Love is Sweet: Bittersweet Pastry Shop

Bittersweet’s specialty is the art of a beautiful buttercream finish—and it couldn’t be more apt: Hand-painted buttercream blossoms like the ones seen here are on-trend for 2024 weddings.

In 2023, Bittersweet Pastry Shop celebrated a milestone 30 sweet years in business. “We’re cherishing not only three decades of our beloved Bittersweet, but the countless moments of joy, laugher and celebration that our cakes have been a part of,” says owner and managing partner Esther Griego, who has been at the helm since 2015. She’s celebrating in big ways: In 2023, Griego unveiled a renovation to the original Lakeview location, including the addition of an in-shop café with a savory menu. She launched the shop’s first-ever cocktail menu, a line of signature celebration cakes and, in the fall, opened a Pilsen location. “We’ve not only set the standard for taste and beauty for wedding cakes in Chicago, but we’ve woven ourselves into the fabric of so many special occasions,” Griego says. “You can taste the love in every bite.” bittersweetpastry.com