Mindy’s Bakery
Bakery · Bucktown
1623 N Milwaukee Ave, Chicago, IL 60647
Highlights
Award-winning bakery with famous hot chocolate & bagels
Award-winning bakery with famous hot chocolate & bagels
"Mindy’s Hot Chocolate helped start a restaurant and small shop revolution in Wicker Park when it opened over a decade ago. Right now the corner of Damen, North, and Milwaukee seems like a no-brainer great spot to be, but when Mindy’s opened that wasn’t necessarily the case. Not only was Mindy’s good from the get-go, but it keeps getting better with age. It’s a cool yet casual neighborhood spot good for lunch, dinner, and even brunch on the weekends. The menu changes constantly, but you can always count on some staples like mac & cheese or their excellent dinner. But it’s also called Hot Chocolate for a reason, and that’s because the homemade hot chocolates and desserts are not to be missed. You shouldn’t plan on eating here unless desserts are part of the meal, and it’s even acceptable to pop in only for that." - Sam Faye
"Mindy’s Bakery is from the same people behind the now-closed Mindy’s Hot Chocolate. And though they’ve scaled down to a take-out operation, longtime fans will be happy that they’ve kept their rich hot chocolate and equally rich mac and cheese on the menu. But what’s most exciting about this new version of Mindy’s is their impressive line-up of baked goods. The long menu reads like an Encyclopedia of Bread, with everything from donuts to pot pies—but some standouts include a mortadella and giardiniera turnover and a honey, brie, and apricot jam danish. Since their small space is usually packed and only has a couple of window seats, be prepared to eat that kolache in your car." - sam faye, adrian kane, john ringor
"The rotating menu at Mindy’s reads like an Encyclopedia of Bread, with everything from donuts to pot pies, and fleeting standouts like a mortadella and giardiniera turnover and a honey, brie, and apricot jam danish. This Wicker Park bakery also happens to have one of the best bagels in Chicago. Unfortunately, because everyone shares our opinion, the small space is usually crowded. There are only a couple of window seats, so be prepared to eat over the steering wheel and catch some crumbs in the car." - veda kilaru, john ringor
"Bagels are part of the “first bake” at Mindy’s, meaning they’re available right when they open at 7:30am (or 8am on weekends). And you’ll need to get to this specialty bakery early because these bagels sell out fast. They’re incredibly soft and light, with lots of air pockets, and a golden, chewy crust. Our preferred method of consumption is a gentle tear and dunk—pick your cream cheese wisely (the chive pesto or lox is never a bad choice). There are usually five staple bagel flavors every day, like garlic challah and an everything bagel that includes fennel, plus a few rotating specials and gluten-free options. Mindy’s is only open Wednesday through Sunday, and there’s limited seating, so be prepared to fight off the Wicker Park crowds and eat in your car." - veda kilaru, john ringor, nick allen
"Mindy Segal has cured Chicago’s itch for baked goods for years and has also turned her interests toward cannabis with her own line of edibles. In 2005, she opened Mindy’s HotChocolate in Bucktown which showed a pastry chef is comfy with the savory side of the menu. The restaurant was the textbook example of a neighborhood gem, and she won the 2012 Beard for Outstanding Pastry Chef. She’s since closed HotChocolate; running a restaurant is tough. She has opened a bakery around the corner from her old haunt. The lines are long on the weekend with folks grabbing cookies, bagels, and cakes. Many of these were available at the original restaurant, but many are glorious new experiments." - Naomi Waxman
