Bennison's Bakery

A small caveat; I have not visited the location or sampled much of their product. However, I wanted to write this review because a coworker brought a Bennison's Carrot Cake into work and it is the best carrot cake I have ever eaten. Nicely spiced without overpowering the carrot flavor. Not overdone with nuts or raisins. A delicate cream cheese frosting that isn't too rich or "cheese-y". Moist without being too dense and heavy. Truly spectacular and I hope to visit soon to try other baked delights.

Bought an almond croissant and the flavor was yum. Service was awesome too..employees were very helpful with answering questions about items in display. Prices were reasonable for all items.

While this place has been controversial by selling a day old pastries in the past, it is now better. Recently, I was never sold a day old croissant, and cupcakes were fresh when I got them. They started to make smaller batches so sometimes you may not get what you want, and that's okay. I would rather come back the next day or so for a good pastry than get a stale hard croissant. Their pastries are awesome when they sell you the right ones.

My friend came over for the week and brought 5 ginormous croissants - 3 plain & 2 chocolate. A yummy treat for our slow Sunday morning with a good cappuccino over great conversation and a good movie. I warmed them up for a few minutes on 375 degrees preheated oven, keeping an eye until they were a little crunchy. A flaky, buttery, and golden brown with a soft, crumbly interior treat. One suggestion, a bit more chocolate on the un pain au chocolat please.

One of our favorite places in Evanston. We always go when we're visiting town. Always great selection. Sweets are delicious. Be back.

I used to love going here all the time. Recently quality has been going downhill, especially the macarons. I don’t know why, but something just tastes off. This week I bought an apple pie for Thanksgiving and there were apple seeds in my guests’ and I’s slices. I am BEYOND upset. This has never happened before. I miss Bennison’s when they used to be quality.

Bennison’s bakery is an Evanston institution in its 85th year of business. Solid breakfast treats including donuts, coffee cakes and croissants. I recommend the maple bacon long-john, glazed croissant, and cherry danish. Heck, it’s all delicious! Recommended.

Stopped by Bennison's after seeing their very prominent and classic neon sign on the corner. The bakery really has an impressive selection of breads, cakes, cookies, and pastries available for purchase. I ended up getting a 6-pack of cheddar scallion biscuits (which were super delicious warmed up) and some Italian cookies. Everything was truly great and I will definitely be back again!

My friend came over for the week and brought 5 ginormous croissants - 3 plain & 2 chocolate. A yummy treat for our slow Sunday morning with a good cappuccino over great conversation and a good movie. I warmed them up for a few minutes on 375 degrees preheated oven, keeping an eye until they were a little crunchy. A flaky, buttery, and golden brown with a soft, crumbly interior treat. One suggestion, a bit more chocolate on the un pain au chocolat please.

Food: Chocolate croissant, butter croissant I didn't really like the chocolate croissant, it was hard, and too much dough. The butter wasn't bad though! It would've been nice if it was warmer. Service/Ambiance: N/A (got it in Air BnB)

I'm not sure why this place is so popular. I gave it many many chances, I tried almost everything, the only good stuff are the princess cake and the moon shaped tea biscuit. Otherwise, all cakes and tortes are inedible, other pastries are too buttery or too sugary or both. I don't recommend, you're better off getting cakes from Whole Foods.

I've been coming here for years and tried so many of their baked goods. I particularly like buying macarons from here and they will typically have 5-6 flavors at a time. They have amazing cinnamon roll loafs and the pies are fantastic. Service is always good and the line moves quick.

I picked up a pie and some cupcakes for Christmas and half of them had the wrong frosting, some had obviously had the wrong frosting, which they just scraped off and then put on the correct frosting. When they brought them out, it was basically, "here ya go." No bag, no nothing. The holidays are clearly busy here but c'mon.

Bought into the hype upon moving to Evanston, but consistently let down by this place. At this point. I've given it around ten chances. I have never not been treated rudely in one way or another, and the pastries and baked goods are usually stale and always a step or two below your average grocery store bakery. Have had much more delicious treats from Jewel-Osco or Valli Produce, not to mention the other bakeries in the area. It feels good to see so many other similar negative experiences and know I'm not crazy for finally giving up on this place!

A friend sent a pic of adorable Taylor Swift themed cookies for my swiftie so I figured I had to get them for super bowl parties. I got a box for my daughter to bring to her friends house (a fellow swiftie) and then I brought along a box to a party the rest of my family were attending. Both boxes were huge hit- both the design and the taste of the cookie! I had ordered a few days ahead of time, which proved to be the right call because the line was wrapped around the block when I picked them up. It appeared most were buying kings cake, which I'll have to go back for next year. There was a separate (much shorter) line for pick ups so I was in and out in a few minutes. They were pricey at around $100 for 24 cookies, but they were incredibly well decorated so well worth it. It's shocking that I haven't tried more of their baked goods (especially having gone to Northwestern), but I plan to fix that soon!

Bennison's Bakery has been in Evanston for the longest time. The place is my first choice to go to and enjoy a sweet treat every now and then. I have gone in for coffee, cookies, cupcakes and sandwitches. The place is clean, staff is friendly and helpful. I usually like their desserts but after bringing home my sweet treat I was throuoghly dissappointed in the Lemon Square. The size was the smallest size I have ever seen. After one bite, I was not pleased of my purchase for the price I paid. Next time I will tell staff member to pick biggest corner from the pan. It may be awhile if I return. You get what you pay for and over $3 for a tiny lemon square is not worth it to me.

After eating nearby I was craving dessert and found this spot with a classic vibe and great reviews. Staff was super friendly and helpful and they had lots of tasty looking sweets from cookies to cakes and more. I was in the mood for donuts and decided to take some home so I ordered half a dozen. They were on sale as a buy one get one free! This sounded like a great deal but in retrospect I should have been skeptical... there's no way these donuts were made that day, these were day olds... actually at least a day old if not more. They weren't labeled as day old and I wasn't told this, they just acted like they were a bargain. Overall they were just old, dry, and not very good. Like eating bread with frosting on it. I'm not saying I wouldn't give them another shot but I'd stay far away from the donuts next time.

Lovely neighborhood bakery. I come here for my croissant fix- my favorites are the ham and cheese and chocolate croissants. They also have. Cheesecake brownie that is amazing. Service is usually fine.

This is a wonderful neighborhood bakery producing a little bit of everything, and all is excellent. There are flaky breads, rolls and many wonderful sweets, which includes absolutely the very best cherry pie I have ever eaten in my life. In addition, there is a selection of extraordinary macarons of varying flavors, exquisitely made and such a surprise in this North Shore college town bakery. But there are lots of surprises here, from a number of sandwiches, for breakfast AND lunch, and a smaller sample of great donuts (go early on Saturday, they go fast) and a lovely assortment of cookies. But if you ask folks in Evanston, they will tell you that Bennison's is known for their cakes, for their flavor, yes, but for their skill in decorating. Stop by, the staff is welcoming. Pick up a little bit of several things, to help you begin. There are some things that must be ordered in advance, so the sooner you know what you want, the sooner you can make it happen.

This is a nice little bakery that is family owned and makes some great baked goods! They are known for their King Cakes during Mardi Gras. Its one of the few places you can get one at a decently affordable price! I am also partial to their bread. That is a big surprise as they tend to lean more towards the desserts and cookies (which are also good). They are a little expensive and disorganized, but usually they have their act together in the end. I had a bit of a King Cake Snafu this year, but they did give options to make it right. When I say expensive, its a little relative. For example, compared to other places, their King Cake is pretty well priced for its size. Its cookies? Not so much. Bakeries like this are getting more and more rare. If you want one of those traditional bakeries where you can get cookies, bread, and pastries, you aren't going to find a better place.

Not sure why a review applauds their bagels. They don't make bagels. A huge disappointment after reading the review and going there to get bagels. Bummer

My grandmother used to frequent this delightful little bakery in downtown Evanston. She loves a good "sweet roll" as she fondly calls any danish, donut or dessert, so naturally my mom and I ordered their cherry danish in her honor. The staff were patient and helpful as we perused their assortment of goodies on a busy Friday morning. Without indoor seating, Bennison's is more of an order and eat at home establishment, or if you can't wait like us, take a few bites while sitting at their outdoor tables. A lovely neighborhood bakery to check out if you are in the area!

I placed an order online on 3/12 for pick up today at 8:30a, once I got there I was told that it wasn't ready and it will take another 30 minutes and it will be delivered free of charge. It was delivered and it sure didn't look like the shamrock coffee cake online. It was a rush job and it was embarrassing for me to even present it to my coworkers. I've been a long time Bennison's fan for a very long time. You would think they would've taken pride into make this. This looks like my 5 year old niece made this not a well known bakery. Thanks, Bennison's you just lost a customer with this. UPDATE: I spoked to the manager Jennifer and she's the worse person I have ever talk to. She lied and stated she was at the bakery when I picked up the coffee cake but the coffee cake was delivered to my job. She also stated that the coffee looked fine. Please note the original coffee cake was burnt and that's why it wasn't ready when I came to pick it up. Needless to say I didn't get a refund, offer a free pastry or a gift card as an apology. Bennisons lost a very loyal customer and I will never go there again. I will be putting up a post on all social media platforms. A customer should not be treated this way and it's not acceptable at all.

I stopped in here while in Evanston for work. It's an old-fashioned bakery in a nice downtown area surrounded by other cool places to check out. There's no seating inside so it's meant for order/pickup--from big party orders to little treats to grab and go. There are all sorts of pastries, cookies, challah breads, and more. They have both sweet and savory pastries. After contemplating for a few minutes, I decided to get a raisin croissant with a caramel macchiato to wash it down. There were just a few of the pastries left--seems like they are popular, along with the chocolate croissants! It tasted like a combo of a croissant, cinnamon roll, and raisin bagel in one beautiful bite. If you like raisins I highly recommend! I asked for the coffee half sweet and extra hot, and they did not skimp on my request. Can't wait to come more often!

The best monkey bread in the city. The other baked goods looked amazing too, especially their croissants.

Love their summertime offerings in Downtown Chicago at The Farmers Markets in Streeterville and Lincoln Park! My all time favorite purchase-Soft Braided Pretzel-soft, fresh, and perfect amount of salt on top!!! Always lines--but they move fast and things do tend to "sell out!" Staff is two team members who work well together and are professional, knowledgeable, efficient and kind! Fun environment at the Streeterville Farmers Market where seating is always available on the Museum of Contemporary Art Steps.

Loved this almond croissant and it was their most popular option. I can see why people love it. I heard great things about this place and I had to try it. I can't wait to try more options . Everyone is super nice.

My waistline doesn't thank you but my tastebuds do!!!! My god Bennison's!!!!!!!!!! I am sooooo glad I DON'T live close! I drove past earlier today and said to my mom who was in the car with me, I bet that bakery has some delicious treats! My spidey senses tingled driving by. The building just looks like it has some old school, well made, quality treats! I was right!!!!!! My mom went in and purchased some mini cupcakes, a couple of croissants, and a slice of Raspberry Pastry slice. I don't care for croissants but tried yours and it was buttery flakey deliciousness! I tasted a piece of the Raspberry Pastry slice and it was very moist. That was delightful too! I drove off and bent the corner and came back around. This time I went in a purchased a lemon bar, two more croissants and a red velvet cupcake! See I can't live around you guys!!! My god that damn red velvet cupcake was the best red velvet cupcake I have EVER had! The cream cheese icing was not too sweet, it was just right! It had the perfect balance of cream cheese, butter and powdered sugar! The cake it self was very moist and expertly made! The lemon bar didn't look perfect but damn it, it had the perfect about of buttery crust to tart sweet filling ratio! It was PERFECTION! I mean if I could give you guys more stars I totally would!!!!! Please don't change a thing!!!!

Local, known, historic, family-owned, community serving and beloved Evanston bakery. Worth the trip north for Chicagoland folks, especially during MartyGras, EasterSunday, Christmas specialty baked goods search. Make sure to call in those specialty orders in advance. Bakery ovens and bakers on premise, right next door, stand at the window and say "hi" to the bakers. The staff are young, knowledgeable, friendly and helpful. The ambiance is family oriented. The pastries, cookies, donuts, pies, muffins are all fresh and flavorful but my favorite is the BEE-STING. The piece is huge with a mouse filling, toffee-honey toping sandwiched by moist creamy cake. I love this place!!!

Grew up in Evanston so stopped in Bennison's while visiting. Order 8 cookies, checked out, it was $26 !!!!! two were the wrong, oatmeal instead of choc chip, so $26 for 6 cookies. After eating some they arent worth $1 even. How has this establishment become so pathetic and grossly overpriced? Shame on you Bennisons.

Old time adorable bakery. There were musicians playing horns outside while we waited in line. The variety is pretty amazing. Everything from pies, Christmas logs, pound cake, gingerbread houses, doughnuts, cookies, bars, macrons etc. I dropped all other ideas when I saw the apple pie bars cuz that's my jam. I bought 9. Yes 9. To share of course. It takes about 2 to make the thing go right. The apples r fresh, a little crispy, not too sugary and the crust in top and bottom is just the right thickness with the powdered sugar floating in top. I really should have gotten 4 and tried the other goods. Try this place! It's worth it! Not to many places like it around anymore.

Great selection here!! The prices are pretty affordable too and everything is baked fresh daily. Great bakery!

I really like how they've kept the original facade and lighted sign since the 1930s?? So classic that it indicates fresh eggs, cream, milk - wholesome things from yesteryear. What's funny is I've finally had a chance to come here and it was just this year!! You'd think I had just crawled out from under a rock, after all, Bennison's is a Northshore institution. During each visit, there was Great presentation of traditional pastries, baked goods and paczkis (which are Polish donuts). It's a relatively small place and there can be a line at times but the high school or college students really keep things moving with friendly and prompt service. I've read that the current owners learned originally from The Bennison family and the owners' grandson has jumped into the business as well. That's awesome history and the success in continuity really shows.

First time trying Paczki which is a polish dessert.I absolutely loved the Cream cheese and chocolate custard that I ordered.Bennison surely kept their standards as mentioned by many other reviewers on google and the price is also reasonable as compared to ither bakeries.

I've never been let down by Bennison's - only by myself when I don't get there early enough before they sell out for the day. Fresh and delicious!

03/01/22 - I stopped in @ Bennisons bakery on the corner of Davis & Maple streets in Evanston. Bennisons has a variety of baked goods. Anything from different types is breads, to macaroons, donuts, cakes, danish & other cookies weighed by the pound & other pastries. There was a line that moved pretty quickly as the employees cycled the people waiting to be served. I ordered a single pecan roll that was ok but nothing stellar. The next time I'm in the area I may order a strudel that can be purchased in either half or whole pieces.

Ive had Bennisons lemon bars for years and wow the quality has gone downhill. Not only is it the smallest lemon bar I've ever encountered, ringing up at 3.50 before a tip, but it doesn't have any distinguishable lemon taste. If you're looking for a good lemon bar, try the frozen aisle at Trader Joe's instead.

Packzi Central! If anyone has amazing packzis year round (only raspberry flavor), it is Bennison's! I absolutely love love love all of their desserts but their packzis have a special place in my families heart. We get them at least once a month and they are absolutely devoured in a matter of hours. We cannot wait for their entire collection of packzi flavors to come out soon but I highly recommend them. Bennison's also has amazing morning pastries, birthday cakes and even bread. They are a local bakery, they do have street parking, accept Apple Pay and take online orders. I would recommend ordering your packzis ahead so that you get them because they go quickly!

As the kids say, broooo. This place is old-school good. It's like walking into a blast from the past and it's fantastic. Number one and always sold out is their apple danish (the big thing) not the little circle one. Holy guacamole. So good. We've got some celiacs in the fam and have also tried the gf macaroons which are a big hit. Have only tried a few other things but overall this place is good on a good, great, excellent scale. Competitively priced and sized.

Always great donuts and pastries! The items featured for different holidays are stand outs.

This place says 24 hour notice for Torte cakes. I called just now and was told no, 48 hours (I was 22 hours within the window). I've been here so many times, and they always accommodate even if a little short of 24 hours. Also, 75% of the time they make the wrong cake. Idk why I even order from here still. I guess in hopes to get what I love, but it's impossible at this point.

After 20 years of going to Bennison's, just had the worst service there ever. My husband wanted to order a custom cake. But they only take cake orders on a screen now, not via person. The machine to order on ran slow, the display keys worked half the time, and it took nearly 20 minutes to complete the order, only for the keys to malfunction at the very end. He told the cashier about it and was met with silent indifference. We will get cake somewhere else.

We got cupcakes for our kids birthdays from Bennison's this year and I was absolutely thrilled with the quality. The size was perfect, they were not too sweet, and they tasted very fresh! Looking forward to going here for some breakfast pastries.

Bennison's is an Evanston staple that has a nice variety of freshly baked goods for special occasions or just when you want a sweet treat. We stop there for donuts or cupcakes or to pick up a cake when we need one. Everything is delicious and at reasonable prices. Their red velvet cake is super moist, with delicious frosting yet light and fluffy; among the best red velvet cake I've ever had! Check out their paczkis for Fat Tuesday! The best selection around, with preorders available or single purchase (while they last!)

This time we called in an order ahead to do curbside pickup. Calling in was simple and you were able to give your payment over the phone as well. Pull up to the store and call them- was hard to get ahold of them as there was a busy signal and then was put on hold. We ordered paczki to pick up. Being in the Evanston area I had to grab a paczki to try on the last day they were offering them. I have been meaning to try a legit paczki rather than the kind in the grocery stores. These were legit and delicious, if only I had them earlier I'd be lining up every year to grab. We got the cream cheese filled and raspberry filled ones. Both were great but I preferred the cream cheese one for sure. A good amount of filling and the right amount of dough. This will be must grab annually!

Ok, so here's I am...Every February you know what time it is right? It's Bennison bakery Paczkis time buddy. For limited time only Bennisons has these awesome puffy pastries filled with great sweet surprises. For years I've always been too busy but really wanting to try these Bennisons Paczkis out. Just happens that I was finally around Evanston and I dropped in and picked them up. Had the cream cheese filled one and a raspberry filled Paczkis. I loved the cream cheese one, it was like biting into a fluffy piece of bread and then a sweet creamy filling - awesomeness! The raspberry had good flavor and went really nicely with the cream cheese pastry as well. I phoned in the order and left my credit card # prior to getting there since there's always a queue out the door and it's mighty cold out. Figured since I ordered ahead of time that I could just get it delivered to my car on arrival. I had to actually go inside for the order since the phone was busy when I called. Perhaps they could have a number to text when arrived to have a member of staff to come out when ready. Other than pickup, I am quite pleased by Bennisons and I'll need to check out the other specialty pastries and be a regular.

My hat is off to Josh. I came in this morning to pick up our order for Xmas. Somehow, they forgot to set aside the croissants we ordered. Josh told me to come back right before noon. Sure enough I go there at 11:55 and Josh comes out with a box of croissants fresh out of the oven. Thanks for taking care of us.

Stopped into Bennison's with my family Thanksgiving morning. It was super busy (line out the door) because it was the only breakfasty place open nearby on Thanksgiving. Despite the line, though, the service was fairly efficient. We got our croissants and coffee quickly and we headed out the door to enjoy the food (there's no seating inside the store, so we had to wait until we got home to eat). I got a chocolate croissant and loved it! It was probably the biggest croissant I have ever eaten. Overall, great place with lots of options and great service!

It's a great old fashioned bakery. Small inside but has everything that you could want from a bakery. It reminds me of the bakeries that seemed to be on every block when I was young, although there are fewer and fewer now. Good service and good bread, a good variety of cute tasty cookies, donuts and pastries. They seem to have much better flavor than the pastries sold at supermarkets. It's always important to support local independent shops so we continue to have plenty of choices when we shop.

Whenever I am in Evanston, I try to stop into Bennison's Bakery. It was a Saturday morning and I arrived just before the rush. When I walked out, there was a line waiting to get in. They have a real following - for a good reason! I was going to stop into my son's business so I bought a dozen donuts for the guys. I knew Bennison's would make their morning a little brighter. I chose a variety of classics and fancier options. They guys loved them all. I really appreciate the vintage look and feel of this adorable bakery. The staff is always so sweet and kind. The are friendly and helpful even when it is busy. In addition to donuts, this bakery offers everything a bakery should. There are cakes, macarons, cupcakes, bread and more. I like to try something different on each visit. Everything is fresh and made with love. Seriously, my favorite thing is the string!. They tie string around each package. The old school touch just makes my day!

If you are looking for a sweet treat and you are in Evanston, you definitely need to try Bennison's Bakery! The cookies, cakes, and breads are not only abundant in kind, but delicious. It is smaller inside which promotes a quick trip. The staff are very kind, helpful, and efficient. Bennison's also has the most delicious (and my personal favorite) zimtsterne cookies during the Christmas season. Though it's only a seasonal option, I do wait all year long for these cookies!

Delicious baked goods. Great and friendly service as well. This place is a must for our office. Always delicious treats to be had.

Hit or miss. Bakery is good- but they act like when you call them on the phone they are too inconvenienced to take your order. Consistently the case.

I pickup a too good and found mold in the French bread. I picked up the bread April 18

Bennison's Bakery came highly recommended by work colleagues who live in the area. I picked up a variety of croissants, muffins, and donuts for a first meeting with a group of work colleagues. They loved the pastries so much I went back the next day to pick up macarons and macaroons for a second work function. Bennison's staff were friendly and helpful and the baked goods were fantastic! I lost one of the receipts and Bennison's was able to email me a copy since I live hundreds of miles away. I highly recommend Bennison's and will be back when I make another work trip to Evanston.

With over 500 reviews, this place is good. You don't need me to tell you that, but of course.. I'll still add my two cents. This is a good bakery with a good selection of everything. I feel some of these places, and possibly this one as well, does a lot of things okay but nothing just superbly. Now, obviously I just tried a few items, and they were good, it just wasn't the best ever. I tried a selection of cookies and a few donuts. The cookies were the best, the donuts were okay. I love the history and the building. Fun stuff. Go check it out!

Bennison's Bakery has been an Evanston institution for decades and continues to be amazing. Jory, the owner, comes from a multi-generational family of bakers and his expertise shows. From the chocolate croissants to breads, doughnuts and cookies, all amazing, to the more complex and delicious French-inspired treats like the Paris-Brest, macaroons, petit fours, etc. you cannot go wrong at Bennison's. Oh, and don't forget to order your holiday treats and cakes, my favorite is his good old fashioned butter chocolate iced yellow cake with raspberry. It's so good you will never get cakes anywhere else. So easy to work with and friendly - and always supporting good causes and helping out employees and their families. 5 stars!