Reader's guide to the best birthday cake spots
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Monica's family gets the cakes with whipped cream and fruit from Chiu Quon. Photo: Monica Eng/Axios
To celebrate Monica's birthday, we threw down our favorite spots for cakes last week.
- Monica chose the light, fruity, whipped-cream delights from Chinese Chiu Quon Bakery in Chinatown and Uptown.
- Justin celebrated the dense buttercream tortes from Sweet Mandy B's in Lincoln Park.
Our readers recommended their own favorites:
Amy R.: "Jennivee's Bakery. This Filipino bakery in Lakeview has a gorgeous 'purple velvet' cake made with ube, a purple yam. The hummingbird cake (banana, pineapple, caramel, nuts) is insanely good."
Robert W.: "As a double chocolate cake lover, I like Bent Fork Bakery in Highwood. Also, surprisingly, Jewel's cake is amazing."
Keith R.: "My family's been getting caramel and red velvet birthday cakes (and cupcakes) from Brown Sugar Bakery in Grand Crossing ever since I was a kid. It's still a staple for us!"
- Liz B agrees, saying: "Worth the drive from the North Side for caramel cake and coconut cake!"
Liz S.: "Orland Bakery in Orland Park! We've been getting our cakes there for about 50 years!"
Paula M.: "The best cake I have ever tasted is the Princess Cake from Lost Larson on Clark. Covered in light-green marzipan, with a layer of whipped cream, then two light sponge-cake layers separated by raspberry jam. Unbelievable."
Alicia B.: "Weber's Bakery in Garfield Heights. So delicious and a price performer."
Bill L.: "Roeser's in Humboldt Park, and you must try the Jeannine at Taste of Heaven bakery in Andersonville. Fabulous!"
Colleen M.: "For a great place to get cakes, try House of Cakes in Edison Park."
Bill M.: "My former office used to do monthly birthday celebrations with cake from Bittersweet Bakery in Lakeview. They're one of the few bakeries around town where you can get a good German chocolate."
Carlos B.: "Pie, Pie My Darling makes incredible vegan cakes, but order early because supply is limited and she sells out quick! Also … don’t sleep on Whole Foods for something on short notice."
Jeff F.: "Go to Sweet Temptations Bake Shop in Evanston."
Kathleen M.: "Can we travel back in time and order the chocolate ganache cake from Swedish Bakery? Hands-down the GOAT."