dairy and sugar out of my diet and lost 30 pounds. When I do treat myself to dessert, it is Brown Sugar and only Brown Sugar. If I am going to cheat, I might as well cheat with the best!
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Review from Mimi M.
Chicago, IL
9/14/2010
Hands down one of the best around the CHI! The owner is kind and welcoming and her Carmel Cheese Cake is the BEST!! If you are ever on the south side of chicago look for a park on the semi congested street and run inside for some wonderful tasty treats. Its not that expensive the Carmel Cheese Cake and the bread pudding are my favorites but I know alot that love the Carmel Cake and many others.
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Review from Lee-Han H.
Chicago, IL
11/9/2005
The name says it all. Everything is good and sweet!
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Review from Jenifer G.
Nashville, TN
9/3/2009
The sugar cookies are dreamy. I'm gonna have to go get a couple soon. They also made wonderful decorated cupcakes for a work fund-raiser event I had.
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Review from marvin m.
Chicago, IL
3/10/2011
Bought a slice of sweet potato pie with the caramel & almond topping. Gooder den a mug!
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Review from LaToya J.
Chicago, IL
7/12/2009
I absolutely love their Carmel cake!!!!
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Review from Sherise H.
Chicago, IL
4/2/2010
Umm Umm Good!
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Review from Kim T.
Chicago, IL
4/30/2011
Turtle cake was heaven and huge. I never taste a cake that wonderful before even a homemade cake from my mother. The price was right. I am hooked.
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Review from Nique J.
Chicago, IL
3/29/2010 3 photos
POOR CUSTOMER SERVICE! I don't like long reviews, but this is only half of the humiliation I experienced.
I came across this bakery from a facebook posting.The cake posted was the same cake (Red Velvet) I wanted for my birthday & the person had the same name as mine decorated on the cake. I thought it was cute, so I decided to call & request the same identical cake for my birthday. The female who took my order, seem to be familiar with the cake, I described from fb. I was SO DISAPPOINTED when I picked up my cake. It didn't look anything like the photo on facebook. I reluctantly took the cake home & 5 min. later decided to take the cake back. I called first & explained the issue. When I arrived, a kind young gentleman was emptying the bakery trash, asked if I was returning the cake & offered to take it to the back. Shortly after, a tall female came from the back....loudly saying, who is the person who returned the cake. Her demeanor was rude & intimating; reminding me of a butcher w/o an axe. I realized this was the owner from her photo on yelp.... pictures sure are deceiving. No Smile, No Apology, No Nothing, except I'm the owner & what do you mean you want the cake identical to the fb photo. She seem not to know about the fb link on her business page: http://www.ilovefoodgr....
As I explained, the person who took the order didn't question, they seem to know what I was talking about. Mrs Brown Sugar said the female who took the order may not have access to her page. What! That was crazy, because I was able to view & if there was a question about my order, than perhaps the business side should have kicked in & said...hmmm, I need to call this customer. I couldn't believe the owner was iritated, afterall...I am the one who had to drive back. Did she think this was convenient for me. I patiently waited in the seating area. 15 min. later, the young female at the counter called me & started to wrap the cake box at the counter....I stopped her & said I would like to see it, considering my return. It would have been nice to receive an apology from the owner, but she stayed in the back & never returned to even ask ..is this ok. Well it wasn't. The cake was not level (4 uneven layers) w/ nuts on the side, nuts missing in some areas of the cake. Another issue, the nuts was suppose to be on top as pictured in the fb photo. The cake was good, but I will NEVER return. I could have gotten over the decoration of the cake order, but I will never excuse POOR CUSTOMER SERVICE. Judge for yourself, see photos above. The decoration doesn't even come close to what I requested. -
Review from Traci R.
Portland, OR
2/16/2010
Oh lawd, this place has some GOOD desserts. Chicago is notorious for their cadre of "cake ladies" who mostly are Southern-bred mamas with bomb baking skills. They'll bake and sell their cakes by word-of-mouth request or Sundays after church. I had kinda forgotten all about this regional tradition until I rolled up to Brown Sugar Bakery randomly one summer. I had my mind set on a chocolate-frosted, yellow cake but they were fresh out. To appease me, the day worker gave me a strawberry shortcake on the house. This was about two summers ago, mind you, but I still have the sweet, delicious taste of that shortcake stored in my gastronomic memory bank! I've gone back very infrequently since then but every time I'm always quite satiated. Occasionally, the owner, Stephanie will give me freebies or discounts just cause. It reminds of me of just going into granny's kitchen and walking away with whatever sweet something I find. I'm so glad this tradition is still alive.
