Requested a car design for my 3&5 year old grandsons birthday. They were very helpful with recommendations and design. Yellow cake layered with strawberry buttercream. It was moist and delicious! Everyone loved it!! Thank you Tags read more

Tag's Bakery - Evanston - So happy with the results of this cake! Delicious butter cream filled with strawberry buttercream. Thank you Tags!! - Bakeries Near Me - Evanston, Illinois

Another Too Good to Go. I'll have to go back and try other items from here. For this deal, we received half of a small white cake with floral frosting. It was only $3.99 and honestly it was perfect for a little treat for my family to share on a random weekday. read more

Tag's Bakery - Evanston - Bakeries Near Me - Evanston, Illinois

See all

Of course I am partial to Tag's as my good friend owns the bakery but I never leave disappointed. During the months of February through March, I purchase cakes to celebrate some of my family members birthday. Gretchen (the owner and friend) never disappoints. Her team of bakers, decorators and staff are so professional and love what they do. Gretchen remodeled the bakery and everything is so perfect. I promise if you walk in for one thing, you will walk out with more bakery goods. I do! read more

Tag's Bakery - Evanston - Bakeries Near Me - Evanston, Illinois

How unfortunate. I've been coming here for 38 years- and the cake I received for my birthday was the worst quality I've ever had. Everything has changed. The buttercream is not buttercream anymore. It's a stabilized, plastic tasting "buttercream". They also messed up the filing which was supposed to be raspberry preserves but instead received a chemical tasting raspberry cream. The cake was dense and stale and crumbly. When we called to notify them- we were told it was our mistake and that a partial to no credit/ refund would be given. We told them we didn't even eat the cake and would bring it back. This is the last time I go to Tags. What a shame. I grew up 1 block away and walked there as a kid. Tags is not the same. read more

Tags is a great bakery. Their cupcakes are moist and yummy. Their florentines are the best I've tasted! The staff are courteous and very helpful. A big shout out to Bianca who was very helpful in arranging 50th anniversary cupcake cake! She had great ideas and I really appreciated that she looked up ideas for decoration! read more

Customer service and proper order taking. Have been going to bakery for over thirty years and a lot has changed. read more

the petit fours have gotten so BAD! I used to love to serve these, had to throw them all out....

I spent $90 on a cake that had no border and only a few flowers on the top half of cake. It looked totally unfinished. I asked if they could put a border or some more flowers on it and they told me it would cost extra $$$$ read more

Tag's Bakery is such a great place to get unique and outstanding bakery items as gifts for others. Of course, I always treat myself as well. I highly recommend Tag's Bakery. read more

Bakery items all delicious . Prices have gone up like everything else. Coffee cakes are epic

Went into Tags with a friend, both of us lifelong Chicagoans of Eastern European descent. While standing in front of the cookie case, I pointed and said to my friend, "Look at those Kolachy!" in amazement, they were huge. And then a voice at the register, who was NOT a part of the conversation, informed us that "Those are not kolachy, they are bowties, the kolachy are over there" and pointed to a display of pastry, donuts and coffee cakes. I said, "No, those are not Kolachy, those are pastry, we know what Kolachys are, we're Eastern European". The voice countered in an indignant know-it-all-way of someone under thirty and not of our culture, that the cookies were were pointing at were NOT Kolachy. The entire exchange was insulting and demeaning, as if WE did not know what we were looking at. Are you kidding, me? You're going to tell two old NW-Side Chicago Polish ladies they don't know what a Kolachy is??? That'd earn you contact with a wooden spoon from Busia. So, to Tags Management, could you please do the following: 1. Inform your staff not to break into customer conversations they are not a part of, and tell the customers that what they are talking about is WRONG. We did not ask for assistance, we were talking amongst ourselves and sharing something about our culture. This is very very rude. 2. Inform your staff that what you call "Bow-Tie" cookies, originated as Kolachy cookies in Poland, long before the creation of a real bow tie (as an accessory of clothing). It's certainly Tag's right, to call the Kolachy whatever you want, but we did NOT go into your bakery telling you, that you were wrong. 3. There are different spellings for the word Kolachy among Eastern European cultures and all are correct. Unless you're a linguist, don't try to explain and find the distinction, its insignificant unless you're a part of the culture (or a linguist). 4. Don't argue with a customer when you don't know what you're talking about. 5. The most popular flavors of Polish Kolachy in the Chicago area, are Apricot and Raspberry. Your "Bow-Ties" are Apricot and Raspberry, where did you get that idea from? 6. Realize there is a history of baked goods, outside of the bakery you work in and the world at large. I know this is a very big concept for some to realize, but your employees just might learn something and gain customers instead of losing them. 7. Attached are images of Polish Kolachy, do they look like your Bow Ties? read more

There are NO prices on ANY of the baked good in this bakery. How are you supposed to shop if you don't know what something costs? Also I thought all stores are required by law to post prices of their merchandise. I stopped in to buy a pastry for breakfast but I'm just not in the mood for a surprise at the register. read more

Childhood favs galore! Everything I've eaten from here for 30+ years is delish!!! Smiley cookies, florentines are the best read more

Came here during a trip to Evanston IL. Went for 3 little cookies - their signature florentine, a turtle cookie, and a maple sandwich cookie. These were all tasty, and it was affordable at $2.50 total. They are connected to their cafe, where there is a seating area. read more

I used to go here walking on the way home from Haven Middle School. They have the best smiley face cookies. Now as an adult I enjoy boxes of their Florentine cookies. It is a small, but quaint neighborhood bakery. Their doughnuts, bread, and pastries are simply delicious. I love their glazed and sugar doughnuts. I can't remember if you take a number to get served or just walk in to get waited on. I know they take care of all their customers and regulars. I live in WI however if I'm in the Evanston area I try to stop at my favorite bakery. read more

My favorite bakery in Evanston! I grew up with fond memories of cakes my mom ordered from here for all of our special occasions and events. And their cookies! I highly recommend the ever popular Florentines. But all of the butter cookies, which are sold by the pound, are good. They have a good variety of other baked goods as well. When I want to treat my team at work with a sweet treat, Tag's it is! read more

See all

For Purim, they had Hamentaschen, almond cookies (which they called macaroons), and tiny chocolate dipped coconut macaroons. Both the macaroons were decidedly stale. Guess they tried! read more

Came here for the Florentine Biscuit/Cookie and it was delectable! Each cookie is about the size of an Oreo. They charge by weight, but each cost about $0.61 with tax. Florentine cookies are toasted almonds covered in caramel with a small dried cherry covered with hard caramel with one side smeared in milk chocolate. They do them well here! Service was prompt and courteous. I have not tried anything else here, but the rest of the sweets look promising! read more

See all

I ordered a Graduation cake and it was beautiful, super moist, very fresh, delicious, and impressive looking. The only issue I had was the cake was enormous. Having leftover cake was a good problem to have Ordering was a breeze, the price was fair. I'm ordering more tomorrow for our 2nd Graduation and another for a weekend party event! Thanks Tags! read more

Tag's Bakery - Evanston - Cookies were from Tags. - Bakeries Near Me - Evanston, Illinois

See all

I've been enjoying Tags' smiley face cookies ever since I was a little girl. My father would being back donuts and cookies on his way home from work. I recently ordered smiley face cookies for his Celebration of Life Memorial for guests to take home as they leave. When I picked up the order, I was accidentally given the wrong order. Not only did Tags refund me (which was completely unnecessary), but they made a special delivery to the event. Not only will Tags always hold a special place in my heart, but they will forever have my business. I plan on carrying the tradition by bringing my niece and nephew smiley face cookies! Amazing customer service and delicious food! I will be ordering my wedding cake from Tags in 2024. read more

Tag's Bakery - Evanston - cookies on a table - Bakeries Near Me - Evanston, Illinois

Ordered a cake for a friends birthday and it was beautiful and delicious. Highly recommend!

Great sandwiches-really great! Fresh, delicious and creative sandwiches. Good chili, too! Nice place for a warm, fast, and tasty lunch. Honestly, I think the food is better than the baked treats! read more

Delightful coffee, delicious pastries, friendly service! One of my favorite early morning stops. Don't change a thing!

We've purchased quite a few items from Tag's in the past, but mostly their rolls, their birthday cakes, and their famous Florentines. Their Florentines are, of course, the healthiest choice (sense the sarcasm) since it has almonds in them, but are perfectly balanced with caramel and chocolate to help bring all the flavors out. They're not overly pricey so anyone could try a few if not buy a whole box if they're feeling indulgent. And they're well worth it - good as a gift, good for a snack, good for any time you're feeling like a sweet treat! Their rolls are also pretty good, especially their Parker House rolls. They're buttery, made from scratch, moist, great flavor, and great texture. They're also a good size so you one roll feels like it belongs with dinner/meal. We've also had their customizable birthday cakes - great idea, they can draw anything on top of your cake. You can customize the cakes and icing, but we usually go with the white cake with chocolate fudge icing. Some people absolutely love this cake, I'm on the fence. I think the cake could be moister and a bit more dense. Right now it's in between being dense and being light, so it's just meh. The icing itself is good but it's too sweet and falls somewhere in between a good buttercream and a good fudge icing, so it doesn't bring enough to the party. All in all, their cakes are entertaining, but I wouldn't say that they're a must buy or must eat. read more

Had a few minutes and some hunger pangs to kill before hopping on the commuter rail from Evanston into downtown. Yelp flagged this as a top spot and the previous reviews' pictures enticed me to check it out. My only regret was that I was on the go and couldn't stock up on more. Tag's is row after row of refrigerated cases and shelves with treats to keep you full from breakfast to birthday cake. Lots of seasonal Halloween goodies like frosted sugar cookies shaped like pumpkins, ghosts, black cats and haunted houses, plus tea cookies, donuts, and oh-so-many assorted pastries. Plus pies, cupcakes and petit fours. I narrowed my indulgences down to two: a chocolate frosted cake donut, and an almond croissant. Both were fresh and delicious. Not much else to say other than they tasted as good as they looked. Super friendly and efficient staff--will definitely be back next time I'm in Evanston to try some more treats! read more

See all

This is an over priced production bakery! The portion sizes and taste definitely not worth the price! Would not return.

Cute bake shop over on Central street! We have tried a variety of different items and never been disappointed. They are most well known for their Florentines but, they have so many great choices to choose from! I love their back wall as there are tons of donuts which are my favorites! They have cakes, brownies, cookies, and so so much more! They also have lots of pretty cakes and cupcakes that you can pickup or pre-order! If you are lucky they also have some day old pastries on sale that still taste amazing! The staff there are so friendly and wonderful with helping you pick out treats! We also really love that they have a cake with marzipan which is my partners favorite! For holidays they always have themed cakes. They also have great safety protocols and limit the number of people allowed in the store at a time. If you are looking fore more than pastries and sweets go across the way to their coffee and sandwich shop for so much more! read more

Tag's Bakery - Evanston - Bakeries Near Me - Evanston, Illinois

During my childhood, my family went to Tag's countless times. Although my siblings and I now live far away, it was the natural choice when we were looking for a bakery to create a custom cake: My dad celebrated his 10th anniversary with his wife last week, while in home hospice, and Tag's created a beautiful cake in the design of their original wedding cake. It was a very meaningful and loving way to celebrate their last days together, and our last days with him, and I can't thank Tag's enough for their quick, high quality, and thoughtful work on executing the cake and delivering it during the requested window. From my family and myself, thank you. read more

Tag's Bakery - Evanston - The beautiful cake created by Tag's Bakery. - Bakeries Near Me - Evanston, Illinois

I used to work at Northwestern, and one of my colleagues who had lived all her life in Evanston use d to bring Tag's Raspberry - Lemon coffeecake on special occasions. I don't get to Evanston very often now, but I have been fiending for that coffeecake (and for a good Danish, which one would THINK you might be able to find somewhere in Chicago, but so far no luck). I'm thinking a special trip is in order. I need one of those coffeecakes!!! Or, you know, maybe three.... read more

When I was a kid I used to love passing by this one particular bakery. It was an older, classic bakery where the cakes in the window enticed me to come in, and once in the door the smell made me want to buy a little bit of this and a little bit of that. I remember the bakers in their white coats, hair nets, and all the decorated cookies in the cases. The space was old, since the bakery had been around for a really long time. I loved my experience so much there, that I became a baker in college (at a different bakery across town). That's what I love about Tags. It has all your classic desserts, classic smells, and the cases are always filled with decorated and specialty cookies, mini decorated cakes, and larger cakes you want to order up for a birthday or take home...because you want to sink your teeth into all that sugary goodness. Tags is classic, the bakers are friendly and patient, and best of all they only serve baked goods that are fresh and of the best quality possible. And, they've been around since 1937. My baking days might be over, but I have no doubt in my mind this place would have inspired me in the very same way. Top Tip: Right next door to Backlot Coffee. read more

Tag's has a tried-and-true following. This bakery has been open since 1937 and specializes in cakes, pastries & Florentine cookies. I had my first Florentine cookie experience over 35 years ago and have been a fan ever since. Tag's knows how to hit that sweet spot each time, all while delivering quality, reasonable prices, and solid customer service. Whatever your sweet desires are, head over and check out the selection of goodies. TAG......You're IT! (LOL!) read more

See all

Not that I needed to get any but I did anyway. I went to The Spice House across the street to replenish some items that I needed. On the way back to the car I saw Tags Bakery. My iron like resolve caved in when I saw the scrumptious bakery items. Need I say more. Time to eat read more

See all

I got 6 cupcakes from here today and 4 decorative cookies, 1 brownie and 1 raspberry cookie. The raspberry cookie was delicious. My kids haven't tried the cupcakes or decorative cookies yet but they look super cute. I took a star off bc I didn't like the brownie, it wasn't enough chocolate for my liking. I like super rich death by chocolate brownies. The cupcakes look pretty and I will say the staff is super friendly and nice. I will def come back if I'm in the area. The prices are amazing Update- so sadly I had to change my rating. I really wanted to love this place because the customer service was fabulous, the prices are great and the store is cute but the cupcakes were horrible, I actually threw most of them out... and I'm pregnant so yeah that says a lot. They were flavorless and tasted as if they had so many preservatives in them, the frosting was the most nasty fake tasting frosting I've ever tried, sorry. Sadly my kids didn't love the cookies either, and I threw out the "midnight rose" cake which was supposed to be chocolate cake with chocolate ganache but was the furthest thing from it, tasted like a old piece of cheap cake. I wish the goodies tasted better, I really wanted to like this place because the people were super great. Maybe next time I'll try the fresh breads... read more

Tag's Bakery - Evanston - Cupcakes - Bakeries Near Me - Evanston, Illinois

Very disappointing experience. I ordered two expensive cakes for my grandson and his dad's birthday party (the small cake was over $55). I picked them up as late as possible on Saturday for a sunday birthday party because the bakery isn't open on Sundays. I put the cakes on the table in an air conditioned house and woke up to the small cake having collapsed completely and the butter cream frosting on the sheet cake sliding off the edge. I suspect that the cakes were still warm and very soft when frosted. They weren't ready yet when I came in to Pick them up. When I went back after the party and showed the manager the photos she told me it was my fault because I didn't refrigerate the cakes. The smaller cake did have whipped cream filling but I was never told to refrigerate them. They did not offer any kind of refund. We had to run out and buy another cake. We weren't expecting a pre-smashed birthday cake for my grandson's first birthday! I won't be ordering any more cakes there. read more

Tag's Bakery - Evanston - Bakeries Near Me - Evanston, Illinois

See all

OH--I must correct myself on the scones. Yesterday they sold me a killer cinnamon scone. It was supposed to be today's breakfast, but once I nibbled a little corner, my will crumbled (haha), and I devoured it on the drive home. Tag's continues to be eminently reliable for cookies, especially the chocolate-chip and fun decorated varieties. I wish that they would discount their doughnuts after 5pm, since that's when I'm usually there, and they are understandably stale by then. I wonder what happens to the leftover doughnuts after closing time. Maybe I will hang out behind the store next time to find out. read more

I was looking for a new-to-me bakery in Evanston and a lot of trusted reviews talked about Florentines. Sliced almonds, toffee like caramel, chocolate--it makes this thin cookie type confection and it's freakin' genius. We walked in to a very cute old-fashioned bakery (like a place Beaver Cleaver and friends would have frequented) and had fun checking out the display cases full of cupcakes, cookies, pastries and pies. So along with a small box of Florentines, I bought some Nurse Week themed cupcakes and cookies for my mom and friends (and me) and a chocolate cake slice as requested by my sidekick. Everything was so good. The vanilla frosting on the cupcake was almost like marshmallow fluff and I loved it. But from what I tried, the Florentines were my favorite and highly addicting. If you ever need to bribe me and don't have a lot of money--a box of Florentines will do the trick. Service was stellar. Super friendly and helpful--she went around the counter to hand me my purchases, not necessary but above and beyond. They do classic and old-fashioned right. read more

Tag's Bakery - Evanston - Cookies and cupcakes for Nurses Week. V-fib. - Bakeries Near Me - Evanston, Illinois

The rappers say, "It's all about the Benjamin's baby!" The nurses say, "It's all about the meds baby!" The foodies say, "It's all about the Florentine's baby!" And this is where it's at. After finishing up my three month ICU nursing orientation at the hospital where I work, my preceptor gave me a box of Tag's Bakery florentines adorned with a cute gold ribbon and handwritten note stating, "Congrats! You have made it. Good luck on your own! -Stephen." He was carrying on the tradition of having received cookies when he finished his nursing orientation. Little did I know what unexpected golden treats I had waiting at the end of the long, dark, dreadful tunnel. Unfortunately, I have been to Evanston many times and never knew about Tag's. Why, why, why Yelp?! While cupcakes, gelato and waffles have become the popular treat in the Chicago food scene, these Florentine's are my new favorite discovery to share with the world. Florentine: Oyster-sized cookie consisting of very thinly sliced almonds, one side of milk chocolate, the opposing side of homemade caramel, and a pearl of marchino cherry in the middle. If you can't picture it, see Stephanie M's image here: http://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/tags-bakery-and-pastry-shop-evanston?select=LmwOu6-ZPaPadAJMTsKHBA#M_maJbcFL6JCnrjd1gsv1A These goodies melt in your mouth (and in your hand, unlike M&Ms boasts) and stick to your teeth. Instead of this being bothersome, I view it as allow me to savor all the flavor. While I'm usually not the first person to enjoy almonds, these are simply amazing---and it tasted just as delicious the following few days, not just in a daze at 3 am in the morning while on the night shift. Although this review does not discuss the bakery, since I still have yet to go myself, it reviews their amazing Florentines. That counts, right?! I can't wait to make a stop for another box (for just myself, not as a gift or to share with the rest of my unit) in the near future. Side note: I just discovered that the Florentines are Gluten-free! Score!! read more

Tag's Bakery - Evanston - The golden selection of famous Florentines - Bakeries Near Me - Evanston, Illinois

I don't even know if I can start to list all the delicious things this bakery has to offer - I, in fact, don't even know the names of all the things I've tried from here but this has got to be one of my all-time favorite bakeries around! But Florentine's are the addictive part, which makes me want to drive all the way from downtown Chicago to Evanston - and you can't just eat one! Their cookies are really soft and buttery - melt in your mouth kind! read more

So yummy! Their cakes is so on point, and very nice staff at the shop, the treats and the small cakes are soo good, plenty of options and all so yum! You can't get wrong with this place! Just love it. read more

I've been patronizing Tags for almost 30 years! But I will not return! The lady at the front door was very helpful and kind. But the rest of the staff were rude! I was refused my prepaid pick-up after waiting for 15 minutes outside and inside. I didn't have a mask. Tags didn't have one to offer me? A kind gentleman after being helped went to his car and brought some back. I put it on immediately picked up my prepaid and left Tags. I will never purchase anything from Tags again. There are ways of dealing with unmasked patrons! The staff was very rude and very unhelpful. If I owned Tags I'd fire the girls behind the counter. Cissy N. read more