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Sweet Mandy B's
- Nearest Transit:
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Fullerton (Brown Line, Purple Line, Red Line)
Armitage (Brown Line, Purple Line)
- Hours:
Mon-Thu, Sun 8 am - 9 pm
Fri-Sat 8 am - 10 pm
- Price Range:
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$$
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Street
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- No
837 reviews for Sweet Mandy B's
Review Highlights
"I got TONS of compliments on the cupcakes."
(in 646 reviews)
"I highly recommend the red velvet."
(in 195 reviews)
"...red velvet with with thick delicious cream cheese frosting."
(in 41 reviews)
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837 reviews in English
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Review from Whitney K.
Chicago, IL
2/3/2012
Oh, Sweet Mandy, how have I not reviewed you before?! Most likely because I was leaving the reviewing to the other 850 reviewers who werent busy licking their fingers.
Buttercream icing is perfection. Snickerdoodle and Red Velvet cupcakes are also faves. My best friend put together a box filled with cookies, turtles, and bars and they didnt disappoint either.
Sorry, Molly, but I'm Team Mandy.
PS. can someone send my husband a memo to order my birthday cake from here? -
Review from Chris L.
Chicago, IL
2/5/2012
They're cakes/cupcakes are very pretty, completely super-duper extravagantly sweet, and it's not horrible tasting.
This place definitely must be a girl thing because I find this place to be completely similar compared to other cupcake places. It's not better, nor worse. It's on par.
Sweet Mandy B's doesn't blow me away nor convert me to loving cupcakes. But it's definitely not a bad choice for one and they have really friendly service. -
Review from Elise K.
Chicago, IL
1/21/2012
I went here to get cupcakes for a 5-year anniversary at work by insistence of my pregnant co-worker's cravings.
We got a medley of 12. I'd say that the lemon and orange are the best flavors. Though some co-workers enjoyed red velvet and chocolate. The bakery was quick, accepts credit cards and clean. Service was friendly. Prices are expensive - nearly $3 a cupcake! -
Review from Anna V.
Chicago, IL
1/19/2012
Best. Cupcakes. EVER.
I now understand how the cookie monster must feel when he sees cookies... -
Review from Lisa A.
Chicago, IL
1/30/2012 1 photo
Finally a cupcake that has cake (sorry Molly's- you're too much frosting/filling/fluff for me).
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Review from Jen M.
Cleveland, OH
Updated - 1/17/2012
Still, this place rocks my world. I've ordered many cakes from here and "wowed" their recipients. I even carried two cakes through Midway airport, and the security folks were impressed that I attempted to do that. Hey, when you have an amazing cake, you'll do anything for it. I babied that thing like nothing else...
On my last visit I, of course, had to get a slice of Birthday cake (yellow cake with vanilla buttercream frosting because it's tradition), another helping of Raspberry bars, and I tried the peanut butter cookie with chocolate frosting. Whoa, that thing is SUPER rich. Look out. One tiny bite and you're cured of any sweet craving for at least 5 days. I dream of ordering a wedding cake from this place.2 Previous Reviews: Show all »
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5/31/2009
Okay, so I ordered a joint birthday cake for my Dad and me. I decided to go with the type of cake… Read more »
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Review from Kasey S.
Chicago, IL
2/6/2012
2nd best cupcake place in Chicago, #1 place to get cookies. They are to die for. They have so many flavors and are a great size. Go here for a variety of cookies and make sure you pick up an oatmeal raisin.
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Review from Dee V.
Chicago, IL
1/18/2012
Cute bakery, wasn't a fan of the cupcakes I got.
The cake itself tasted like a pilsbury vanilla box mix & the frosting was way to sweet for me.
The lady's behind the counter were really nice.
Good prices for their cupcakes
I'll go in again to try some other things. -
Review from Roxanne A.
Evanston, IL
2/2/2012
Since this was next door to John's place and people promised their significant others baked goods, we went in. It was a little awkward trying to see what they had in baked offerings because the line went right in front of them. However, all the twisting and turning to see was worth it. While in line, I saw them take this red and white cake thing out of the oven with them pouring frosting on top. I didn't know what it was, but I wanted it. It turned out to be red velvet bread pudding and it was silky deliciousness in my mouth. They allowed me to buy it with the caveat that I had to wait an hour to eat it. I believe I was very lucky to catch them with them having it stock. The hour wait was well worth it. GO it eat especially if you love red velvet. I've had red velvet cupcakes, red velvet french toast, red velvet donuts, and red velvet cake at a variety of places in Chicago. The red velvet bread pudding is a CAN'T MISS item here.
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Review from Mallory S.
Hartford, CT
1/23/2012
The cupcakes are phenomenal! I have never had a bad experience here. Not only are they so moist, but there is always a great variety. I lived in Michigan and would visit Chicago on the weekends, always taking a dozen home with me for friends and family. The cupcakes stayed moist and delicious even 3 days later! Seriously, the best place for desserts. I can't wait to get these cupcakes for my wedding!
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Review from Foodie F.
Chicago, IL
1/21/2012
I thought I'd give Mandy B's a try after reading all the hustle and bustle. It was very easy to find parking, but one could easily pass the location numerous times without noticing. Small and light green building folks!
Pros:
-Newly renovated
-Friendly customer service
-Good selection of desserts and cakes
-Tasty lemon bars and marshmallow pops
-Nice consistency to the cupcake frosting (not overly sweet)
-Separate area for sitting that wasn't condensed
Cons:
-A weak selection of cupcakes
-Cupcake batter is a bit flaky
-Needs better organization (placement of desserts for customers to easily view without bumping into others)
-Cake designs don't have such a "wow" factor
I have tried a handful of cupcake places in Chicago and I'll give Mandy B's third place. First is Sprinkles (franchises are franchises for a reason people and it's no surprise Sprinkles is growing), second to Molly's, and third to Mandy B's. I will definitely come back because I am eager to try the cookies, brownies, and other desserts. This place is better for desserts rather than cupcakes. *** -
Review from Jimmy N.
Chicago, IL
12/9/2011 1 Check-in Here
(This review is based solely on the red velvet cupcake, the standard upon which all cupcake bakeries shall be judged)
Why I'm still giving Sweet Mandy my business even though I'm a cheapskate:
1. Great size for the price ($2 and change per cupcake). It's cheap enough for me to get 2, and small enough for me to eat 2 without feeling too guilty about it.
2. Soooo moist! Like eating the inside of a cloud... Ok, probably not like that. Probably more like eating the inside of a really moist and freshly made cupcake. Good flavor yet light.
3. The frosting will blow your mind... Ok, probably not. It'll amaze you with its texture and perfect amount of sweetness while keeping your mind intact so you can stay alive and savor the cupcake.
4. The decor is "super cute". I like "super cute" stuff.
Overall, there's not much I can say about this place that hasn't been said. It's the best cupcake bakery I've found in the city in terms of both taste and value, qualities which are seldom found together in one place. -
Review from mae b.
Chicago, IL
11/5/2011
Frosting smash by too-small box. Bride's name spelled wrong!
I picked up my custom cake for our wedding shower and when I got home, the frosting had been smashed by the lid of the box and they had put an extra "t" in Katie. I left several messages and still have not heard back from them. Very unprofessional. -
Review from Annie N.
11/12/2011
Sweet Mandy B's, were we meant to be together or not? I still don't know. After all that happened, I can't believe that we're still at a 3 star.
My friend and I was roaming around Lincoln Park for a desert place. It was the night before our 10k, and we needed carbs. You're supposed to eat carbs before a race, right? So we decided to have frozen yogurt (pasta and bread are overrated - we can run on fro-yo). Unfortunately, the fro-yo place was closed, so we walked into Sweet Mandy B's.
Both the outside and inside of the store is super cute. I'd take my little sisters here daily if they live with me. They have tons of different type of deserts, all very cute and tasty looking. But after looking at the baked goods, we decided to not get anything, because we were both craving fro-yo that night. So we left (but I secretly promised Sweet Mandy B's I'd be coming back so soon).
But fate has its own plan. And the next morning, after I crawled to the finish line of my 10k, I grasped a glimpse of a tent that was giving out cupcakes! I ran there, and it was Sweet Mandy B's, giving out free cupcakes to the runners! How sweet of themt! So I took a yellow cake with butter cream frosting - I think? (and shame on you who took 6 and put it in your kids' wagon). I was more than excited with the cupcake. Good things come to those who wait.
Later on, when the race started catching up to me, I came down to my kitchen searching for junk food, and of course the cupcake ended up in my pie of food. I took a bite, and immediately, I thought it was gonna knock me out. But it didn't. So I took another bite, waiting for the wow moment to come. And none of that happened. It did not live up to the hype or the expectation. The cake was good, moist, and sweet, but perhaps too sweet? The frosting became a little bit too much, too heavy. I didn't even finish the cake. A bit of a disappointment, I daresay.
Nevertheless, I have to give the store lots of credits for their cuteness and support. For now, you're a 3 stars, but I will come back soon, and after desert (next time), I'll let you know if we'll have a future together. -
Review from Bethany C.
Chicago, IL
12/26/2011
This was a horrible bakery... I was referred here by a friend, so I decided to give it a shot. The cake was great (the only reason on why I gave it more then one star), but the service was horrible. While I was waiting to pay (I was probably 5th in line), two people in front of me were skipped and had to ask 2 employees if they could get some help. Also, during this time, there were about 5 employees working off of one register. Everything seemed extremely rushed and they did not seem to care about who they were dealing with. It seemed overly rushed, even for the city. I will never return to this bakery and wont recommend it to anyone.
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Review from Calvin Y.
9/6/2011 1 Check-in Here
Their chocolate pudding cupcake is sinful.
It shouldn't taste that delicious because that's just dangerous for everybody involved.
I even took a Red Velvet cupcake back with me to Seattle and it held up! It was still moist after sitting a day in my bag.Listed in: Chicago Showcase 2011
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Review from Jean C.
I had ordered a cake for 30 people from Sweet Mandy B's and they did not disappoint. In fact they supplied a delicious two layer 12 inch yellow cake with raspberries and chocolate frosting.
I was throwing my hubby a graduation party for his Masters degree at Cafe Ba Ba Reeba and could bring a dessert in. I did some price checking and since it was also conveniently located near the Bob, as we call it, I decided to go here. We have been here many times for cupcakes and treats but this was the first for the cake. It. Was. Beautiful. Purple icing and writing to round off the chocolate perfection was eye candy for all. The cake had to be out for two hours before cutting and that worked well with my timing of brunch.
The cake was beyond delicious and the hubs loved it. There wasn't much left at the end of it all. I'm glad everyone enjoyed it because it was the most expensive cake I have ever purchased! It's those fresh raspberries that will get you every time. Aside from that, I would definitely purchase another cake from here again. I was just too pleased to let cost get in the way.1 Previous Review: Show all »
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4/22/2011
My quest for trying all the cupcakes in Chicago have led me to Sweet Mandy B's. I've been hearing… Read more »
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Review from Courtland H.
Chicago, IL
12/31/2011
Great place, kinda expensive but so worth every penny. Cupcakes, and mint chocolate chip cookies are a fav. lemon merange pie, excellent ;-)
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Review from Mandy A.
9/23/2011
I finally, finally, finally made it to Sweet Mandy B's. Being my namesake, I can't believe it took over three years of living in the city to get here. But I digress...
Husband and I came here after eating at Pequod's to do some reconnaissance for my brother-in-law and his cupcake-lovin' friends who are visiting this fall. We tried a standard red velvet (obvs my choice), a snickerdoodle (Bryan's choice) and a lemon (for the people).
We were still too full from pizza so we trucked those home and ate them a little while later. That night we split the lemon and snickerdoodle and both were deece, I wish the snickerdoodle had a more powerful cinnamon flavor. The lemon was sweet and fresh and even though I'm not a big citrus person, I liked it better. I ate that whole red velvet the next day and it was good. Okay, not mind blowing.
I want to go back though because it's a cute place and I was so zeroed in on the cupcakes I think I mentally blocked out the rest of the scene.Listed in: The 14254th Cupcake List on…
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Review from Soshanna M.
Chicago, IL
12/11/2011
Nom nom nom! You can't go wrong with any cupcake bakery but you really should go out of your way to go to Sweet Mandy B's. The cupcakes here are so heavenly I'm pretty sure that I not only saw Jesus but high-fived Him.
I've tried the chocolate, pumpkin, red velvet and the Snickerdoodle and by far my favorite is the pumpkin- which I'm sure is seasonal. You can walk in and get a container of 4 cupcakes for just under $10 and that is a steal considering I feel that Sweet Mandy can charge way more and we'd still probably pay it.
Do yourself a favor....just go try a cupcake from there. You will not regret it. -
Review from Mike K.
Chicago, IL
Updated - 9/15/2011
Mandy is still the reigning queen of the cupcake.
I believe I've now completed trying the remaining colors of the spectrum (the G. Biv parts) at Mandy's at this point.
I don't usually go for a chocolate cupcake, as I prefer vanilla or white over chocolate when it comes to cupcakes. Then I had a Columbus moment. The chocolate cupcakes at Mandy's are just as bangin' as the vanilla, red velvet and orange cream varieties. New worlds...
The only cupcake I've had at Mandy's that I can't endorse at this point is the strawberry one. It tastes like Lucky Charms marshmallows, which is to say it tastes too artificial.
Cupcakes and Intelligentsia. Five stars.Listed in: Cupcake Judgment Day
2 Previous Reviews: Show all »
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4/20/2010
I was never a good science student in school, but some things did stick. I can't remember the name… Read more »
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Review from Jabbara P.
Chicago, IL
Great bake goods. Great coffee. Outstanding staff. But no wifi. Complete the package guy.
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Review from Frank A.
Schaumburg, IL
10/12/2011 1 Check-in Here
Wow. What a cute place! The exterior resembles a dollhouse. The interior also features such pretty pastel colors... haha.
So my wife was probably more giddy about this place then I was. We ordered a variety of cakes, cupcakes, bars and other sweets. You can easily spend upwards of 30 bucks if you're not careful. We did and it was just the two of us!
We took home a half dozen cupcakes, toffee bar, peanut butter rice krispies bar, mint chocolate cookie and the doughless fudge cake.
Everything was pretty good, however I still prefer Sprinkles cupcakes. The ones here seemed a bit sweet for my taste, but still good.
Overall, you'll find something good here and this place is a great option if you're into sweets. -
Review from matthew g.
Chicago, IL
12/18/2011
Maybe a little crowded and hectic on the weekends, but for a good reason ... The cupcakes! The cookies! The pudding!!!
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Review from leslie m.
Chicago, IL
9/28/2011
Sweet Many B's is more than just cupcakes!
I love sweets and Sweet Mandy B's delivers in every category. There are cookies, brownies, giant turtles, flourless chocolate cake, ice cream, cupcakes, pie, rice krispies and cheesecake. If you want it they have it. Buttercream frosting is the name of the game here and although not my #1 choice in frosting it is delicous.
Favorite cupcake-Snickerdoodle
Favorite Cake-flourless chocolate
The giant milk chocolate turtles should be illegal.
Service is always friendly and efficient even during peak times and the prices are more than reasonable. -
Review from Trinidad F.
Maywood, IL
10/3/2011
Not crazy about the paint job at this place. Very cute and happy. Maybe a little childish but I still think its adorable. I stopped by for dessert with my bff. She was super excited because they had plain yellow cake cupcakes with buttercream frosting. YUMMY!!!!! I had my eyes on a red velvet cupcake that was stuffed with buttercream. I picked the cupcake and a latte.
Stick to the pastries because my latte wasn't that exciting. Very foamy and not hot at all. My cupcake was AMAZING!!!!! I think it had a bit too much frosting but for other it may just be enough. Overall this is a great spot for yummy goodies but I'm not sure if I want to sit there feeling like I'm in a giant easter basket. -
Review from Sherryl W.
Chicago, IL
8/19/2011
I've been to Sweet Mandy B's a few times now. I love cupcakes, but hold everyone to a high standard because my sister makes the best ones.
This place has good cupcakes. It is weird that I like the miniature cupcakes better than the regular sized? I had them at a baby shower, and thought they were very moist and delicious. I liked the red velvet and chocolate.
I give them extra props because I went one Friday night, and they had just closed. The lady at the counter must have seen my extremely sad face when I tried to open the door, because she chased me and my boyfriend down the block to give us some sweets for free!
That's how you keep people coming back. Love me some free sweets! -
Review from Leigh An S.
Chicago, IL
1/18/2012
I went in yesterday afternoon to get a small sample of the treats they have to offer since I had never been in before. Cute decor, a little "baby shower-ish" for my taste with all the pastels they have going on, but it's works for the old fashion desserts they offer. We got a banana cream pie slice, a dbl chocolate oatmeal cookie and a individual Chocolate Raspberry Cheesecake. Everything was great and such an affordable price, just over $10! My only complaint being that the chocolate raspberry cheesecake didn't include any raspberry...the only raspberry was on the top. Just one. Don't get me wrong the cheesecake itself was absolutely wonderful, the description was just a bit misleading.
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Review from Joni R.
Chicago, IL
8/19/2011
I love this place.
1) The chocolate buttercream actually taste like chocolate instead of Crisco.
2) Real carrots and nuts in the carrot cupcake.
3) Real cream cheese frosting on the Red Velvet cupcake
Needless to say I scored brownie points for bringing those delecables in the house.
I'm ordering 60 assorted mini cupcakes for my friend's Bday party next week. Score brownie points again! -
Review from Andrea G.
Chicago, IL
9/20/2011
Sweet Mandy B's is hand down the winner so far of my Chicago Tour de Cupcakes (I've tried Crumbs and Sprinkles as well). Their cupcakes are perfectly moist, not overly sweet, and the frosting is AMAZING. I've tried a few different flavors--red velvet, vanilla with vanilla frosting, vanilla with chocolate frosting, and banana chocolate chip with chocolate frosting. They have all been delicious but my favorite is the tried and true--vanilla with chocolate. They are normal-sized, perfect for dessert, and somehow on my most recent trip I managed to eat only half! Of course so I could prolong the deliciousness over the next day. They are very reasonably priced, which is the icing on the cake (someone punch me), and (unlike other reviewers) I found the staff to be pleasant and helpful.
The assortment of non-cupcake treats was very alluring so I'm sure I will make my way through that stuff over time. We also bought a peanut butter cookie with chocolate frosting but we haven't tried that yet. Seriously, I don't know where this self-control is coming from!
I am really glad this place is so far from where I live, otherwise I would be morbidly obese AND broke. But I will definitely stop by this place whenever I am in the neighborhood... or, like, within 15 miles of the neighborhood. -
Review from Lucy U.
New York, NY
8/17/2011 1 photo
Basically, the perfect bakery! I ordered a custom cake from here for one of my best friend's baby shower. They called me multiple times to confirm the order and made sure to get the cake right including the design. It came out perfect and had amazing flavor. We had a strawberry cake with fresh strawberries for the filling and vanilla buttercream icing. Wow!!!! Outstanding! My favorite cake in the world is from We Take the Cake in Ft. Lauderdale, FL and I would rate Sweet Mandy B's right next to it.
While I was at the bakery I tried the Sour Cherry Cabinet Cake which was delicious! I have a big sweet tooth and love to try bakeries in any city I visit. I have to say this bakery reigns supreme! Yummy! -
Review from Taylor D.
Chicago, IL
12/4/2011
This is THE place to go in chicago for cupcakes. They are reasonably priced, about $2.25, and the cupcakes are amazing. The red velvet is always a favorite, but my personal favorite is the banana chocolate chip cupcake with chocolate frosting. So moist and flavorful! The vanilla cake is also the best vanilla cake I have ever had! THIS PLACE IS A MUST FOR CUPCAKE LOVERS!
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Review from Char Y.
Chicago, IL
Updated - 7/15/2011 1 Check-in Here
Came with my groupon for something other than their cupcakes...
chocolate bread pudding - good, but not great
molten chocolate cake - moist but dry at spots, with butter on the bottom??
still looking forward to being impressed.1 Previous Review: Show all »
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9/28/2009
Wow expensive. The cup cakes were not too sweet, moist, and quite good. The place was cute and super… Read more »
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Review from Kris L.
8/30/2011
BEST CUPCAKES EVER.
Didn't try any of the other sweets, although they looked divine. Narrow store, had to squeeze past people to get to the back of the line, but omg, so worth the fuss! I tried a snickerdoodle, banana, red velvet, and orange cupcake. I must say, the orange one blew me away! They were moist and fresh and just the right amount of sweet. Yummers!! Can't wait to go back and try more! -
Review from Sandy C.
6/18/2011 3 photos
After dinner, I had a sweets craving. So my friends and I stopped by here to pick up some cupcakes. The decor of this place was very color and bright. The ambiance was very welcoming with locals and students from the nearby universities. The staff were really friendly and patient.
We've gotten the snickerdoodle, orange creamsicle, lemon cupcake with lemon frosting and carrot cupcake. All the cupcakes were scrumptious! They were not overly sweet or piled with frosting on top - it's like the perfect cupcake for me. My favorite out of the ones we've gotten is the lemon cupcake, it was tangy with a kick of lemony-ness.
Any way, by far all the cupcakes I've tried were amazing! I also like how they are very simplistic and not trying to go over the board to be different. And with the hype of cupcakes these days, the prices here are very affordable.
On my next trip to Chitown, I must stop by here to get a dozen cupcakes to bring home! -
Review from Beth J.
Chicago, IL
9/24/2011
Still my favorite!! LOVE!
I brought my mom to Molly's cupcakes as we were in that neighborhood. When we didn't fall in love with our cupcake I decided to walk her to Sweet Mandy B's for the best around. We ordered the chocolate cupcake with the buttercream frosting. She loved how they color their frosting as it adds an extra touch.
The buttercream is heaven as it is thick deliciousness. She was blown away. I will go out of my way to bring all my guests here when they want a cupcake experience. -
Review from Brad B.
Plymouth, MN
11/29/2011 1 Check-in Here
Good cookies. A little surprised they didn't have hot chocolate.
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Review from Kathleen M.
Frankfort, IL
6/10/2011
I learned today that you cannot judge a bakery's prowess by its facade...or the interior...or even its targeted customers.
My sister has raved about Sweet Mandy B's so we made a stop here as the P.S. on our Adventure Friday. I was having guests for dinner and I could bring sweets home or make them once I got there. Hello Bakery, what do you have?
When we arrived I was so put off by the outside of the building - so treacly; it just looked like all that crafty furniture you see to decorate the sickeningly sweet bedrooms of overindulged children. It is all pastels and said, "Hello too precious children, this place is for your over the top birthdays." And the joint was full of these demon offspring being catered to by Nannies and parents with way more money than sense. I personally saw two girls knock down a tray as they attempted to sneak behind the counter. GET ME OUT OF HERE was my first reaction but the display cases whispered a sugary message in my ear.
I bought a Key Lime Pie, a red velvet cupcake, a dreamsicle cupcake and a few others. Those are the delights we sampled after dinner, splitting and tasting, comparing and critiquing. And they were all darn good!
It's too far from my house to ever go back and the over the top marketing to spoiled children is a turn off but hey, they can sure bake some tasty treats.
Sweet Mandy B's - my only objection is that I am afraid that B stands for Brats.Listed in: Adventure Fridays, Sweet life
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Review from jaclyn r.
Chicago, IL
12/5/2011
Love this place! The Snikerdoodle cupcakes are my fav!
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Review from Rose A.
I saw Sweet Mandy B's on the Foodnetwork and wanted to check them out. The store is cute and the people were nice. They were sampling the banana bread, which my daughter loved.
I didn't want to buy a whole banana bread loaf so the lady told me the banana cupcake is the closest to the banana bread. I bought one banana cupcake with vanilla frosting, an individual caramel apple cake, a Toffee bar and a turtle.
The caramale apple cake was quite delicious but got too sweet after awhile. The walnuts added a nice crunch. The banana cupcake was pretty good but my daughter took off the vanilla frosting (she really wanted the banana bread). My husband loved the toffee bar and I don't blame him. It was crunch without being too break-your-teeth crunchy. And the turle was just as delicious.
Yums!
