If you haven't been to Pticek & Son Bakery, I'm going to assume you've been spending your life…read moremaking questionable decisions. This place is one of the last true old-school bakeries still standing -- the kind where you walk in and immediately feel like you just time-traveled to a better era. The smells alone should be bottled and sold as a life improvement product. But let's get to the main event... THE HOTDOGS IN THE BUN. Calling these "hotdogs" feels disrespectful. These are legendary, mythical, blink-and-they're-gone bakery treasures. Soft, pillowy, slightly sweet bread wrapped around a perfectly baked hotdog like it's being tucked in for the greatest nap of its life. And here's the thing -- you don't just casually show up and grab these. NO. You need a plan. You need strategy. You need to order ahead like you're securing concert tickets. Because if you stroll in thinking, "Yeah I'll just grab a couple..." -- congratulations, you played yourself. They will be gone. Vanished. Spoken about only in whispers by the lucky few who got there in time. Now here's what really makes this place special -- the grandkids working there keeping the family tradition alive. And I'm convinced these kids aren't just employees... they're being trained like it's some kind of secret bakery academy. I watched one of them wrap a hotdog bun with the precision of a brain surgeon. Another was moving boxes like they were in the finals of a competitive baking Olympics. Meanwhile I'm just standing there thinking, "These kids have more skill before noon than I've had my entire life." You can tell this isn't just a job to them -- this is family legacy in motion. Somewhere in the back, I'm pretty sure there's an invisible scoreboard keeping track of who made the most perfect buns of the day. Every bite is pure nostalgia -- like your childhood got an upgrade and decided to show off a little. You don't eat these... you respect them. Between the old-school charm, the unreal baked goods, and a new generation absolutely crushing it, this isn't just a bakery -- it's a Garfield Ridge institution. Pro tip: Order the hotdogs in advance, guard them with your life, and if you see the grandkids working... just know you're witnessing the future of greatness.

I ordered the 10inch rainbow cake with Butter cream frosting for my aunts birthday and it was…read moreamazing! When you walk into the place your greeted with a warm smile and a hello, then your hit with the amazing aroma of fresh pastries. Highly recommend this place for all your pastry and cake needs.

I got married at Georgios in March, which partners with La Dolce Bakery for their cakes. I ended up…read moreupgrading to the strawberry filled cake, and I thought that upcharge fee was reasonable. I gave them an example of a cake design that they replicated well. Blanca indicated that she wouldn't be able to do the complicated lace design on buttercream, but I appreciated that they took my example and ran with it. At our cake testing, I was a little disappointed in the number of selections, but ultimately we probably would have picked the same thing. The cake was tasty at our wedding. We also tried some cannolis from there, which were good. Blanca was professional to deal with. I would recommend this bakery.

For the first time for as long as I can remember, there is finally a bakery in the Oak…read moreForest/Midlothian/Crestwood area. They have the best baked goods, like an old-fashioned bakery that I was familiar with as a child in Chicago. Jose is the owner, and you just got to go in there and see what they have to offer. You can find them in the strip mall just east of Cicero on 147th St. in Midlothian. There are many graduations and weddings coming up, check them out you won't be disappointed!

Great selection of delicious baked goods and fast service. Would return, would recommend.read more

Old school bakery featuring everything from cakes to cookies. My favorite is the chocolate eclairs…read more Please give this place a try !

For sure it's hard to not like a bakery. It also feels good to support a local business that's…read morefamily owned and smells freaking good. Nova Bakery is one of several in Blue Island. Has lots to choose from. They have more of a Mexican influence but they can make many types of pastries. Came here in the morning and got stuff that was freshly baked. It's kind of a small place that has a counter. They take a lot of custom orders. A popular place around here to get cakes. Popular whether for things like birthdays or weddings, they'll make it for you. A lot of amazing examples. They also have a lot simpler items like breads and cookies you can just pop in and get. It's about $6 to get a big loaf that's freshly baked. The pastries include cannoli and other classics as well as classic Mexican ones like panaderia and that kind of stuff. Great stuff especially when it's fresh. It's closed Sundays. This is among the several bakeries on Western.

13030 Western Ave Blue Island IL 60406…read moreNovabakery001@gmail.com 708-385-6616 I visit nova bakery and when I got home my pastries were not all the way baked right like they were frozen and someone put it in the oven to bake again the bakery smelled good when I entered but my pastries don't. I tried to purchase a refund, but the owner refused to issue a refund. I didn't want to ask to place another order because the owner was sweeping the floor when I came into the restaurant and taking a phone call with gloves on while I was looking around the store at the beautiful undercooked bakery pastries a customer walked in while she was on the phone and she served the customer after the call in dirty gloves. I will never go to this place again this is not the way to run a business if help is needed hire help. I would give no stars if I can. The only excuse she tried to use was the bread dough comes only one time in the morning which doesn't explain why I was given old pastries when I placed my order in advance.

First time here, the place is nice and neat with a few places to sit. I had the pistachio…read morecheesecake and it is amazingly good. Not only are they generous on the pistachios the cheesecake itself is very good. I live in the area so I will soon return to try something else but I think I found my favorite thing already

Stopped by Cake and Bake today, and the initial impression was top-notch! The atmosphere is…read morefantastic, the shop is beautifully designed, and the service was warm and attentive from the moment I walked in. ​The desserts look absolutely stunning--the presentation and attention to detail are incredible. However, taste-wise, the flavor and texture didn't quite match the amazing visual appeal. They weren't bad, but given how incredible they look, I was hoping for a bit richer flavor. Overall, a great spot for the ambiance and friendliness, and I hope the flavors are elevated to match the gorgeous presentation!"

Very tasty homemade treats. The ladies in there are always super friendly. Very welcoming .read more

I'm gonna give them the benefit of the doubt that it was Black Friday when we got a custom cake…read morefrom them. The cake was fine and on time but the lettering was awful. It would have been better if they just told us we can't do lettering. Perhaps it was just due to holidays.

I love this bakery, found it in 2015! They have a great…read moreselection in my opinion. I love their blueberry muffins, so yummy. I always go here when I get the chance. And my daughter and husband like going here as well.

I absolutely love this bakery! I'm a newer customer, but I've already become a frequent visitor…read more Everything I've tried so far has been excellent, and I especially love their drinks! The staff is always super friendly and welcoming, which makes the experience even better. You can tell there's a lot of care put into what they offer. I'm so glad I found this place since it's close to home, and I'll definitely continue coming back. Highly recommend!

Nunca tienen teleras es solo por pedido y al llamar para hacer un pedido nunca contestan, me…read moreencantaba su pan pero si no me quieren vender tengo que cambiar de panadería.

Great selection of very traditional pan dulce. The service…read moreis great and the best part is the traditional music blasting from the bakery in the back. Love it!!!!May only take cash payment.