Best Bakeries in Chicago (2025)

By day, a stellar pastry counter; by night, the world’s first Michelin-starred Filipino restaurant. Expect immaculate croissants, kouign-amann, and Filipino-inflected specials. Consistently praised by the Michelin Guide and Food & Wine, with lines that prove it.

Andersonville’s Scandinavian-leaning bakery mills grains in-house and turns out elegant cardamom buns, laminated pastries, and the city’s benchmark princess cake. Frequently highlighted by Eater Chicago and Time Out, it epitomizes Chicago’s modern pastry craft.

James Beard Award–winning pastry chef Mindy Segal fuels Wicker Park with chewy bagels, bialys, cookies, and weekend doughnuts that draw lines. Time Out and local critics agree: the hot fudge–glazed doughnut is a must.

Born at Green City Market, Sandra Holl’s French-leaning bakery is revered for seasonal tarts, canelés, and rustic loaves. Eater Chicago tracked its evolution; locals come for Paris-Brest, quiche, and thoughtful sourcing.

Stephanie Hart’s South Side institution is synonymous with lush caramel cake and warm hospitality. Featured by Chicago Magazine and celebrated in local news for community investment and growth, it’s a Chicago dessert landmark.

Chicago’s oldest family-owned bakery, operating since 1911 in Humboldt Park. Known for custom cakes, coffee cakes, and doughnuts, it’s been chronicled by the Chicago Tribune and even cameoed on The Bear.

Southwest Side stalwart since 1930, famous for scratch-baked paczki and butter cookies. Family-run and proudly old-school, it’s regularly spotlighted around Fat Tuesday by local outlets and adored by neighborhood regulars.

A midcentury European patisserie with tortes, Baumkuchen, truffles, and a charming garden. Featured on Food Network and praised by local critics, it’s a taste of Old World baking in Irving Park.

Chinatown favorite since the 1980s for egg tarts, char siu bao, and cakes. Recently singled out by local food reporting for standout egg tarts, it remains a busy anchor of Wentworth Avenue.

Paula Haney’s West Town pie shop is a civic treasure for seasonal slices, cream pies, and Friday pie flights. Lauded by Bon Appétit and Time Out, with a leafy patio that makes lingering easy.

Sisters Marisol and Lizette Espinoza bake next-level pan dulce and wildly creative croissants. Community-backed and frequently covered by local outlets, it opens mainly on weekends and often sells out early.

A small Logan Square bake shop with big personality, known for tahini chocolate chip cookies, savory rolls, and rotating specials. Featured in Time Out and beloved by local pastry fans; limited Fri–Sun hours.