Weber’s Bakery
One of the oldest family-owned bakeries in Chicago, Weber’s Bakery was founded in 1930 on the Southwest Side. Since then, it has only grown and quickly became a Chicago staple. Founder Erich H. Weber was a founding member of the Bakers Dozen, a “secret society” of leaders from the oldest family-owned bakeries in and around Chicago. The members meet to share ideas, formulas, issues and concerns and help one another in their journeys. Leave it to Weber’s to have some seriously tried and true signature items, such as the chocolate cake donuts, buttermilk poundcake and banana split torte.
Bennison’s Bakery
Sticking to his Dairy State roots with a dedicated to quality and fresh ingredients, Wisconsin-native and founder Larry Bennison founded Bennison’s Bakery in Evanston in 1938. Another family took over the bakery in 1967, and it has been passed it down for three generations, keeping the name and Bennison’s traditions. Pick up an oversized croissant or go the savory route with a Parisienne-style sandwich.
Sweet Mandy B’s
The emphasis is on “sweet” at Sweet Mandy B’s, which has warm, pastel-filled shops in Streeterville and Lincoln Park. Choose from roughly dozen cupcakes, plus numerous cookies, brownies, bars and pies (available whole or by the slice). For special occasions, cakes and cookies can be customized.
Sugar Moon Bakery
Logan Square favorite Sugar Moon Bakery was founded with a focus on cakes but quickly recognized a need for pastries in the neighborhood and decided to fill the gap. A self-described “baking studio,” Sugar Moon changes its menu every month and is continually growing. It specializes in both sweet and savory treats, like the pizza focaccia or espresso cornflake crunch cookie.
Jennivees Bakery
Jennivee’s Bakery in Lakeview meets all of your bakery needs in one place. Founded in 2017, this LGBTQ-owned bakery has quickly made a name for itself. Its French- and vintage- inspired aesthetic, coupled with the tasty treats, make for a classic, cozy cafe experience. Pop in and try a slice of cake or a speciality cupcake, like the banana split or mango cream cupcakes.
Roeser’s Bakery
Another of Chicago’s oldest bakeries, Roeser’s has been in the same Humboldt Park space since 1911. Now in the fourth generation, Roeser’s has expanded beyond traditional German delights to include items like the much-loved banana boat, turtle bomb, more than 30 donuts and homemade ice cream.
Floriole Cafe & Bakery
Come in for the coffee but stay for the pastries. Lincoln Park’s Floriole is popular for its European-style pastries, like the honey pecan sticky bun and passionfruit tart. If you aren’t in the mood for something sweet, get the breakfast sandwich: an egg patty with gruyere cheese between a croissant burger bun. Don’t skip over the grocery shelf where you can buy gourmet items like handcrafted nut butters and organic, natural baking ingredients.
