Chicago is a city that’s famous for its food, and that includes its desserts. Whether you’re a fan of classic treats like cake and ice cream or you prefer something more unique, there are plenty of dessert places in Chicago that are sure to satisfy your sweet tooth. From artisanal bakeries to trendy ice cream shops, this city has it all. In this blog post, we’ll be exploring some of the best dessert places in Chicago, so get ready to indulge in some delicious treats!
Doughnut Vault
Address: 401 N Franklin St, Chicago, IL 60654
Phone: +1 (312) 285-2830
Details: $, Donut shop
Doughnut Vault is a must-visit dessert place in Chicago, conveniently located just a few minutes’ walk from the Merchandise Mart train stop. Despite its tiny size, the place is incredibly popular, with a reputation for serving some of the best donuts in the city. Customers are advised to arrive early to avoid queues, as the place can fill up quickly, with lines forming even before opening.
The donuts are the star of the show, with a variety of flavors on offer, including the famous Pink Lemonade, which is a must-try. According to reviewers, the donuts are fresh, tasty, and well worth the money. The regular-sized donuts are bigger than usual, making them a satisfying snack or breakfast. The gingerbread cake donuts are a favorite, being moist and tender without being overly sweet.
The staff at Doughnut Vault are hospitable and kind, with Natalie receiving special mentions for her excellent service. The atmosphere is cozy and charming, with a vintage feel that adds to the experience. Customers can enjoy their donuts at the quaint and cozy al fresco dining area. Overall, Doughnut Vault is a definite must-try when in Chicago, and it’s worth queuing up for the delicious donuts.
Pierrot Gourmet
Address: 108 E Superior St, Chicago, IL 60611
Phone: +1 (312) 573-6750
Details: $$, Restaurant
Pierrot Gourmet is a European-style cafe and bistro located in the luxurious Peninsula Hotel. The restaurant is known for its beautiful ambiance and excellent service. The staff are friendly and attentive, making diners feel welcome and comfortable. The menu features a variety of French bistro cuisine, including flatbreads, soups, salads, lobster rolls, and pasta dishes- all of which are delicious and made with high-quality ingredients.
Pierrot Gourmet is an excellent place for dessert lovers. The dessert menu is extensive and includes a variety of pastries such as eclairs, raspberry tart, creme brulee, and fresh fruit tart. The chocolate desserts are particularly noteworthy, with the chocolate obsession featuring devil’s food cake, chocolate mousse, and chocolate ruffles. The macarons are also a must-try, and according to one reviewer, they are the best outside of Paris.
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The ambiance at Pierrot Gourmet is cozy and charming, with a European feel that transports diners to the streets of Paris. The restaurant is small and quaint, with tables surrounded by colorful flowers on a bustling Rush Street. It’s an excellent place for people-watching and basking in the sun. The restaurant is open seven days a week, and the all-day dining menu is second to none. Overall, Pierrot Gourmet is an excellent place to visit for a light lunch, dinner, or a delicious dessert.
Firecakes Donuts
Address: 68 W Hubbard St, Chicago, IL 60654
Phone: +1 (312) 329-6500
Details: $, Donut shop
Firecakes Donuts is a small, cozy dessert shop that offers a wide variety of gourmet donuts that are both visually appealing and tasty. The donuts are fresh, moist, and delicious, and the staff is friendly and accommodating. The shop is known for its donut ice cream sandwiches, which are made with homemade vanilla ice cream and hot fudge. The prices are a little high, but the treats are worth it.
The ambiance at Firecakes Donuts is welcoming and charming. The shop is small and cozy, with a few tables and seats in front. There is no seating inside, but there is a fenced-in area outside where customers can sit and enjoy their treats. The shop is open most days from 7 am until at least 11 pm, making it a great option for a late-night snack.
The menu at Firecakes Donuts offers a variety of gourmet donuts, including chocolate, coconut, pistachio, and lemon curd. The king cake and birthday tower donuts are particularly photogenic, but everything looks amazing. The shop also offers espresso cream puffs and a variety of ice cream donut sandwiches. The donuts are priced at around $3 each or more, but they are definitely worth the treat once in a while. Firecakes Donuts is an excellent place to visit for a delicious dessert or a quick snack, and it’s a must-visit spot for donut lovers.
Garrett Popcorn Shops
Address: 625 N Michigan Ave, Chicago, IL 60611-3110
Phone: +1 (312) 944-2630
Details: $, Dessert
Garrett Popcorn Shops is a must-visit destination for popcorn lovers in Chicago. The staff is friendly and accommodating, making every visit a pleasant one. The popcorn is always fresh and delicious, with a wide range of flavors to choose from. The Chicago Mix, which combines sweet and salty flavors, is a popular choice and a must-try.
The atmosphere at Garrett Popcorn Shops is inviting, with the smell of fresh popcorn drawing customers in from the street. The shops offer a selection of popcorn flavors, including cheddar, caramel, and cheese and caramel mixed. The popcorn is served hot and fresh, and the prices are reasonable. The shops can get busy, but the lines move quickly, and the wait is worth it.
Garrett Popcorn Shops is a Chicago staple, with several locations throughout the city and suburbs. The shops offer a range of flavors, including the Garrett Mix, which is a blend of caramel and cheese popcorn. The popcorn is addictive and makes for a guilt-free treat. Whether you prefer sweet or savory, there is a flavor for everyone at Garrett Popcorn Shops. Overall, it’s a great place to grab some popcorn for a quick snack or to bring home as a souvenir.
Bang Bang Pie & Biscuits
Address: 2051 N California Ave, Chicago, IL 60647
Phone: +1 (773) 276-8888
Details: $$, Pie shop
Bang Bang Pie & Biscuits is a must-visit destination for food lovers in Chicago. The restaurant offers a wide range of savory and sweet pies, cookies, and warm and cold beverages. The staff is attentive and relaxed, and the atmosphere is comfortable and inviting. The outdoor seating area with picnic tables is perfect for enjoying a meal in the fresh air.
The biscuits at Bang Bang Pie & Biscuits are a standout item, with a perfect balance of sweetness and sturdiness to hold up to the thick cuts of ham or bacon. The pimento cheese biscuit is a must-try, served with a side of jam that adds an extra layer of flavor. The pies are also fantastic, with perfectly chewy and flaky crusts and subtle fillings. The chocolate pecan pie with a brownie-like crust is a standout item that is rich and satisfying.
The menu at Bang Bang Pie & Biscuits is constantly changing, with new savory biscuits and sweet pies that make it a place to visit frequently. The restaurant is popular, and there may be a wait during prime time, but it’s worth it to try their delicious food. Whether you’re looking for a savory breakfast or a sweet treat, Bang Bang Pie & Biscuits has something for everyone. The quality of the food and the friendly service make it a must-visit destination in Chicago.
Molly’s Cupcakes
Address: 419 E Illinois St Suite 120, Chicago, IL 60611
Phone: +1 (312) 600-6323
Details: $$, Bakery
Molly’s Cupcakes is a charming dessert shop located in the heart of Chicago, just a block or so off of Michigan Avenue. The shop has a great selection of cupcakes, and customers can even build their own with a choice of cake, frosting, and filling. The atmosphere is inviting, with swings hanging from the ceiling and a nice ambience to enjoy desserts.
The cupcakes at Molly’s Cupcakes are fantastic, with a wide variety of flavors to choose from. The apple pie, s’mores, and tiramisu cupcakes are customer favorites, and they are big enough to share. In addition to cupcakes, the shop also sells coffee, cold drinks, and other small desserts like cookies and mini pies. The service is great, making it a perfect spot for dessert after dinner.
Molly’s Cupcakes is a great place to stop by if you’re in the area. The swings hanging from the ceiling add an element of fun to the atmosphere, and the cupcakes are definitely worth trying. The shop doesn’t have ice cream to go with the cupcakes, but the variety of flavors makes up for it. Whether you’re looking for a sweet treat or a place to relax, Molly’s Cupcakes is definitely worth a visit.
Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams
Address: 1505 N Milwaukee Ave, Chicago, IL 60622
Phone: +1 (872) 802-4668
Details: $$, Ice cream shop
Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams is a must-visit dessert spot in Chicago. The shop is known for its exceptional ice cream flavors, including Gooey Buttercake, Dark Chocolate Truffle, and Riesling Poached Pear sorbet. The waffle cones are freshly made and add an extra layer of deliciousness to the ice cream experience. The atmosphere is inviting, with the aroma of homemade waffle cones filling the air.
The staff at Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams is friendly and knowledgeable, eager to help customers try different flavors and find their favorites. The store is well-staffed, ensuring that the line moves quickly even when it’s out the door. The service is excellent, making it a pleasant experience for customers.
Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams is a Certified B Corporation, meeting the highest standards of verified social and environmental performance, public transparency, and legal accountability to balance profit and purpose. It’s a great place to enjoy a frozen treat after a day out, with a wide range of flavors to choose from. The ice cream is as close to perfect as such an experience can be, and it’s definitely worth a visit for anyone who loves sweets or a delicious dessert.
Stan’s Donuts & Coffee
Address: 535 N Michigan Ave, Chicago, IL 60611
Phone: +1 (312) 955-3100
Details: $$, Donut shop
Stan’s Donuts & Coffee is a charming dessert spot in Chicago known for its delicious and unique donuts. Customers can enjoy a wide variety of flavors, including pistachio lemon old fashioned and La Stan croissant donut, which are well-balanced and not overly sweet. The staff is friendly and helpful, and the atmosphere is family-friendly and fun.
In addition to donuts, Stan’s Donuts & Coffee also serves breakfast sandwiches, frozen lemonade, frozen hot chocolate, coffee, espresso, and juices. The seating is limited, but customers can easily find a table, and many tables have electrical outlets for charging devices. The shop is open until 8 pm, making it a great spot for a late afternoon snack or dessert.
Overall, Stan’s Donuts & Coffee is a great place to stop by if you’re in the area and looking for a sweet treat. The donuts are huge and delicious, and the staff is accommodating, offering free coffee when the donuts are sold out. The selection of donuts and baked goods is impressive, and the prices are reasonable for the quality and size of the treats. Whether you’re in the mood for a breakfast sandwich or a frozen lemonade, Stan’s Donuts & Coffee is definitely worth a visit.
Artopolis Bakery & Cafe
Address: 306 S Halsted St, Chicago, IL 60661
Phone: +1 (312) 559-9000
Details: $$, Bakery
Artopolis Bakery & Cafe is a delightful spot in Greektown, Chicago, offering an impressive selection of pastries, desserts, and beverages. The bakery has a cozy and colorful atmosphere, with a bakery and bar/coffee shop on the other side, making it a perfect place to grab a sweet treat and coffee or to study. The staff is friendly, attentive, and eager to help customers in picking out different desserts.
The bakery’s menu boasts a wide variety of desserts and pastries, including chocolate mousse cake, strawberry shortcake, walnut baklava, bougatsa, and an assortment of cookies. The desserts are delicious, generously portioned, and reasonably priced. The coffee is also a highlight, with hand-crafted iced and hot coffee and chai drinks. The kitchen is open to the dining area, creating a show in and of itself, and the daily specials are displayed in the glass showcase that separates the kitchen from the dining area.
The bakery has limited seating but is a great place to relax, people-watch, and enjoy a light meal. Customers can choose to sit wherever they want, and water is available for self-service. Artopolis Bakery & Cafe is family-owned, authentic, and highly recommended by customers who appreciate the positive vibes and engaging conversations with the staff. Whether you want to grab a pastry to-go or spend some quality time at the bakery, Artopolis Bakery & Cafe is a must-visit spot in Greektown, Chicago.
Cafe Selmarie
Address: 4729 N Lincoln Ave, Chicago, IL 60625
Phone: +1 (773) 989-5595
Details: $$, American restaurant
Cafe Selmarie is a Euro-style cafe/bakery located in Chicago’s Lincoln Square neighborhood, offering upscale American comfort food and a vast array of fresh pastries and desserts. The bakery is the star of the show, with every sweet treat from pumpkin bread to cinnamon buns, banana eclairs, and salted caramel brownies. The ambiance is excellent, and the service is always excellent, with friendly and attentive staff.
The menu at Cafe Selmarie is extensive, with breakfast, lunch, and dinner options. The breakfast menu includes corned beef hash and cinnamon roll griddlecakes, and the lunch menu features tomato bisque, BBQ pulled pork, and turkey and brie sandwiches. For dinner, the recommended dishes are chicken pot pie and salmon. The bakery is outstanding, with signature tortes like raspberry Bavarian cream, Black Forest, and Spanish almond, fruit tortes, cheesecakes, cupcakes, pastries, pies, tarts, cookies, and breakfast pastries.
Customers can order online for carryout or delivery, then pick up their order at the bakery counter inside the cafe. The prices are reasonable, and the portions are generous. The bakery is open later than most bakeries, making it a perfect spot to satisfy your sweet tooth after dinner. Cafe Selmarie is a cozy place to hang out, with kind and helpful staff who are always willing to suggest their favorite desserts. The cafe/bakery is all things to all people, offering delicious food, pastries, desserts, and coffee.
Sugar Bliss
Address: 122 S Wabash Ave, Chicago, IL 60603
Phone: +1 (312) 845-9669
Details: $, Bakery
Sugar Bliss is a sweet surprise located on the Wabash side of The Palmer House Hotel in Chicago. The bright, welcoming interior and white and pink décor make for a trendy and cute atmosphere. The staff is very friendly and helpful, and the cupcakes are some of the best in Chicago.
The menu at Sugar Bliss is extensive, with regular size and mini cupcakes in many varieties. The icing is especially excellent, and the cupcakes come in a cute little box, making them perfect for a quick dessert on the go. The bakery also offers cake pops, French macarons, and an unusual selection of bars and brownies.
Customers can call ahead for large or specialty orders, but it’s also a great place to stop and pick up a quick dessert. The cupcakes are so yummy that customers often come back for more. Even for a non-dessert person, the macarons are a must-try, with subtle differences but just as good as those in London. Sugar Bliss is a great find under the EL on Wabash St, and a spectacular place to satisfy your sweet tooth in Chicago.
Chicago is undoubtedly a dessert lover’s paradise, with so many delicious and unique options to choose from. Whether you’re in the mood for a classic slice of cake or something more innovative, these dessert places in Chicago won’t disappoint. From the cozy and intimate atmosphere of Mindy’s Hot Chocolate to the trendy and Instagram-worthy Black Dog Gelato, there’s something for everyone. So next time you’re in Chicago, be sure to check out some of these amazing dessert spots and indulge in some sweet treats!
