Beautiful pastries/cakes!! They seemed too precious to eat but my sweet tooth tore through the box…read morebefore I could admire it some more(not before I took pictures of them though) I can't remember what the names were of each pastry/cake but I posted some pictures. The cakes were light and not too sweet but felt that it was too pricey. The shop is nestled in a little a mall strip so it's easy to miss. There is no place to sit so come here for great dessert after eating from other great restaurants in the area Staff was not very welcoming and they seemed hesitant to honor the yelp deal which made things very awkward. Overall, not sure I would return.

Do NOT buy Groupons here. The owner/manager was rude, unreliable, and unprofessional. She didn't…read morehonor the Groupons. They were closed for over a week at time and on the day the Groupon expired. The cakes were mediocre. I saw a deal on Groupon and thought it would be a great opportunity because I needed a birthday cake. I bought three $10 Groupons. The week I needed the birthday cake, I went in during their business hours but there was a sign on their door that they were closed for about a week. I was so disappointed. I went back this week during business hours and again, there was a sign on the door that they were closed that day--the day the Groupon expired! The sign said they would honor Groupons for the next three days but unfortunately, that was only partially true. I went back two days later and the owner said I could only use one Groupon. She said I needed to come back two more times because they only honor one Groupon at a time. She also said that she would not honor the full price of the third Groupon. I had to explain that that was my third time there and that they were closed the previous two times during business hours. I asked to speak to the manager and she said she was the manager. I asked to speak to her supervisor and unfortunately, she said she was the owner. After arguing with her and explaining that I would have used all the Groupons before the expiration date had they been opened in the first place, she finally agreed to let me use the Groupons but she only honored two and the cash value for the third one. As the owner, she had the power to honor the Groupons but she just decided not to. That goes to show how much she cares about customer service. Also, I had driven 45 minutes each way just to get to this bakery three times. I spent 4.5 hours in the car! What a waste! It doesn't make sense to get this Groupon, especially if you don't live around Skokie and if you don't have time to make multiple trips. If you do, definitely call ahead to make sure they are open.

Absolutely love this place! Numerous things to try. They were very generous to let me try out my…read moreRomanian. The drive from Chicago is very relaxing w beach views as well as views of both Loyola and Northwestern. Highly recommend!

So this coworker brought in a tray of tantalizing European desserts sliced into finger-sized…read moreservings. Since they were in small slices, we were able to try all the different varieties-- tiramisu, chocolate, cherry, coconut. I don't know what all the flavors were-- I only know that they were light and flavorful and delicious. I think this was absolutely brilliant. We made him tell us where he got it -- and he divulged it was from Maria's Bakery. I'm coming for you, Maria's Bakery! I'll be there soon! (No pictures -- sorry -- we demolished it all!)

This review is long overdue, but I got time today. Tracy was very accommodating as I wanted my…read moreson's cookies to look a specific way and she delivered, she made them exactly how I wanted them, she was responsive, when she realized that I was in close proximity to her bakery she offered to deliver my product for free, she even jazzed the cookies up with beautiful ribbon! Our guest went on and on about how yummy the cookies we're. Thank you Tracy for your professionalism! Can't wait to try some of your other yummy creations!!

I've been going to Tracy for years now. She never disappoints. When you let her take full control,…read moreshe gets so creative and thinks completely out of the box. She goes above and beyond your expectations. I am a forever client now! Love YumSquared! HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!

Pazcki Tuesday came and went. Like every year I get a dozen of Forest Views finest pazckis . Among…read moremy favorite is : Nutella, strawberry and cream, and raspberry filled. I want to give them a huge shout out for not price gauging and keeping costs low and baking enough for me to be able to swing by before work. Every year they pack it with love and care and every year I get "paczki points". A lot of things change and Forest view stays consistent. I am proud to have such a solid institution in my home neighborhood. Service is fast and the pazckis are delicious. See you next year!

They were quite encouraging to the thought of making a custom chocolate mint cake to honor my…read morefather for upcoming father's day. They previously obliged the same for my mother day cake of chocolate with banana slices. Delicious! Great neighborhood bakery.

As a quick update, the dark chocolate cocoa bombs will be available in the new year! Yay!read more

Preparing for my sister-in-laws wedding shower meant we needed to find the perfect centrepieces…read more Most people would opt for a beautiful flower arrangement but my mother-in-law and I wanted an edible centrepiece. Kristen created the most beautiful centrepieces I've ever seen. Most of the guests couldn't tell they were cupcakes until we made the announcement. She even made a cake for the soon to be bride and groom to practice on for the big day. We opted for an array of cupcake flavours: chocolate, red velvet, lemon, banana, and vanilla. All of the flavours were highly complimented by the guests. We even asked for her to use a different holder to go with our rustic theme. Kristin accepted the challenge and found the most perfect rustic vessel to use. I would highly recommend Kristin to anyone. I look forward to working with her in the future.

Y'all are sleeping on this iced coffee. I don't know what this woman puts in there but it gives me…read morelife. The coffee tastes very toasty but paired with the creaminess of the milk she uses, it's perfection. We've been coming almost every weekend for the last few months because nothing really sets you right again like this woman's iced coffee. Pair it with the cute, delicious, and unique walnut muffins and you've got yourself the perfect snack. Love this place.

I grocery shop at Hmart all the time & this little shop is a must stop by! The walnut cakes are so…read moredelicious! They are so addicting & the texture is perfect. Fluffy, not too sweet, and great with coffee or tea in my opinion! Perfect treat!

Im back!! 2nd time ordering but its for my daughters bday and everyone at the party loved it. I…read morehave 2 slices left and I'm leaving it for my kids . Guys you wont regret ordering because its so yummilicious (topper not included-i ordered it in amazon which is included in the set)

this review is so overdue but ive been ordering her cakes for the last 2 years for my birthday and…read morethey are genuinely what i look forward to. the cake is AMAZING, each layer is so moist, the buttercream on the outside is so sweet and good. the service is great, we got the cake made to order and picked it up. im probably ordering again this year

Hands down, the BEST sourdough bread and pastries ever. Never did I think I would speak so…read morepassionately about English Muffins but I find myself doing so on a weekly basis haha. I can't help but make a purchase just about every week. It's a staple- not only for me, but my coworkers as well. Anyone that has tried Fresh Bakes by Mary gets hooked immediately. I've been a loyal customer for a few holidays now and it's my go-to gift every time. At this point, it's requested. We enjoy a slice of toast a couple times a week and like to jazz up English muffins. Whether it's a breakfast sandwich, avocado or egg toast, butter & jam, or pizza- we reach for a slice every time! We absolutely love it. I also have to add that this is the first time (and I've heard the same from others) that I don't feel bloated after eating a couple slices of her bread. Her double fermented method lets your body break it down easier and you don't get that heavy feeling- a great option for diabetics. She makes it convenient by sending a reminder text on Tuesday noon when the orders open and you have until Wednesday 8:30pm to place your order. Pickups are on Saturdays from 8-noon and scheduled. Orders are conveniently placed in a shed on the left side of her home. Her prices are fair with the competition and quality goods EVERY time. She's a professional and you can taste it in every bite!

The cheddar jalapeño has been my favorite bread from her. Addictive, sometimes with a surprising…read moreamount of heat. But last week she debuted a gingerbread loaf and I gotta tell ya I was knocked off my feet. I'm not a huge gingerbread person but this is vying for the cheddar jalapeño for the top spot in my view. It's sweet but not cloying, and almost a brown sugar taste more than gingerbread. Truly one of the best breads I've ever had.