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.

From challah and sweet rolls to rugelach and babka, this far North Side kosher spot has everything for the Jewish holidays or for anyone who appreciates delicious breads and pastries.

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.

Delightful Pastries makes some of the finest paczki in town but the other baked goods are not to be missed either. And around the holidays, a special seasonal selection of items such as stollen, gingerbread and eggnog will be available.

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. It recently moved to this new location on Lincoln Avenue.

This hip Logan Square bakery and eatery serves a perpetually-changing menu of baked goods and treats made with a fine-dining sensibility from all in-house and local ingredients. Eaters never know what they'll find here on any given visit, but expect exceptional canneles, infused croissants, scones, breads, and more, plus BYO dinner service on weekends.

Eater 38 Macanese stalwart Fat Rice opened a bakery expansion in 2016 and its since become one of the city’s hotbeds for an array of creative sweet and savory baked goods with influences from Asia, Europe, and even Chicago. The Chicago-style hot dog buns are one of the most sought-after items in the city, followed closely by the addictive Portuguese egg tarts. Seasonal selections depend on the day and could include Macanese-inspired Rice Krispies treats, Mai Tai cocktail buns, and more.

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.

One of the highest-regarded sweets purveyors in Chicago, Bang Bang is obviously renowned for its pies: the key lime is perhaps the best in the city, and the chocolate coffee chess and seasonal specials are not to miss. Also don't miss the savory items, including the biscuit sandwiches and pot pies. There's also a new location in Ravenswood in addition to the original in Logan Square.

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.

It should come as no surprise that Alliance Bakery is serious business when it comes to cakes. The shop proudly displays its elegant creations 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.

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. The affordable price points — most items are a dollar or less — mean folks are able to fill up a whole box with goodies for just a few bucks. And the extensive variety can satisfy as either a snack or a full meal.

Creative Brazilian-style cakes and treats are baked at Fabiana’s Bakery, a cute space on 53rd Street in Hyde Park. Chocolate cakes and banana cream pies are highlights. Fabiana Carter also provides booze-infused desserts down the street at Bibliophile, the gastropub/cafe she and her husband run down the street.

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.