The 35 most amazing bakeries in Chicago

What is it? A Wicker Park bakery from James Beard Award-winning pastry chef Mindy Segal.

Why we love it: Hailed by many as Chicago’s pastry and dessert queen, Segal closed her beloved Bucktown restaurant Hot Chocolate in 2020. She made a triumphant return in 2022 with a new project just a few blocks away, where folks will find a trove of baked goods. Open Wednesday through Sunday, Mindy’s Bakery offers sweet and savory Danishes, quiches, sticky cinnamon rolls, cookies, breads and much more. We suggest getting giardiniera cream cheese to spread on your bagel and a dog biscuit for your four-legged BFF.

Time Out tip: Go early, especially on weekends, as Mindy’s often sells out before closing.

Address: 1623 N Milwaukee Ave, Chicago, IL 60647

Opening hours: Wed-Fri 7:30am-3pm; Sat, Sun 8am-3pm

What is it? A Scandinavian-inspired bakery known for cardamom buns and laminated pastries.

Why we love it: This Andersonville bakery and cafe pays homage to the neighborhood's Scandinavian roots in the most delicious way. Chef and owner Bobby Schaffer—whose star-studded resume includes Grace and Blue Hill at Stone Barns in New York—is the culinary mastermind behind a drool-worthy pastry program that encompasses cardamom-scented chocolate croissants, lingonberry almond cakes and calamansi meringue tarts. Savory enthusiasts have plenty to look forward to, too, with Lost Larson's selection of open-face sandwiches that are topped with fresh produce and quality meats.

Time Out tip: Don't skip the princess cake, a striking green marzipan-covered sponge cake.

Address: 5318 N Clark St, Chicago, IL 60640

Opening hours: Daily 7am-3pm

What is it? A nearly century-old family-owned bakery on the Southwest Side.

Why we love it: If you grew up in the Midwest, there’s a good chance your archetype of a bakery looks a lot like this Southwest Side institution. After all, the focus at this perpetually packed spot is on hearty, comforting fare that’s descended from German, Polish and Scandinavian roots, yet over time it has evolved into its own regional character. Breakfast pastries are a particular strength here; the cheese sweet roll, with its silky filling and buttery streusel topping, is a worthy indulgence, while the chocolate cake doughnut, surprisingly light beneath an icing of chocolate ganache, is a customer favorite. 

Time Out tip: Try the banana split torte, a decadent cake layered with bananas, strawberries, custard, banana cake and chocolate cake, all topped with whipped cream.

Address: 7055 W Archer Ave, Chicago, IL 60638

Opening hours: Tue-Sat 5am-5pm; Sun 5:30am-3pm

What is it? A South Side bakery beloved for its Southern-style layer cakes.

Why we love it: Stephanie Hart turns out a number of "down-home delights" at her bakery, many of them smacking of the shop’s eponymous ingredient. Peach cobbler, cheesecake and sweet potato pie, as well as by-the-slice or whole cakes such as caramel, German dark chocolate and coconut are just a sample of Hart’s cavity-producing creations. Celebrating? Custom cakes are Hart’s specialty, and she goes to great lengths to please with imaginative concoctions.

Time Out tip: Go for the signature yellow butter cake covered in smooth caramel frosting.

Address: 328 E 75th St, Chicago, IL 60619

Opening hours: Mon 10am-5pm; Tue-Sat 10am-6pm; Sun noon-5pm

What is it? A tiny Logan Square bakery serving creative sweet and savory pastries that change with the seasons.

Why we love it: You’ll want to schedule your mornings around this small shop to snag its most popular goodies before they sell out. Owner Dina Cimarusti has quickly earned a loyal following since launching Sugar Moon in 2021, and it’s easy to understand why. The tahini chocolate chip cookie is a contender for the city’s best, while rotating breakfast pastries like an Italian beef roll are similarly remarkable.

Time Out tip: Sugar Moon is only open Friday through Sunday and fans line up before opening so don’t dawdle if you want first dibs.

Address: 3612 W Wrightwood Ave, Chicago, IL 60647

Opening hours: Fri-Sun 9am-2pm

What is it? An Avalon Park pie shop from Bake Squad star Maya-Camille Broussard.

Why we love it: Broussard launched Justice of the Pies as a way to honor her late father, a criminal defense attorney and a self-proclaimed pie aficionado. You can find her delicious pies, quiches and cookies at her bakery on the South Side; they taste even sweeter when you find out that Justice partners with nonprofits to positively impact the lives around them.

Time Out tip: Be the hero of your next gathering by bringing a whole pie to share. The flavors rotate, so check the menu ahead of time.

Address: 8655 S Blackstone Ave, Chicago, IL 60619

Opening hours: Fri-Sun 9am-5pm

What is it? Chicago’s oldest Chinese bakery.

Why we love it: Dim sum fans are accustomed to cart service and ordering cards, but the majority of the small dishes traditionally served originated in tea houses and bakeries in southern China. Chinatown bakery Chiu Quon has been making these delectable items for decades, attracting locals and visitors from around the city with dishes like fresh BBQ pork buns, sesame balls filled with bean paste and decorative mango mousse cake. Pop in for a snack or make a meal out of the various baked goods on display. 

Time Out tip: Chiu Quon also offers a small selection of dim sum, including shumai, cheung fun and chicken feet.

Address: 2253 S Wentworth Ave, Chicago, IL 60616

Opening hours: Mon-Thu, Sun 7am-9pm; Fri, Sat 7am-10pm

What is it? A Filipino bakery and cafe by day, and a two-Michelin-starred tasting-menu restaurant by night.

Why we love it: Dynamic couple Genie Kwon and Tim Flores run this acclaimed Filipino restaurant and bakery that’s one of the hottest spots in town. By day, Kwon, whose impressive resume includes stints at Boka and Oriole, whips up a selection of inventive and irresistible pastries. The black truffle croissant and ube and huckleberry Basque cake are must-tries but if you want something a bit savory, grab a foie gras- or Serrano ham-topped Danish.

Time Out tip: You can skip the long line by ordering online for pickup.

Address: 1001 N Winchester Ave, Chicago, IL 60622

Opening hours: Wed-Sun 9am-3pm

What is it? A West Town bakery from James Beard Award-winning baker Greg Wade.

Why we love it: One Off Hospitality's bread-making operation launched a West Town shop in 2022. Stop by in the morning for a flaky croissant or kouign-amann with your coffee, or come later to enjoy tartines and big sandwiches sold by weight.

Time Out tip: Pick up a loaf to take home—our favorite is the 1979 multigrain. The bakery's bread is also available at restaurants and shops around Chicago.

Address: 1759 W Grand Ave, Chicago, IL 60622

Opening hours: Daily 7am-3pm

What is it? A rustic Evanston bakery specializing in naturally fermented breads.

Why we love it: With its range of Eurocentric items like petite, olive-stuffed brioches and super flaky kouign-amann, no one could call the pastry program at Evanston’s Hewn an afterthought. It’s just that the bread here is so well crafted, it sort of takes the cake. Each day this snug, carry out-only bakery offers its signature country bread—a large, dark boule with a chewy crumb that’s mildly sour, thanks to a 17-hour fermentation—along with a couple of rotating choices from a menu that includes inventive loaves like picholine olive and roasted heirloom potato with rosemary. 

Time Out tip: Check the bread schedule before you go because specialty loaves rotate throughout the week.

Address: 1733 Central St, Evanston, IL 60201

Opening hours: Tue-Fri 7am-5pm; Sat, Sun 7am-3pm

What is it? A North Center bakery with inventive pastries that combine classic techniques with unexpected flavors and seasonal ingredients.

Why we love it: After a pandemic relocation, Loba Pastry returned with a bang. Owner Valeria Socorro Velazquez Lindstan turned to local crowdfunding to keep her Mexican-inspired pastry business afloat. Now, Loba churns out amazing delicacies including buttery croissants with mole butter, spicy curry scones and sweet rhubard-glazed "robbies," a Loba specialty that's a cross between a muffin and a donut. To avoid the (understandable!) weekend line, arrive early to savor some sweets without the wait.

Time Out tip: The mole croissants are only available Sunday and Monday, but they're worth planning around.

Address: 3600 N Lincoln Ave, Chicago, IL 60613

Opening hours: Mon, Tue, Thu-Sun 8am-3pm

What is it? A humble bakery and cafe in Avondale that turns out exceptional baked goods and breakfast sandwiches.

Why we love it: Loaf Lounge has made waves for its breads and pastries. You’ll spot the loaves of the day behind the counter and you’ll definitely want to order a tasty breakfast sandwich, served on either an English muffin or croissant. Loaf Lounge owner Sarah Mispagel also worked as a pastry consultant on FX hit The Bear and her chocolate cake, which was featured on the show, is on the menu as well.

Time Out tip: Whole chocolate cakes are available for preorder with at least 48 hours’ notice.

Address: 2934 N Milwaukee Ave Ste E, Chicago, IL 60618

Opening hours: Mon, Wed-Sun 8am-4pm

What is it? A longtime Lincoln Park favorite for expertly made pastries.

Why we love it: With an assortment of breads, tasty sandwiches and seriously delicious cookies in its repertoire, this airy Lincoln Park bakery-cafe certainly has range. But Floriole’s soul is its French pastry, skillfully executed by owner Sandra Holl. Among our favorite offerings are the canelés, petite, fluted cakes with caramelized exteriors and custardy cores flavored with vanilla and rum. Another showstopper is the galettes—plus they're just really pretty to look at.

Time Out tip: The specials are always worth checking out, and include items like a honey cardamom latte and ratatouille.

Address: 1220 W Webster Ave, Chicago, IL 60614

Opening hours: Daily 8am-2pm

What is it? An elegant shop specializing in French-inspired pastries.

Why we love it: Macarons from heaven. Tarts from someplace even better than heaven. Pastry chef Sophie Evanoff cranks out dozens of types of gorgeous French pastries daily. The Manjari entremet, a chocolate flourless cake topped with chocolate cream and chocolate mousse, is our favorite, but it’s hard to choose. These confections make a great gift, but the packaging is so mod and sexy, you’ll want to keep it.

Time Out tip: Vanille offers afternoon tea service, which comes with a selection of pastries, finger sandwiches, scones and tea.

Address: 2108 N Clark St, Chicago, IL 60614

Opening hours: Mon-Thu 7am-7pm; Fri, Sat 7am-8pm; Sun 8am-7pm

What is it? A popular spot for sweet and savory pies, as well as biscuits.

Why we love it: There are plenty of seasonal options to drool over at this beloved pie shop (like the mouthwatering Nana Pud'n, a vanilla cream pastry topped with wafers and bananas), but we're especially fond of the classic key lime pie, which you can snag year-round. You can also fill your kitchen with delightful smells by grabbing Bang Bang's coveted biscuit mix.

Time Out tip: When the weather is nice, grab a slice and settle in on Bang Bang's spacious patio.

Address: 2051 N California Ave, Chicago, IL 60647

Opening hours: Wed-Fri 9am-6pm; Sat, Sun 9am-3pm

What is it? A cafe and chocolatier in West Loop.

Why we love it: Dealing in handmade chocolates and buttery pastries, Good Ambler keeps the West Loop sugared up from morning until late afternoon. The exceptionally cozy space is anchored by a sprawling pastry case stocked with edible eye candy, including croissants, tarts, babka, muffins, cookies and candy bars. A menu of coffee and tea drinks keeps you from slipping into an inevitable sugar coma.

Time Out tip: The comfy space makes it good for getting work done.

Address: 216 N Peoria St, Chicago, IL 60607

Opening hours: Mon-Fri 7am-4pm; Sat, Sun 8am-3pm