Impallaria Bakery & Deli — Restaurant in Chicago

Worked here for about three months. The pastries are delicious. I'd recommend getting the almond crescent pastry which you can't really find elsewhere (Firecake Donuts has AMAZING chocolate donuts). Everything else you can find a duplicate of elsewhere that is either the same or better in quality. While working there, I also noticed some sanitary issues with regards to the freshness of some items.

I was debating about writing this review for several reasons, but decided it's best to be honest. While I enjoyed working here for the most part, I found it extremely difficult to work through the bad working conditions. Notably, my boss was often rude and made inappropriate comments toward me and my coworker. (He told her she looks like a clown once bc she had some black streaks on her face that he thought was mascara). She's wonderful and honestly deserves a raise for how much effort and time she invests there.

The owner of the shop inherited it from his father. He is surly and gruff at times. Whether it's the stress from running a local business or growing old, I don't know. I empathize but I also hope he learns to treat his employees with respect. Low income workers deserve respect and to be treated with dignity. They are crucial in keeping businesses running. It's a shame, really, when employers take their employees for granted.

That is ultimately why I don't plan to return to work there despite having met many amazing locals and enjoyed all other aspects of...

I love an old school Chicago Bakery. You know that feeling when you visit your favorite relative? That’s what it’s like at Impallaria Bakery. You will be greeted with a warm hello and smile when entering. Still family run, they have the best coffee cakes, danishes and donuts this side of the city. You know it’s good when kids stop by on the way to school to grab a donut in the morning. The butter cookies are literally 99%butter and 1% flour and eggs. Don’t hesitate to grab a half pound to eat in the car on the way home. I’ve have ordered danishes for teacher appreciation or staff meetings and they are always a hit. Flaky pastry with a light drizzle of icing and good balance of filling. The almond crescents are popular. Old fashioned hand dipped cake donuts are a treat! They also have deli sandwiches which I have yet to order. Did I mention they have cakes?? Where in the city can you find a fresh cake under $30????? If you’re in the area be sure to stop...

Small family-owned business, great customer service. Very friendly and fast.

Some of their pastries have very generous portion sizes (glazed cake donuts). The only thing I didn't like so far was one of their Napoleons - the top glazing was a little stale and the custard was too sweet for my taste, but I may have a bias against Napoleon (after all who is he to have a cake?). A diabetic's wet dream.

Their Italian pastries are very good and I highly recommend their cannoli. Price-wise about everything across the menu is very reasonable. One caveat is some of their menu prices that you can find online are not up to date so you may expect to pay an average $0.50-0.75 more than a price listed on a menu posted 2 years ago. They also charge a $0.65 surcharge for credit/debit cards but you can...