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A pastry display on a counter.
Loaf Lounge in Avondale is a real treat.
Garrett Sweet/Eater Chicago

The Hottest Bakeries in Chicago

Where to find bread, pastries, and more

by Ashok Selvam Updated
1 comment / new
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Loaf Lounge in Avondale is a real treat.
| Garrett Sweet/Eater Chicago
by Ashok Selvam Updated
1 comment / new

Pastry chefs and bakers have fed Chicagoans a dazzling array of treats for years, and their skills keep getting better. Yes, there are secret baker societies, and the city has said fond farewell to institutions like Dinkel’s and Swedish Bakery, but in their places, new arrivals like Aya Pastry and Sugar Moon have both dampened the blows while testing boundaries on what customers could expect. Creative offerings like a cake doughnut inspired by.a Girl Scout cookie, Italian beef galettes, and more have Chicago entering a new era of carb wonder. Check out this list of Chicago’s best. Note, pie shops aren’t included on this list. Pie lovers can check out the separate dedicated map.

For updated information on coronavirus cases, please visit the city of Chicago’s COVID-19 dashboard. Health experts consider dining out to be a high-risk activity for the unvaccinated; it may pose a risk for the vaccinated, especially in areas with substantial COVID transmission. The latest CDC guidance is here; find a COVID-19 vaccination site here.

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Hewn

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Located in Evanston, this rustic shop makes its products from scratch using organic flour and grains. Hewn’s bread selection rotates daily and ranges from challah, which is available every Friday, to beer bread baked with local brews. Get there early in the day for the most options; there are limited quantities available and the bakery’s pastries and most popular items sell out quickly.

1733 Central St, Evanston, IL 60201
(847) 869-4396
(847) 869-4396
A smattering of laminated pastries.
Hewn is an Evanston favorite.
Hewn/Siege Food Photo

Also featured in:

Lost Larson

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Lost Larson is helmed by Bobby Schaffer, a pastry chef who’s worked at acclaimed restaurants including Grace and Blue Hill at Stone Farms in N.Y. This bakery-cafe sports some of Chicago’s best breads, sweets, and sandwiches. Among the highlights in Andersonville is a cardamom bun. It’s one of the best bites in the city. There’s a second location in Wicker Park.

5318 N Clark St, Chicago, IL 60640
(773) 944-0587
(773) 944-0587
A spread of pastries and baked goods.
Lost Larson has two locations.
Lost Larson

Also featured in:

Middle East Bakery & Grocery

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Andersonville is a hotspot for bakeries, and though the neighborhood’s traditionally been known as Swedish, Middle East Bakery supplies flavors from elsewhere around the globe. The bakery’s known for its selection of savory pies, and the spinach and feta is the most popular.

1512 W Foster Ave, Chicago, IL 60640
(773) 561-2224
(773) 561-2224

Also featured in:

Donya Bakery

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In Albany Park, Donya Bakery, formerly Ward Bakery, is not to be overlooked. The massive grocery store and bakery carries a wide variety of Middle Eastern and South Asian goods. But don’t be fooled by the quaint storefront. The back operation produces pita, baklava, and more for venues all across the city. The savory pies are also worth grabbing. The baklava, available in different varieties, is remarkable.

4744 N Kedzie Ave, Chicago, IL 60625
(773) 478-8000
(773) 478-8000

Also featured in:

Baker Miller

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This highly-regarded spot on the North Side has quickly become one of Chicago’s best bakeries with pies, cinnamon rolls, and savory breakfast and lunch dishes to die for. They are located right in the heart of Lincoln Square.

4655 N Lincoln Ave, Chicago, IL 60625
(773) 654-3610
(773) 654-3610

Also featured in:

Loaf Lounge

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Loaf Lounge is a new bakery cafe in Avondale with baked goods from Sarah Mispagel (Sepia, Proxy. The breads are spectacular and power the sandwiches. The English muffins are wonderful. There are also cookies and other sweet treats. Then there’s that little matter of The Bear chocolate cake.

2934 N Milwaukee Ave Suite E, Chicago, IL 60618
A shelf full of bread Garrett Sweet/Eater Chicago

Also featured in:

Sugar Moon

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This cute Logan Square bakery is off the beaten path but is pure Chicago. The chocolate chip cookies are can’t miss, addicting with the ability to transform the most rotten day into a win. The savory pastries, there might be some giardiniera or Italian beef involved, make for a game changing snack. The neighborhood may not want this secret out in public, but Sugar Moon is destination worthy.

3612 W Wrightwood Ave, Chicago, IL 60647

Also featured in:

Pan Artesanal Bakery

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Sisters Lizette and Marisol Espinoza opened Pan Artesanal in July 2018, a Mexican bakery serving regional specialties. Find pan de elote, conchas (including vegan options), and more. The Hermosa bakery is open on weekends and quickly sells out, so get there early.

3724 W Fullerton Ave, Chicago, IL 60647
(312) 286-5265
(312) 286-5265

Also featured in:

Floriole Cafe & Bakery

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What began as a stand in the Green City Market is now one of the most acclaimed destinations for baked goods in Chicago. Stop into Floriole for chef-owner Sandra Holl's array of sweets and breads, notably the kouign amann (caramelized layered croissant dough), her outstanding passion fruit tart, and the savory cafe dishes.

1220 W Webster Ave, Chicago, IL 60614
(773) 883-1313
(773) 883-1313

Also featured in:

Mindy’s Bakery

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Mindy Segal left the restaurant world behind after closing HotChocolate, and now the acclaimed bakery has opened a takeout oriented spot full of cookies, cakes, bagels, and more. The display case at Mindy’s Bakery is full of treasures. Get there early, or get burned.

1623 N Milwaukee Ave, Chicago, IL 60647
(773) 489-1747
(773) 489-1747
Chris Peters/Eater Chicago

Also featured in:

Roeser's Bakery

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One of Chicago's oldest food purveyors, venerable Roeser's Bakery has been in business in Humboldt Park for more than 100 years. Beautiful custom cakes and tortes are a specialty, but don't miss the cookies and holiday items at this long-running local institution.

3216 W North Ave, Chicago, IL 60647
(773) 489-6900
(773) 489-6900

Also featured in:

Tous Les Jours

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Chicago is fortunate to have two locations of this Korean chain, which offers French pastries and boba tea. The pastries including hot dog buns, macaroons, and croissants. There’s also a full line of cakes (also slices!). There’s also a bevy of suburban locations.

1726 W Division St, Chicago, IL 60622
(773) 697-8227
(773) 697-8227

Also featured in:

Alliance Bakery

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It should come as no surprise that Alliance Bakery is serious business when it comes to cakes. The shop proudly displays its creations — superheroes are so hot right now — in the window and they taste as good as they look. In addition, there are also plenty of other French delicacies for sale such as macarons, croissants, eclairs, bombes, and tarts, plus a newer location downtown in River North.

1736 W Division St, Chicago, IL, 60622
(773) 278-0366
(773) 278-0366

Also featured in:

Kasama

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Kasama is the only Michelin-starred Filipino restaurant in the world, a tribute to the fantastic tasting menu Tim Flores and Genie Kwon serve for dinner. That’s quite an accomplishment, but it’s just might be unfair to other restaurants that Kwon also wakes up early to bake astonishingly great pastries, from tarts, cookies, unique savory croissants, and more. Kasama is the ultimate all-day restaurant, stuffing a lot of wonder into a small space.

1001 N Winchester Ave, Chicago, IL 60622
(773) 697-3790
(773) 697-3790
Garrett Sweet/Eater Chicago

Also featured in:

Spinning J Bakery and Soda Fountain

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This Humboldt Park treasure is known for its pies, but the cookies and stellar English muffins are also noteworthy; get a breakfast sandwich for proof on the latter. The retro space is charming, and staff is kind. Ordering online is easy, but for the full menu, check out the space in person.

1000 N California Ave, Chicago, IL 60622
(872) 829-2793
(872) 829-2793

Also featured in:

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Aya Pastry

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Aya Fukai’s West Town bakery supplies baked goods to coffeeshops around town. But the freshest items are available on premises. They include great cakes, doughnuts, and bread. The take and bake items are also notable, particularly the pizza dough. Look for seasonal specials, including a Father’s Day special centered on barbecue.

1332 W Grand Ave, Chicago, IL 60642
(312) 846-6186
(312) 846-6186

Also featured in:

D'Amato's Bakery

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A Chicago classic, this old world bakery produced Italian breads, cookies, cakes, and more. The bread alone is what has made D’Amato a city legend. Everything else is literally icing on the cake. They’re been around since 1970. And don’t forget about the cannoli.

1124 W Grand Ave, Chicago, IL 60642
(312) 733-5456
(312) 733-5456

Also featured in:

Publican Quality Bread

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One Off Hospitality was quiet during the pandemic, but this was the esteemed group co-founded by chef Paul Kahan’s first big splash. Baker Greg Wade, a James Beard winner, finally has his space for top-notch breads, seasonal pastries, and a cute grab and go. Publican Quality Bread in West Town allows Wade to really show off his skills, and customers will often have to wait in long lines to taste his efforts. 

1759 W Grand Ave, Chicago, IL 60622
(312) 605-1618
(312) 605-1618
Loaves of bread on baking racks Barry Brecheisen/Eater Chicago

Also featured in:

Familiar Bakery - Revival Food Hall

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Ashley Robinson (Dusek’s Tavern, Japonais, Spiaggia, Spinning J Bakery, and The Bakery at Fat Rice) has developed a rapport with 16” on Center, the operators of Revival Food Hall in the Loop and From Here On In inside the Old Post Office. Familiar Bakery produces a variety of globally influenced cookies, croissant, and cakes. The bakery also takes catering orders.

125 S Clark St, Chicago, IL 60603
(773) 770-6241
(773) 770-6241

Also featured in:

Kristoffer's Cafe & Bakery

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A landmark in Pilsen, Kristoffer’s Cafe & Bakery has been serving coffee and Mexican desserts for years. Though the original owners have gone on to open a cafe in McKinley Park, the customers continue to flock for the bakery’s famous tres leches cakes. They’re a favorite among chefs, including Rick Bayless.

1733 S Halsted St, Chicago, IL 60608
(312) 829-4150
(312) 829-4150

Also featured in:

TeaPotBrew Bakery

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A cute bakery near the South Loop, find delicious cakes, muffins, cookies, and more. TeaPotBrew is about celebrations, so know the bakers relish the chance to bake a cake for birthdays, anniversaries, and more. 

1802 S Wabash Ave, Chicago, IL 60616
(312) 966-6001
(312) 966-6001
A mural of cakes and cupcakes painted on the side of a brick building. Garrett Sweet/Eater Chicago

Also featured in:

Chiu Quon Bakery & Dim Sum

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The oldest bakery in Chinatown has been at it for more than three decades. Peruse the cases to discover rows and rows of Chinese pastries that include barbecue pork buns, egg custard tarts, and butterfly cookies.

2253 S Wentworth Ave, Chicago, IL 60616
(312) 225-6608
(312) 225-6608
Egg starts in a styrofoam container. Jack X. Li/Eater Chicago

Also featured in:

Weber's Bakery

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A Southwest Side staple, Weber’s Bakery has been pleasing Chicagoans for decades. Eaters might have to wait in line but it’s worth it for a taste of the European-inspired breads, cakes and pastries. To celebrate the holiday season, customers can choose specialty goods like gingerbread houses, Christmas cookies, fruit cakes and more. It's also a great spot for paczki, the popular Polish doughnuts.

7055 W Archer Ave, Chicago, IL, 60638
(773) 586-1234
(773) 586-1234

Also featured in:

Brown Sugar Bakery

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Baker Stephanie Hart has Brown Sugar Bakery locations in Chatham, Austin, and Navy Pier. The desserts are Southern style with standout cakes like caramel and German chocolate. Vice President Kamala Harris has even visited the bakery.

328 E 75th St, Chicago, IL 60619
(773) 224-6262
(773) 224-6262

Also featured in:

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Hewn

1733 Central St, Evanston, IL 60201

Located in Evanston, this rustic shop makes its products from scratch using organic flour and grains. Hewn’s bread selection rotates daily and ranges from challah, which is available every Friday, to beer bread baked with local brews. Get there early in the day for the most options; there are limited quantities available and the bakery’s pastries and most popular items sell out quickly.

1733 Central St, Evanston, IL 60201
(847) 869-4396
(847) 869-4396
A smattering of laminated pastries.
Hewn is an Evanston favorite.
Hewn/Siege Food Photo

Lost Larson

5318 N Clark St, Chicago, IL 60640

Lost Larson is helmed by Bobby Schaffer, a pastry chef who’s worked at acclaimed restaurants including Grace and Blue Hill at Stone Farms in N.Y. This bakery-cafe sports some of Chicago’s best breads, sweets, and sandwiches. Among the highlights in Andersonville is a cardamom bun. It’s one of the best bites in the city. There’s a second location in Wicker Park.

5318 N Clark St, Chicago, IL 60640
(773) 944-0587
(773) 944-0587
A spread of pastries and baked goods.
Lost Larson has two locations.
Lost Larson

Middle East Bakery & Grocery

1512 W Foster Ave, Chicago, IL 60640

Andersonville is a hotspot for bakeries, and though the neighborhood’s traditionally been known as Swedish, Middle East Bakery supplies flavors from elsewhere around the globe. The bakery’s known for its selection of savory pies, and the spinach and feta is the most popular.

1512 W Foster Ave, Chicago, IL 60640
(773) 561-2224
(773) 561-2224

Donya Bakery

4744 N Kedzie Ave, Chicago, IL 60625

In Albany Park, Donya Bakery, formerly Ward Bakery, is not to be overlooked. The massive grocery store and bakery carries a wide variety of Middle Eastern and South Asian goods. But don’t be fooled by the quaint storefront. The back operation produces pita, baklava, and more for venues all across the city. The savory pies are also worth grabbing. The baklava, available in different varieties, is remarkable.

4744 N Kedzie Ave, Chicago, IL 60625
(773) 478-8000
(773) 478-8000

Baker Miller

4655 N Lincoln Ave, Chicago, IL 60625

This highly-regarded spot on the North Side has quickly become one of Chicago’s best bakeries with pies, cinnamon rolls, and savory breakfast and lunch dishes to die for. They are located right in the heart of Lincoln Square.

4655 N Lincoln Ave, Chicago, IL 60625
(773) 654-3610
(773) 654-3610

Loaf Lounge

2934 N Milwaukee Ave Suite E, Chicago, IL 60618

Loaf Lounge is a new bakery cafe in Avondale with baked goods from Sarah Mispagel (Sepia, Proxy. The breads are spectacular and power the sandwiches. The English muffins are wonderful. There are also cookies and other sweet treats. Then there’s that little matter of The Bear chocolate cake.

2934 N Milwaukee Ave Suite E, Chicago, IL 60618
A shelf full of bread Garrett Sweet/Eater Chicago

Sugar Moon

3612 W Wrightwood Ave, Chicago, IL 60647

This cute Logan Square bakery is off the beaten path but is pure Chicago. The chocolate chip cookies are can’t miss, addicting with the ability to transform the most rotten day into a win. The savory pastries, there might be some giardiniera or Italian beef involved, make for a game changing snack. The neighborhood may not want this secret out in public, but Sugar Moon is destination worthy.

3612 W Wrightwood Ave, Chicago, IL 60647

Pan Artesanal Bakery

3724 W Fullerton Ave, Chicago, IL 60647

Sisters Lizette and Marisol Espinoza opened Pan Artesanal in July 2018, a Mexican bakery serving regional specialties. Find pan de elote, conchas (including vegan options), and more. The Hermosa bakery is open on weekends and quickly sells out, so get there early.

3724 W Fullerton Ave, Chicago, IL 60647
(312) 286-5265
(312) 286-5265

Floriole Cafe & Bakery

1220 W Webster Ave, Chicago, IL 60614

What began as a stand in the Green City Market is now one of the most acclaimed destinations for baked goods in Chicago. Stop into Floriole for chef-owner Sandra Holl's array of sweets and breads, notably the kouign amann (caramelized layered croissant dough), her outstanding passion fruit tart, and the savory cafe dishes.

1220 W Webster Ave, Chicago, IL 60614
(773) 883-1313
(773) 883-1313

Mindy’s Bakery

1623 N Milwaukee Ave, Chicago, IL 60647

Mindy Segal left the restaurant world behind after closing HotChocolate, and now the acclaimed bakery has opened a takeout oriented spot full of cookies, cakes, bagels, and more. The display case at Mindy’s Bakery is full of treasures. Get there early, or get burned.

1623 N Milwaukee Ave, Chicago, IL 60647
(773) 489-1747
(773) 489-1747
Chris Peters/Eater Chicago

Roeser's Bakery

3216 W North Ave, Chicago, IL 60647

One of Chicago's oldest food purveyors, venerable Roeser's Bakery has been in business in Humboldt Park for more than 100 years. Beautiful custom cakes and tortes are a specialty, but don't miss the cookies and holiday items at this long-running local institution.

3216 W North Ave, Chicago, IL 60647
(773) 489-6900
(773) 489-6900

Tous Les Jours

1726 W Division St, Chicago, IL 60622

Chicago is fortunate to have two locations of this Korean chain, which offers French pastries and boba tea. The pastries including hot dog buns, macaroons, and croissants. There’s also a full line of cakes (also slices!). There’s also a bevy of suburban locations.

1726 W Division St, Chicago, IL 60622
(773) 697-8227
(773) 697-8227

Alliance Bakery

1736 W Division St, Chicago, IL, 60622

It should come as no surprise that Alliance Bakery is serious business when it comes to cakes. The shop proudly displays its creations — superheroes are so hot right now — in the window and they taste as good as they look. In addition, there are also plenty of other French delicacies for sale such as macarons, croissants, eclairs, bombes, and tarts, plus a newer location downtown in River North.

1736 W Division St, Chicago, IL, 60622
(773) 278-0366
(773) 278-0366

Kasama

1001 N Winchester Ave, Chicago, IL 60622

Kasama is the only Michelin-starred Filipino restaurant in the world, a tribute to the fantastic tasting menu Tim Flores and Genie Kwon serve for dinner. That’s quite an accomplishment, but it’s just might be unfair to other restaurants that Kwon also wakes up early to bake astonishingly great pastries, from tarts, cookies, unique savory croissants, and more. Kasama is the ultimate all-day restaurant, stuffing a lot of wonder into a small space.

1001 N Winchester Ave, Chicago, IL 60622
(773) 697-3790
(773) 697-3790
Garrett Sweet/Eater Chicago

Spinning J Bakery and Soda Fountain

1000 N California Ave, Chicago, IL 60622

This Humboldt Park treasure is known for its pies, but the cookies and stellar English muffins are also noteworthy; get a breakfast sandwich for proof on the latter. The retro space is charming, and staff is kind. Ordering online is easy, but for the full menu, check out the space in person.

1000 N California Ave, Chicago, IL 60622
(872) 829-2793
(872) 829-2793

Related Maps

Aya Pastry

1332 W Grand Ave, Chicago, IL 60642

Aya Fukai’s West Town bakery supplies baked goods to coffeeshops around town. But the freshest items are available on premises. They include great cakes, doughnuts, and bread. The take and bake items are also notable, particularly the pizza dough. Look for seasonal specials, including a Father’s Day special centered on barbecue.

1332 W Grand Ave, Chicago, IL 60642
(312) 846-6186
(312) 846-6186

D'Amato's Bakery

1124 W Grand Ave, Chicago, IL 60642

A Chicago classic, this old world bakery produced Italian breads, cookies, cakes, and more. The bread alone is what has made D’Amato a city legend. Everything else is literally icing on the cake. They’re been around since 1970. And don’t forget about the cannoli.

1124 W Grand Ave, Chicago, IL 60642
(312) 733-5456
(312) 733-5456

Publican Quality Bread

1759 W Grand Ave, Chicago, IL 60622

One Off Hospitality was quiet during the pandemic, but this was the esteemed group co-founded by chef Paul Kahan’s first big splash. Baker Greg Wade, a James Beard winner, finally has his space for top-notch breads, seasonal pastries, and a cute grab and go. Publican Quality Bread in West Town allows Wade to really show off his skills, and customers will often have to wait in long lines to taste his efforts. 

1759 W Grand Ave, Chicago, IL 60622
(312) 605-1618
(312) 605-1618
Loaves of bread on baking racks Barry Brecheisen/Eater Chicago

Familiar Bakery - Revival Food Hall

125 S Clark St, Chicago, IL 60603

Ashley Robinson (Dusek’s Tavern, Japonais, Spiaggia, Spinning J Bakery, and The Bakery at Fat Rice) has developed a rapport with 16” on Center, the operators of Revival Food Hall in the Loop and From Here On In inside the Old Post Office. Familiar Bakery produces a variety of globally influenced cookies, croissant, and cakes. The bakery also takes catering orders.

125 S Clark St, Chicago, IL 60603
(773) 770-6241
(773) 770-6241

Kristoffer's Cafe & Bakery

1733 S Halsted St, Chicago, IL 60608

A landmark in Pilsen, Kristoffer’s Cafe & Bakery has been serving coffee and Mexican desserts for years. Though the original owners have gone on to open a cafe in McKinley Park, the customers continue to flock for the bakery’s famous tres leches cakes. They’re a favorite among chefs, including Rick Bayless.

1733 S Halsted St, Chicago, IL 60608
(312) 829-4150
(312) 829-4150

TeaPotBrew Bakery

1802 S Wabash Ave, Chicago, IL 60616

A cute bakery near the South Loop, find delicious cakes, muffins, cookies, and more. TeaPotBrew is about celebrations, so know the bakers relish the chance to bake a cake for birthdays, anniversaries, and more. 

1802 S Wabash Ave, Chicago, IL 60616
(312) 966-6001
(312) 966-6001
A mural of cakes and cupcakes painted on the side of a brick building. Garrett Sweet/Eater Chicago

Chiu Quon Bakery & Dim Sum

2253 S Wentworth Ave, Chicago, IL 60616

The oldest bakery in Chinatown has been at it for more than three decades. Peruse the cases to discover rows and rows of Chinese pastries that include barbecue pork buns, egg custard tarts, and butterfly cookies.

2253 S Wentworth Ave, Chicago, IL 60616
(312) 225-6608
(312) 225-6608
Egg starts in a styrofoam container. Jack X. Li/Eater Chicago

Weber's Bakery

7055 W Archer Ave, Chicago, IL, 60638

A Southwest Side staple, Weber’s Bakery has been pleasing Chicagoans for decades. Eaters might have to wait in line but it’s worth it for a taste of the European-inspired breads, cakes and pastries. To celebrate the holiday season, customers can choose specialty goods like gingerbread houses, Christmas cookies, fruit cakes and more. It's also a great spot for paczki, the popular Polish doughnuts.

7055 W Archer Ave, Chicago, IL, 60638
(773) 586-1234
(773) 586-1234

Brown Sugar Bakery

328 E 75th St, Chicago, IL 60619

Baker Stephanie Hart has Brown Sugar Bakery locations in Chatham, Austin, and Navy Pier. The desserts are Southern style with standout cakes like caramel and German chocolate. Vice President Kamala Harris has even visited the bakery.

328 E 75th St, Chicago, IL 60619
(773) 224-6262
(773) 224-6262

Related Maps