Local finds · City guide no. 03
The giardiniera, sausage shops, spice barrels and bakery lines Chicagoans actually go out of their way for — each one named by a critic or food writer, with the source linked.
The icons
If you only try four, start here: a Spice House blend, Gene’s sausages, hot giardiniera and Intelligentsia Black Cat.
The Spice House
Barrels of every herb, root and spice, house blends and gift sets; they’ll order black lime or Indonesian cinnamon if it’s not in stock.
Picked by Courtney Sprewer, The Infatuation Chicago The Infatuation (opens source)
Where: 1512 N Wells St, Old Town
Gene’s Sausage Shop (50+ years)
Two floors of sausage, fresh bratwurst to ready-to-eat smoked, plus German kraut, bread, cheese and mustard.
Picked by Courtney Sprewer, The Infatuation Chicago The Infatuation (opens source)
Where: 4750 N Lincoln Ave, Lincoln Square
Chicago Johnny’s
The hot giardiniera ranked in our national giardiniera list, made for Italian beef.
Cited by John Kessler (Chicago magazine dining critic) chicagomag.com (opens source)
Also #2 in our national Giardiniera ranking
Where: Chicago grocers
Intelligentsia (founded in Chicago, 1995)
Chicago’s own roaster; Black Cat is the espresso blend ranked in our national espresso list.
Cited by Hunter Wren Miele (former barista, Tasting Table); Serious Eats tasting panel tastingtable.com (opens source)
Also #2 in our national Espresso beans ranking
Where: Intelligentsia cafes and grocers
01 · 3 finds
Hot giardiniera for Italian beef, the city’s yellow mustard, and an Uptown market with scotch bonnets.
Orlando
Another Chicago-style hot giardiniera from our national ranking.
Cited by John Kessler (Chicago magazine dining critic) chicagomag.com (opens source)
Also #1 in our national Giardiniera ranking
Where: Chicago grocers
Old World Market
African and Caribbean spices, sauces and produce for suya, jerk and stew, and one of the only places in the city with scotch bonnets.
Picked by Courtney Sprewer, The Infatuation Chicago The Infatuation (opens source)
Where: 5129 N Broadway, Uptown
Plochman’s (Chicago family company)
The Chicago mustard ranked in our national yellow mustard list.
Cited by Erin Zimmer (Serious Eats); Sarah Tramonte (Taste of Home) seriouseats.com (opens source)
Also #3 in our national Yellow mustard ranking
Where: Chicago grocers
02 · 25 finds
The croissant lines in Bucktown and West Town, and Korean-flavored pastry in Lakeview.
Bad Butter
Crunchy croissants and remixed savory pastries; grab a pretzel and the salsa macha monkey bread and eat on the 606.
Picked by The Infatuation Chicago editors The Infatuation (opens source)
Where: 1655 W Cortland St, Bucktown
Daeji Dough Company
A farmers-market stand turned bakery: seaweed tteokbokki croissants and shimeji focaccia glazed with bulgogi sauce.
Picked by The Infatuation Chicago editors The Infatuation (opens source)
Where: 1360 W Belmont Ave, Lakeview
Guillotine Bakery
Lines out the door for a many-layered cinnamon roll and a seeded baguette that practically demands a picnic.
“The seeded baguette is so flavorful it practically demands a picnic.”
Picked by The Infatuation Chicago editors The Infatuation (opens source)
Where: 1711 W Chicago Ave, West Town
Bar Tutto (Rose Mary team)
Tiny, crunchy hazelnut or prosciutto croissants and cream-filled bombolini.
Picked by Veda Kilaru, John Ringor & Nick Allen (The Infatuation) The Infatuation (opens source)
Where: 1110 W Carroll Ave
Cafe Yaya (from the Galit team)
Galit’s sibling cafe with excellent Middle Eastern baked goods.
Picked by Veda Kilaru, John Ringor & Nick Allen (The Infatuation) The Infatuation (opens source)
Where: 2431 N Lincoln Ave
Sugar Moon Bakery
A takeout bakery with a 25-person line before 9am.
Picked by Veda Kilaru, John Ringor & Nick Allen (The Infatuation) The Infatuation (opens source)
Where: 3612 W Wrightwood Ave
Kasama
The tasting-menu Filipino spot is a walk-in pastry cafe in the morning; get the serrano-raclette danish.
Picked by Veda Kilaru, John Ringor & Nick Allen (The Infatuation) The Infatuation (opens source)
Where: 1001 N Winchester Ave
Lost Larson
Mills its own flour for incredible breads and Scandinavian-leaning pastries.
Picked by Veda Kilaru, John Ringor & Nick Allen (The Infatuation) The Infatuation (opens source)
Where: 5318 N Clark St
Publican Quality Bread
The bakery that supplies The Publican, with a storefront of loaves and buckwheat chocolate croissants.
Picked by Veda Kilaru, John Ringor & Nick Allen (The Infatuation) The Infatuation (opens source)
Where: 1759 W Grand Ave
Au Levain Bakery & Cafe
Flaky croissants with the ideal sweet-to-buttery ratio.
Picked by Veda Kilaru, John Ringor & Nick Allen (The Infatuation) The Infatuation (opens source)
Where: 4301 N Lincoln Ave
Mindy’s Bakery (Mindy Segal)
A rotating encyclopedia of bread, and one of Chicago’s best bagels.
Picked by Veda Kilaru, John Ringor & Nick Allen (The Infatuation) The Infatuation (opens source)
Where: 1623 N Milwaukee Ave
Daisies
By day, a cafe to stock up on olive oil cakes, croissants and seasonal brioche.
Picked by Veda Kilaru, John Ringor & Nick Allen (The Infatuation) The Infatuation (opens source)
Where: 2375 N Milwaukee Ave
Loba Pastry and Coffee
A small-batch bakery of unconventional combos like white chocolate curry scones.
Picked by Veda Kilaru, John Ringor & Nick Allen (The Infatuation) The Infatuation (opens source)
Where: 3600 N Lincoln Ave
PopUp Bagels
Go for the bagel and cake — The Infatuation's top reasons to stop.
Picked by John Ringor & Nick Allen (The Infatuation) The Infatuation (opens source)
Where: 2321 N Lincoln Ave, Chicago, Illinois 60614
R&A Sourdough
Go for the sourdough, bagels and honey — The Infatuation's top reasons to stop.
Picked by John Ringor & Nick Allen (The Infatuation) The Infatuation (opens source)
Where: 1938 W Lawrence Ave, Chicago, IL 60640
Steingold's of Chicago
Go for the cheese and bagel — The Infatuation's top reasons to stop.
Picked by John Ringor & Nick Allen (The Infatuation) The Infatuation (opens source)
Where: 3737 N Southport Ave, Chicago, IL 60613
BroBagel
The Infatuation singles out the bagels, cheese and sandwiches; grab some to take home.
Picked by John Ringor & Nick Allen (The Infatuation) The Infatuation (opens source)
Where: 1931 W North Ave, Chicago, IL 60622
Mindy’s Bakery
Go for the bagels, cheese and challah — The Infatuation's top reasons to stop.
Picked by John Ringor & Nick Allen (The Infatuation) The Infatuation (opens source)
Where: 1623 N Milwaukee Ave , Chicago, IL 60647
The Bagelers Coffeehouse
The Infatuation singles out the bagels, chocolate and cheeses; grab some to take home.
Picked by John Ringor & Nick Allen (The Infatuation) The Infatuation (opens source)
Where: 2461 N Lincoln Ave, Chicago, IL 60614
Gotham Bagels
Go for the bagels, pumpernickel and cheese — The Infatuation's top reasons to stop.
Picked by John Ringor & Nick Allen (The Infatuation) The Infatuation (opens source)
Where: 520 S Plymouth Ct, Chicago, IL 60605
All Together Now
The Infatuation sends you here for the bagel, wine and cheese.
Picked by John Ringor & Nick Allen (The Infatuation) The Infatuation (opens source)
Where: 2119 W Chicago Ave, Chicago, IL 60622
Tilly Bagel Shop
Go for the sourdough, bagel and cheese — The Infatuation's top reasons to stop.
Picked by John Ringor & Nick Allen (The Infatuation) The Infatuation (opens source)
Where: 34 E Balbo Ave, Chicago, Illinois 60605
Bagel Miller
The Infatuation singles out the bagels and sandwiches; grab some to take home.
Picked by John Ringor & Nick Allen (The Infatuation) The Infatuation (opens source)
Where: 4655 N Lincoln Ave, Chicago, IL 60625
El Bagelero
Per The Infatuation, the move is the bagels, cheese and sandwiches.
Picked by John Ringor & Nick Allen (The Infatuation) The Infatuation (opens source)
Where: 1961 N Western Ave, Chicago, Illinois 60647
Beans & Bagels
The Infatuation sends you here for the bagels, bialy and cheeses.
Picked by John Ringor & Nick Allen (The Infatuation) The Infatuation (opens source)
Where: 2601 W Leland Ave, Chicago, IL 60625
03 · 15 finds
Lincoln Square sausage, Polish kielbasa, house sausages and sashimi-grade fish.
The Butcher & Larder
Locally sourced meat, housemade smoked and fresh sausages, lamb shanks, tomahawks, marrow and animal fat.
Picked by Courtney Sprewer, The Infatuation Chicago The Infatuation (opens source)
Where: 1427 W Willow St Ste 3
Lawrence Fish Market (cash only)
A cash-only counter of sushi-grade tuna, salmon, hamachi, unagi and uni, with sashimi platters to pre-order.
Picked by Courtney Sprewer, The Infatuation Chicago The Infatuation (opens source)
Where: 3914 W Lawrence Ave
Slotkowski
A Chicago Polish sausage name ranked in our national kielbasa list.
Cited by Sara Haas (Allrecipes) allrecipes.com (opens source)
Also #2 in our national Kielbasa ranking
Where: Chicago grocers
Carniceria Guanajuato
Fresh meat and seafood, plus a taqueria in back for when you don’t feel like cooking.
Picked by Courtney Sprewer, The Infatuation Chicago The Infatuation (opens source)
Where: 1438 N Ashland Ave
Wixter Market
Sushi-grade and flash-frozen fish from an owner happy to talk sourcing and recipes.
Picked by Courtney Sprewer, The Infatuation Chicago The Infatuation (opens source)
Where: 2110 W Division St
Sanders BBQ Supply Co.
One of The Infatuation's picks for the best barbecue and meat in Chicago.
Picked by Adrian Kane & John Ringor (The Infatuation) The Infatuation (opens source)
Where: 1742 W 99th St, Chicago, Illinois 60643
Lem's Bar-B-Q
The Infatuation's pick for ribs to take home.
Picked by Adrian Kane & John Ringor (The Infatuation) The Infatuation (opens source)
Where: 311 E 75th St, Chicago, IL 60619
Soul & Smoke Avondale
One of The Infatuation's picks for the best barbecue and meat in Chicago.
Picked by Adrian Kane & John Ringor (The Infatuation) The Infatuation (opens source)
Where: 3057 N Rockwell St, Chicago, IL 60618
Bell Heir's BBQ
Go for the smoked turkey and cheese — The Infatuation's top reasons to stop.
Picked by Adrian Kane & John Ringor (The Infatuation) The Infatuation (opens source)
Where: 704 W 47th St, Chicago, IL 60609
Smoque BBQ
The Infatuation singles out the brisket and ribs; grab some to take home.
Picked by Adrian Kane & John Ringor (The Infatuation) The Infatuation (opens source)
Where: 3800 N Pulaski Rd, Chicago, IL 60641
Green Street Smoked Meats
Go for the ribs, pulled pork and pie — The Infatuation's top reasons to stop.
Picked by Adrian Kane & John Ringor (The Infatuation) The Infatuation (opens source)
Where: 112 N Green St, Chicago, IL 60607
Babygold Barbecue
The Infatuation singles out the ribs, beans and brisket; grab some to take home.
Picked by Adrian Kane & John Ringor (The Infatuation) The Infatuation (opens source)
Where: 6613 Roosevelt Rd, Berwyn, Illinois 60402
Lexington Betty Smokehouse
Per The Infatuation, the move is the pulled pork and cheese.
Picked by Adrian Kane & John Ringor (The Infatuation) The Infatuation (opens source)
Where: 756 E 111th St, Chicago, IL 60628
The Slab
Per The Infatuation, the ribs is the reason to go.
Picked by Adrian Kane & John Ringor (The Infatuation) The Infatuation (opens source)
Where: 1918 E 71st St, Chicago, IL 60649
Honey 1 BBQ
The Infatuation singles out the honey, ribs and pulled pork; grab some to take home.
Picked by Adrian Kane & John Ringor (The Infatuation) The Infatuation (opens source)
Where: 746 E 43rd St, Chicago, IL 60653
04 · 37 finds
Old Town’s spice and oil shops, Ethiopian berbere, Korean staples and Pilsen’s one-stop market.
Kukulu Market
A small Ethiopian market with a fantastic berbere, hard-to-find lentils and grains, and sourdough starter for injera.
Picked by Courtney Sprewer, The Infatuation Chicago The Infatuation (opens source)
Where: 6129 N Broadway, Edgewater
Joong Boo Market
Korean pantry staples, gochujang, gochugaru and kimchi, plus teas, a butcher, a fishmonger and giant wang mandoo.
Picked by Courtney Sprewer, The Infatuation Chicago The Infatuation (opens source)
Where: 3333 N Kimball Ave, Avondale
Gio’s Cafe & Deli
A small Italian grocery and deli with fresh sausage and pasta, housemade giardiniera and Italian specialty goods.
Picked by Courtney Sprewer, The Infatuation Chicago The Infatuation (opens source)
Where: 2724 S Lowe Ave, Bridgeport
Old Town Oil
Infused oils and vinegars in metal canisters, sampled and sold by weight, down the street from The Spice House.
Picked by Courtney Sprewer, The Infatuation Chicago The Infatuation (opens source)
Where: 1543 N Wells St, Old Town
Paulette’s Public Market (Black-owned)
A Pilsen one-stop shop of groceries, sweets and dried goods, with a deli case of salads, sandwiches and take-and-bake meals.
Picked by Courtney Sprewer, The Infatuation Chicago The Infatuation (opens source)
Where: 1221 W 18th St, Pilsen
La Casa del Pueblo
Produce, fresh and deli meats and Mexican products, with tamale vendors outside year-round.
Picked by Courtney Sprewer, The Infatuation Chicago The Infatuation (opens source)
Where: 1834 S Blue Island Ave, Pilsen
HarvesTime
A neighborhood grocer since the ’90s: house deli salads, the good mustard, olives and little pickles.
Picked by Courtney Sprewer, The Infatuation Chicago The Infatuation (opens source)
Where: 2632 W Lawrence Ave
Park To Shop Supermarket
A huge range of Chinese spices, herbs and condiments for dan dan noodles or mapo tofu.
Picked by Courtney Sprewer, The Infatuation Chicago The Infatuation (opens source)
Where: 2425 S Wallace St
Au Cheval: Fried Bologna Sandwich
Eater singles out the cheese and buns; grab some to take home.
Picked by Eater editors (Eater) Eater (opens source)
Where: 800 W Randolph St, Chicago, IL 60607
The Bagel: Francheezie
Per Eater, the move is the bagel, cheese and bacon.
Picked by Eater editors (Eater) Eater (opens source)
Where: 3107 N Broadway St, Chicago, IL 60657
Ba Le: Banh Mi
Eater singles out the banh mi and bun; grab some to take home.
Picked by Eater editors (Eater) Eater (opens source)
Where: 5014 N Broadway St, Chicago, IL 60640
Boeufhaus: Boeuf on Weck
Eater singles out the steaks and sandwiches; grab some to take home.
Picked by Eater editors (Eater) Eater (opens source)
Where: 1012 N Western Ave, Chicago, IL 60622
Borinquen Lounge: Jibarito
Eater sends you here for the cheese, steak and roast pork.
Picked by Eater editors (Eater) Eater (opens source)
Where: 3811 N Western Ave, Chicago, IL 60618
The Budlong: Nashville Hot Chicken
Go for the chicken and bun — Eater's top reasons to stop.
Picked by Eater editors (Eater) Eater (opens source)
Where: 1008 W Armitage Ave, Chicago, IL 60614
Cemitas Puebla: Cemita Atomica
Per Eater, the cheese is the reason to go.
Picked by Eater editors (Eater) Eater (opens source)
Where: 1321 E 57th St, Chicago, IL, 60637
The Duck Inn: Hamburger Sandwich
Per Eater, the cheese is the reason to go.
Picked by Eater editors (Eater) Eater (opens source)
Where: 2701 S Eleanor St, Chicago, IL 60608
Fabulous Freddies: Big Breaded Steak
Eater's pick for steak to take home.
Picked by Eater editors (Eater) Eater (opens source)
Where: 701 W 31st St, Chicago, IL 60616
Fat Johnnie's: Mother In Law
Eater's pick for bun to take home.
Picked by Eater editors (Eater) Eater (opens source)
Where: 7242 S Western Ave, Chicago, IL 60636
The Fat Shallot: Grilled Cheese
Eater singles out the cheese here.
Picked by Eater editors (Eater) Eater (opens source)
Where: 125 S Clark St, Chicago, IL 60603
Gio's Cafe & Deli: Ribeye Sandwich
Eater sends you here for the sandwiches and steak.
Picked by Eater editors (Eater) Eater (opens source)
Where: 2724 S Lowe Ave, Chicago, IL 60616
Home Of The Hoagy: Steak Sweet
Per Eater, the steak is the reason to go.
Picked by Eater editors (Eater) Eater (opens source)
Where: 1312 W 111th St, Chicago, IL 60643
Hopleaf Bar: CB&J
Go for the sandwiches, cheese and sourdough — Eater's top reasons to stop.
Picked by Eater editors (Eater) Eater (opens source)
Where: 5148 N Clark St, Chicago, IL 60640
Irazu: Pepito
Go for the steak, chicken and cheese — Eater's top reasons to stop.
Picked by Eater editors (Eater) Eater (opens source)
Where: 1865 N Milwaukee Ave, Chicago, IL 60647
J.P. Graziano Grocery Co.: Mr. G
Go for the prosciutto, salami and truffle — Eater's top reasons to stop.
Picked by Eater editors (Eater) Eater (opens source)
Where: 901 W Randolph St, Chicago, IL 60607
Johnnie's Beef: Italian Beef
One of Eater's picks for the best sandwich shops and delis in Chicago.
Picked by Eater editors (Eater) Eater (opens source)
Where: 7500 W North Ave, Elmwood Park, IL 60707
Manny's Cafeteria & Delicatessen: Corned Beef
Eater's pick for corned beef to take home.
Picked by Eater editors (Eater) Eater (opens source)
Where: 1141 S Jefferson St, Chicago, IL 60607
Maxwell Street Depot: Pork Chop
Go for the sandwiches and bun — Eater's top reasons to stop.
Picked by Eater editors (Eater) Eater (opens source)
Where: 411 W 31st St, Chicago, IL 60616
Monti's: Cheesesteak
Eater's pick for cheesesteaks to take home.
Picked by Eater editors (Eater) Eater (opens source)
Where: 4757 N Talman Ave, Chicago, IL 60625
90 Miles Cuban Cafe: Bistec Palomilla
Per Eater, the move is the sandwiches and steak.
Picked by Eater editors (Eater) Eater (opens source)
Where: 3101 N Clybourn Ave, Chicago, IL 60618
Nonna's: Chicken Parmesan
Eater singles out the chicken here.
Picked by Eater editors (Eater) Eater (opens source)
Where: 925 W Randolph St, Chicago, IL 60607
Pastoral: Blue Pig 'N Fig
Eater sends you here for the cheeses and tea.
Picked by Eater editors (Eater) Eater (opens source)
Where: 2945 N Broadway St, Chicago, IL 60657
Roister: Fried Chicken Sandwich
Eater singles out the chicken here.
Picked by Eater editors (Eater) Eater (opens source)
Where: 951 W Fulton Market, Chicago, IL 60607
Silver Palm: Three Little Pigs
Per Eater, the bacon is the reason to go.
Picked by Eater editors (Eater) Eater (opens source)
Where: 768 N Milwaukee Ave, Chicago, IL 60642
Smoque BBQ: Brisket Sandwich
Per Eater, the move is the brisket and bun.
Picked by Eater editors (Eater) Eater (opens source)
Where: 3800 N Pulaski Rd, Chicago, IL 60641
Sultan's Market: Falafel Sandwich
One of Eater's picks for the best sandwich shops and delis in Chicago.
Picked by Eater editors (Eater) Eater (opens source)
Where: 2057 W North Ave, Chicago, IL 60647
Taurus Flavors: Steak Supreme
Eater sends you here for the steak, hoagies and cheese.
Picked by Eater editors (Eater) Eater (opens source)
Where: 8534 S Stony Island Ave, Chicago, IL 60617
Xoco: Milanesa Torta
Eater singles out the chicken here.
Picked by Eater editors (Eater) Eater (opens source)
Where: 449 N Clark St, Chicago, IL 60654
05 · 48 finds
Avondale pastry from a local roaster.
Milli by Metric (Metric Coffee)
The local roaster’s cafe: a tea-ganache fig bun, a thyme raspberry eclair and a ham suisse, plus bags of Metric beans.
Picked by The Infatuation Chicago editors The Infatuation (opens source)
Where: 3110 N Kedzie Ave, Avondale
Sarima
Filipino and Indian pastry: calamansi and shrikhand donuts, kaju katli cookies.
Picked by Veda Kilaru, John Ringor & Nick Allen (The Infatuation) The Infatuation (opens source)
Where: 1924 W North Ave
Good Ambler
Macarons, kouign-amann and handmade chocolates in the Mondelēz HQ lobby.
Picked by Veda Kilaru, John Ringor & Nick Allen (The Infatuation) The Infatuation (opens source)
Where: 216 N Peoria St
Justice of the Pies
The city’s best key lime pie, with strawberries and basil; take a whole one.
Picked by Veda Kilaru, John Ringor & Nick Allen (The Infatuation) The Infatuation (opens source)
Where: 8655 S Blackstone Ave
Pan Artesanal Bakery
A weekend-only Mexican bakery that often sells out before noon.
Picked by Veda Kilaru, John Ringor & Nick Allen (The Infatuation) The Infatuation (opens source)
Where: 3724 W Fullerton Ave
Chiu Quon Bakery (40+ years, cash only)
Baked BBQ pork buns, sesame balls and flaky egg tarts.
Picked by Veda Kilaru, John Ringor & Nick Allen (The Infatuation) The Infatuation (opens source)
Where: 2253 S Wentworth Ave
Brown Sugar Bakery
An iconic South Side cake shop.
Picked by Veda Kilaru, John Ringor & Nick Allen (The Infatuation) The Infatuation (opens source)
Where: 324 E 75th St
Loaf Lounge
Bear claws, rhubarb danishes and the chocolate cake from season one of The Bear.
Picked by Veda Kilaru, John Ringor & Nick Allen (The Infatuation) The Infatuation (opens source)
Where: 2934 N Milwaukee Ave
Lickity Split
One of Eater's picks for the best sweets in Chicago.
Picked by Eater editors (Eater) Eater (opens source)
Where: 6056 N Broadway St, Chicago, IL, 60660
Vaca’s Creamery
Eater sends you here for the ice cream, soft serve and chocolate.
Picked by Eater editors (Eater) Eater (opens source)
Where: 2324 W Giddings St, Chicago, IL 60625
Ciao Ciao
Eater singles out the peach cobbler here.
Picked by Eater editors (Eater) Eater (opens source)
Where: 5355 W Irving Park Rd, Chicago, IL, 60641
Scooter's Frozen Custard
Eater counts it among Chicago's best sweets.
Picked by Eater editors (Eater) Eater (opens source)
Where: 1658 W Belmont Ave, Chicago, IL 60657
Pretty Cool Ice Cream
Per Eater, the move is the ice cream and pie.
Picked by Eater editors (Eater) Eater (opens source)
Where: 2353 N California Ave, Chicago, IL 60647
Margie's Candies
Eater's pick for ice cream to take home.
Picked by Eater editors (Eater) Eater (opens source)
Where: 1960 N Western Ave, Chicago, IL 60647
Eli’s Ark
Eater's pick for gelato to take home.
Picked by Eater editors (Eater) Eater (opens source)
Where: 1843 W North Ave, Chicago, IL 60622
Black Dog Gelato
Eater singles out the gelato and pie; grab some to take home.
Picked by Eater editors (Eater) Eater (opens source)
Where: 859 N Damen Ave, Chicago, IL, 60622
Paolo Gelato & Chocolate
Go for the gelato and pint — Eater's top reasons to stop.
Picked by Eater editors (Eater) Eater (opens source)
Where: 1058 W Chicago Ave, Chicago, IL, 60642
Cone Gourmet Ice Cream
Eater singles out the ice cream here.
Picked by Eater editors (Eater) Eater (opens source)
Where: 1051 W Madison St, Chicago, IL 60607
Kurimu
One of Eater's picks for the best sweets in Chicago.
Picked by Eater editors (Eater) Eater (opens source)
Where: 1159 W Taylor St, Chicago, IL 60607
La Michoacana Premium
Eater's pick for tortas to take home.
Picked by Eater editors (Eater) Eater (opens source)
Where: 1855 S Blue Island Ave, Chicago, IL 60608
Legend Tasty House
Eater sends you here for the ice cream, chocolate and cookies.
Picked by Eater editors (Eater) Eater (opens source)
Where: 2016, 2242 S Wentworth Ave, Chicago, IL 60616
Shawn Michelle's
Go for the honey and cookie — Eater's top reasons to stop.
Picked by Eater editors (Eater) Eater (opens source)
Where: 46 E 47th St, Chicago, IL 60653
Original Rainbow Cone
Per Eater, the chocolate is the reason to go.
Picked by Eater editors (Eater) Eater (opens source)
Where: 9233 S Western Ave, Chicago, IL 60643
Richard's Super Premium Ice Cream
Eater singles out the pint, banana pudding and peach cobbler; grab some to take home.
Picked by Eater editors (Eater) Eater (opens source)
Where: 11033 S Langley Ave, Chicago, IL 60628
The Plush Horse
Per Eater, the move is the ice cream, pie and cakes.
Picked by Eater editors (Eater) Eater (opens source)
Where: 12301 S 86th Ave, Palos Park, IL 60464
Moody Tongue
The Infatuation singles out the chocolate, cake and caramel; grab some to take home.
Picked by Nick Allen, Adrian Kane & John Ringor (The Infatuation) The Infatuation (opens source)
Where: 2515 S Wabash Ave, Chicago, IL 60616
Armitage Alehouse
Go for the cake and ice cream — The Infatuation's top reasons to stop.
Picked by Nick Allen, Adrian Kane & John Ringor (The Infatuation) The Infatuation (opens source)
Where: 1000 W Armitage Ave, Chicago, IL 60614
Gaijin
The Infatuation sends you here for the ice cream and honey.
Picked by Nick Allen, Adrian Kane & John Ringor (The Infatuation) The Infatuation (opens source)
Where: 950 W Lake St, Chicago, IL 60607
Virtue
The Infatuation counts it among Chicago's best sweets.
Picked by Nick Allen, Adrian Kane & John Ringor (The Infatuation) The Infatuation (opens source)
Where: 1462 E 53rd St, Chicago, IL 60615
Monteverde
Go for the espresso and chocolate — The Infatuation's top reasons to stop.
Picked by Nick Allen, Adrian Kane & John Ringor (The Infatuation) The Infatuation (opens source)
Where: 1020 W Madison St, Chicago, IL 60607
Elske
The Infatuation singles out the honey here.
Picked by Nick Allen, Adrian Kane & John Ringor (The Infatuation) The Infatuation (opens source)
Where: 1350 W Randolph St, Chicago, IL 60607
Parachute HiFi
The Infatuation singles out the ice cream, mochi and honey; grab some to take home.
Picked by Nick Allen, Adrian Kane & John Ringor (The Infatuation) The Infatuation (opens source)
Where: 3500 N Elston Ave, Chicago, Illinois 60618
Sugar Moon Bakery
The Infatuation singles out the cookie and espresso; grab some to take home.
Picked by Nick Allen, Adrian Kane & John Ringor (The Infatuation) The Infatuation (opens source)
Where: 3612 W Wrightwood Ave, Chicago, Illinois 60647
The Original Rainbow Cone
Per The Infatuation, the move is the chocolate and tart.
Picked by Nick Allen, Adrian Kane & John Ringor (The Infatuation) The Infatuation (opens source)
Where: 9233 S. Western Ave., Chicago, IL 60643
Mario's Italian Lemonade
One of The Infatuation's picks for the best sweets in Chicago.
Picked by Nick Allen, Adrian Kane & John Ringor (The Infatuation) The Infatuation (opens source)
Where: 1068 W. Taylor St., Chicago, IL 60607
Dat Donut
The Infatuation singles out the donuts here.
Picked by Nick Allen, Adrian Kane & John Ringor (The Infatuation) The Infatuation (opens source)
Where: 8251 S Cottage Grove Ave, Chicago, IL 60619
Gibsons Bar & Steakhouse
The Infatuation sends you here for the cake, pie and ice cream.
Picked by Nick Allen, Adrian Kane & John Ringor (The Infatuation) The Infatuation (opens source)
Where: 1028 N Rush St, Chicago, IL 60611
Kasama
The Infatuation sends you here for the truffle, croissant and cheese.
Picked by Nick Allen, Adrian Kane & John Ringor (The Infatuation) The Infatuation (opens source)
Where: 1001 N Winchester Ave, Chicago, Illinois 60622
Kanin
The Infatuation singles out the ube and banana pudding; grab some to take home.
Picked by Nick Allen, Adrian Kane & John Ringor (The Infatuation) The Infatuation (opens source)
Where: 5131 N Damen Ave, Chicago, Illinois 60625
Ciao Ciao Gelato & Cafe
Per The Infatuation, the move is the gelato and pie.
Picked by Adrian Kane, Veda Kilaru & John Ringor (The Infatuation) The Infatuation (opens source)
Where: 5355 W Irving Park Rd, Chicago, IL 60641
Paulo Gelato and Chocolate
Per The Infatuation, the move is the gelato and cookies.
Picked by Adrian Kane, Veda Kilaru & John Ringor (The Infatuation) The Infatuation (opens source)
Where: 1058 W Chicago Ave, Chicago, IL 60642
Sugoi Sweets
Per The Infatuation, the move is the ice cream, soft serve and ube.
Picked by Adrian Kane, Veda Kilaru & John Ringor (The Infatuation) The Infatuation (opens source)
Where: 937 N Ashland Ave, Chicago, IL 60622
Teddy’s Ice Cream
Per The Infatuation, the chocolate is the reason to go.
Picked by Adrian Kane, Veda Kilaru & John Ringor (The Infatuation) The Infatuation (opens source)
Where: 2000 W Montrose Ave, Chicago, IL 60618
Runaway Cow
The Infatuation singles out the ice cream, soft serve and chocolate; grab some to take home.
Picked by Adrian Kane, Veda Kilaru & John Ringor (The Infatuation) The Infatuation (opens source)
Where: 608 W 31st St, Chicago, Illinois 60616
Nova Greek Frozen Yogurt
Per The Infatuation, the move is the tart and ice cream.
Picked by Adrian Kane, Veda Kilaru & John Ringor (The Infatuation) The Infatuation (opens source)
Where: 1047 W Madison St, Chicago, IL 60607
Kilwins
The Infatuation's pick for ice cream to take home.
Picked by Adrian Kane, Veda Kilaru & John Ringor (The Infatuation) The Infatuation (opens source)
Where: 5226 S Harper Ave, Chicago, IL 60615
Sugar Shack
The Infatuation singles out the ice cream and cake; grab some to take home.
Picked by Adrian Kane, Veda Kilaru & John Ringor (The Infatuation) The Infatuation (opens source)
Where: 630 W. 26th St., Chicago, IL 60616
Annette's Homemade Italian Ice
The Infatuation sends you here for the ice cream and brownie.
Picked by Adrian Kane, Veda Kilaru & John Ringor (The Infatuation) The Infatuation (opens source)
Where: 2009 N. Bissell St., Chicago, IL 60614
Every find is made in, or was born in, Chicagoland, and every one links to a named, unpaid recommendation: a chef, a restaurant critic, a food writer or a cookbook author. This is a curated city list, not a ranking. When a local product also earns a spot in our national rankings, the card says so and pulls its cites straight from there. We left out anything we couldn’t source, and anything sold by the outlet that recommended it. How we pick · Disclosure