"Owner Heather Bodine-Lederman says her turning point came during COVID when limited drops of 50 birthday cakes sold out in minutes and aggressive emails followed, including a several‑paragraph anonymous message telling her she was "mentally ill" and needed to "tell these things to a therapist, not your customer base." She addressed the situation on Instagram, vowed to be more transparent, and her regulars sent supportive cards that she still displays on a kitchen bulletin board. Since then she has been more outspoken—posting items like her "Fuck Trump cookies"—and says, "Little parts of my soul were dying when I would let people walk all over me," adding, "You have to teach people how to treat you." She reports that taking a firmer stance "has calmed down" the hostility because customers have seen she "won’t let people step all over me." - Lisa Shames
"Pie, Pie My Darling, is a great vegan bakery in West Town with three pies available for the holiday: cinnamon apple streusel, maple pecan, and pumpkin. Click here to place your order." - john ringor
"Pie, Pie My Darling, Chicago’s much-adored spot for vegan treats (often with gothic flair), offers a weekly rotating menu of pies and cakes exclusively for pre-order and pickup at its West Town shop. Keep track of options via Instagram and place orders online." - Ashok Selvam
"If you recognize the play on words there, this bakery is for you. The purveyor of “sweet treats for the misfit soul” aims to make the most indulgent and delicious vegan desserts imaginable. Once a steadily growing vegan pop-up, Pie, Pie, My Darling now has a storefront bakery located in Humboldt Park. Every weekend after Pie Pie My Darling’s initial opening in 2019, a line of people formed down Chicago Ave waiting to get their hands on cosmic brownies, cookies, pies, and more. Cake jars - mason jars with layers of buttercream and cake pieces that didn’t make the final cut- are also a fan favorite for being downright delicious while cutting down food waste. Since the pandemic, they’ve switched to a pre-order-only system. Ordering from your couch may be more convenient than standing in line for an hour, but items sell out in minutes, so be prepared to camp in front of your laptop with your credit card number memorized." - cyd seifert
"Despite the name, virtual baker Pie, Pie My Darling also makes cake — because cake and pie are both good and should not be at war, especially in the very limited vegan market. Options include chocolate, funfetti, lemon, and chocolate-covered strawberry. For those who prefer a sit-down experience, Pie, Pie My Darling’s slices are available at Handlebar and Paulie Gee’s in Wicker Park, Upton’s Breakroom in West Town, and Madame Zuzu’s in suburban Highland Park." - Aimee Levitt