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Kedzie-brown (Brown Line)
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- Hours:
Mon-Sun 10 am - 9 pm
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$
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70 reviews for Nazareth Sweets
Review Highlights
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"hands down the best baklava ever." In 38 reviews -
"The best in Chicago for Middle Eastern pastry." In 12 reviews -
"Honey, phyllo dough, nuts, abound." In 4 reviews
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70 reviews in English
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Review from Stephanie P.
Chicago, IL
3/15/2012 1 Check-in Here
The best baklava ever! Great prices and free samples.
My family loves their other treats too but I only eat the baklava. It is so light and heavenly with just a touch of honey. I can't wait to go back! -
Review from Atif I.
2/20/2012
We could've run away with the trays, and she wouldn't have minded.
The friendly owner smiled when I mentioned that another customer and I had debated that possibility while waiting for someone to attend to us (she was at the back of the shop). Her confidence wasn't misplaced for those dessert trays are too damn heavy to run away with!
I've never had better Harissa (moist semolina cake topped with almond and sweetened with syrup) than the one I had at Nazareth Sweets. I've also never had better Barazek (crispy sesame cookie with honey and semolina) than those from Nazareth. Before my visit, it was a stretch for me to imagine pairing Barazek, Maamoul, and Ghoraybeh cookies with tea. But both texture and lightness were a joy to behold. If I lived in the city, this would be my go-to place for Middle Eastern cookies.
I didn't enjoy the Baklava or Knaffeh as much, and thought they suffered from slow turnover. But, after tasting the Basma, the other customer exclaimed, "Wow! This must have crack in it!"
It does. Crack(ed) wheat, layered with pistachios - hinting at rose water. Come here often? -
Review from Pooja K.
2/16/2012 Purchased a Yelp Deal 1 Check-in Here
Friendly lady.
Tons of free samples.
About 50 different middle eastern sweets.
Yelp deal.
BIG box of sweets( maybe 50 pieces?) to please office staff = 30$
Yummyness floating in mouth, and smiles in the office= priceless. -
Review from Saira K.
3/19/2012
The owners are super sweet and so are the desserts - I always love a little whipped cream or unsweetended coffee with my baklava. Enjoy sampling sweets and being transported to another realm. They have ample parking.
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Review from Bill M.
3/18/2012
I wandered into Nazareth Sweets looking for some baklava to take home for an after-dinner treat. The place was deserted when I came in, and one of the workers had to flag down another fellow from the kitchen to ring up my small box filled like a Whitman's sampler kit of baklava. I shared with my friend and she agreed that the baklava was deliciously sweet. I might have to check out some more atypical selections next time.
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Review from Linnea M.
Chicago, IL
2/25/2012
Nazareth Sweets provides great service. They have a parking lot and completely reasonable prices. I wanted to make a party tray and the woman working there offered me samples of everything to make sure I liked it. I will definitely be going back!
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Review from Rebekah H.
Chicago, IL
9/26/2011
This place is great, I have to restrain myself when I go here because between the excellent pastries and cheap prices you can easily go nuts here! (no pun intended) :-)
The Baklava is consistently buttery and delicious but my favorite are their fancy cookies! Every single one that I have tried has been delicious, they have a half-dipped sandwich cookie and a turtle cookie that are absolutely to die for.
Whether you are in the area or have to travel, this place is absolutely worth it! -
Review from Katie T.
4/16/2011 2 Check-ins Here
This place is pure f*cking MAGIC.
Displays filled with flakey fresh phyllo and honey and nuts oh my god. It is natural to feel high while gazing at all the awesome goodness.
Don't over think the selection. Point at everything and say "a few of each please" until you have filled up 1, 2, 3 tins with goodies. Anything that looks good to you, get it. You simply cannot go wrong.
I want to die in this bakery. For real. -
Review from Kelly W.
Chicago, IL
4/17/2011
Without a doubt Nazareth Sweets is my FAVORITE guilty pleasure!
I was introduced to this place by my bf and SO glad I was. I was craving baklava one day so he directed me there. He knew the owners from previously dealing with them, but that didn't matter. Their deserts are like little pieces of heavenly goodness. For real.
I was only familiar with baklava when I first visited but as other posters have noted, they are not beyond providing SAMPLES. Hence my addiction and subsequent LOVE affair with their Harissa Semolina Cake! There are NO words. These little squares are as good as it gets! I used to get a larger container of these mixed with a generous selection of other things in the display, but my waist was telling me to stop, so I did.
I now manage my CRAVINGS for their yummy-delicious-goodness and only get 4 at a time, but it is great stuff! The ingredients are always fresh and the taste is impeccable. For around $5-$10 you can more than satisfy your sweet tooth and have enough leftovers as they are pretty rich deserts.
I am a regular there because the guy or girl, depending on who's working at the time, always remembers me. Parking is limited depending on what time you go, but who cares?! I just cannot resist DELICIOUS. -
Review from Samra M.
1/13/2011
Yummy yummy in my tummy!
My family and I have gone to this place ever since I can remember, but this is the first time in a year or so that we came to visit and grab some goods.
My mom and I walked in and no one was in there but a worker and the boss. I really wanted Kinafa and told my mom I wanted some. The manager was really funny, kind of flirty, but hey I got free sweets haha, he was really sweet and didn't charge that much. He asked what my background was and was very interested in where I was from and how I got my name, really funny guy, I actually got hit on in front of my mom and an arab bakery.
Other than that the service was good, and price was good. The product is yummy get the kinafa they usually run out towards the end of the night! -
Review from Alice S.
Chicago, IL
4/25/2009
Funny how when you don't go to a place for a while, then return, you can gain a new appreciation for it. Case in point: on the most recent of Johnny T.'s neighborhood walks, we visited Albany Park. Albany Park! My old neighborhood where I lived for over 15 years! We visited places I knew, and places that were new.
Our last stop on the tour was Nazareth Sweets. I'm pretty familiar with this Middle Eastern bakery, having picked up desserts from here pretty much since they opened for business. However, I'd not been back since leaving the area last summer. I'd forgotten how fresh and tasty their various treats are! I believe they make their own phyllo dough on site, and that kind of attention to detail and quality is very impressive. The shop itself is small, yet immaculate and cozy. The guy behind the counter is helpful and friendly, in spite of how hard it must be explaining what each sweet is over and over all day long.
My newest favorite is a semolina cake which the Lebanese call nammoura. It's creamy, and yet has a slight crunch due to the texture of the semolina; though it's soaked in sugar syrup, it's not overly sweet. It's absolutely delightful, and if you've never eaten it, you're missing out on something quite remarkable. With a cup of tea it's simply perfect.
There is a very small parking lot for the mini-mall where Nazareth Sweets is situated, but if you prefer it's also just a few doors down from the Kedzie stop on the CTA Brown Line. However you get there, please try and get to Nazareth Sweets. You really have to try the nammoura! -
Review from Tory w.
10/3/2010
Nazareth, oh Nazareth, how I love thee.....no other place makes my mouth water just thinking about it...
In a quest to find the perfect baklava, I've spent hours trudging up and down Kedzie, sampling my heart out. Nazareth is the winner, hands down, for both super friendly service, including multiple free samples, and the BEST pastries. They melt in your mouth, I swear it. There is a huge variety of pastries, which are all pretty much the same ingredients - nuts, honey, phyllo, more honey - just different shapes, each one more delicious and heavenly than the last. There's no need to look any place else. Ummmmmm nom nom..... -
Review from Johnny T.
5/3/2009
Dubious, I was. I knew, going in, that Nazareth Sweets was the real deal but I didn't think that it was a real deal I could appreciate. Y'see, I don't do 'sweets' with honey and/or simple syrup. I want SWEET. I want insta-sugar yum yums. Honey is for bees. Phyllo dough? What fo'? Nuts? Crunchy. Not sweet. So...dubious, I was.
The initial selections didn't do much to make me reach for my wallet. I discovered that the doughnut hole looking things were crunchy. Blargh. The churro looking thing was wet & squishy. Eeeww. I was a'feared that I wouldn't have anything sweet on which to sup. And that's when I saw it: the western wall glass case. While the southern (and longer) glass case is full of flaky, squishy, nutty, honey baked goods, the west wall is full of chocolate, caramel and...well, those are the only two things that really matter, right?
I spied some chewy caramel cup-things, cookies with chocolate, caramel and pecans on top and some sort of chocolate macaroons. I didn't know where to start. Yes I did. I had a cup. And...oohhh.....myyyy....mocha choca latta ya ya...whooo...Middle Eastern Marmalaaaad-uh. I didn't know where I was or what happened. I opened my mouth, bit down and was transported to a land of enlightenment. Forget talks and mediation: drop these caramel cups onto the Gaza Strip and I guarantee peace and harmony will last for ages.
One tip, however: in my zest for bringing about peace in the Middle East, I had three of these cups in a row. Don't do this. I thought I was going into a diabetic sugar shock. My left calf & foot started hurting and I got scared. Save yourself from this. Eat one at a time, take a moment to enjoy your elevated state and prepare to pick some up for me. Papa needs his bon bons. -
Review from Janet W.
Chicago, IL
6/16/2010
Baklava Heaven. Trays and trays and trays of fresh baklava.
The perfect balance of butter and honey and flaky pastry.
Pistachio baklava, and cashew baklava. Mmmmmmmm.
We're going back this Saturday, and I'm already counting the days.
3 days. ;-)
Oh and it's inexpensive, and they are open late, and the guy is super nice. We will be regulars I'm sure. -
Review from Angie M.
7/14/2009
If you haven't been to Nazareth Sweets, GO. Go now. Seriously. Get in your car, hop on the brown line, do what you gotta do to get to there today.
This place is ridiculously good.
If you like Middle Eastern treats, this is your Mecca. Literally rows upon rows of baklava with pistachios, walnuts and almonds, flaky pastries dripping with honey and syrup, butter cookies dipped in chocolate with jelly in the middle, date and almond cookies... The selection is seemingly endless.
Picking out your goodies is the tough part. You can get one of their prepackaged trays of baklava or build your own box of goodies. The really nice guy behind the counter (he kind of looks like a cute Middle Eastern hip-hopper) is super-patient and answers all of your questions. "Yes, this is walnut. No, that has dates. Yes, you'll like my baked goods." He even threw in a few extra goodies for me. Service, folks. All about the service.
Even though I had a huge food baby from the hummus, falafel and baklava I had already consumed across the street at Semiramis, I made room for a few of my tasty treats. And I have lots of leftovers to munch on for the next few days.
Is it wrong that I had baklava for breakfast this morning?Listed in: Penny Pinching
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Review from Lindley E.
Chicago, IL
8/6/2007
If you have a sweet tooth and a big smile, a trip to Nazareth Sweets might yield unforseen treasures. I've been several times, and though I don't regularly crave the variants of nuts/butter/filo, some of their treats are utterly cravable. I find myself fantasizing about what I would do with a whole sheet of their soft, chewy, sesame nut bars. I imagine myself rolling in pistachio and honey squares while chomping on cream-filled filo triangles, soaked in honey syrup.
And back to the big smile. The guys at the counter are kind and helpful, and if they like you they may just give you a few treats to sample before you leave.
Yum. -
Review from Bella E.
Chicago, IL
7/24/2007
I ducked into this place with my sister one day because it started puring rain as we walked by.
We decided to pass the time with a treat from Nazareth. We'd never been there before, and wanted to try something new.
Immediately we were approached by a very gentle looking older gentlemen (the owner, I assume) who asked us what we fancied. I told him that we'd never eaten this type of treat so we weren't sure.
Without a moments hesitation, he began loading up tins with treats and said "well, I guess the only way you'll know what you like is if you try the all!"
He gave me 2 of everything in the store- FOR FREE!!! He said that if I enjoyed it, to come back and buy something sometime. I've been back several times since, and he's always just as sweet! -
Review from Brenton J.
Chicago, IL
8/6/2011
Man, this place it awesome. Seriously. Their baklava is better than sex. Better than the best sex I've ever had. Literally. I would give up a lifetime of love and marriage and children just to have a hot lusty love affair with their baklava every night.. I've never fiddled with their case, although the few offerings in there look like exotic temptations. My regular stud is the medium sized variety pack for 8 bucks, which is chock full of ooey, gooey, nutty, flakey, buttery goodness. Mmmm, oh!....excuse me while I compose myself! Anyway, it's probably like 16 pieces-ish of different types of baklava (of which I'm sure have different lovely names for each and every one).
My baby and I haven't been able to make a pack last through a single night so far. They're just so.ridiculously.delicious! And such a reasonable price. Don't buy baklava from any of the restaurants in this neighborhood, because chances are they get them from Nazareth and then mark them up 3-fold. Buy from the source and tell them you love 'em! -
Review from Sarah L.
7/16/2009
Nazareth Sweets is in the running of all the bakeries in the area. I wish I never stopped in here because I want to keep going back! Semiramis serves baklava and cookies from Nazareth Sweets. I stopped in Nazareth the other night after dining at Semiramis.
There is a vast variety of baklava and middle eastern cookies. I picked up some butter cookies drizzled in chocolate with colorful sprinkles. I loved each cookie and it was hard to pick a favorite! The guy working behind the counter was very friendly. When my friends and I were walking out, he gave us all a sample to go. I will definitely be back to pick up more sweet treats. I just can't make it a habit or my pants will not fit!Listed in: Albany Park, Off the Brown Line..., Give me some of that...
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Review from Liz M.
Chicago, IL
2/17/2008
We found out that this is the bakery that "Semiramis" (across the street) gets their wonderful Baklava from.
We were curious.
Oh sweet tooth heaven!
All homemade Baklava (walnut, cashew, pistachio, etc).
Honey balls, powdered cookies, sprinkled cookies, etc.
These wonderful pastries made from shredded coconut and carrots!!! (yes carrots-who would of thought that making your eye-sight better could be so good-lol)
Honey, phyllo dough, nuts, abound.
Mmm...mmmm...good!
Very reasonable priced!!Listed in: Fulfilling My Sweet Tooth!
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Review from Richie D.
5/13/2009
My taste buds have truly been refreshed with AUTHENTIC baklava. Once not a fan (and I'm now embarrassed to admit it), Nazareth Sweets has converted me to a baklava lover. Any shape or variety of baklava you can hope for is here on huge trays protected by glass from the salivating mouths of customers like myself. Just name how many pounds you want and point at which ones. I went for a quarter of a pound and got about 8-10 baklavas. Just the right amount to soothe my sweet tooth and share with a few friends (super reasonable at roughly $3.50 or so). I could not find a better treat to accompany my hot tea loving self. If you're a tea fan like me, go next door to Salam for a hot tea with fresh mint (http://www.yelp.com/bi...). You can't beat the location or $1 price!
For the ladies and gay men, the fellow who works behind the counter is a cutie. If you're all about Arabic-tongued, dark eyes, 5-O'Clock shadows, shorter stature and a feisty attitude, he's all yours...at least while you place your order. Just watch what you say because he is truly feisty! -
Review from Jon J.
Chicago, IL
2/27/2007
I'd give them 5 stars, had I not had better pastries in the Middle East.
I don't know what any of it is called, other than baklava, but I love all of it. Sweet, delicate, crispy, and unexpected, this place is consistently good and has some of the friendliest people you'll find in any Chicago bakeries. -
Review from Rich K.
Miami, FL
4/28/2010
This review is based on customer service only, their sweets were satisfactory.
Not sure who the owner, but the last time I was there, the guy behind the counter was on the phone for ten minutes, then was talking to his friend for another 5 minutes. Totally ignoring all of his customers.
Totally unprofessional, especially when there are so many other bakeries on the street.
I wont be back. -
Review from Carly O.
Chicago, IL
2/18/2009
Why am I only hearing about this place now?
After having a delicious meal at Semiramis with a friend, she said she was going to stop by Nazareth to pick up some sweets. Begrudgingly, I went. I didn't want to fill my stomach with more calories.
But the minute we entered, I walked straight to the cookie case and started to strategize. In the end, I got a mixed box of just over a pound.
I got two heart shaped cookies free. And another one of the guys working offered us one of anything we wanted. I chose baklava with walnuts. Uhmmmm...DELICIOUS.
For $8.44, I'm going to feed my office with treats.
The guys working here are beyond friendly. Sure, we were the only ones in there, but I always like someone who takes the time to smile and ask how you're doing and are sincere.
Sure, times are hard, but we all deserve something sweet every now and then.
Let them eat cookies! -
Review from Jenna S.
11/17/2009
So many great things about this place, where does one start?
The price...cheap! You pay by the pound, not by the piece...so fill up kids!
The service...super friendly and willing to answer all of your "what is this...what about that...what does that have inside?" questions.
FREE SAMPLES! Heck yes! -
Review from Neal K.
Chicago, IL
2/4/2010
Walnut and pistachio baklava are the best I've ever had. Want to impress your friends at a get together? Get the $6 assortment of sweets and throw it down!!!
I also like the grape-tastic bird's nest looking thing. Guess I should speak up more and ask questions when I'm there, but all I seem to do is drool and point.
I hear this is one of the last places in the city that still makes phyllo dough by hand. One bite and the love is evident, it oozes out all over you like sweet honey! -
Review from Andre H.
Chicago, IL
11/29/2010
Went there last night, bought 2 small boxes of assorted baklava enough for several days of snacking- for just $12.
As reviewed by many, the quality of the sweets is excellent. They have the sugar-free baklava option, but since they were not 'sugar-free' but made from sugar substitutes, I went for the classic sugar varieties.
It's located in a small strip mall with about 20 parking spots which can fill up during weekend evenings- we had to street park about 50 feet down the street.
The best thing about the place is that it's located right next door to Salam, another of my favorite restaurants. So every time we visit Salam, we leave room for desserts waiting next door. -
Review from Michelle E.
Chicago, IL
11/3/2008
I was introduced to Nazareth Sweets a few years ago by a worldly friend of mine. I always leave this place happy! I wish I knew what all the different names of each pastry are, because there are SO MANY different kinds! The guys that work there really are nice, and they'll give you free samples sometimes, YUMMO!
The baklava is super tasty, but my favorite kind is the square phyllo "pouch" folded around whole pistachios and other nuts. What can I say, I love pistachios! There is another one shaped like a lil phyllo cup with chopped pistachios in it. YUMMY!!!
Don't freak out and get overwelmed by all the tastiness! Right near the register they have pre-packed boxes with a nice variety, which takes out the guesswork for you. The small box is only $3.50! YAY! -
Review from Emblem P.
IL
1/3/2007
The only place I know of in the city where you can get fresh knafe, a cheese-and-phyllo Lebanese delight I crave, to go. Have it heated, and slurp it up as you wait for the Brown Line at the stop next door! Or, you can sit at one of their few small tables.
Service is always very patient and kind. They *ask* you if you want honey syrup, which is indeed very nice for those of us who don't like to fish out their pastries from oceans of sweetness.
My only complaint is due, perhaps, to my high standards for Arab pastries, by far my favorite desserts. Nazareth Sweets' are OK, but not really up to snuff. Still, it's a good place to pick up a few rare treats. -
Review from Omar F.
Chicago, IL
7/25/2011
Every time I go here I get a tray of knafah for me and my friends. Costs me about $20.
Taste - Yeah it's great knafah
Price - pretty competitive compared to the other places
Service - Really nice guys, thought I was Arab so they started talking to me in Arabic for like 5 mins then I broke it to them that I couldn't speak their language. We had a good laugh -
Review from I B.
Chicago, IL
1/6/2010
I don't actually like sweets in the baklava family, but I really like Nazareth based on a visit before New Years. The guy behind the counter was very helpful, and offered to show me the back area where they make everything.
They have both prepackaged variety trays and a huge selection. You should go. -
Review from Keely B.
Updated - 2/9/2010
This place gets better every time I go there.
Aside from delicious baklava and other goodies, the owner and all of the other staff here are awesome. I like them more every time I go, too.
I am a part of a not for profit theater company (http://www.nufanenseml...), and Nazareth donated two large trays of baklava for a fundraiser we had. One tray was for the guests to eat, and the other was a raffle prize. Needless to say, the baklava was the most popular item!
Support locally-owned companies who give back to the community!Listed in: Albany Park, represent!
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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7/7/2009
I. Love. This. Place.
New to the hood, looking for some dessert after Comcast ruined a perfectly… Read more »
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Review from Bonnie L.
Chicago, IL
2/16/2011
Wow, this place has delicious desserts. The lady behind the counter was just awesome and everytime I inquired about something she went to grab a tissue to give me a sample. Fabulous customer service. They have this one coconut square that is to die for. I would go back there for sure.
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Review from Lisbeth D.
Chicago, IL
9/19/2008
Another great gem in Albany Park! Like another reviewer, we stopped in here after dinner at Semiramis when the waitress mentioned they get their baklava from across the street. Everything looked so delicious! We just picked out several sweets not really knowing exactly what they were, but certain they would be delicious. Of course, the baklava was very good, as expected, but the sesame squares were phenomenal! The cashew brittle and pistachio brittle were also incredible. And I really couldn't believe how inexpensive it was!!! They also threw in a couple extra things they thought we would like.
Check out the pictures of their goodies on their website...guaranteed to make you drool! -
Review from Steven K.
Chicago, IL
10/28/2009
My mom bought 2 boxes home and I DEVOURED 90% of it---It was my first time too! There's this one where its a big triangle and there's like this custard thing inside it's just SO GOOD...the one with pistachios are GREAT too!
You HAVE to try Nazareth Sweets *__* I'm gonna tell my mom to get more!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! -
Review from Steve G.
Chicago, IL
4/2/2011
I love Nazareth Sweets. I always stop in here when I get Semiramis for dinner just across the street. Nazareth makes great Middle Eastern sweets (baklava, etc.) and cookies at jaw-droppingly low prices. The staff is always super friendly and gives out freebies to everyone who walks in there. A great spot for anyone who likes Middle Eastern pastries and sweets.
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Review from Gerri H.
Chicago, IL
1/19/2011
A hidden gem! Went there after eating at Salam next door. We walked in to find rows and rows of baklava. Who knew there were so many types? Who knew that baklava could be this good? I will definitely be back to visit both Nazareth Sweets and Salam again in the near future!
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Review from M M.
Chicago, IL
9/22/2011
I went to pick up lunch at Salam's. While waiting, I went next door to Nazareth Sweets to try out the Semolina cakes as recommended by some Yelpers. Honey-satruated goodness. I asked for 2 [squares] but lady gave me 2 rows in my container--probably to balance out the space in the container. Yelpers said they gave them extra than they asked for--I don't know if it was "tossed in" for free coz I didn't get a detailed receipt. I got some cheese filled philo triangle shaped pastries which I didn't eat 'til the next day--they were soggy but I don't know if they were that condition the day I got them. They were pretty good tho. I was drawn to the fresh-looking flat breads and got the Sharak bread. It was a toss up between that or some some giant round pita-type bread. I chose the Sharak coz It seemed so authentic neatly folded up like an edible cloth napkin and fun to eat with the Hummus I picked up at Salam--I think my nephews would have a blast with an edible napkin! Too bad they were not in town :) Cool thought--I could picture Jesus eating this kind of bread with the deciples. I tried a piece of sample Baklava it it was the freshest I ever had. Unfortunately I developed a slight allergy to nuts, so 'not a big fan of Middle Eastern Sweets but if I was, this would be the place!
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Review from Caroline A.
Chicago, IL
2/27/2007
I have family across the street from this tiny little store and have stopped in a few times to satisfy my sweet tooth. Most of the items here are a combination of a nut/sticky syrup. My favorites are the pistachios and cashews. Baklava is pretty yummy too. Very inexpensive and the people who work here are so nice.
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Review from David R.
Chicago, IL
2/18/2009
Delicious, Sweet and Crispy pastry! Another choice if you like Mediterranean pastry. AAA+++
