- Attraction: The West Side Bakery
- Location: 2303 W Market St, Akron, OH 44313
- Industry: Bakery
- Website: https://www.thewestsidebakery.com
Hidden in Pilgrim Square shopping center sits a bakery where three generations of sweet traditions continue to create the foundation for life’s most cherished celebrations.
Owner Barbara Talevich opened the doors in 1995 after feeling an instant connection to the space, and her commitment to “making memories sweeter” has made this bakery an integral part of countless family milestones across the Akron area.
Signature Sweet Treats
Individual Cheesecakes: These personal-sized indulgences consistently earn rave reviews from customers who describe them as “amazing” and “so delicious.” The rich, creamy texture and perfect portion size make them ideal for treating yourself or sharing with someone special.
Wedding Cake Artistry: You’ll be amazed by the custom wedding cakes that emerge from this kitchen. Recent projects have included recreating vintage 70-year-old wedding cake designs and crafting stunning multi-tiered creations that serve as both dessert and centerpiece.
French Pastry Classics: The eclairs and crème brûlée showcase traditional French techniques executed with precision. Each pastry demonstrates the skill and attention to detail that has kept customers returning for three decades.
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Keep Exploring →Breakfast Favorites: Beyond pastries, the bakery offers hearty breakfast options like quiche, breakfast sandwiches, and fresh muffins baked daily. Many locals stop in the morning not just for sweets, but for a complete meal paired with freshly brewed coffee.
Cookie Perfection: From peanut butter to chocolate chip, coconut macaroons to shortbread varieties, the cookie selection offers something for every preference. You’ll taste the difference that comes from made-from-scratch preparation and quality ingredients.
Seasonal Specialties: The bakery creates holiday-specific treats that become part of family traditions. Many customers make annual pilgrimages to stock up on their favorite seasonal goodies.
Lunch Program Excellence
Fresh Daily Preparation: Beyond sweets, you’ll discover a full lunch menu featuring sandwiches, salads, wraps, quiche, and veggie hummus. Everything is prepared fresh daily using quality ingredients.
Rotating Soup Menu: The monthly soup offerings provide comfort and variety throughout the year. Each recipe reflects the same attention to flavor and quality that defines the bakery’s dessert program.
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Discover MoreGrab-and-Go Convenience: The refrigerated displays offer pre-made lunch options perfect for busy professionals or families looking for quick, quality meals.
Atmosphere & Experience
Cozy Neighborhood Feel: The intimate size creates a welcoming environment where you’ll feel like part of the family. Regular customers develop relationships with the team and often share stories about special occasions their cakes have celebrated.
Inviting Shopping Center Location: Pilgrim Square provides convenient parking and the opportunity to browse other local businesses during your visit.
Personal Touch: You’ll often find Barbara herself working in the bakery, ready to discuss custom orders or simply chat about the community connections that make this business special.
Art Gallery Neighbor: The location next to an art gallery makes it easy to combine cultural browsing with sweet indulgences.
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Keep Exploring →Other Considerations
Custom Order Expertise: Whether you need a simple birthday cake or an elaborate wedding centerpiece, the team works closely with customers to bring their vision to life. Communication throughout the process ensures satisfaction with the final product.
Pricing Value: You’ll find reasonable pricing that reflects both the quality of ingredients and the time invested in each creation. Most customers feel the cost is justified by the superior taste and craftsmanship.
Limited Seating: The small dining area means you might consider taking your treats to go, especially during busy periods. The cozy space works well for intimate conversations but may feel cramped with larger groups.
Operating Hours: Open Monday through Saturday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., the bakery maintains consistent hours that accommodate both morning coffee runs and afternoon treat purchases.
The West Side Bakery
📍 2303 W Market St, Akron, OH 44313
