Best of 20 bread in Chicago
"Bread in Chicago" is a topic that intertwines the city's rich culinary history with its cultural diversity. Chicago is home to various artisan bakeries and cuisines, resulting in a wide array of bread types. From the iconic Chicago-style poppy seed hot dog buns to European-inspired sourdough and rye, "bread in Chicago" embodies the city's gastronomic innovation and appreciation for tradition.
- 1. Publican Quality Bread
- 2. Hendrickx Belgian Bread Crafter
- 3. D'Amato's Bakery
- 4. Aya Pastry
- 5. La Fournette
- 6. Panes Bread Cafe
- 7. Lost Larson (Andersonville)
- 8. pHlour Bakery & Cafe
- 9. La Boulangerie & Co Wilson
- 10. Pan Artesanal Bakery
- 11. Panaderia Nuevo Leon
- 12. Ann's Bakery & Deli
- 13. Sauce & Bread Kitchen
- 14. Scafuri Bakery
- 15. Levain Bakery – River North
- 16. Sanabel Bakery & Grocery
- 17. R&A Sourdough
- 18. Letizia's Natural Bakery
- 19. Artemio Bakery
- 20. Gifted Breads
1. Publican Quality Bread
Uses organic stone-ground flour and natural fermentation

Publican Quality Bread in West Town is known for its freshly baked loaves. Around 10 a.m., the staff brings out the 'Big Sandwich,' which is an enormous offering, roughly the size of a gym bag. Greg Wade, the 2019 James Beard Award winner, is in charge of the bread production. He uses a 30-year-old bread starter for naturally leavening the bread, resulting in a delightful texture - chewy on the inside and crispy on the outside.
The 'Big Sandwich' is a must-see attraction at Publican Quality Bread. It is a towering display of the bakery's expertise, showcasing the high-quality, freshly baked bread. Greg Wade's dedication to his craft is evident in every loaf. The 30-year-old bread starter used for naturally leavening the bread gives it a unique flavor and texture that is unmatched by other bakeries. The result is bread that is both delicious and visually impressive, making Publican Quality Bread a standout destination for bread lovers.
TOPICS
- Asian Cuisine
- Breakfast
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2. Hendrickx Belgian Bread Crafter
Family-owned bakery-cafe with European charm in the heart of Chicago

The first set of baked goods we tried were the Belgium country bread loaf and the Belgium white chocolate bread. Both options were fresh and bursting with flavor. The country bread loaf had a hearty and satisfying texture, while the white chocolate bread offered a sweeter experience. No matter your preference, these breads are a must-try for any visitor.
In addition to the bread, we also sampled the Belgium chocolate cake. This dessert was the perfect combination of rich chocolate and moist cake. The chocolate flavor was intense and satisfying, making it a delicious way to end our tasting experience. Overall, the baked goods we tried at this establishment were fresh, flavorful, and of the highest quality.
TOPICS
- Italian Cuisine
- Gluten-Free
- Downtown Spots
- Lunch
3. D'Amato's Bakery
Family-owned business with a rich baking tradition

D'Amato's Bakery is renowned for its freshly baked bread, which is always delicious. If you find yourself in the area, it is a must-visit destination to try their bread.
The bakery is particularly famous for its chicken cutlet sandwich and delectable cannolis, in addition to its high-quality bread. These are just a few of the many reasons why D'Amato's Bakery has earned such a strong reputation.
TOPICS
- American Cuisine
- Italian Cuisine
- Mid-Range
- Downtown Spots
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4. Aya Pastry
Aya Pastry is a woman-owned business that supports local farmers and uses sustainable practices.

The baked goods at this establishment are highly recommended, particularly the banana bread and the onion and Gruyère danish. These items are popular among visitors and are known for their delicious taste. The selection of baked goods available includes wonderfully flaky croissants, pull-apart milk bread, and take-and-bake cinnamon rolls. These items are also highly recommended and are known for their quality.
The cinnamon rolls are a standout product, with the ability to transform one's life. The bakery offers a take-and-bake option for the cinnamon rolls, allowing customers to enjoy them at their convenience. Whether it's the croissants, milk bread, or cinnamon rolls, the baked goods at this establishment are sure to impress. The banana bread and onion and Gruyère danish are also must-try items that are popular among visitors.
TOPICS
- Celebrations
- Budget-Friendly Eats
- Hidden Gems
5. La Fournette
Serves classic French breads and pastries baked fresh daily

Parisian bakery excellence is evident in the amazing food and exceptional coffee made from Inteligencia beans. One regret is not having enough space to try their traditional Croque Monsieur. La Fournette stands out as a must-visit restaurant with a friendly and welcoming staff. Their fresh pastries and bread, especially the sourdough bread, baguettes, and raspberry jam, are highly recommended.
Delights like the Apricot Danish, Hazelnut Danish, and quiches are popular choices at La Fournette. This bakery is a hidden gem in the neighborhood, drawing praise from customers for their delicious offerings. Their traditional French baking techniques and high-quality ingredients are what make their pastries and bread so exceptional.
TOPICS
- Mediterranean Cuisine
- Downtown Spots
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6. Panes Bread Cafe
Cozy atmosphere, friendly service, and a popular spot for locals

Panes Bread Cafe is a well-known restaurant in Chicago, particularly admired for its savory sandwiches and freshly baked bread. The sandwiches, made with house-made bread, are widely considered the highlight of the menu. Among the sandwiches, the pollo diablo stands out as a customer favorite.
Panes Bread Cafe's sandwiches, especially the pollo diablo, are a must-try for any sandwich lover. What sets the restaurant apart is its dedication to using fresh, house-made bread for all its sandwiches. The pollo diablo, in particular, boasts an exceptional flavor profile that keeps customers coming back for more.
TOPICS
- Italian Cuisine
- Mexican Cuisine
- Vegetarian Options
- Lunch
- Dinner
7. Lost Larson (Andersonville)
Cozy neighborhood spot with Scandinavian influence

A delicious assortment of baked goods is available at this location in Chicago, including a superior almond croissant. Equally remarkable is the almond lingonberry cake. The bread selection is exceptional, featuring rye, whole grain, and country white varieties. Accompanying the bread is fresh cultured butter that is so good it will have you questioning the location of the dairy cow.
This establishment is known for its high-quality baked goods, such as the superior almond croissant and the delicious almond lingonberry cake. The bread assortment is another highlight, with rye, whole grain, and country white options available. Complementing the bread is an offering of fresh cultured butter that is so fresh and tasty, it will make you wonder where the dairy cow is hidden.
TOPICS
- Vegetarian Options
- Budget-Friendly Eats
- Hidden Gems
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8. pHlour Bakery & Cafe
Cozy atmosphere, located in a charming neighborhood, and uses high-quality, locally sourced ingredients

The bakery Phlour offers a variety of artisan breads for sale, including whole loaves of shokupan and focaccia. A visit to their shop on Bryn Mawr was a new experience for me, although I have been buying their bread at the Lincoln Park farmer's market for years. My latest purchase was a baguette to accompany a pasta dinner.
Shokupan and focaccia are just two of the many types of bread available at Phlour. If you're interested in making your own sandwiches at home, you can purchase a whole loaf of one of these breads. In my case, I was looking for a fresh and tasty baguette to enjoy with dinner. My many positive experiences with Phlour's bread in the past had me eager to see what their shop had to offer.
TOPICS
- Indian Cuisine
- Vegetarian Options
- Mid-Range
- Lunch
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9. La Boulangerie & Co Wilson
French-inspired bakery with a cozy atmosphere and friendly service

I had a delightful experience at the French bakery, where I enjoyed a Classic breakfast sandwich. The sandwich consisted of eggs, ham, and Swiss cheese on a toasted croissant, which was a perfect start to my day. Upon leaving, my family and I couldn't resist taking home some of their delicious food and pastries. We purchased a baguette, a loaf of multigrain boule, a mocha tart, and a brown butter custard apple tart.
This bakery is an excellent choice for anyone seeking delicious French pastries and food. They offer an extensive selection of bread, tarts, cakes, sandwiches, and other treats that are all made fresh on the premises. Their Classic breakfast sandwich was not only delicious but also well-presented with high-quality ingredients. The pastries, too, were scrumptious and worth the indulgence. I highly recommend a visit to this bakery for anyone looking for a sweet or savory treat.
TOPICS
- Italian Cuisine
- Budget-Friendly Eats
- Lunch
- Vegetarian Options
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10. Pan Artesanal Bakery
Family-owned business with a rich baking tradition since 1975

Pan Artesanal is known for its high-quality artisan bread, which is always fresh and has an excellent texture. Among the bakery's best offerings are its breakfast sandwiches, rolls, and artisan bread, which are all cooked to perfection.
The breakfast sandwiches, rolls, and artisan bread at Pan Artesanal are some of the best dishes available. The bread is freshly baked and has a delightful texture, while the breakfast sandwiches are perfectly cooked. Whether you're in the mood for a savory sandwich or a freshly baked roll, Pan Artesanal has something for everyone.
TOPICS
- Italian Cuisine
- Downtown Spots
- Breakfast
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11. Panaderia Nuevo Leon
Family-owned business since 1973, Serves traditional Mexican bread and pastry

This location offers an impressive variety of Mexican bread, with everything appearing and tasting homemade. The bread's freshness and delicious flavor are consistently enjoyable. Two standout options are the conchas and empanadas, which are particularly delightful.
Mexican bread lovers will be thrilled with the assortment and quality found at this establishment. All the bread is baked fresh, resulting in a delicious taste. Of special note are the conchas and empanadas, which are must-try items on the menu.
TOPICS
- Mexican Cuisine
- Cheap Eats
- Downtown Spots
- Vegan Options
12. Ann's Bakery & Deli
Local ingredients, cozy atmosphere, and community involvement

Ann's Bakery & Deli is known for its fresh and delicious breads. Their rye bread is a standout, highly recommended for anyone who tries their baked goods. The bakery consistently provides high-quality breads that are a step above what you might find in a typical grocery store.
If you're looking for a fresh bread selection, Ann's Bakery & Deli is an excellent choice. They offer a variety of options, all made with care and attention to quality. Whether you're a fan of rye bread, sourdough, or something else entirely, you're sure to find something to love at this well-regarded bakery.
TOPICS
- Asian Cuisine
- Vegetarian Options
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13. Sauce & Bread Kitchen
Local ingredients, artisanal baking techniques, community-oriented atmosphere

The bakery offers whole loaves and baguettes for sale. I recently purchased a loaf of their whole wheat bread and it was delicious. It's been a long time since I've had such a fresh and tasty whole wheat loaf.
The bakery's whole wheat loaf is highly recommended. In addition to whole loaves, they also sell baguettes. My experience with the whole wheat loaf was very positive, as it was fresh and had a great taste.
TOPICS
- American Cuisine
- Breakfast
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14. Scafuri Bakery
Family-owned bakery with a rich history, Uses high-quality ingredients, Handcrafted breads baked daily

The restaurant in question offers a dining experience reminiscent of Panera Bread, but with an Italian twist and a local flair. The establishment is large with ample seating, providing a fast and casual atmosphere for its patrons. The menu features a wide variety of Italian desserts such as gelato, cannolis, and tiramisu.
In terms of service, the restaurant rates a 4 out of 5. However, the ambiance of the restaurant is somewhat lacking, with dim lighting that makes it challenging to read the menu or see the food clearly. The food offerings, unfortunately, were not as impressive as the desserts. While the bread and grilled shrimp were done well, the eggplant parmesan had a disappointing taste and texture, reminiscent of plastic. Additionally, the spicy calamari was enjoyed until a piece of plastic was found in the dish. The antipasto salad was also underwhelming, leaving much to be desired.
TOPICS
- Italian Cuisine
- Vegetarian Options
- Cheap Eats
- Lunch
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15. Levain Bakery – River North
Baked fresh daily with high-quality ingredients

The sour cream coffee cake loaf and baguette are standout items at this establishment. The bread is consistently fresh and delightful. As for the pastries, the oatmeal raisin cookies and double chocolate chip cookies are exceptional. Despite their higher price point, they are worth trying.
Whether you're in the mood for something savory or sweet, this place has got you covered. Their bread selection is always on point, and their cookies are not to be missed. The oatmeal raisin and double chocolate chip varieties are especially noteworthy. While they may be a bit pricey at nearly $6 each, they are certainly a treat worth indulging in.
TOPICS
- American Cuisine
- Mid-Range
- Vegetarian Options
- Social Gatherings
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16. Sanabel Bakery & Grocery
Family-owned business since 1975, supports local farmers

This establishment functions as both a retail and wholesale shop, specializing in fresh, daily-baked pita bread, halal meats, and a variety of Middle Eastern foods. The pita bread is a standout, known for its exceptional freshness and delightful taste.
The pita bread offered at this shop is truly exceptional. Made fresh daily, it boasts a delicious taste and an unbeatable freshness that is hard to find elsewhere. In addition to their renowned pita bread, the shop also offers a range of high-quality halal meats and other Middle Eastern foods, making it a one-stop shop for all your culinary needs.
TOPICS
- Mediterranean Cuisine
- Mexican Cuisine
- Vegetarian Options
- Budget-Friendly Eats
17. R&A Sourdough
Family-owned bakery with a long history, Uses traditional baking methods, Focuses on quality ingredients

R&A Sourdough is a popular bakery in Ravenswood, Chicago, known for having some of the best bagels in the city. The bagels are made through a traditional process of being hand-rolled and kettle-boiled, with the added twist of being made from sourdough. One customer recently ordered the "Heebster" bagel, which comes with lox on a sesame seed bagel.
Despite the salty combination of the sea salt bagel and the lox, the customer was still able to appreciate the unique taste of the sourdough bagel. The lox was described as being tasty, adding to the overall positive experience of the Heebster bagel. Overall, R&A Sourdough's commitment to traditional baking methods and unique use of sourdough sets it apart as a top destination for bagel lovers in Chicago.
TOPICS
- American Cuisine
- Budget-Friendly Eats
- Downtown Spots
- Social Gatherings
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18. Letizia's Natural Bakery
Baked fresh daily, No preservatives, Family-owned business

This bakery offers an extensive variety of bread, with sourdough being a particularly popular choice. The sourdough bread is always fresh and has a delicious taste. If you're looking to try their bread, you won't be disappointed. It has a great texture and is perfect for making sandwiches or enjoying on its own.
The bakery's bread is a must-try, loved by many for its freshness and high quality. The texture of the bread is excellent, making it a great option for those looking to make sandwiches at home. Whether you prefer sourdough or another variety, you can be confident that their bread will be fresh and delicious.
TOPICS
- Italian Cuisine
- Gluten-Free
- Downtown Spots
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19. Artemio Bakery
Family-owned bakery with a rich history since 1956

The bakery has a diverse selection of pastries and breads, all made with high-quality ingredients and baked to achieve perfection. Among the offerings are delicious conchas and mouth-watering cookies, as well as French bread and telleras. These items are known for their freshness and softness, which can last for several days.
One customer in particular can't get enough of the bakery's French bread, telleras, cookies, and conchas. They praised the items for their ability to stay fresh and soft for days, highlighting the quality of the bakery's offerings. This customer's experience speaks to the bakery's commitment to delivering delicious and long-lasting baked goods to its patrons.
TOPICS
- Social Gatherings
- American Cuisine
- Gluten-Free
- Cheap Eats
20. Gifted Breads

TOPICS
- Fusion Cuisine
- Gluten-Free
- Budget-Friendly Eats
- Downtown Spots