Chicago Eats: Bleeding Heart Bakery | chicago foodie girl

7.30.2012

Chicago Eats: Bleeding Heart Bakery

I fell madly in love with Bleeding Heart Bakery shortly after they opened their first storefront back in 2004. Who could not love a bakery that not only served punk rock pastries made with organic & local ingredients, but also amazing punk rock pastries at that?


Over the years, Bleeding Heart opened several more storefronts and also became a bit famous, thanks to their win on Extreme Cakes. Throughout it all, while they continued to serve delicious food (their cake balls & whoopie pies will ruin all others for you!), they were unfortunately also plagued with a series of bad business decisions and major issues with their staff (apparently, the punk rock attitude doesn't go over so well in the workplace). Sadly, they announced on Friday that they are shutting down their one remaining store - yes, the one that just opened a few months ago!

From their facebook page:
"It is with a heavy heart that we announce, today, that Chicago's Bleeding Heart Bakery is closing on August 5th, 2012. We have had 9 amazing years, we have learned so much and have met some of the most awesome people. This is not a choice made out of haste and it certainly is not because we have given up or are in any way being made to shut down. Quite the opposite! We have been given opportunities to progress our career beyond the bakery in an environment that is better for our family. So, this is a sad day, but one we feel is necessary for our children's happiness and the health of our family. We thank all of you for the support you have given throughout the years and we hope to continue to hear amazing things about the local and sustainable food movement in Chicago."

I am so sad to see Bleeding Heart go - they're one of the few bakeries that I've consistently loved and only one of two places in the city I would ever consider getting a custom cake made (look at this awesomeness!). If you've never been to BHB or you want to visit one last time, I highly recommend you go soon as there's only one week left to get the most delicious cake balls ever! I stopped by on Saturday morning for a farewell visit, but now I'm thinking I may have to stop by one more time before they close for good. :-(

Cupcakes with attitudes
The most delicious balls you will ever have in your mouth!
L: Blueberry lemon vanilla
R: Chocolate pecan
C: Vanilla vanilla


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9 comments

  1. I'm sad to see BHB close. I ordered my birthday cake from them for the first time last year and loved everything about it. I was planning to do it again this year, but I guess I'm SOL. What is the other bakery you like? I'm interested in finding another cool place to do my cakes.

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  2. @chicago chica: I highly recommend Alliance Bakery in Wicker Park. They don't have an actual sit down space like Bleeding Heart, but their food is just as amazing. Actually, I would say that their cupcakes are better than BH's (the hazelnut chocolate fudge cupcake is to die for!). They also do really amazing custom designs!

    http://www.alliance-bakery.com/home/

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  3. I almost didn't read this; I hate the sight of blood.

    Now, after reading it, I feel sad. It sounds like it is/was an amazing place.

    Condolences.

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  4. @Rob-bear: Hahaha! That's awesome! :-)

    BHB is an amazing place and it's such a loss. It's too bad the owners couldn't keep it all together because they had a great concept & even better food.

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  5. Oh no! This makes me so sad, since it was one of those places that I always said I would check out while living in Chicago! I never did, and then I moved to DC, but I figured, 'well, I can always go when I visit my old stomping grounds.' Sad... guess not :-(

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  6. @Heather: I know! It's really a great bakery - it's too bad there were so many issues (business deals & personal problems between the staff and owners).

    BTW - you should check out Sticky Fingers. I've heard sooo many fantastic things about it!

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  7. I pass by while visiting Chicago, it's a shame they are closing down.

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  8. I really enjoy reading your blog. I just nominated you for the Liebster Blog award. Congrat!!

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