Del Sur Bakery

One of Chicago’s buzziest bakeries in recent years, Del Sur is well worth planning your morning around. Chef and owner Justin Lerias brings Filipino flavors to thoughtfully crafted pastries made with Midwestern ingredients, resulting in a lineup that’s far more interesting than your standard croissants and muffins.

The vibe: The compact Lincoln Square shop has a sleek, modern look. It’s mainly a grab-and-go operation, so don’t expect to linger. The line can stretch during busy weekend mornings, but the friendly staff keeps things moving without making you feel rushed.

The food: The longanisa croissant is a must-order, a flaky toasted-rice laminated dough with house-made sausage, soy caramel and cured egg yolk. The turon Danish, filled with caramelized banana jam and vanilla flan, channels the flavors of the classic Filipino snack, while the calamansi chamomile bun packs a bright citrus punch.

The drinks: Coffee comes from local roasters, and Volition Tea supplies the teas. House-made syrups like salted pandan, ube and caramelized honey add a distinctive Southeast Asian touch to the drink menu.

Time Out tip: Get there early—especially on weekends when waits can exceed 45 minutes and popular pastries tend to sell out quickly.