First time at this store and OMG!! I loved it everything is so organized and you are able to see all of their products. Staff is very nice and helpful as well!! I will for sure be a returning customer! read more

The new and improved space is amazing! Cakewalk is THE place for all your baking needs!

I was looking up things to do on Eventbrite and came across this interesting event. I called up Lori the Owner to get full details of the event because sometimes Eventbrite details are not fully explainable. Nice Local Bakery Store with many different assorted and fun things to make your baking experience a hit. Great place for baking and cake decorating supplies. I was impressed with the event and Lori gave us some demonstration on chocolate melting and gift giving ideas for the Holiday's. We were able to sample a very small piece of caramel. The tasting was very chewable and soft. Delish. I wish we could of had a bigger piece why? because I'm greedy like that lol There were other small business owners in attendance to promote their products and give us a taste of flavors from jam, cheese, sauce you name it. I look forward to updating my review soon. It was nice to meet other women and help support small businesses within the neighborhood. I have to make sure to sign up to take the chocolate platform shoe class in October. The Chocolate High Heel Display was amazing. That is another reason for me attending this event. read more

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As a birthday treat, my girl took me here to learn how to decorate my own birthday cake. A sweet gesture. Be forewarned that Cakewalk Chicago isn't in the greatest neighborhood. I mean, I like abandoned factories and adjacent train tracks as much as the next guy, but it's very outskirts-y. Also, Cakewalk is basically in a shack. It's a run-down old house. Up front is a room filled with cookie cutters, cake decorating accessories and other baking supplies. On the day I arrived a trio of small tables were set up for our class. God forbid you have to use the bathroom in the back. This place barely has running water, which makes you kind of worry about the fact that they're handling actual food here. Despite those major setbacks, the class itself was fun. Chef Lori will give you a quick & dirty tutorial on how to decorate a cake like a pro. Whether your cake comes out looking like a pro did it... that's up to your skill. It was a fun couple of hours, and it was nice to take home an edible souvenir. Oh, and it was fun to have the added floor show of Lori browbeating her husband every now and then. He'd come up to start asking her a question and she'd answer before he'd finish speaking. And then he'd have to ask his actual question again and she acted annoyed. Good times! If you want to learn something fun in a building that should be condemned, Cakewalk Chicago is for you! read more

Cakewalk Chicago - Cake decorating aftermath. - Cooking Schools Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

I called Cakewalk Chicago today in dire need of assistance. I have an event this Sunday and I had a few questions regarding how I was going to produce a fondant covered 3 tired dummy cake and 100 chocolate covered pretzel rods! When I called, Ms. Lori picked up and boy am I glad I got her! She was super helpful, patient, competent, and kind. She listened to my needs with the intent to assess them and then she offered me her timeless, tested, and tried wisdom, so that I would be set up for success to do the work myself. She ended her conversation with a rousing, " You got this" and hearing those words infused my heart with the encouragement I needed. It pays to be kind. Ms. Lori is an answered prayer in the form of a human heart. God Bless Cakewalk Chicago. read more

Have worked with this business for 10 plus years. Whatever you need if they don't have it they do try very hard to make it happen. Environment is loving, friendly and very professional. All you baking/cooking needs can be met with Lori and her Staff read more

This is my #1 place to shop for bake supplies!!! Department stores and online shopping comes 2nd. If you have questions on how to use a product or the best way to achieve a certain look, the owner will help you and give you exactly what you need! I encourage all my bake buddies to go here! read more

We are in a mission to make a Tangled Tower Cake...we found Cakewalk on Yelp and headed out. It felt like a road trip from downtown Chicago!!! We pulled up and it was closed. As I read the sign I learned they were on vacation. I turned to my wife and said, "Lucy...you've got some explainin' to do!" no I didn't say that but I sure thought it. Just then the owner Lori came and opened the door. She said that they were closed but invited me in to look around. That is called Customer Service and deserves 5 Stars!!! Wow a business owner who cares!!! Lori and I talked about my research on making a cake tower and we came up with some good ideas. She was so helpful. I bought edible paint, brushes and other things to start my project. (This is my wives fault because she thinks I can build it...and I've gotta accept the challenge.) My wife also got cool things to make little mini flowers for her cupcakes...I'm also gonna need flowers for my tower too. So now we start building!!! The store was fun and there were so many things to see. Thanks Lori for opening your doors and letting us shop!!! Lori also gave us directions to see the old historic houses and the castle at 103rd street. She is also a great tour guide too. She takes pride in her business and the area she is from!!! I think she needs to start a cupcake walking tour!!! Thanks again Lori!!! read more

Cakewalk Chicago - Cake heaven!!! - Cooking Schools Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Cakewalk is a great place to get your baking and candy making supplies and the customer service can't be beat. Nowadays most people are tempted to order specialty products online, or to compromise what they want by going to a big box store where options are limited. Cakewalk has a nice assortment of products for hobbyists and professionals - definitely better than your big box craft and hobby stores. And sometimes you want to physically hold the products you're considering so that you know you're making a good purchase, rather than making an online order and having to go through the trouble of returning it. I left Cakewalk with the perfect products that I need, and great advice to start improving some of my skills and techniques. Though I'm located almost 25 miles from the shop, I will definitely be back. Not only is it one of the only stores of its kind in the Chicago area - the customer service is wonderful. read more

A traveling salesman is driving down an old country road one evening when his car breaks down. He walks to a nearby farmhouse and asks if he can stay the night before going to get help the next morning. The kindly farmer tells him he can stay, on the condition that he does not touch any of the extremely delicious cupcakes that he had just finished baking earlier in the day. In the middle of the night, the salesman wakes up hungry, walks down into the kitchen and eats all the cupcakes. The cupcakes totally let him too, because cupcakes are sluts like that. *Thanks to Brodie Brohkie for that. :) I was at Cakewalk for a cupcake decorating class (yay Yelpppp) with Lori, who is warm and friendly, and came back to buy some supplies once I was inspired. They have everything! Fillings, melting chocolate, guava essence, whatever else you need to bake amazingness. I made some cake pops for Food Friday at work today (it is what it is.) and I made lavender vanilla and then grapefruit guava. Amazing. Anything you need and more, plus classes! I wish it weren't so far... but it's probably for the best. read more

Cakewalk Chicago - Cupcake class! - Cooking Schools Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

I took the cupcake decorating class through Yelp Gets Cultured and I was blown away. My cupcakes normally taste good, but don't look particularly nice. After that class, I have no doubt that my cupcakes will look as good as they taste in the future. I was surprised at how fun and easy it was to make the cupcakes look nice once I learned the proper technique. Lori was such a great instructor, and a really sweet person. After the class I went into the store and bought filling, food coloring, and a tip for the pipping bag and it was only $12 for everything. I am surprised that I have never been to this store before, because it seems like a place my mom would love. This store would be most bakers favorite places. So many of the items are things I have ordered for my mom from bakers catalogs, but it would be way more fun to buy them in a store than to order them from a catalog. Plus the people in the store can answer any questions! read more

The Owner , Lori , is always very helpful and knowledgeable. She is a Pastry Chef and gives excellent advice and direction , no matter what your project is . read more

Lori is a life saver. I had a last minute order that required some stuff I didn't have and she had all the items I needed. I love shopping at her store of unique finds. She's the best! I would much rather support a small business than any other big company. I always find something new and interesting. Longtime customer here for sure !! read more

*disclosure- I am an experienced baker with a business* My husband gifted me the chocolate shoe class. Lori was super nice, and the class was really relaxing and overall pretty fun. I'm giving it 3 stars because it just wasn't taught very well. No one in the class successfully made a whole chocolate shoe based on the instructions given. She did have one already made for us so at least we could decorate one. Idk maybe it was an off night ‍ I prob could have gotten better instructions from YouTube. read more

I have been trying to get to this place for 5 years but I'm glad I made it. Great place for baking ideas, polite workers,

I recently took a cake pricing class with Chef Lori. Her professionalism and experience help me tremendously. Her class save my small business. I cannot express my gratitude for this class. If you are in the cake industry you have to take a class here and she has all the top cake supplies. read more

I love this place!! They are wonderful. It is a decorators playhouse!! You can find so many things in this small space. read more

Cakewalk Chicago is a gem - I was going to say a "south side" gem, but truly, there is no other store like it in Chicago or the suburbs. Don't be fooled by the name, "CAKE"walk is a full-on bakery supply store that I came across back in '06 or so, and have been coming back ever since. My first trips were to take classes where I took everything in and learned a lot. I now go for bakery supplies as I grow my cookie business, which I will soon be expanding to cakes. Lori (the owner) is an amazing resource as well. Countless times she has helped me troubleshoot baking issues, helped me brainstorm design ideas, and helped find the best cookie cutter shapes. (Key word? HELP...Need baking help? Go get you some at Cakewalk.) In one of our "cookie design brainstorm" convos, she grabbed a cookie cutter of some other shape, turned it on its side and said something to the effect that, "you could turn this shape into XYZ and then do this...." (I can't even remember which design this was that she was helping me with because she's done this a number of times), but what I'm trying to get at is the baking creativity and expertise that she is willing to share--and at no extra cost. For that alone, Cakewalk Chicago is an amazing resource. Sure, you can go to some of those big box craft stores in the City and suburbs, but what you won't get is an industry professional with the creativity to match helping you along the way. I got a lot of love for small, family-owned businesses - and especially for this one. THANK YOU LORI (and Lloyd and family.) read more

This store is not a bakery, but a cake decorating, candy making, and pastry supplies store. Their advertisement and web site say they have A LOT of stuff you need to do all your cake, candy, and pastry. I walked in there, and it is the smallest place I have ever been into. I mean to advertise and say you have a lot of stuff means you have a lot of space to hold your stuff in right? The place was small, things were very disorganized and not to mention dusty. They do not have as much as stuff as they say they do. It is also a hard place to find. Its on a very busy street and next to their shop are rails with metra trains constantly dropping people off. No wonder metra always says.."We're on time. Are you?" They come every five minutes! If the owner is not there, they have a hard time finding prices for their items. They had to call people and flip through catalogs. Positive side: they are nice people and they offer classes. But i read through the website they only accept four people per class. If four people did not sign up and you signed up... then no class for you. read more

Saw a deal on LivingSocial for a 2-hour chocolate making class in my hood. $27 seemed like a good deal, full price for the class is $55. I rounded up some friends and we decided to go for it. Scheduling the class required me calling, being put on hold and/or told to call back in "two-minutes" a few times in a row. Eventually, I got through and booked the class. Cakewalk is a tiny storefront on 99th Street & Wood. If you blink, you may miss it. Street parking is available. There are two rooms to the shop. The first room is the store to purchase baking supplies and the second room is where they hold classes. It is a small, cute space. The owner, Lori, is great. The chocolate making class was more of a chocolate demonstration. It was about 90% demonstration, and 10% filling chocolate molds with pre-melted chocolate. We were given about 20 minutes in the middle to go and shop in the store. Really, this was not worth the $27 deal, and for sure not worth the full price of $55. We dipped two pretzel rods, one twizzler, one Oreo, and filled about 6 tiny molds. Once they cooled in the frige, wrapped them in saran wrap and took them home. Great owner. Cute store. If you are looking to buy some cake decorating items, I would recommend. I would not invest the money into a "class". read more

This review is solely related to the chocolate making class. I saw a Living Social deal for $27 (regularly $55) for a chocolate making class and thought that sounded like a really cool idea. Unfortunately, the chocolate making class was more of a chocolate dipping/chocolate molding class with most of the time devoted to waiting for our chocolate to harden in the freezer. I'd say there was one good thing about the class: the woman who taught the class was really sweet. We had a few people in our group who waited too long to buy the Living Social deal, but she allowed them to join anyway. The same problem has happened to me in the past for other activities in Chicago and I thought it was super generous of her to let the rest of our group in for the Living Social price. That is why this review gets 2 stars instead of 1. I knew I was in trouble when she started the class with "I've never done this before." I wanted to hope for the best at that point, but I felt an ominous sense that things were going to get worse (spoiler alert: they did). Following this revelation, she spent 20 minutes talking about the products they sell to make chocolate and then verbally telling us how to use them to make chocolate, but we NEVER made any chocolate. Instead, there were several crock pots filled with melted chocolate that we used for the class. It was also disappointing to know that they sell 4 different kinds of chips to make chocolate (white, dark, milk, and mint), but we only used two during the class. Following the verbal demonstration, we filled 6 small molds, dipped a pretzel and twizzler, and made a cracker and Oreo chocolate confection. We also learned how to make a turtle, which was the coolest part of the class. Unfortunately, we were provided with mixed nuts rather than what turtles are normally made out of (e.g., cashews). They say the class is 2 hours, but the class (with the 20 minute instruction) takes between 45-60 minutes. What do you do the rest of the time? You wait your turn to put your molds into the freezer because they don't have a big enough one for the class (this would have been true even if the extra people were not let into the class). I think that this is a REALLY neat idea, which is why I bought the deal. Unfortunately, they need to seriously consider how to present this in the future if they want to continue offering this class. read more

The older I get, the more domestic I yearn to be. In fact, I'm even contemplating making a turkey this Fall for the first time ever. Earlier this year, I took on the task of making a cake for a baby shower. My inspiration of course came from Martha Stewart. Nine 4in x 4in cakes covered in pastel tinted fondant and decorated to look like baby blocks. I really didn't know what I was getting myself into. Luckily, the staff at Cakewalk was extremely knowledgeable and helped me pick up all the supplies I needed and gave me lots of great tips (I literally took notes). When all was said and done, it took me a good six hours to put this cake together and it didn't quite look like the picture on the Martha website. It seemed to be a hit at the shower and I received many compliments--not sure how genuine they were, but it's the thought that counts, right? I plan to head back to Cakewalk soon to pick up supplies for Christmas cookies. Decorating I can handle, but I could use some advice on how to evenly roll out sugar cookie dough. Cakewalk to the rescue! read more

My 300th review calls for something special. Cakewalk Chicago, you're it! I was able to attend the Cupcake Decorating Class via Yelp Gets Cultured Week and I had a wonderful time. Pastry Chef Lori was a wonderful instructor and pretty entertaining as well. Her friendly manner and enthusiasm made it a very comfortable and fun class environment. We learned some basic piping techniques and basic fondant techniques and got to be as creative as we wanted to be on the dozen cupcakes each of us got to decorate. I'm excited to incorporate these techniques in my future home-baked goods. I was so excited after class that I spent some time shopping in the store. It's a small shop, but it's loaded with many many different supplies that can help folks decorate cookies, cupcakes, cakes, etc. There is also a huge selection of cookie cutters and candy molds. I felt the prices for many of these items were pretty reasonable and I'm ready to channel my inner Martha Stewart and get going on my cookie and cupcake projects! It's a bit of a drive out to Beverly for this suburban gal, but totally worth it for the fun class and decorating goodies I bought. read more

If you're into cake decorating or candy making, they have everything you need. If you're not sure, call ahead and they'll be happy to order it for you. I had quite a time trying to find a candy making supply store in Chicago, and was happy to make the trip down to Beverly to visit Cakewalk. What a find! The owners clearly take great pride in serving their customers. I'm sure I'll be back. Oh, and if I cared about a fancy building I'd go to a big-box store in Niles. No thanks. read more

Having taken a class here over the weekend, I cannot do anything but highly recommend that you check out Cakewalk! The location was easy to find (with plenty of parking) in a surprisingly cute neighborhood. The instructor, Lori, was super pleasant, professional, and gave great advice. The supplies available during the class were outstanding ( I have never had so much fun decorating baked goods!) and the supplies at the store were beyond! I ended up buying some basic cake decorating supplies like tips and bags, but I could have purchased detailed cookie cutters, yummy fillings, professional-grade icing, or beautiful baking accessories. If you need any kind of decorating supply, I would go here first. It is an independent, family run business, and I can't wait to come back for another class! read more

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Cakewalk Chicago has the most comprehensive inventory of cake decorating supplies available in one place. Though it's off the beaten path the owner Lori is warm and friendly and makes the trip worth the drive. Also, I've taken 2 1/2 classes there in decorating (only 2 1/2 because of personal stuff). Lori's teaching style is very warm and patient. Though classes may be full, you still get a sense of a one on one feeling from her instruction. read more

Cakewalk Chicago, is my go to place for all baking needs. Very professional knowledgable, friendly customer service. Never encountered a bad experience, I highly recommend you visit read more

omg i should of been came in here!! they have everything i need to bake a cake literally everything! im so happy that i came in. now this will b my go to store!! read more

My go to shop for all my pastry needs. It's small but they always have what I'm looking for and give helpful advice on products.

By far one the best cake supply stores I've purchased from with a welcoming environment. I have taken a Cake class and purchase all of my supplies for my small business from this shop. The owner is very helpful and has such a beautiful spirit. I will continue to purchase from this supply shop for my pastry business. read more

Cakewalk Chicago - Cooking Schools Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

It is truly an unfortunate occurrence when people who are not bright enough to notice when a business listed as a CAKE DECORATING and CANDY SUPPLY SHOP is not a bakery, but also that the size of a stores venue does not suggest that the items offered are not rare nor the selection is less than abundant. Not everyone who writes a review should be allowed to issue an opinion, especially when it is uninformed. Whether you are a first time cake decorator/candy maker with inspiration and vision -or- you are a practiced professional, CakeWalk Chicago is one of the very best resources in Chicago. They have consistently met my needs (and beyond) and I am a happy frequently returning customer. CakeWalk Chicago is extremely well stocked and their customer service (which seems to be a dying art - like common sense) is well above average. Traditionally, the craft of cake decorating was primarily practiced in the UK and Australia. It is not as popular of a trade/hobby in the US which is why it is so difficult to find may specialty cake decorating tools. I have lived and visited several countries around the world and have had the privilege of learning about professional cake decorating by some of the best known sugar craft artists in the world. Not only is Lori a bevy of information and tips, she is passionate and professional and her shop reflects this. They are extremely well stocked and if by chance there is something you want and they don't have it, if she can find it, she'll get it. They have even delivered product to me for my bakery in extremely short notice. I have called her to check my facts or asked for advice and she is always ready and willing to help. She offers classes and instructs in a very uncomplicated and approachable manner without ego. Thank you to Lori and her husband for always being eager and willing to help, teach and offer advice. FIVE STARS all the way around. read more

As a professional cake decorator, I usually try to find a cake supply shop to visit any time I go somewhere and Cakewalk is the place I wanted to find in Chicago. Anyone who visits very many cake supply shops knows that they tend to fall into three categories: small and cluttered, more party than cake supplies so they're bigger, or they do a stiff mail order business and can afford more space. This one is small and cluttered but well worth the effort. I spent the first 20 minutes just looking at the cookie cutter rack because the variety was so amazing. Indeed, Lori had almost everything I've collected and use in my own shop and a few things I didn't have, which I promptly purchased. Things I asked about, she was more than willing to order and ship to me in a USPS one price box which saves me a minimum order with the same supplier. Well worth the trip if you are a cake decorator. read more

Making and eating candy should always be a fun event. I room a class here with my cousin, and had a blast. Lori's passion for the delicious and her sense of humor really came through. I highly enjoyed learning how to make turtles, chocolate covered pretzel rods, and chocolate truffles in a casual yet highly informative environment. Small female owned businesses like this need our support- and I'll gladly do what I can to get the word out about Cakewalk! read more

Ok I want to say cakewalk is tbe BEST. As far as a shack it's not, if you bake cakes and look @ how everything is placed u will find everything u need. I'm a baker everything I neeeeeeed is there. If u r indeed a true baker u will appreciate the store and the service they provide.... This is from a professional stand point, we love places like this. CAKEWALK keep doing what u do MAD LOVE! read more

I took the cupcake-decorating class with Lori through Yelp Gets Cultured and it was fantastic! We were given 12 cupcakes to decorate and all kinds of fun frosting, fondant, toppings, and tools. Lori gave us an overview and then let us loose to try things out, while she walked around to offer helpful advice. She is delightful and clearly loves what she's doing - her husband and children were around and were adorable as well. The shop has all kinds of baking supplies and every type of candy mold you can imagine. Per Lori's advice, I also explored Beverly a bit and was surprised to find such a verdant neighborhood full of mansions and interesting shops. The only reason I'm taking off a star is that I felt the price of the class is a tiny bit high. I wouldn't have been able to afford it if it hadn't been complimentary through Yelp. Overall, though, the store is fun, Lori is fantastic, Beverly is lovely and the class was a blast! read more

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i was looking to stock up on some cake decorating supplies and this was the first listing that popped up when i googled it. i didnt have anything to do, so i took the trip down there. beverly was a bit of a trip for me from the nw burbs, but this store seriously had everything i could need or want. like other reviewers have said, it is very, very small and a bit disorganized. but the owners are awesome about helping you find what you need. i also saw that the female owner, lori, teaches some classes. and i saw samples of her gumpaste flowers....very, very impressive. i am looking forward to possibly signing up for a class in the future. :) great job cakewalk chicago! read more

I'm sick and tired of ALWAYS going to this store and they are closed when they are supposed to be open! Why have store hours if you're not going to go by them?? We went to the store today in the rain, drove through downtown traffic, and got there at 4:34pm with no one in sight! The sign clearly said that they would be closing at 5:00pm. There was nothing else noted saying that they were gone because of bad weather or better yet using the bathroom!! Someone else drove up trying to enter the store, and I informed the guy that they must be closed because no one was there or answering the phone (because I called 3 times) and he said that he came all the way from Northbrook to get some chocolate molds!!!! He decided to wait, because he said he called ahead and spoke to someone who informed him that they would still be open, but I decided not to. Stuff like this happens all the time at this store! I know this is one of the few stores in the city that actually sells supplies, but a lot more people are just going to resort to buying stuff on-line because they don't have time for this foolishness! I love the owners, but get it together!!! And have someone that can be there ALL DAY. Isn't that why there is a store manager there now?!?!? GEESH... read more

Five stars for the friendly service, great items, and informative classes. It's off the beaten path if you live in Chicago or just north of the city, but its well worth a trip out. Cakewalk has so many items and they will order anything you want that they don't have. I will definitely return for all my baking needs! read more

I've been there twice for cake toppers that they didn't have. Nothing naughty for a bachelorette party nor an Oscar party. So they don't have everything. But nice friendly service & small Indy owned. I just suggest a phone call ahead if you're looking for something specific. read more

Treasure Trove...Cakewalk Chicago! First of all, I was not aware of Cakewalk until one of my friends enlightened me. I must say, I have been blown away by the enthusiasm of the employees. I am overwhelmingly impressed with Lori's willingness to share her craft and productive short cuts for the novice. Cakewalk was a life saver this particular day, the nearest craft stores were too far to dovetail with time constraints faced. For a work Christmas party, I needed twisties and treat bags to complete my cake pops and was not sure of the opening time. I stopped by an hour before opening time, much to my surprise, the door was ajar...I poked my head in and Lori enthusiastically exclaimed, "come on in, the store is closed until 11:00 but ,you are welcome to shop." ...later she noted that I was the third person to stop by in a crunch. For that random act of kindness, I now have become a loyal customer. I have asked many questions, the time taken to oblige has been reassuring that there remains a few businesses truly interested in customer service. I highly recommend CW C. read more