The Village Bakery — Restaurant in Fox Lake

When I was in last weekend, 4/7, there were "issues" with the credit card machine. It took an unusual amount of time, so long that I added cream and sugar to my coffee and still waited. I don't usually secure a receipt for every purchase but I asked for it this time. So I went to review my credit card statement today and noted, to little surprise, an identical double charge from Village Bakery & Cafe: $10.66.

I stopped by this afternoon, 4/14, to seek out a credit. We were in the mood for a snack on the way to do errands anyways so food compensation was fine in my mind, rather than dealing with the credit card/bank.

I walked in and spoke with what I assume to be an owner/family member, based on conversation options. I began to explain the situation on how I was double charged and was immediately interrupted. She stated that she has heard this before. Other customers have said this and there is nothing wrong. She essentially called me a liar before I had even finished explaining. So I presented my receipt and phone (Chase bank app) and she scoffed.

Suffice to say my mood declined quickly from there and I walked out. This was awful customer service and, at its core, theft. If other customers have come to you and voiced issues with being double charged, then investigate it and talk with the credit card company. At minimum, listen to the customer first.

Experience- 0/5 Food- 4/5 an obvious step up from other local options...

While I have moved out of state, I can’t wait to visit this summer and indulge again. Their donuts are amazing, the danish pastries are to die for, and cookies? Delicious! Everything is so good. If there were a 6 star rating, that’s what I’d give them!

This review is based on what it used to be. I understand that new owners have taken over. The pics on the site must show what used to be. If I’m disappointed this summer, I’ll post a scathing new review.

So, I came back and, unfortunately, was not wowed as in the past. The doughnuts were okay, but the chocolate frosting was runny and the doughnuts themselves tasted like the cooking oil needed a change. We also bought a mixed berry coffee cake, and were equally disappointed. The filling was very inadequate, and the dough was not at all flaky (as in the past, of course). The comparison to what it used to be was a huge disappointment.

The ambiance is very nice - they spruced the place up, and were very accommodating. While the overall quality of what we bought was good, it is far from great, like it used to be. We will...

They are under new management since earlier this year. Old owner retired and sold. Unfortunately, the old world, homemade baked goods have been replaced with what tastes like pre-made mixes. The walls of bread, pastries, donuts, danishes, and cookies are gone. Only one small counter of baked goods is now on display. The character is gone, replaced by boring tile and a counter to sit at by the window.

The food: Cinnamon rolls were huge but dry. Donuts were better than Dunkin, but not bakery quality. Danishes were over cooked. Brown in color. Macarons were not real. The cookies themselves were too soft (but at least they were almond). They were filled with buttercream like you'd find on a cake, too sweet and had a sugar "crunch", instead of being buttery and rich. Apple Cider Donuts were just cake donuts with cinnamon sugar on the outside.

Overall, not worth the visit. Mediocre goods and a visually sterilized shop front. The old Village Bakery...