When asking yourself about something to do near me in Chicago with a group of friends or family, consider
Bon Vivant Cakes
Why Bon Vivant Cakes is a fun option when searching for things to do near me with friends and family
Bon Vivant Cakes is a distinguished luxury cake café founded by Maya Hormis in 2013, known for its elegant, handcrafted petit cakes that deliver unforgettable and delicious experiences. With a background in corporate work and formal training from Le Cordon Bleu, Maya infuses each creation with artistic detail and refined flavors using the finest local and global ingredients. This commitment to quality and design has attracted a prestigious clientele, including luxury brands like Louis Vuitton and Cartier, celebrities, and discerning customers worldwide. The café offers a perfect meeting place to enjoy beautifully designed miniature cakes, often called petits fours, in an atmosphere of refined charm. Signature cake flavors such as Bourbon Vanilla, Lavender Bloom, and Rose Petal tempt the palate, while the ambiance is enhanced with fine teas, Julius Meinl espresso, and elegant floral china settings, making it ideal for intimate social gatherings, afternoon teas, or special celebrations. Whether enjoying the visual artistry or the sophisticated flavors, Bon Vivant Cakes creates a memorable setting to meet and connect with friends in style.
Here's what people think of Bon Vivant Cakes
As of recent, Bon Vivant Cakes holds a 5-star rating based on 116 reviews.
User reviews of Bon Vivant Cakes express widespread delight with the bakery's offerings and service, consistently awarding it a 5.0 rating based on 116 reviews. Many reviewers praise the bakery for its stunning cake designs that impress guests visually and its delectable taste that satisfies even the most discerning palates. Positive feedback highlights the creativity and professionalism of the team, such as Emily and her crew, who tailor cakes beautifully for weddings and special events, even managing challenges like the disruptions caused by COVID-19 with grace and skill. Customers particularly love the use of fresh flowers, gold gilding, and exquisite flavor combinations like brown sugar vanilla with strawberry preserve. On the positive side, the boutique’s dedication to elegance and quality packaging also receives commendation, making the experience feel luxurious beyond just the cake itself. On the negative side, publicly available reviews are minimal and mostly positive; any rare criticism tends to be minor, often related to product availability or pricing typical for luxury artisanal products. Overall, the reviews portray Bon Vivant Cakes as a highly reliable and creative bakery that successfully elevates the cake experience through artistry and taste, making it a sought-after venue for celebrations and casual meet-ups alike.
Highlights from reviewers (Most Relevant)
Ashley Xu
Bon Vivant is one of my happy places. I get to learn and create for hours without all of the prep work that goes into baking and whipping up and coloring buttercream or dealing with any of the cleanup. At the end of a workshop, I always have cake/cookies to bring to my friends and impress them with. I’ve used the skills from the workshops to bake and decorate cakes and cookies for friends, family, and work, and I’m so grateful to have been catapulted into a new skill. Emily always brings so much fun and patient energy to the classes and has such talented way of explaining concepts. The food and playlist are so fun, and I feel like I’m at a friend’s party every time that I go to a workshop. Sometimes I still can’t believe that what I’ve brought home is something that I’ve decorated. Definitely go if you want to learn new skills and have fun doing it!
Karen Goodman
My daughter and I had an absolutely wonderful time learning to decorate our beautiful cakes. Amanda was a wonderful teacher, the snacks were delicious, everything was so well organized and we have impressed family and friends with the amazing videos of our cakes. Plus the cakes were delicious! We will be back!
Lorrie Spotts
My daughter and I came to Chicago from California to take some classes with Bon Vivant. We had been following online so we had high expectations to start, and these expectations were met and exceeded! The studio space is so fun. We were fed delicious food. The drinks were so fun too. Our classes were great! The instruction was terrific. I have no experience with piping and cake decorating, but my daughter came with a lot of experience. We both learned a lot and had so much fun. I cannot recommend this experience enough. I have only one complaint…Bon Vivant should open a second shop in California so we can go to more classes!
Stephanie Ohrt
Just took my 4th class at Bon Vivant, the pallet knife buttercream floral class and although it’s hard to pick a favorite, one is definitely at the top of my list. It’s an advanced class, and really lets you get creative. Can’t wait to use this technique on cupcakes, cookies, etc. And as always, epic vibes, great food and drinks, making new friends and chatting with Emily.
Caitlin Boshardy
BVC is such a fun experience! I've now been three times and each time is a blast. Emily is such a fun, inspiring teacher. Her playlists are fire and the hospitality is *chefs kiss*.
How to reach Bon Vivant Cakes
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Why Bon Vivant Cakes may become Your Favorite Meetup Place for Catching Up, Celebrating or Just Hanging Out
Why rally at Bon Vivant Cakes with your friends? Imagine stepping into a vibrant, creative studio where the air is filled with the aroma of freshly baked cakes and cookies, and laughter mixes seamlessly with the soft hum of excitement. Bon Vivant Cakes offers not just desserts but an entire experience that sparks joy and connection among friends and family. Whether you are looking for a memorable way to celebrate a special occasion or simply want to indulge in a delightful afternoon together, this is the place to be. The studio's welcoming atmosphere encourages everyone—beginners and seasoned bakers alike—to dive into the art of cake and cookie decorating. This shared hands-on activity naturally breaks the ice, fuels creativity, and strengthens bonds while everyone gets to enjoy delicious treats they helped create. Beyond just eating cakes, it’s about making memories, sharing stories, collaborating on colorful designs, and enjoying a lively space that effortlessly blends fun, learning, and quality time. Bon Vivant Cakes transforms an ordinary meetup into a unique, edible adventure that leaves everyone smiling and talking about it long after the last crumb is gone.
What makes Bon Vivant Cakes ideal for group meetups? For starters, the activities here are designed to engage groups in an interactive culinary journey. Their signature cake and cookie decorating classes cater to various skill levels, making participation easy and enjoyable for all attendees, from children aged 10 and up to adults. These classes offer a perfect blend of instruction and creativity, where guests get guided through each step with expert help but still have ample opportunity to add their personal flair. The environment promotes playful chaos—the good kind—where mistakes turn into smiles and every creation feels like a triumph. Larger groups can take advantage of specially curated workshops focusing on themes or advanced techniques such as using edible markers for detailed cookie designs or learning complex piping skills. Every session includes a complimentary snack spread and delectable drinks, including cocktails or mocktails, enhancing the social vibe and keeping energy levels high. This combination of learning, eating, drinking, and creating makes it a standout venue for groups seeking a lively and tasteful bonding experience.
How does Bon Vivant Cakes create a memorable social experience through food and fun? The charm lies in how the venue seamlessly integrates culinary education with socializing. Unlike traditional bakeries where you simply purchase and eat, Bon Vivant Cakes invites guests to become co-creators of their treats. The studio is artfully designed to be both inspiring and comfy, encouraging everyone in your group to relax, chat, and collaborate. The classes are crafted with attention to detail—balancing structure with freedom—so participants feel guided but never restricted. From classic brown sugar vanilla cakes topped with fresh flowers and gold gilding to artistically decorated cookies reflecting each participant’s style, the resulting edible artworks look stunning and taste extraordinary. Guests often share that tasting the creations they made together adds an extra layer of satisfaction and joy to the meetup. The staff’s expertise and warmth ensure every group feels special and taken care of, fostering a welcoming atmosphere that feels like a home away from home. This focus on both the craft and the company ensures that each visit is not just about cakes, but also about connection and celebration.
Why is Bon Vivant Cakes perfect for special occasions and casual hangouts alike? The beauty of this business lies in its versatility. Couples planning intimate wedding celebrations or milestone birthday parties find Bon Vivant Cakes able to tailor experiences that exceed expectations with visually stunning and exceptionally tasty cakes. Emily, the lead artist, for example, crafted a wedding cake that elicited audible gasps from guests and left everyone savoring every bite—a testament to the bakery’s artistic and culinary prowess. On the flip side, casual groups can drop in for cookie decorating workshops that are informal but packed with fun and creativity, making it an excellent choice for regular friend meetups, family outings, or team-building events. The welcoming community vibe translates across occasions, making everyone feel part of something special whether it’s a grand celebration or a laid-back afternoon of shared sweet-making. The clear 5.0 rating from over 100 reviews underlines consistent satisfaction and trust in the quality and experience Bon Vivant Cakes delivers. Such flexibility and high praise make it a go-to destination for those wanting to add a touch of sweetness and fun to any gathering.
What are the detailed activities offered at Bon Vivant Cakes that make it a hotspot for groups? Bon Vivant Cakes specializes in hands-on cake and cookie decorating workshops that teach everything from fundamental skills to advanced techniques. Their classes emphasize creativity and personal expression, offering sessions designed for beginners as well as intermediate decorator levels. For those new to cake artistry, beginner classes provide basics such as mixing, frosting, and simple decoration techniques using piping and edible embellishments. Intermediate workshops elevate these skills by introducing design mapping with edible markers and complex decoration layering to produce stunning cookie art. Each class concludes in a group showcase where participants share their edible masterpieces, encouraging camaraderie and conversation. Additionally, every class features a generous snack spread, including a signature trifle dessert, as well as a choice of cocktails or mocktails, fostering a celebratory atmosphere. The inclusive nature of classes—welcoming kids 10 years and older alongside adults—makes it an ideal activity for multigenerational groups. This variety and attention to the full sensory experience set Bon Vivant Cakes apart as an engaging and rewarding venue.
How do Bon Vivant Cakes’ facilities and ambiance enhance the group experience? The studio space is designed to be vibrant, fun, and conducive to social interaction. With bright, cheerful decor and a layout that encourages collaboration, groups feel at ease and energized. The environment strikes a perfect balance between professional baking studio and casual hangout, making it suitable for both focused learning and relaxed socializing. Comfortable seating areas allow guests to unwind between activities, while the centralized kitchen workspace fosters a communal spirit as everyone pitches in decorating. Friendly staff provide expert guidance without hovering, letting group members experiment and enjoy the process at their own pace. The thoughtful incorporation of food and drink service throughout the event keeps the energy flowing and moods high. Overall, the lively yet welcoming ambiance supports meaningful connections among friends and family, turning every class into an event where everyone feels included, inspired, and delightfully busy.
Why do reviews and customer feedback recommend Bon Vivant Cakes as a top group destination? Customers consistently highlight the professionalism, artistry, and warm hospitality that define the Bon Vivant Cakes experience. Reviews frequently mention how the cakes taste unlike any other—rich, fresh, and complex in flavor—while also being visual masterpieces. The "Small Celebrations" option caters perfectly to groups seeking intimate but impactful experiences. Many guests appreciate how the workshops balance structure and freedom, making for a fun, beginner-friendly environment where adults and kids alike feel successful. Repeat visitors often mention coming back for special "Monthaversary" mini-cakes, showing long-term loyalty fostered by deep satisfaction. The excellent 5.0 rating on numerous reviews reflects widespread trust and enthusiasm for the business. These testimonials confirm that Bon Vivant Cakes isn’t just about sweets—it’s about creating joyful, flavorful experiences that groups will cherish and remember.
In summary, Bon Vivant Cakes stands out as an exceptional venue for hosting meetups with friends and family because it combines edible artistry with a social, interactive, and festive atmosphere. From beginner-friendly decorating classes and gorgeous custom cakes to delicious snacks and drinks served in a lively, welcoming space, it offers a rich sensory and relational experience. The focus on creativity, fun, and quality makes every gathering not just an event, but a memorable celebration. It is the perfect place to rally a group looking to connect over something sweet, engaging, and uniquely enjoyable.