Chicago Summer Sweets to Treatyoself
It’s time to treatyoself, Chicago! Summertime is hot and sunny and a season that’s basically begging you to have a sugary treat ASAP. Whether you can wait until dessert, or want to satisfy your sweet tooth right at the beginning of the day, there are all kinds of sweets right at your fingertips! Get on it while the getting is this good…
Sunda Chicago {110 West Illinois Street, Chicago; 312.644.0500}
Any dessert menu that includes a dish titled “Ridiculous” has our vote. In this case, the Sunda RIDICULOUS dessert has vanilla ice cream, ginger carrot cake, glazed walnuts, and caramel. They also have a COCONUT CHEESECAKE, MOLTEN CHOCOLATE CAKE (their version comes with the twist of green tea white chocolate ganache) and the SUNDA SUNDAE complete with ube ice cream, pandan coconut gel and other Asian flavors. These desserts are beautiful, unique and perfect for summer.
via Tabu
Tabu {401 North Morgan Street, Chicago; 773.453.8228}
This new spot has plenty of summer vibes, from the colorful design to the happening bar and lounge areas. Come for the cocktails and queso, but definitely stay for desserts like their classic Tres Leches and the amazing Passionfruit Bunelo. Bunelo is served with crispy sweet tortilla, mixed berries, and mango sorbet plus you can add a “pour over” of Dos Hombres Mezcal to take it up a notch!
BomboBar {832 West Randolph, Chicago; 312.492.7775}
Bombobar is the perfect place to get…you guessed it…bombolonis. And for those of you who have not been introduced to these warm, gooey treats, bombolonis are Italian hole-less donuts filled with all different flavors of custards & jams. Sign. Us. Up! Situated in the heart of the West Loop neighborhood, Bombobar is the perfect spot to grab a treat or ice cream cone to cool off while you window shop or after an amazing dinner on Randolph Street.
Stan's Donuts {multiple locations}
Well I bet you can guess what Stan’s specialty is……DONUTS! And when we say “specialty” we are not messing around. Stan’s will always have your classic donut needs on deck: glazed, sprinkles, chocolate, vanilla, etc. But if you’re really trying to step up your donut game then you MUST sample some of their specialty & seasonal flavors. With options like Toffee Cake, Maple Long John, Lemon Pistachio Old Fashioned and Chocolate Chocolate Peanut Butter, we will be shocked if you don’t try them all. Oh and if they weren’t awesome enough already, they also offer gluten free & vegan options!
Virtue {1462 East 53rd Street, Chicago; 773.947.8831}
Hyde Park restaurants like Virtue are getting more and more hype of late, and they definitely deserve it. Virtue is a Black-owned and run Southern American eatery with an outstandingly creative dinner, drinks and dessert menu. With a special pastry chef on deck, the desserts change constantly throughout the seasons, so your sweet tooth will never get bored! From Southern specialties like Banana Puddin’ to forever classics like Red Velvet Cake & rotating pies, everyone in your group will find something to enjoy.
West Town Bakery {multiple locations}
It should be no shock that a bakery made this tasty list! West Town Bakery can fill your sweets needs for every meal of the day. Start your morning with a delectable breakfast pastry (made fresh daily), then grab a Gourmet Cake Ball for an afternoon pick me up before finishing off your evening with one of their amazing cookies, cupcakes, or cakes! West Town also excels in creating unique & custom desserts that will wow your party guests or be the showstopper at your wedding!
Piccolo Bucco by Cooper’s Hawk {1818 Oakbrook Center, Oak Brook; 630.592.8885}
This new Western Suburbs hotspot from Cooper’s Hawk is worth a trip outside the city! Come and shop til you drop… into a chair at Piccolo Bucco at Oakbrook Center 😉 They have delightful pizzas and pastas and wine, but the dessert menu is also packed with favorites like Mama Luca’s Tiramisu and gelato. Our pick though, is the Summer Peach & Blueberry Crostada made with crème anglaise, salted caramel, black pepper tuile, aged balsamic, and olive oil gelato, it’s a crisp summer treat you won’t want to miss.