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The Basque cake dessert.
Bristol’s Basque cake.
The Bristol [Official Photo]

14 Delectable Desserts in Chicago

Satiate those sweet tooth cravings

by Jeffy Mai
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Bristol’s Basque cake.
| The Bristol [Official Photo]
by Jeffy Mai

The final bites of a meal can often leave a lasting impression. That’s why Chicago’s top restaurants and pastry chefs have focused on creating memorable desserts that diners should save room for. From lavish ice cream sundaes to indulgent cakes and pies, the following offerings provide a sweet and satisfying conclusion every time. As always, hours and item availability are subject to change so check with the restaurant for the most up-to-date info.

A number of Chicago restaurants have resumed dine-in service. The level of service offered is indicated on each map point. However, this should not be taken as endorsement for dining in, as there are still safety concerns. For updated information on coronavirus cases in your area, please visit the city of Chicago’s COVID-19 dashboard. Studies indicate that there is a lower exposure risk when outdoors, but the level of risk involved with patio dining is contingent on restaurants following strict social distancing and other safety guidelines.

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The Bristol

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From handmade pastas to an impressive wine list, there’s a whole lot to like about Bucktown staple the Bristol. Though the menu changes seasonally, one item always available is the vaunted Basque cake. This rich and buttery dessert from the Basque country features a layer of pastry cream encased in a crisp crust. It’s served with candied beet, hazelnut, and chèvre gelato. The restaurant offers indoor and outdoor seating or takeout and delivery.

2152 N Damen Ave., Chicago, IL 60647
(773) 862-5555
(773) 862-5555
The Basque cake dessert.
The Bristol makes a European-inspired cake for dessert.
The Bristol [Official Photo]

Also featured in:

Maple & Ash

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Extravagant Maple & Ash is adored by many for its selection of dry-aged beef, fresh seafood, and other high end delicacies. The steakhouse keeps it sweet and simple, though, for its signature dessert — a customizable sundae. Bowls of vanilla, chocolate, and strawberry ice creams made by Aya Pastry are brought to the table alongside a two-tier silver tray of toppings, Diners are welcome to customize their frozen treats with hot fudge, toffee, whipped cream, sprinkles, fruits, and more. Maple & Ash offers indoor and outdoor seating or takeout and delivery via third party services.

8 W Maple St, Chicago, IL 60610
(312) 944-8888
(312) 944-8888

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Gibsons Bar & Steakhouse

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The quintessential Chicago steakhouse experience isn’t just about the beef. Regulars know to save room for a slice of macadamia turtle pie at the end. The massive and decadent dessert is stacked high with vanilla ice cream, toasted macadamia nuts, and chocolate and caramel sauce. It’s also available at sister restaurant Hugo’s Frog Bar & Fish House. Gibson’s offers indoor and outdoor seating, and takeout or delivery via third party services.

1028 N Rush St, Chicago, IL 60611
(312) 266-8999
(312) 266-8999

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Mastro's

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A satisfying conclusion to every meal is guaranteed at Mastro’s thanks to its warm butter cake. The popular dessert boasts a crisp exterior and a gooey, buttery center. A scoop of ice cream on top makes it even better. The restaurant is open for indoor dining and takeout or delivery via third party services.

520 N Dearborn St, Chicago, IL 60654
(312) 521-5100
(312) 521-5100

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Frontera Grill

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Rick Bayless’s flagship restaurant showcases the regional flavors of Mexico but the legendary house dessert is a wholly unique creation. Gooey chocolate pecan filling is baked inside a flaky crust and topped with a dollop of Kahlua whipped cream. The pie has been on the menu for decades and remains a favorite today. Frontera Grill offers indoor and outdoor seating, and takeout or delivery via third party services.

445 N Clark St, Chicago, IL 60654
(312) 661-1434
(312) 661-1434

Also featured in:

Imperial Lamian

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The city’s premier restaurant for modern Chinese cuisine receives a lot of attention for its colorful xiao long bao but dessert is an equally eye-catching affair. The signature creation, called Lunar Blossom, is a pandan cake topped with almonds and a scoop of gelato. The whole thing is covered with a white chocolate shell, which breaks apart when dark chocolate ganache is poured over it at the table. Imperial Lamian offers indoor and outdoor seating, and takeout or delivery via third party services.

6 W Hubbard St, Chicago, IL 60654
(312) 595-9440
(312) 595-9440
A person pouring chocolate over the Lunar Blossom dessert.
The Lunar Blossom dessert is hidden inside a white chocolate shell.
Neil John Burger/Imperial Lamian

Also featured in:

Public House

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Dessert fiends will want to visit this River North sports bar for some over-the-top cake shakes. The indulgent drinks — a blend of ice cream and craft beer — come with a slice of cake on top of the glass. They’re available in various flavors and can be made even boozier by adding a shot. Public House offers indoor and outdoor seating, and takeout or delivery via third party services.

400 N State St, Chicago, IL 60654
(312) 265-1240
(312) 265-1240

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RPM Steak

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The swanky steakhouse from Lettuce Entertain You and celebrity couple Giuliana and Bill Rancic pulls out all the stops to provide a memorable experience. Dessert offers guests an opportunity to sink their sweet tooths into a milk and dark chocolate cake flecked with edible 14-karat gold. RPM Steak is open for indoor and outdoor dining, and takeout or delivery via third party services.

66 W Kinzie St, Chicago, IL 60654
(312) 284-4990
(312) 284-4990

Also featured in:

Bavette's

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Nearly every major steakhouse in Chicago has a signature dessert and Bavette’s is no exception. The standout chocolate cream pie features a silky, fudgy filling in a crumbly Oreo crust with a giant dollop of whipped cream on top for good measure. Bavette’s offers indoor and outdoor seating, and takeout or delivery via third party services.

218 W Kinzie St, Chicago, IL 60654
(312) 624-8154
(312) 624-8154

Also featured in:

Bar Siena

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DineAmic Hospitality’s casual Italian spot in West Loop dishes out a variety of approachable bites. The dessert menu in particular is full of crowd pleasers, such as bomboloni. These hole-less doughnuts are filled with flavors including salted caramel, chocolate hazelnut, and raspberry. Folks can also get them from Bar Siena’s walk-up window, dubbed BomboBar. The restaurant offers indoor and outdoor seating, and takeout or delivery via third party services. 

832 W Randolph St, Chicago, IL 60607
(312) 492-7775
(312) 492-7775

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Bruna's Ristorante

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Located in the Heart of Italy, this old school restaurant has been serving hearty Italian fare since 1933. The excellent tiramisu is composed of espresso-soaked ladyfingers layered with sweetened mascarpone cream and cocoa powder. Just like Bruna’s, the dessert is a timeless classic that diners keep coming back to. The restaurant offers outdoor dining and takeout or delivery via third party services.

2424 S Oakley Ave, Chicago, IL 60608
(773) 254-5550
(773) 254-5550

Also featured in:

Moody Tongue Brewing Company

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One of Chicago’s most popular breweries moved its operation to a new venue in 2019 and added a restaurant as well. Head to the Bar at Moody Tongue to try executive chef Jared Wentworth’s fine-dining-caliber dishes paired with brewmaster Jared Rouben’s beers. The German chocolate cake is a must-try that features 12 layers of rich chocolate cake, chocolate buttercream, espresso cheesecake, and German chocolate filling with toasted pecans and coconut. Moody Tongue is open for indoor dining and takeout or delivery.

2515 S Wabash Ave, Chicago, IL 60616
(312) 600-5111
(312) 600-5111

Also featured in:

Virtue

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Chef Erick Williams’s Hyde Park restaurant made a splash upon arrival in 2019 and elevated the city’s Southern cuisine to new heights. It earned accolades, including Eater Chicago’s Restaurant of the Year, for highlighting heritage recipes with modern twists. For dessert, don’t miss the classic banana pudding studded with vanilla wafers and topped with housemade Cool Whip. Virtue offers indoor and outdoor dining, and takeout or delivery.

1462 E 53rd St, Chicago, IL 60615
(773) 947-8831
(773) 947-8831

Also featured in:

Nella Pizza e Pasta

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Famed pizzaiola Nella Grassano is known for impressive Neapolitan-style pies and folks can even enjoy a dessert version. Her wood-fired Nutella pizza features dough filled with a layer of the hazelnut cocoa spread and finished with a dusting of powdered sugar. Nella Pizza e Pasta is open for indoor and outdoor dining, and takeout or delivery via third party services.

1125 E 55th St, Chicago, IL 60615
(773) 643-0603
(773) 643-0603

Also featured in:

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The Bristol

2152 N Damen Ave., Chicago, IL 60647

From handmade pastas to an impressive wine list, there’s a whole lot to like about Bucktown staple the Bristol. Though the menu changes seasonally, one item always available is the vaunted Basque cake. This rich and buttery dessert from the Basque country features a layer of pastry cream encased in a crisp crust. It’s served with candied beet, hazelnut, and chèvre gelato. The restaurant offers indoor and outdoor seating or takeout and delivery.

2152 N Damen Ave., Chicago, IL 60647
(773) 862-5555
(773) 862-5555
The Basque cake dessert.
The Bristol makes a European-inspired cake for dessert.
The Bristol [Official Photo]

Maple & Ash

8 W Maple St, Chicago, IL 60610

Extravagant Maple & Ash is adored by many for its selection of dry-aged beef, fresh seafood, and other high end delicacies. The steakhouse keeps it sweet and simple, though, for its signature dessert — a customizable sundae. Bowls of vanilla, chocolate, and strawberry ice creams made by Aya Pastry are brought to the table alongside a two-tier silver tray of toppings, Diners are welcome to customize their frozen treats with hot fudge, toffee, whipped cream, sprinkles, fruits, and more. Maple & Ash offers indoor and outdoor seating or takeout and delivery via third party services.

8 W Maple St, Chicago, IL 60610
(312) 944-8888
(312) 944-8888

Gibsons Bar & Steakhouse

1028 N Rush St, Chicago, IL 60611

The quintessential Chicago steakhouse experience isn’t just about the beef. Regulars know to save room for a slice of macadamia turtle pie at the end. The massive and decadent dessert is stacked high with vanilla ice cream, toasted macadamia nuts, and chocolate and caramel sauce. It’s also available at sister restaurant Hugo’s Frog Bar & Fish House. Gibson’s offers indoor and outdoor seating, and takeout or delivery via third party services.

1028 N Rush St, Chicago, IL 60611
(312) 266-8999
(312) 266-8999

Mastro's

520 N Dearborn St, Chicago, IL 60654

A satisfying conclusion to every meal is guaranteed at Mastro’s thanks to its warm butter cake. The popular dessert boasts a crisp exterior and a gooey, buttery center. A scoop of ice cream on top makes it even better. The restaurant is open for indoor dining and takeout or delivery via third party services.

520 N Dearborn St, Chicago, IL 60654
(312) 521-5100
(312) 521-5100

Frontera Grill

445 N Clark St, Chicago, IL 60654

Rick Bayless’s flagship restaurant showcases the regional flavors of Mexico but the legendary house dessert is a wholly unique creation. Gooey chocolate pecan filling is baked inside a flaky crust and topped with a dollop of Kahlua whipped cream. The pie has been on the menu for decades and remains a favorite today. Frontera Grill offers indoor and outdoor seating, and takeout or delivery via third party services.

445 N Clark St, Chicago, IL 60654
(312) 661-1434
(312) 661-1434

Imperial Lamian

6 W Hubbard St, Chicago, IL 60654

The city’s premier restaurant for modern Chinese cuisine receives a lot of attention for its colorful xiao long bao but dessert is an equally eye-catching affair. The signature creation, called Lunar Blossom, is a pandan cake topped with almonds and a scoop of gelato. The whole thing is covered with a white chocolate shell, which breaks apart when dark chocolate ganache is poured over it at the table. Imperial Lamian offers indoor and outdoor seating, and takeout or delivery via third party services.

6 W Hubbard St, Chicago, IL 60654
(312) 595-9440
(312) 595-9440
A person pouring chocolate over the Lunar Blossom dessert.
The Lunar Blossom dessert is hidden inside a white chocolate shell.
Neil John Burger/Imperial Lamian

Public House

400 N State St, Chicago, IL 60654

Dessert fiends will want to visit this River North sports bar for some over-the-top cake shakes. The indulgent drinks — a blend of ice cream and craft beer — come with a slice of cake on top of the glass. They’re available in various flavors and can be made even boozier by adding a shot. Public House offers indoor and outdoor seating, and takeout or delivery via third party services.

400 N State St, Chicago, IL 60654
(312) 265-1240
(312) 265-1240

RPM Steak

66 W Kinzie St, Chicago, IL 60654

The swanky steakhouse from Lettuce Entertain You and celebrity couple Giuliana and Bill Rancic pulls out all the stops to provide a memorable experience. Dessert offers guests an opportunity to sink their sweet tooths into a milk and dark chocolate cake flecked with edible 14-karat gold. RPM Steak is open for indoor and outdoor dining, and takeout or delivery via third party services.

66 W Kinzie St, Chicago, IL 60654
(312) 284-4990
(312) 284-4990

Bavette's

218 W Kinzie St, Chicago, IL 60654

Nearly every major steakhouse in Chicago has a signature dessert and Bavette’s is no exception. The standout chocolate cream pie features a silky, fudgy filling in a crumbly Oreo crust with a giant dollop of whipped cream on top for good measure. Bavette’s offers indoor and outdoor seating, and takeout or delivery via third party services.

218 W Kinzie St, Chicago, IL 60654
(312) 624-8154
(312) 624-8154

Bar Siena

832 W Randolph St, Chicago, IL 60607

DineAmic Hospitality’s casual Italian spot in West Loop dishes out a variety of approachable bites. The dessert menu in particular is full of crowd pleasers, such as bomboloni. These hole-less doughnuts are filled with flavors including salted caramel, chocolate hazelnut, and raspberry. Folks can also get them from Bar Siena’s walk-up window, dubbed BomboBar. The restaurant offers indoor and outdoor seating, and takeout or delivery via third party services. 

832 W Randolph St, Chicago, IL 60607
(312) 492-7775
(312) 492-7775

Bruna's Ristorante

2424 S Oakley Ave, Chicago, IL 60608

Located in the Heart of Italy, this old school restaurant has been serving hearty Italian fare since 1933. The excellent tiramisu is composed of espresso-soaked ladyfingers layered with sweetened mascarpone cream and cocoa powder. Just like Bruna’s, the dessert is a timeless classic that diners keep coming back to. The restaurant offers outdoor dining and takeout or delivery via third party services.

2424 S Oakley Ave, Chicago, IL 60608
(773) 254-5550
(773) 254-5550

Moody Tongue Brewing Company

2515 S Wabash Ave, Chicago, IL 60616

One of Chicago’s most popular breweries moved its operation to a new venue in 2019 and added a restaurant as well. Head to the Bar at Moody Tongue to try executive chef Jared Wentworth’s fine-dining-caliber dishes paired with brewmaster Jared Rouben’s beers. The German chocolate cake is a must-try that features 12 layers of rich chocolate cake, chocolate buttercream, espresso cheesecake, and German chocolate filling with toasted pecans and coconut. Moody Tongue is open for indoor dining and takeout or delivery.

2515 S Wabash Ave, Chicago, IL 60616
(312) 600-5111
(312) 600-5111

Virtue

1462 E 53rd St, Chicago, IL 60615

Chef Erick Williams’s Hyde Park restaurant made a splash upon arrival in 2019 and elevated the city’s Southern cuisine to new heights. It earned accolades, including Eater Chicago’s Restaurant of the Year, for highlighting heritage recipes with modern twists. For dessert, don’t miss the classic banana pudding studded with vanilla wafers and topped with housemade Cool Whip. Virtue offers indoor and outdoor dining, and takeout or delivery.

1462 E 53rd St, Chicago, IL 60615
(773) 947-8831
(773) 947-8831

Nella Pizza e Pasta

1125 E 55th St, Chicago, IL 60615

Famed pizzaiola Nella Grassano is known for impressive Neapolitan-style pies and folks can even enjoy a dessert version. Her wood-fired Nutella pizza features dough filled with a layer of the hazelnut cocoa spread and finished with a dusting of powdered sugar. Nella Pizza e Pasta is open for indoor and outdoor dining, and takeout or delivery via third party services.

1125 E 55th St, Chicago, IL 60615
(773) 643-0603
(773) 643-0603

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