A Baker’s Tale

I think this place is on it’s way out. It recently went from a cozy place with decent food and good catering to a cold, open uncomfortable environment. Maybe they just want to be a catering business, but then they’d need to clean up their menu.

This is one of my favorite places to study and snack! I have ordered a quiche every time I have been, and the quiche specials like goat cheese and roasted tomato were great. The service is also wonderful too. I wanted to study there and then eat in an few hours, and one of the servers offered to save me a slice until I was ready.
The only suggestion I would have is adding more unique drink options and stay open later! If you do, then I would say to add more menu items for people who stay throughout the day.

I got married in August and I ordered a wedding cake and a full dessert table from A Baker’s Tale. The guests lined up around the corner for the desserts — it was the highlight of the night. And the cake was the most beautiful cake I have ever seen. The taste was unbelievable. The owner of the bakery sat one on one with me and discussed everything from the design to the flavors of the cake and icing. She is a wonderful person and she crafted my wedding cake so that it was authentic and perfect for my big day. I couldn’t have had a better experience.

this is right across the street from my go-​to manicure places (Juko)…dropped by on a Saturday morning right after my manicure as I was wandering around exploring the area, really loved this place and i would definitely go back!
all the dessert looked nicely crafted and they tasted really good too, I especially liked the peanut butter macaroon, it’s a huge piece for $ 1.5 and not too sweet, the faint taste of PB is my fav
the environment is very cozy with awesome music, next time i will come here and stay for an afternoon just relax and read a book

Wow what a great find! Beautiful store with so many great details. We spend 30 minutes checking out the décor. Food is divine and pricing is great. Wish we had something like this at home.

What is this? Pure butter with drops of raspberry? Seriously, what is this?
Why is this worth $ 60?
I feel like going to the bakery and talking to you myself, because my husband is too embarrassed to do so. But I want you, baker from Baker’s Tale, to look inside your heart and really think about if this is a good cake. If this is supposed to make a birthday person happy.
I’m so disappointed. I’ve been disappointed with Chicago bakeries for a long time. And now I’m mad, because it’s my birthday and I just wanted cake.
I think I’ll stop by and drop your huge [massive] ball of rosé butter back. I just want you to THINK every time you bake a cake. Is this really going to be satisfying? Is this really a good value to my customer?
Thanks.

The interior is by far the most imaginative scheme on the street! The food is really good and reasonable, but the baked goods are outstanding! Be sure to try the cherry pie, it’s some of the best I’ve had.

The absolute best Oatmeal Raison cookies on this planet!!!
This, combined with the friendly staff and awesome ambiance, makes every visit a special one. Love it!

If you want great customer service and basic human politeness, do NOT come here. The customer service at this place does not exist. My friend and I visited this establishment because it looked like a nice place. The front counter guy was the absolute worst; he didn’t even say welcome or try to be of any help either. After we ordered our selections and sat down for 20 minutes, the front counter guy starts taking our plates and cups without even asking if we were done. I asked if they were closing, and he retorts they are closing soon. Okay… So when we ordered, why didn’t you tell us you will be closing soon? Why would you rush us out and disrespect paying customers in the process? Just plain rude and direspectful.

phenomenal coffee; adorable décor; delicious pastries.
i live off of their selection of yesterday’s cookies. they’re an absolute steal at 75 cents apiece and individually wrapped. their quiche is a must in the AM as well. fluffy and wonderful. s’more bars are bomb as well. also, go ahead and touch the wall that leads to the bathroom. no shame, we’ve all done it.
only suggestion? i wish they’d open an hour earlier (earlier coffee consumption) and close an hour later (later cookie consumption).

They have everything what is necessary to achieve 5 stars.
1. Product: excellent coffee, yummy quiche ($ 2.5 big slice special), great tarts.
2. Very nice, responsive service. They made me feel good.
3. New, clean and nicely arranged interior. Not comparable to many Chicago dump holes called «coffee shop». Green wall leading to restrooms it’s just beautiful.
4. Comfortable chairs. Plenty of room. Patio.
5. Internet speed checked 40−50Mbps. Nice…

By far and above the best personal cheesecake I have ever had.
Not reserved just for baked goods, their lunch menu is incredible as well.

Great desserts decent sandwiches but overpriced. Go next door to wicker basket for a better deal.

ABT is a great little bakery for all the sweets you crave. It also serves some delicious savory items as well.
I’m always on the hunt for good pie, and they sell a mini cherry pie that is the perfect size for four generous servings, and priced at just $ 8.00, it’s a bargain to boot. Of course a bargain is only a bargain if the food is good, and it definitely is here. It’s probably the second-​best cherry pie I’ve had in Chicago.
Along with terrific pies, they also sell macarons (tons of flavors), s’mores, eclairs, cream puffs, cookies, muffins, and cupcakes – anything a raging sweet tooth could desire.
I’m also a huge fan of their quiche, which is light and fluffy. They generally have a couple kinds available. I’ve tried the mushroom and arugula, goat cheese and red pepper, ham and cheddar, and they’re all deeply satisfying. The portion is very generous and priced at only $ 2.50. It could very well be the cheapest lunch in town.
If quiche isn’t your jam, many salad and sandwich options are available, and I believe they also sell at least one kind of soup daily.
With fresh ingredients, plenty of seating, reasonable prices, and best of all, wonderful food, I definitely plan on being a regular.

So, my girlfriend insisted I try this place and it didn’t take much arm-​twisting after I took a look as some of the pictures here on Unilocal.Yeah, I was sold, especially because A Baker’s Tale is literally right across the street from me.
I came here on a weekend and unfortunately there was none of the daily quiche that I’ve heard so much about, so all that means is that I clearly need to come back here to try it on a weekday! I tried a chocolate chip cookie, a chocolate tart, and then also a bunch of random pastry bites that were available for sampling. I love free samples. I don’t know if the samples are only there on the weekend, but I am a big fan nonetheless. I tried some kind of s’more pie that was so good that I think I’ll order that the next time I drop by. The cookie was good, but the chocolate tart totally knocked my socks off. It was so rich and creamy. I had vowed to save some to share, but before I knew it, the whole thing was gone!
The décor is also really unique with an Alice in Wonderland theme. It’s really tastefully done, not cheesy at all. Even though I didn’t eat here, I noticed that there are plenty of tables and outlets available. I noticed a free wifi sign, too, with a password. I’m eager to try a lot of what they have to offer, so maybe I’ll update my review when I do. I haven’t tried any other bakeries in Wicker Park, but seriously. I don’t have to. I have found «my» bakery and I have no real need to check out any others (like Alliance). Wicker Park is lucky to have you, Baker’s Tale!

Service is always friendly no matter who’s working.
Prices are decent, really good quality on the pasteries, always fresh and a lot to choose from.
Not to mention adorable, super cozy space.

I stopped by A Baker’s Tale for a light lunch and free wifi. I am such a fan that I felt compelled to immediately write a review (the wifi password is «wonderland,» by the way – perfectly fitting in their Lewis Carroll/​Alice in Wonderland theme). If you ever find yourself around Wicker Park/​Ukrainian Village in search of something sweet, coffee, or the most amazing quiche I have ever tried, look no further than A Baker’s Tale!
Food: I ordered a daily special quiche, which was arugula mushroom with goat cheese. The piece was HUGE and it was only $ 2.50. This is a total steal. I had the option of having it warmed up, which I did gladly. I seriously cannot say enough good things about this quiche, but I will try. The crust was perfectly buttery and flaky. You will find none of that plain, cardboardy stuff processed store-​bought crust here. This crust was clearly homemade (the best kind). My mouth is watering again even though I finished eating already and I’m perfectly satiated.
Drink: Upon recommendation of staff, I ordered a pumpkin spice latte. She informed me that they actually use REAL PUMPKIN. I am sold. Immediately sold. My drink came in a big, cozy mug, which I enjoyed sipping on this blustery Chicago day. 10/​10, would order again. Sorry, Starbucks, but I’m having none of your fake pumpkin flavoring. Starbucks doesn’t have anything on A Baker’s Tale!
Décor: A little kitschy, but not at all tacky. I love the tasteful and creative designs here. I enjoyed eating at a table with quotes from Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland by Lewis Carroll. There’s a breathtaking homemade tree with roses handmade from pages of the book at the front of the store. There are framed pictures on the wall depicting scenes from Alice in Wonderland. The bathroom is also very creative, hidden among a grass-​wall (I don’t know how else to describe it). I’m a sucker for themes and A Baker’s Tale hits the nail on the head.
Service: Amazing! The staff here are really, really helpful and friendly. I feel like I’ve been welcomed into a family here. Everyone is so attentive and fantastic.
I see that they’re offering cake-​decorating classes here for $ 50, which is definitely something I’m going to check out. I have definitely officially found my new favorite spot in Wicker Park. I always look for cafes where I can apply to teaching jobs and get other work done. I wasn’t expecting my new favorite café to be a bakery, but here we are. I look forward to being a regular customer here and I’ll recommend it to everyone I know!
Note: The background music is A+! Great oldies.

Stopped for an afternoon pick me up. Loved the décor and immediately noticed the tree and Alice and wonderland motif.
Ordered a day old discounted (couldn’t even tell) Nutella and banana cupcake Also ordered a vanilla latte that was brought to my table. I sucked down the latte before I even knew what kind of beans they were.
Overall it fit my desire for a sweet bite and a cup of great coffee perfectly.
(4.5÷5)

The food: ²⁄₅. I had vanilla and caramel eclairs. They were just alright. The filling in the vanilla eclairs was a little blend and the caramel eclairs had so much thick caramel on top, I only had two bites.
The service: ²⁄₅. While the girl who helped me was very nice, there was another rather rude employee at the cash register. The two of them got in a bit on an argument about some delivery service, while I was waiting to pay for my pastries.
Overall: won’t be going back

So, this place is amazing! Definitely my type of bakery. It is so cute and clean inside and the pastries are displayed perfectly! Very easy to see what they have and you’re not overwhelmed. The décor is great (even the bathroom!), the employees are nice and helpful. Just great!
I came here with a friend and our kids. It was a beautiful day so we sat outside. First, I ordered an iced White Mocha and the Ham and Goat Cheese Quiche. After I ordered, I sat down and they brought it out to me, so nice! Then, I went back in and got a brownie and a cheesecake. It was so hard to decide! I want everything! The pies look amazing and would serve probably 3 – 4 people (or 2 of me because I’m a pig). That’s what I’m going back for next ;) Everything was so delicious. I had a great experience.
If you are ever in Chicago, specifically the Wicker Park neighborhood, please stop by this cute, sweet bakery!