Best Dessert in Downtown Chicago

"In addition to their mouthwatering artisanal Hall of Fame donuts which include flavors like Butterscotch Praline, Peppermint Hot Chocolate, Maple Glazed Pineapple & Bacon, Caramel Apple Cider, Rum Cake, and Peanut Butter and Jelly. Just check out their website because all of the flavors are amazing!. Firecakes whip up ice cream donut concoctions that your sweet tooth could never even dream of."

"Chicagoans really can’t be kept apart from their sandwiches. Trust us, ice cream was meant to be served in the middle of a doughnut. #SpoonTip: Firecakes will close if they run out of doughnuts, so make sure you don’t try to go too late."

"The fast-casual eatery by MasterChef’s Fabio Viviani has recently reopened its walk-up window in the West Loop with a brand new seasonal menu that will shake your summer right up with mouthwatering cups of Frozé, irresistible gelato shakes and their brand new Italian ice slushies. The bar even has released a vegan, summer version of their famous hot chocolates that looks so amazing its no wonder they call it “The Choc of the Town”."

"Bar Siena's walk-up dessert window, BomboBar, offers a riff on doughnuts - the "bomboloni" - an Italian hole-less doughnut Top Chef alum Fabio Viviani serves at his restaurants, Siena Tavern and Bar Siena. It's the specialty of the house at BomboBar and works wonderfully in the West Loop for dessert or post-party hunger pangs. Order one, four, six or a dozen and any of six rotating custard flavors that you inject into the doughnut."

"Bombo, short for bombolone, is an Italian doughnut filled with jelly or cream. With their cookies and cream bombo, you get the best of both worlds."

"Given that Sweet Mandy B's and Floriole are the charming bakeries sharing the same block and producing some of the best baked goods in the city -- let alone, their neighborhood -- we couldn't recognize one without the other. Washed in pastel hues and equipped with a pastry display bursting with colorful cookies and cupcakes, Sweet Mandy B's is a veritable sugar fiend's fairytale. Floriole plays it a bit more simple, with an airy space conducive to working while you munch on European pastries, like almond-y gateau Basque, pain au chocolat, and a variety of scones; don't forget to pick up a loaf of fresh-baked bread on your way out."

"This Lincoln Park shop is sure to charm anyone with a cupcake tooth. The adorable old-fashioned charmer sells pies, cookies, and other sweet baked treats, but the cupcakes and cakes are perhaps the best in Chicago, coming in traditional flavors and creative seasonal varieties worthy of regular visits."

"Pastel frosting and rainbow sprinkles may make you write this one off as kid stuff, but the bakery’s exemplary buttercream is plenty grown-up—lush and never tooth-achingly sweet. $3.25 for a four-inch version, 1208 W."

"We like going to Stan’s when we want a lot of variety or a donut that sounds like it was created by an eight-year-old. For example, they have a caramel marshmallow, Cap’n crunch, and our personal favorite, the biscoff (a.k.a. cookie butter-filled) pocket. If you don’t feel like feeding your inner child, consider ordering something like their pretzel-glazed or the pistachio old fashioned."

"Stan's Donuts has quickly become a Chicago icon with decadent flavored donuts, cookies and delicious beverages. They are currently open every day for takeout and delivery."

"Amazing is the first word that comes to mind when describing these doughnuts (or donuts). We ordered an Apple fritter, glazed pretzel, cinnamon roll, and..."

"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."

"If you're going to create a space reminiscent of a particular time, place and spirit, 1920's Paris would be it. Margeaux Brasserie is Chef Michael Mina's "moveable feast" to double metaphor Hemingway's ode to the city of the 20's. The restaurant's traditional brasserie fare is enlivened by Midwestern ingredients and bonhomie."

"You can probably already tell that we love our cupcakes here in Chicago. More Cupcakes is known for their upscale environment and minimalist display. Stop by for delicious cupcakes with unique toppings."

"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."

"Each month, this West Loop gelato shop stocks its cases with its incredible array of gourmet signature and specialty flavors. At Black Dog, you’ll be able to enjoy intriguing, boundary-pushing flavors such as sweet corn and goat cheese cashew caramel. These are perfect if you’re feeling a little adventurous and want to expand the boundaries of your gelato connoisseurship!"

"A former pastry chef, Black Dog Gelato founder Jessica Oloroso now uses her knack for flavors to make artisanal gelato. Choose from favorites like goat cheese cashew caramel, strawberry balsamic, and chocolate coffee toffee, all handmade in small batches each day."

"Black Dog offers some of the most unique gelato flavors in Chicago. If you’re feeling adventurous, this is the only gelato place to go."

"The Field Museum of Natural History is one of the biggest natural history museums in the world. The Field Museum is considered a leader in its scientific and educational programming. The Field Museum's permanent collection includes more than 24 million different specimens, including fossils, meteorites, and gems."

"The Field Museum has come along way since 1893 when it was built for the World’s Columbian Exposition. This place is truly a natural history heaven with towering dinos, Egyptian tomb jewels, and so many more archaeological gems. It’s even home to the world’s largest T-Rex."

"The big thing to see these days is literally big: Maximo the Titanosaur, the largest dinosaur that ever lived. And, the world's most famous T. Rex, Sue, got the royal treatment with brand new digs on the 2nd floor."

"Taste some of the best craft beers from all around Chicago at Grand Central’s taproom, located in the West Loop. This contract brewery, which helps brewery clients with their production, also turns out its own small batch beers. Choose from 24 craft beer on taps, including local favorites include the Free Bird American pale ale from Begyle Brewing Company and Maplewood’s award-winning Charlatan APA. Great Central’s own offerings (available on draft and in cans) include a German-style Helles lager and citrusy hefeweizen."

"High up there on the other end of the Chicago spectrum, Old Irving resides just east of Portage Park and offers plenty of beers for all kinds of hops lovers. Favorites include the Being Ernest, a Hemingway-inspired Belgian tripel made in collaboration with Forbidden Fruit, Marz, Maplewood, and Off Color, and ‘Til Death, a Pilsner worthy of wedding bells. It’s homey and delightful and a perfect hideaway spot."

"Bars Breweries Portage Park. While you're munching on shishito peppers and charcuterie, the kids will be tucking into crispy chicken tenders, a cheeseburger or buttered noodles at this Irving Park brewery. All kids' meals are just $8 and include a drink and your choice of fries or fresh fruit."

"The food is often very kid-friendly, and parents can kick back with a few craft beers. Old Irving is no exception. It’s bright and spacious with plenty of room for squirmy little ones."

"If you are trying to figure out where to get craft beer in Chicago, Half Acre Beer Company has two brewery locations — one in Lincoln and one in Balmoral — and each is equipped with a taproom and kitchen. The Balmoral location has an outdoor beer garden, while the Lincoln location is where it all began. Their dedication to both time-honored classics and exciting special releases — all offered in colorful, aesthetically pleasing cans — makes Half Acre one of Chicago’s favorite local beers."

"The Half Acre Beer Company has two Chicago locations, one on Lincoln Avenue and the other on Balmoral. Both locations are similar in that they offer patrons both kitchens and taprooms. However, if you want to buy something from the gift shop, you’ll have to go to the Lincoln location."

"Unlike other dog beaches in Chicago, Belmont Harbor Dog Beach isn’t as crowded. And this beach is perfect to see how the dogs react to the beach for the first time. Nestled just a few minutes' walks away from Wrigley, Belmont Harbor Dog Beach has plenty of spaces for playing around, splashing in the waters, soaking up in the sun, and more."

"The name says it all, and if you don’t have a dog, don’t worry. You can watch the pups play in the water together. It’s a short walk from Wrigley and is a little quieter than Montrose."