Swirlz Cupcakes

Name: Swirlz Cupcakes
Neighborhood: Lincoln Park
Address: 705 W. Belden Ave
Map (link above): bright green marker
Nearest El Transit Locations:
Fullerton stop of the Brown, Purple, and Red Lines
Hours: 
Mon-Sat 10am-7pm
Bake On-Site: Yes
Individual Cupcake Price: $3.50 
Boxing/Packaging: Plastic cup with lid
What makes this bakery special:
They offer multiple gluten-free options and a vegan option every single day! 

Cupcakes Purchased and Reviewed:
Pineapple Right-Side Up

Cake: Pineapple cake
with Brown Sugar Italian Buttercream and Pineapple Filling
Appearance: 3
Size: Large
Bite #: 5
Moisture: 2

Pineapple (Left), Strawberry (Middle), Vanilla/Vanilla (Right) 

Gluten-Free Chocolate-Dipped Strawberry

Cake: Gluten-Free Chocolate
with Strawberry Buttercream and a layer of Chocolate Ganache and Strawberry Preserves
Appearance: 3
Size: Large
Bite #: 5
Moisture: 2

Vanilla/Vanilla

Cake: Vanilla
with Vanilla Buttercream 
Appearance: 3
Size: Large
Bite #: 5
Moisture: 3

Additional Notes:
The brown sugar frosting on the Pineapple cupcake was amazing...super light, fluffy, and packed with flavor. I could have done without the filling in the cupcake but it didn't take away from the experience.
The frosting of the Chocolate-Dipped Strawberry was also super light and fluffy and the ganache on top made it really taste like a strawberry covered with chocolate. The cake, being gluten-free, was actually disappointingly less fudgy than expected but still had a rich chocolate flavor.
The vanilla frosting on the vanilla cupcake was super, super fluffy (perhaps the lightest I've had so far) and the cake was super moist with a nice strong vanilla flavor. (I think this may be my favorite vanilla cupcake so far.)
Appearance bonus: the cupcakes are iced/decorated simply, yet they are still attractive and have a signature look that makes Swirlz cupcakes recognizable.
I like that they have multiple gluten-free options for those who have allergies and/or are on gluten-free diets. I also like that they think of vegans every day too by offering a cupcake for them.
The packaging was kind of strange (plastic cups fitted over each other, see photo above) but they sure got the job done by getting the cupcakes home safe. Kudos.

The display is inviting and easy to read and the employees are eager to describe the cupcakes and answer any questions you may have. 

The store is small yet easy to find with some indoor and outdoor seating.
Great for a quick stop in.
Quick service.

"Cupcakes Make People Happy."