Sprinkles

Name: Sprinkles Cupcakes

Neighborhood: Gold Coast
Address: 50 E Walton St.
Map (link above): blue dotted marker

Nearest El Transit Locations:

Chicago Red Line stop

Hours: 

Mon - Sat  9am - 9pm

Sunday 10am - 8pm

Bake On-Site: Yes

Individual Cupcake Price: $3.50

Boxing/Packaging: Box (without inserts)

What makes this bakery special: 

-Sprinkles is the original cupcake-only bakery.
-THE CUPCAKE ATM! (I like to think of it as an "Automatic Treat Machine.) There are only two cupcake ATMs in the world: one in Beverly Hills and one brand-spankin' new one here in good ol' Chi-town! (I just missed the grand opening of it--by hours--so I'll be back soon!)

Cool, a wood fork!

-Sustainability is observably important to them (and they have a commitment statement on their website). All the boxes, bags, napkins, forks, etc are made from recycled materials; Green cleaning products are used along with earth-friendly waste practices; Annual Earth Day campaign, as well as support of other non-profit initiatives.

Cupcakes Purchased and Reviewed:

Chai Latte

Cake: Spiced chai tea cake

with Chai vanilla

Appearance: 3

Chai Latte (Left); Raspberry (Right)

Size: Average

Bite #: 3

Moisture: 2.5

Raspberry

Cake: Raspberry

with Raspberry

Appearance: 3

Size: Average

Bite #: 3

Moisture: 3

Additional Notes: 

Super earthy and minimalist display!

I know you're going to think I'm crazy (hey, maybe you already think I am) but I had a blast waiting in line. Before my visit to Sprinkles I had never experienced I line out the door at a cupcakery. I think it escalated the anticipation to get inside and heightened my enthusiasm for the treats I came for. Sprinkles is exceptionally prepared for such an event: there are monitors outside for waiting customers to watch, i.e. Sprinkles cupcakes being featured on Martha Stewart! This made the waiting even more enjoyable. In addition to the in-line entertainment, Sprinkles has busy times down to a science. Once inside, you are given the opportunity (not at all rushed) to see their selection as well as the menu clearly and largely available behind the cupcake display. Once you've decided what you would like to order, you talk with an order taker (who has a fancy special order slip ready to go), and while you're over at the last station paying, they package your cupcakes right up and you're out the door! Even though I waited in line, I really was there for only about 15 minutes! Impressive, Sprinkles.

The Chai Latte is the reason why I visited Sprinkles on Friday this month (check the cupcake calendar on their website to see when each flavor is available). It was everything I had expected. The cake had a nice chai spice flavor to it (similar to a classic "spice cake") and the frosting tasted just like a chai latte, which complimented the cake well. This cupcake was well worth the wait.

The Raspberry cupcake was super moist and reminded me of the berry cupcake from The Cupcake Counter--it had a well-rounded raspberry flavor to the cake.  It was clearly not made with a mix or anything, especially since there were raspberry seeds in the cake, making it authentic. The frosting was a little overpowering (it had a strong raspberry flavor with a bit of a kick to it) but was smooth and thick, which was a good match for the moist cake.

You know you just made a smart purchase when you feel all special walking down the street sporting your shopping bag. This was the case with me after my visit to Sprinkles. I flashed that bag around as if it was a Louis Vuitton handbag or something!

During busy times, expect a short wait.

A few bar stools and counter inside, but best for take-out.

Thanks, Sprinkles, for a good time. I'll be back soon for the ATM. (Still can't believe I missed it by a few hours!)