Best Bakeries, Donuts and Sweet Treats
We have a big sweet tooth here at Burbs Explored. Luckily the Chicago suburbs are home to plenty of spots making delicious treats and baked goods. From artisanal bakeries crafting fresh pastries and breads to donut shops serving up creative and classic flavors, there’s no shortage of places to satisfy your sweet tooth. Whether you’re after a perfectly flaky croissant, a decadent cupcake, or a dozen donuts for the weekend, these suburban bakeries and sweet shops have you covered. Check out our list of favorite spots below.
NORTH SHORE
Bennison’s Bakery
A North Shore institution since 1938, Bennison’s is a full service bakery with an emphasis on European style pastries, cookies, breads and custom decorated cakes. We love their croissants, danishes and sourdough bread. If you can’t make it to Evanston, you can find them at several Farmer’s Markets around the area.
Buck Russell’s
Part of Ballyhoo Hospitality, which runs popular North Shore spots like Pomeroy and Sophia Steak along with several great Chicago restaurants. Buck Russell’s is half bakery and half sandwich shop, but the bakery can stand on its own. They offer a variety of layer cakes, cupcakes, cookies, homemade ice cream, bars, and more, which all are delicious and made fresh daily.
Hewn Bakery
Named one of the best bakeries in America by Food & Wine and listed among the Best Bread Bakeries in America by Food Network, Hewn has a long list of well deserved accolades. From their incredible breads to their delicious pastries, baked goods and sandwiches, you can’t go wrong at Hewn. If you want the full selection, make sure to visit their Evanston Bakery.
Locations in Evanston, Libertyville and Winnetka (see map for details)
Tags Bakery
The Evanston institution and family-owned bakery has been making delicious cakes, cookies, pastries, and their famous florentines for over 85 years. A go-to North Shore spot for custom cakes and seasonal treats. Be sure to also check out their cafe, which opened in 2018, for a tasty breakfast or lunch.
That Little French Guy
Discover a little taste of France in Highland Park where the chef brings his experience working at some of Paris’s top bakeries to life through his decadent pastries and baked goods. Everything from the chocolate croissants to the crusty baguettes and French macarons are delicious. The charming space with friendly service also offers a great menu of breakfast and lunch options.
Three Tarts Bakery
A local favorite offering everything from cakes and pies to fresh baked breads and cookies. Our personal favorite is their seasonal pies, but everything we have tried is delicious. They also are great spot to pick up breakfast or lunch. Be sure to try their Quiche Lorraine.
NORTHWEST SUBURBS
Ambrosia Euro American Pâtisserie
A hidden gem in Barrington that feels like you are stepping into a European cafe. For over 30 years, they have been producing some of the best gourmet cakes, pastries, baked goods and confections in the burbs. We go for their pastries and baked goods, but they also have great coffee, a small marketplace of artisan products and wines, and offer custom cakes and desserts.
Smallcakes
If you are looking for delicious, perfectly baked cupcakes, check out Smallcakes in the Arboretum of South Barrington. You can’t go wrong with any of their flavors but we do recommend trying their “famous” red velvet and wedding cupcake. They also offer ice cream and custom cakes for your next event or party.
Stan’s Donuts
Stan’s was one of the first places to kick off the donut craze that is still going strong and consistently ranks among the best donut shops across Chicagoland. They offer a wide variety of flavors including the classics, creative flavors and several vegan and gluten-free options. Be sure to try their signature Le Stan Croissant Donut which is one of our favorites.
Locations in Schaumburg and Naperville (see map for details)
WESTERN SUBURBS
Beatrix
This popular Lettuce Entertain You spot in the city has one suburb location in Oak Brook where they have a full-service restaurant along with a solid bakery and coffeehouse. A great place to start your morning with a coffee and pastry, or to stop by for your afternoon pick-me-up with a latte and cookie.
The Bellbird Bakeshop
The amazing bakery from husband-and-wife team that honed their skills at James Beard and Michelin star restaurants in Chicago. Everything from their bread and pastries to their cakes and treats are both beautiful and delicious. Whether you go sweet or savory, make sure to try one of their croissants if you go.
Dear Donuts
The viral sensation lives up to the hype. Dear Donuts makes delicious brioche donuts in a variety of flavors using high quality ingredients. Get there early if you want the full selection with many flavors selling out daily and don’t be surprised if you have to wait in line.
Do-Rite Donuts
Our favorite donut shop in the city has a few shops in the suburbs. Not only do they offer some of the best donuts around but you can grab a fried chicken or breakfast sandwich while there as well. They offer some unique flavors but we love the classics like the chocolate old fashioned and cinnamon crunch raised donuts.
Locations in New Lenox and Tinley Park (see map for details)
Firecakes
Inspired by the owner’s great-grandfather William “Billy” Hobbs, a baker known for his "firecakes" that fueled Wisconsin loggers, Firecakes Donuts crafts its treats from Billy’s original recipe. Named one of the best donuts in the country by Condé Nast Traveler, Firecakes uses locally sourced products and unique ingredients to create cult favorites like birthday cake, pistachio old fashioned, Boston crème, and orange poppyseed.
Publican Quality Bread
Helmed by James Beard Winning baker Greg Wade, Publican Quality Bread is a must try spot that makes not only incredible breads, pastries, and baked goods, but also fantastic sandwiches and pizzas. The restaurant is part of One Off Hospitality, who is behind some of the top restaurants in Chicago (Avec, Big Star, The Publican).
