Best Bakery and Cake Shops in Western Springs

"The fried egg salad on an everything bagel–seasoned crumpet is reason enough to visit Little Goat Diner. Owned by Stephanie Izard, who also runs Girl and the Goat and Duck Duck Goat, Little Goat is one of the best places in town for an unfussy yet deeply thoughtful meal. With elevated diner classics (a kimchi-slathered Reuben, a goat burger, a sundae dripping with apple cider vinegar caramel), and mainstays like corned beef hash and cinnamon buns, it’s an ideal spot to bring families made up of both picky and adventurous eaters."

"American , Diner ,  Bakery/Cafe"

"Located on the Northside in Lincoln Park, Summer House Santa Monica comes from our friends at the ever-growing Lettuce Entertain You Restaurant group. There’s a front patio, but the whole vibe is like you’re outdoors. With whitewashed wood walls, gauzy white curtains, and a huge atrium in the middle open to clouds and sun, there is so much natural light in here, it truly feels like  you are in Santa Monica."

"Even in the depths of winter this Lincoln Park restaurant is full of sunshine and joy. Channeling its inner Cali, the food here is light and bright – ahi tuna and watermelon tostadas, handmade local burrata and fresh salads. The kids’ menu mirrors that with fresh berries accompanying most dishes."

"Never again choose between a chocolate-chip cookie and a Rice Krispie treat. This slightly salty and super-fudgy cookie is studded with chunks of the classic bar. The whole thing is massive, yet you’ll find yourself refusing to share."

"Restaurants Bakeries Lincoln Park. They had us at hello, those dreamy, creamy cupcakes. (Us and every other Chicagoan with taste buds.) This sweet-as-can-be bakeshop may have cornered the local market with its simple little chocolate and yellow cakes slathered in a colorful array of buttercreams, but there’s much more to salivate over here."

"When you hit up Sweet Mandy B’s you can’t fight the urge to slow the pace and plant yourself to savor whatever treasure you find in the glass encasement and soak up the old-school nostalgia. One taste of their icing will have you wishing you had a vat full and a giant spoon. Call the bakery or stop in to place your special cake order and enjoy the warmth the pastel colors and old-fashioned decor evokes."

"Yes, this is slightly biased because it’s my favorite bakery in the country, but I promise this is by far the best bakery in Chicago. All of your baked good dreams are fulfilled here. There is not a single bad item on the menu."

"Stan’s embraces the vintage vibe of a classic donut shop, with a modern spin. They’ve perfected the classics (glazed old fashioneds, cinnamon sugar cake donuts, massive apple fritters) and added in some of their own creations (peanut butter pockets, croissant-donut hybrids, and gluten-free options). Find the one closest to you here"

"In addition to a wide array of donuts (everything from Glazed to Nutella Banana Pockets), Stan’s Donuts also serves up gelato, shakes and Intelligentsia coffee. Stop by to take in the fun, retro vibe and order one of their most popular creations – Lemon Pistachio Old Fashioned."

"Stan’s Donuts are next on our list of the best desserts in Chicago. Stan’s Donuts is a classic choice for desserts in Chicago, and they’re seriously delicious too!. In fact, if you ask any local Chicagoans they’ll probably have heard of Stan’s Donuts!"

"Tucked away to the left of the cupcakes is a tiny ice cream display in this cupcake shop. All their ice cream is homemade and the cookie sandwiches and cupcake shakes are the perfect combination of ice cream and your favorite baked goods."

"We won’t lie to you and say these macarons are the most Instagram worthy of those listed here, but we all know you should never judge a book by its cover. Chef Toni’s signature macarons offer some of the most unique flavors we’ve heard of, including strawberry lemonade, made fresh at the cafe on Washington Street. What we love most about this patisserie is its option to create your own custom order."

"West Town Bakery blends urban street art and music in creating delicious pastries. Using unique techniques and ingredients, they have perfected making colorful and artistic loaves of bread, pastries, coffees, and cakes. With their all-natural ingredients, they can especially bake vegan, nut free, soy free, gluten-free, and dairy-free cakes suitable for the required diet of every individual."

"This Michael Mina-run brasserie may be inside the luxe Waldorf Astoria hotel, but that doesn’t make it a stuffy affair. Just keep an eye out for the “Chariot de Rosé”—a roving bar cart of rosé hand-picked by the somms. Diners are a mix of done-up travelers and foodies looking for a quiet, civilized meal (though they’re as amped as twenty-somethings at a taco truck to tuck into Michael Mina's classic French preparations)."

"Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing. Visit Margeaux brasserie and experience classic, French dining at its best. Nestled on the third floor of The Waldorf Astoria Chicago, this restaurant features an exotic menu filled with exquisite food devoted to retaining the classic French vibe while the bar is filled with a dynamic cocktail menu."

"The extra-light macarons served at Pierrot Gourmet can only be described as very moreish. The European-style bakery and cafe found on East Superior Street inside the Peninsula Hotel, which also boasts a terrace eatery, just like theseother great bars and restaurants with rooftops in Chicago. Pierrot Gourmet is home to a range of fabulous baked goods, including macarons, which are said to pair perfectly with a specialty coffee or a glass of wine."

"Fancy and intricate French dishes are always a pleasure but sometimes all you need is a cup of coffee, a croissant, and prime views. This all-day café inside the Peninsula offers a casual setting that’s ripe for people-watching in the heart of downtown. Though the menu includes items like tarte flambée, boeuf bourguignon, and duck cassoulet, the restaurant’s bakery is its biggest standout."

"It’s part of the Chicago Peninsula hotel and offers authentic Parisian vibes. They have both indoor seating as well as an outdoor patio, adorned with flowers, located in a prime people watching spot in the city. It is incredibly charming."

"For theatre lovers, check out a performance at The Chicago Theatre. If you feel like doing an activity, head to 10pin Bowling Lounge under the Marina Towers north of the Chicago River. They offer a selection of beers and upscale snacks."

"Based on Navy Pier, this adored non-profit theatre company has done as much as anyone to help keep Chicago on the cultural map over the last 30 years. In short order the theatre has earned three Laurence Olivier Awards, as well as a regional Tony in 2008. Its main aim is to introduce people to the works of William Shakespeare, through school tours, summer plays in parks and productions at its own majestic venue, adding up to 600 performances a year."

"Another way to enjoy some family fun in Chicago is at the Chicago Shakespeare Theater. This might seem like an odd recommendation for a holiday with kids, but the showcases put up at this theater also include several kid-friendly productions. There are special abridged versions of the classic plays for the younger ones and students to enjoy."