Best Bakeries in Chicago

I am a self-declared bakery expert after visiting hundreds (probably) around the world. As a local to Chicago, here are my top recommendations of where to get the best breads and pastries in the city!

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Updated ago

La Fournette

@gottacaseofwanderlust

The family-owned and run bakery moved from a small town in Alsace, France to Chicago in 2010. Since then, it has saved Chicagoans a trip to Europe by supplying freshly made baguettes and croissants using the same French recipes and techniques.

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Umaga Bakehouse

@gottacaseofwanderlust

The only bakery in Chicago selling fresh Filipino-style sweet breads! Insanely delish

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Publican Quality Bread

@gottacaseofwanderlust

James Beard Award-winning baker Greg Wade oversees this retail location that is part of the Publican family of restaurants in West Loop. Wade has spent over a decade mastering culinary practices that shine in every item on the menu — from sourdough loaves made from a 30-year-old bread starter to the naturally-leavened seasonal croissants that are too enticing to resist.

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Verzênay Chicago

@gottacaseofwanderlust

Owner and chef, Arshiya Farheen, spent over a year in France training at the Ferrandi Paris cooking school and working at La Pâtisserie du Meurice par Cédric Grolet bakery to bring French excellence to Lincoln Park. Choose from delectable sweets such as raspberry rose croissants, passion fruit ricotta cake, or buttery kouign amanns, and treat yourself to a warm cup of cafe au lait or sipping chocolate. You can choose to dine inside the pastel, pastry-scented interior or take a seat at one of the outdoor tables and pretend to be in Paris. Before you go, make sure to snag a baguette or a loaf of sourdough oat bread.

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Hendrickx Belgian Bread Crafter

@gottacaseofwanderlust

This hidden gem is tucked away right off of Michigan Avenue — and unlike most eateries in Chicago’s downtown overpriced tourist-traps — Hendrickx Belgian Bread Crafter is so worth the detour. The cozy, small interior of the shop makes room for the croissants’ magnificence, which sit enticingly behind the counter in both sweet and savory flavors.

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Sweet Rabbit Bakery

@gottacaseofwanderlust

Sweet Rabbit Bakery rests on an unassuming corner in Roscoe Village that should not be overlooked. Everything is made in-house from scratch, including breads like babka and challah, in addition to specialty pastries. The “sweetest” treat though is the sourdough loaves: the perfect balance between a crisp crust and pillowy interior that’s a dream come true for any bread-lover. Andrew Cheng, the owner and chef, has been working in professional kitchens for about 12 years and specializes in technical baking.

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La Pâtisserie P

@gottacaseofwanderlust

One of my favorite bakeries for freshly baked goods specializing in Asian sweet breads

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Chiu Quon Bakery

@gottacaseofwanderlust

Best Chinese bakery in Chicago serving favorites like the BBQ pork bun, sweet custard buns, and Portuguese egg tarts.

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Hellas Pastry Shop

@gottacaseofwanderlust

The most authentic Greek pastry bakery in Chicago run by a Greek man himself

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Joba Foods & Bakery

@gottacaseofwanderlust

A wonderful bakery near Wicker Park that is run by a friendly Nigerian woman selling East African baked goods. Best cinnamon rolls of my life!

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Guss Bakery

@gottacaseofwanderlust

One of the best Latin American bakeries serving fresh fluffy sweet bread galore!

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Cadinho Bakery & Café

@gottacaseofwanderlust

Best Portuguese egg tarts in the city!

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Lydia :)

Available for hire

following my heart around the world 💖🌍 solo female traveler from —> Chicago 🇺🇸 —> Madrid 🇪🇸 traveling to: ✨ connect deeper with humanity ✨ experience the beauty of Mother Earth ✨ eat good food :) my expertise traveling: - as a solo female - on a budget - finding non-touristy local gems Professional city tour guide for 2 years with an average of 4.98 stars on Airbnb! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ I hope my travel guides and recommendations help you create a more memorable trip beyond tourist highlights. WHAT YOU CAN EXPECT FROM MY GUIDES: 1. maps of the BEST local, "hole-in-the-wall" food spots in a destination (bakeries tend to be prioritized) you probably won't find on the Internet 2. the exact itineraries I used for past travels (or itineraries I wished I followed) 3. destination guides with insider advice based on my experience WHAT YOU CAN EXPECT FROM A CONSULTATION CALL WITH ME: let's chat about the specifics of your trip together! I'm an open book with my travel knowledge 🙌 I'm more than happy to answer ANY questions you have about your upcoming trip or just travel in general. I'm always excited to talk about all things travel :) “The journey is the destination.” 💛 IG & TikTok @lydiaschultzz

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Chicago, IL, USA