Mentioned by Spoon University
50 Epic Desserts to Eat in Chicago Before You Die
"West LoopWhen this West Loop pioneer opened back in 2003, the elegant yet approachable eatery quickly made a name for itself thanks to sleek communal tables, a forward-thinking wine list, and, most importantly, the juiciest medjool date dish the Midwest had ever encountered. Plump dates undergo the full hog treatment here, plied with spiced chorizo sausage before being wrapped in a thick slab of bacon, fired until crisp and crackling, and doused in a warm piquillo pepper tomato sauce that practically demands a hunk of good, freshly baked bread. Don’t think, just order.How to book: Reserve via Tock or order take-out and delivery via DoorDash, GrubHub, and Caviar."
"The 21st century pandemic has caused too many restaurants to put up the padlocks, however, some have managed to successfully shift to delivery and take-out exclusively. One of note is the trailblazing Mediterranean restaurant, avec, offering take-out for the first time from classic small dishes such as bacon-wrapped Medjool dates and potato and salted cod brandade with garlic bread and chives to their bestselling "around the world" wine dinners..."
"Like your mom and Wrigley Field, just because they've been around for a while, it doesn't mean they've lost a bit of luster. The Mediterranean-meets-the-Midwest avec has been a Chicago favorite for 16 years despite the hundreds of upstarts that come and go in the West Loop. And with good reason."
"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."
"I’ll admit, the decor of this place is what initially sucked me in – but I kept going back because off their Breakfast Tostadas. I’ve tried a few other things there, but nothing beats those tostadas!. Crunchy and a little spicy and a yolk that spills everywhere?"
"American , Bakery/Cafe"
"A South Side breakfast staple has been reborn have a two-year hiatus. Ms. Biscuit has an illustrious history that started in Woodlawn before moving to Washington Park. Ms. Biscuit reopened in early March and while Chicago isn’t known for its biscuits, this neighborhood stalwart serves biscuits that would make a southerner blush."
"After a two-year hiatus, this popular South Side eatery has returned. Now run by the family of the original owners, Bob and Juanita Johnson, Ms. Biscuit serves terrific buttery biscuits and a host of breakfast staples like skillets, omelets, waffles, pancakes, and more. View this post on Instagram"
"Street Food delivery spots are open as early as 8am in Chicago. Consider ordering from Taqueria Mi Linda Hacienda in Kelvyn Grove for your early order, or enter your delivery address to browse the places that are open and available near you."
"The Crepe Shop has the best crepes in the city, but did you know that their coffee is equally impressive?. They have a handful of flavored lattes on the menu, and they all taste excellent. It’s a one-stop-shop for breakfast/brunch, and they have the cutest space."
"A post shared by Insomnia Cookies (@insomniacookies) on Jul 17, 2019 at 12:04pm PDT. If even picking up cookies is low on your to-do list, Insomnia Cookies comes to the rescue. This chain specializes in late-night cookie delivery (yes, you read that right), including sugar cookies, double chocolate mint cookies and drool-worthy smores cookies."
"Insomnia cookies are next on this list of the best desserts in Chicago. Cookies are the perfect addition to any day, so why not stop by Insomnia Cookies for an ice cream sandwich fix?. Unlike some other joints that offer ice cream sandwiches, Insomnia Cookies lets you customize your treat every step of the way!"
"6 locations in and near the city; Online: insomniacookies.com. View this post on Instagram. A post shared by Defloured Bakery (@deflouredbakery) on Aug 4, 2019 at 8:26am PDT"
"It doesn’t get any more old school than Chicago’s oldest family-owned bakery, which has been servicing Humboldt Park sweet tooths since 1911. As a specialty, Roeser’s offers low-glycemic options for birthday boys and girls who could benefit from reduced sugar, carbs and calories. Follow the bakery’s iconic neon sign to find cakes baked using recipes perfected over 4 generations with culinary skills to decorate to any theme you could possibly imagine, including a wide variety of licensed character cakes."
"Restaurants Bakeries Humboldt Park. One of Chicago’s oldest family-run businesses has operated out of the same storefront, distinguished today by its vertical neon sign and quaint painted lady facade, since its establishment in 1911. Today it’s a good all-arounder, with doughnuts and danish for breakfast, and a wide selection of cake slices and cookies (many in Chicago sports team motifs) for dessert."
"Roeser’s Bakery is the ancient family-owned bakery still in the same location in Chicago. They are now in their fourth generation, with John C. Roeser IV leading the way. They are truly passionate about what they do, you can see it in the wide variety of products they offer."
"Noble SquareAfter meeting at a vegan ice cream shop in Austin, Dylan Sutcliff and Mariana Marinho made their way to Chicago to open this Noble Square newcomer specializing in all things vegan soft serve (plus a medley of housemade cones and locally sourced toppings). Sweets aren’t the only thing the duo takes seriously—sustainability and ethics play a vital role here, as evidenced by higher employee pay, no animal-based products, and no questionable ingredients. Those efforts yield a cone you can feel as good about buying as you do about eating.How to book: Stop by for counter service."
"Does vegan soft serve taste just like cow’s milk soft serve?. No, and we’re not going to pretend it does. But it can still be rich and delicious, as proven by Vaca’s Creamery in Bucktown."
"Little ItalyThis Japanese-influenced dessert destination brings pillowy soft serve adorned with edible gold and silver leaf, colorful flavored cones, and crave-worthy boba and milk tea to the heart of Little Italy. And the cozy, sundrenched scoop shop is as slickly decorated as the ice cream it dishes up, with large-scale cartoon sketches lining the white walls and brilliant neon illuminating the front window. Keep an eye on their social media channels for news on the forthcoming Wicker Park spot, too.How to book: Stop by for counter service, order take-out online, or get delivery via Caviar."
"This new spot in Mckinley Park has incredibly creamy soft serve, ice cream, melon pan ice cream sandwiches, and boba tea. The flavors change, but you’ll find not-too-sweet varieties like taro, red bean, sesame, milk tea, and earl grey. And one of our favorite things here is the messy boba - your choice of soft serve topped with boba in a cup."
"Must Try:Banana Split If you are a chocolate lover, look no further than the Ghirardelli Chocolate Shop located just steps from Michigan Avenue. Moments after entering, you will be offered samples of the fine chocolates to get your taste buds ready for the decadent dessert you are about to indulge in. Here, they serve ice cream sundaes large enough for four to share with toppings like hot fudge, caramel sauce, fresh strawberries, and homemade brownies."
"James Beard Award-winning pastry chef Mindy Segal is the Cookie Queen of Chicago, and whether you grab a cookie from her Hot Chocolate Bakery at Revival Food Hall or from the cookie jars at her Damen Avenue mother ship, you will not be disappointed. Rugelach, Brownie Krinkles, and Snickerdoodles are particular faves."
"This San Francisco chocolate company sells some of the best chocolate squares in the country, however their ice cream creations are just as good, if not better. Grab a cone or milkshake while shopping on Michigan Avenue or sit and enjoy a sundae by the river."
"Mario Tricoci Hair Salons & Day Spas is a family-owned Chicago-based business offering skin care and spa services in addition to haircuts, styling and color services. Operating in 14 locations around the Chicagoland area, Mario's team has been clipping and styling hair, massaging and treating skin for 40 years. One of the latest options is the RevitaPen facial, a cutting edge service that enhances product absorption for visible, instant results."
"Tucked away on the lower floor of 900 North Michigan Avenue, the cornflower-blue Mario Tricoci Spa team is quietly eradicating stress and defying the ravages of time. Massages are sturdy. Waxing, tanning, and nail services are flawless."
"This Bucktown/Wicker Park spa reopened at the beginning of the month. A mask is required if you want to take care of their treatments, which are all custom blended with essential oils, vitamins and minerals, and plant extracts to fit your needs best. Related Article:6 Chicago Stereotypes That Are False"
"As the name suggests, if you want to soak yourself in essential oils, vitamins, minerals, and plant extracts then Spa Soak is the place to be. The aim of this spa is to refresh you mentally, physically and spiritually. They offer a wide range of massages, facials, body treats, wax treatments and more."