Chicago Coffee Shops + Bakeries to Make Your Morning Delicious
Hewn Evanston
Bakeries just hit differently in the colder weather. Nothing beats waking up to a steaming cup of coffee & a warm, homemade pastry (or two) while watching the leaves change and fall around you. And while some of you may pride yourselves in being at-home coffee connoisseurs…going out to treat yourself is necessary and deserved every now and then. Below is a list of local cafes and more well-known spots for you to get a gourmet coffee and pastry experience…
Hewn {1733 Central Street, Evanston; 847.869.4396}
The word “hewn” means “to give shape with heavy cutting blows by hand,” and that is exactly what the chefs at Hewn are doing with their food. Everything on the menu is made in-house, from scratch, daily. It’s no wonder that Hewn has been recognized by Food & Wine Magazine as one of the Best Bakeries In America and by Food Network as one of the Best Bread Bakeries. They offer rotating, daily bread specials that are all first come first serve…so make sure you arrive early to get your pick (and with over 25 different bread selections, you’ll never get tired of the same old same old!). Along with their creative bread spreads, Hewn also offers an extensive pastry & sweets menu to indulge in. Carboload…here we come!
Starbucks Reserve Roastery {646 Michigan Avenue, Chicago; 312.283.7100}
This one might seem like a no brainer…but here in Chicago we are blessed to be home to the largest Starbucks in the WORLD. Yes, the world. This five-story stunning space has all your basic Starbucks needs; coffee, food, pastries, merch, etc. but it also has so much more. From hand-scooping freshly roasted coffee beans, to viewing master roasters, to private coffee tasting experiences, this is not your average Starbucks. Oh and for those of you who think coffee is just for the mornings…think again…because the 4th floor of the Roastery features a full service cocktail bar highlighting coffee and tea-forward drinks. It’s an all day, all night coffee party!
Beatrix {Multiple Locations}
When Beatrix first opened its doors in 2013, they were partnering with local Chicago roasters to create an innovative coffee bar menu. Fast forward to 2020 and the Beatrix team, after extensive research and tastings, developed their very own blend! They now proudly offer a total of six different roasts that can be purchased online or in-store; Medium, Dark, Espresso & Decaf, Bea’s Half Caff, and a seasonal roast. Savor a coffee and nosh on a fresh, homemade pastry, cookie, or other treat. With multiple locations all over the city, Beatrix is the perfect place to stop for a pick me up no matter what neighborhood you’re in.
Floriole {1220 West Webster Avenue, Chicago; 773.883.1313}
Floriole started out as a small stand featured in the beloved Green City Market, before opening its own doors in 2010 as a full service pastry shop in Lincoln Park. The talented chefs strive to primarily use organic and sustainably sourced ingredients from the region and are very focused on being as “green” as possible in their operations. We love a restaurant with a mission! The delicious menu changes according to produce availability, but you will always find a selection of pastries, cookies, sweets, breads & “take and bake” frozen items.
Goddess & Grocer {Multiple Locations}
Goddess & Grocer is the shop of all shops when it comes to coffee and pastries. Along with a full service coffee bar, they also offer local a full service hot breakfast & pastry bar. The menu consists of globally inspired recipes and ingredients that owner Debbie Sharpe was exposed to during her years backstage catering for some of the biggest rock n’ roll names in the world (Rolling Stones and Tina Turner anyone…?). With such diverse options, everyone is sure to find something to enjoy when they pop into Goddess. And with locations now in Bucktown, Gold Coast, River North & Fulton Market, you are never too far from one of their stores!
Publican Quality Bread {1759 West Grand Avenue, Chicago; 312.605.1618}
We knew they had the meats…but did you know that they also have the breads?! Public Quality Meats step aside… Public Quality Bread is here. James Beard Award-winning Baker Greg Wade teamed up with Chicago’s homegrown hospitality collective, One Off Hospitality, for the first ever public-facing bakery location for this beloved brand. And we are HERE FOR IT. This West Town spot just opened its doors in June of 2022 and the hype is already real. From gourmet sandwiches, to over-the-top pastries, to an expansive selection of homemade loaves, it is so much more than just a bakery. Oh and did we mention that they have a FULL La Columbe coffee bar as well…? You won’t be able to stay away!
Mindy's Bakery {1623 North Milwaukee Avenue, Chicago; 773.489.1747}
Chef Mindy Segal is a renowned Chicago pastry chef who opened Mindy’s Bakery in summer of 2022. They have already gathered a huge following in the Wicker Park neighborhood, with lines constantly forming down the sidewalk on weekend mornings. Everyone wants to get a taste of the deliciousness that is Mindy’s Bakery. The menu is an eclectic mix of your standard breakfast pastries as well as quiches, buns, biscuits, tarts & cake loaves. Good luck NOT ordering one of each! Although we wouldn’t blame you if you did….
By Robyn Glaza | Social Coordinator