Chicago is renowned for its rich culinary landscape, and its bakeries are no exception. Whether you’re a local with a sweet tooth or a visitor eager to indulge in some of the finest baked goods, Chicago offers a wide range of choices. 

You’ve got plenty of buzzy spots from around the world, including Levain Bakery, Magnolia Bakery, Tous Les Jours, Milk Bar, and more. But there’s also a ton of local spots crafting one-of-a-kind treats, showcasing everything from family recipes to international flavors.

Here are some of the best bakeries in Chicago offering a unique and delectable experience. 

Cake and cupcake bakeries in Chicago

Brown Sugar Bakery: This beloved Southern-style bakery is run by a James Beard Award nominee, Stephanie Hart. Head to their Greater Grand Crossing location to admire the mouth-watering pastry case. Make sure to try their award-winning caramel cake, available by the slice or whole. 

Sweet Mandy B’s: The best things in life are sweet and Sweet Mandy B’s is serving up old-fashioned desserts in the Lincoln Park and Streeterville neighborhoods. The original bake shop opened in May 2002 with a plethora of traditional comfort desserts.

West Town Bakery: This Chicago sweet spot is crafting gorgeous custom cakes for special occasions, from weddings to birthdays to holidays. They also serve handcrafted pastries, artisan breads, and their famous cake balls.

Sugar Bliss Bakery: This women and minority-owned bakery is located in the heart of downtown Chicago. They’re best known for their signature cupcakes with flavors ranging from classic vanilla to fun options like salted caramel and lavender honey. 

Molly’s Cupcakes: In Lincoln Park, this award-winning bakery was founded by a teacher turned baker. The homemade cupcakes won the season finale of the hit show Cupcake Wars on Food Network. Try out flavors like crème brûlée, blueberry cheesecake, peach cobbler, and many more. 

Pookie Crack Cakes: This buzzed-about bakery on the South Side of Chicago is producing one-of-a-kind cakes. The family-owned spot has become a local phenomenon for their crave-worthy flavors like pineapple paradise, strawberry lemonade, and the famous butter pecan praline. 

Del Sur Bakery: This viral bakery in the Ravenswood neighborhood presents Filipino flavors in new, delicious ways. Brave the lines of hungry customers and be rewarded with creative options like the longanisa croissant or the ube oatmeal cream pie.

Fat Peach Bakery: Nestled in the Bridgeport neighborhood, the bakery is inspired by vibrant cafe culture in Mexico City. The laminated pastries showcase inventive and playful flavor combinations, complemented by carefully crafted espresso beverages. 

Keep eating: Check out Sugar Moon Bakery in Logan Square, a neighborhood bakeshop with rotating options that draws lines each weekend. 

Chicago pie bakeries

Justice of the Pies: This isn’t your ordinary pie shop. Justice of the Pies on the South Side specializes in sweet and savory pies that combine traditional flavors with unique twists. Try the blue cheese praline pear pie for an addictive savory/sweet combination.

Bang Bang Pie & Biscuits: Located in Logan Square, Bang Bang Pie is known for its savory and sweet pies as well as its flaky biscuits. Order a slice of tangy key lime, mezcal margarita, or burnt honey pie to enjoy on their popular patio. 

Keep eating: Don’t miss the pies at local favorite Hoosier Mama Pie Company in West Town and retro Spinning J Bakery in Humboldt Park. 

Classic and long-standing bakeries in Chicago

@choosechicagoHumboldt Park’s go-to spot for sweet treats since 1911!🧁 This neighborhood gem bakes it all: cookies, breads, tortes, wedding cakes, custom cakes, and even homemade ice cream. The recipes have been perfected by four generations of Roesers. Fun fact: In 1946, John Roeser Jr. installed the neon sign that still hangs outside today! Roeser’s Bakery 📍 3216 W North Ave♬ original sound – Choose Chicago

Roeser’s Bakery: Run by the same family since 1911, this local institution is a beloved Chicago tradition. The Humboldt Park spot specializes in custom cakes, but you shouldn’t miss the cookies, donuts, strudel, and other pastries.  

Ferrara Bakery: Ferrara Bakery has been a proud staple in the Little Italy community since 1908. The humble Italian bakery quickly grew over the decades with hallmark items that include a wide range of pastries, from classic cannolis to modern-day favorites like tiramisu and ricotta cheesecake. 

Weber’s Bakery: Established in 1930, this family-owned bakery has been serving the community for generations. The southwest side bakery offers signature items like butter cookies, Danish pastries, chocolate fudge cake, and rye breads. 

Alliance Bakery: The 101-year-old Chicago bakery is French-inspired with a modern twist. Situated in picturesque Wicker Park, the bakery features fine European pastries, desserts, custom-designed cakes, and a full espresso bar. 

D’Amato’s Bakery: This bakery has been a cornerstone of the West Town community since 1971, with family recipes straight from Italy. They are best known for their classic Italian breads, which are baked fresh from the brick oven. Signature items are the focaccia, cannoli, and biscotti.

International bakeries with global flavors

Conchas in Pilsen

Chiu Quon Bakery: The oldest Chinese bakery in Chicago has been serving up traditional Hong Kong-style pastries since 1986. Patrons can choose from over 100 different items, including walnut cookies, BBQ pork buns, Portuguese egg tarts, lotus bean moon cakes, and more. 

Panaderia Nuevo León: The Pilsen bakery is known and loved for its traditional Mexican breads and pastries. The bakery was founded by the Garcia family in 1978 with recipes passed down from generation to generation. Popular menu items include conchas, Pan de Muerto, Rosca de Reyes, and tortillas. 

Lost Larson: Lost Larson combines Nordic flavors with a modern sensibility. The Andersonville bakery offers a Scandinavian twist on traditional bakery fare, known for their cardamom buns, rye bread, and delicate pastries.

Cadinho Bakery: The family-owned bakery is a Portuguese-inspired gathering place in Chicago’s McKinley Park neighborhood on the city’s southwest side. The menu consists of specialty items like the classic Portuguese custard egg tarts.

Chicago neighborhood favorites

Floriole Cafe & Bakery: Nestled in Lincoln Park, Floriole is a haven for those who appreciate artisanal, French-inspired pastries. The bakers pride themselves on using high-quality, locally sourced ingredients. 

Au Levain Bakery & Cafe: Located in Chicago’s Lincoln Square neighborhood, Au Levain specializes in traditional laminated pastries, cakes, pies, and savory bites. Try the viral cookie dough croissant or the pistachio escargot stuffed with chocolate chips and pistachios.

Classic Cobbler: A family-owned bakery located in the heart of Bronzeville, this welcoming shop focuses on homemade fruit cobblers, pies, and puddings. The signature peach cobbler combines a buttery, flaky crust with a sweet filling of juicy peaches, cinnamon, and nutmeg. 

Bittersweet Pastry Shop and Cafe: This elegant bakery has been setting the standard for elegant cakes and desserts since opening in 1992. The Lakeview location features old-world Parisian vibes, with a cafe menu of coffee, cocktails, and light bites.

Verzenay: Located in Lincoln Park, the bakery is a nod to a picturesque village in the Champagne region of France. Verzenay is known for its delectable sweets and homemade breads. Try the shortbreads, chocolate bonbons, or a slice of carrot cake. 

Strugglebeard Bakery: A veteran-owned gourmet cookie bakery, this Hyde Park gem mixes handcrafted cookies with premium spirits. Try creative flavors like limoncello, rocky road with bourbon, and snickerdoodles with cinnamon whiskey.

Delightful Pastries: The family-owned bakery in the Jefferson Park neighborhood has been operating for over 20 years. They serve a variety of pastries, but are well known for their gourmet paczkis that come in an assortment of flavors. 

Bake Chicago: The husband-and-wife pastry chefs at Bake are serving up classic baked goods like muffins, croissants, scones, tarts, macaroons, and more. The wide assortment changes daily and seasonally. 

Good Ambler: This popular Fulton Market bakery boasts an array of sweet and savory offerings, including handcrafted chocolates, cookies, cakes, and a robust coffee program. And there’s plenty of space to sit and enjoy your treat.

Vanille Patisserie: The award-winning bakery has brought the soul and spirit of France to Chicago since 2002. Vanille is known for its carefully crafted pastries, macarons, and celebration cakes. Check their calendar for regular afternoon tea events.