Chicago is famous for deep-dish pizza and hot dogs, but the city’s dessert and sweets scene is just as impressive. From iconic old-school ice cream parlors to modern dessert lounges and artisanal bakeries, Chicago offers something for every sweet tooth. Whether you are a local or a visitor, these dessert spots are worth adding to your must-try list.
Classic Bakeries & Iconic Sweet Shops in Chicago
Sweet Mandy B’s Bakery
Sweet Mandy B’s is one of Chicago’s most loved bakeries, known for its nostalgic American desserts. Their cupcakes are rich, moist, and generously frosted, while cookies, brownies, and custom cakes are perfect for birthdays and celebrations. The bakery is especially popular for its fun flavors and comforting homemade taste.
Best for: Cupcakes, celebration cakes, cookies
Popular locations: Lincoln Park, Lakeview
Magnolia Bakery – Chicago
Originally from New York, Magnolia Bakery has become a Chicago favorite, especially for its famous banana pudding. The bakery also offers classic cupcakes, layer cakes, cheesecakes, and seasonal desserts. It is a popular stop for tourists due to its central location and consistent quality.
Best for: Banana pudding, classic American desserts
Popular area: Downtown Chicago
Jennivee’s Bakery
Jennivee’s Bakery is a local favorite offering a wide selection of desserts including cupcakes, cheesecakes, brownies, cookies, and vegan options. The bakery is known for creative flavors, beautiful presentation, and accommodating dietary preferences, making it ideal for modern dessert lovers.
Best for: Cupcakes, vegan desserts, dessert variety
Popular area: Lakeview
Alliance Bakery
Alliance Bakery is a long-standing Chicago bakery specializing in European-style pastries, desserts, and custom cakes. Their desserts are refined, less overly sweet, and perfect for those who enjoy classic pastry techniques.
Best for: Pastries, tortes, custom cakes
Popular area: Wicker Park / Division Street
Ice Cream, Gelato & Frozen Dessert Spots
Margie’s Candies
Margie’s Candies is a Chicago legend with a history dating back to the 1920s. Famous for massive ice cream sundaes, hand-dipped chocolates, and vintage décor, this spot offers a true old-school dessert experience. Portions are generous, making it ideal for sharing.
Best for: Ice cream sundaes, chocolate candies
Popular areas: Bucktown, Ravenswood
Amorino Gelato
Amorino is known for premium Italian gelato crafted with natural ingredients. Their signature flower-shaped gelato cones are as visually appealing as they are delicious. Flavors range from classic chocolate and pistachio to sorbet options made from real fruit.
Best for: Italian gelato, sorbets
Popular area: Downtown Chicago
Ghirardelli Ice Cream & Chocolate Shop
Located in downtown Chicago, Ghirardelli offers rich chocolate desserts, classic sundaes, milkshakes, and hot chocolate. It is a great stop for chocolate lovers looking for indulgent, familiar flavors.
Best for: Chocolate sundaes, hot fudge desserts
Popular area: Magnificent Mile
Mango Mango Dessert – Chinatown
Mango Mango Dessert specializes in Asian-inspired desserts featuring mango, shaved ice, sago, mochi, and fruit-based sweets. The desserts are refreshing, lightly sweet, and perfect after a heavy meal.
Best for: Mango desserts, shaved ice
Popular area: Chinatown
Donut Shops & Sweet Snack Favorites
Do-Rite Donuts & Chicken
Do-Rite Donuts is famous for its handcrafted donuts made fresh daily. Flavors range from classic glazed to creative options like pistachio-meyer lemon and chocolate old-fashioned. Their donuts are soft, balanced, and not overly sweet.
Best for: Artisan donuts
Multiple locations across Chicago
Doughnut Vault
Doughnut Vault is a small, popular donut shop known for high-quality ingredients and limited daily batches. Because they often sell out early, it is best to visit in the morning. The donuts are rich, dense, and flavorful.
Best for: Small-batch donuts
Popular area: River North
Insomnia Cookies
Insomnia Cookies is a go-to spot for late-night dessert cravings. They specialize in warm cookies delivered until late hours, making it extremely popular among students and night owls.
Best for: Late-night cookies, dessert delivery
Multiple locations
Dessert Lounges & Specialty Cafés
Drip Dessert Lounge
Drip Dessert Lounge offers a modern dessert-bar experience with plated desserts, waffles, milkshakes, and specialty drinks. It is a great spot for evening desserts, dates, or casual hangouts.
Best for: Plated desserts, waffles
Popular area: Downtown Chicago
Dessert Dealer
Dessert Dealer focuses on creative desserts and a relaxed café atmosphere. The menu includes cakes, shakes, and specialty sweets designed for sharing or enjoying after dinner.
Best for: Creative desserts
Popular area: Near downtown
Chocolate & Themed Dessert Cafés
Nutella Café Chicago
Nutella Café is dedicated entirely to Nutella-based desserts. The menu includes waffles, pancakes, crepes, croissants, and beverages featuring the iconic hazelnut spread. It is a must-visit for Nutella fans.
Best for: Nutella desserts, waffles
Popular area: Downtown Chicago
Goddess and the Baker
Goddess and the Baker combines a café experience with high-quality pastries and desserts. Their baked goods pair perfectly with coffee, making it a popular stop for breakfast, brunch, or an afternoon sweet break.
Best for: Pastries, cakes, café desserts
Popular area: Millennium Park
Why Chicago Is a Top City for Dessert Lovers
Chicago’s dessert scene reflects the city’s diversity, blending classic American bakeries, European pastry traditions, and international dessert influences. From historic ice cream parlors to trendy dessert lounges, the city offers desserts for every mood and occasion.
Final Thoughts
If you are exploring Chicago or creating a City Eats guide, these dessert and sweet shops represent the best of what the city has to offer. Whether you crave rich chocolate, refreshing fruit desserts, or classic baked goods, Chicago delivers unforgettable sweet experiences.
Exploring Chicago’s sweetest spots, from iconic bakeries to must-visit dessert cafés across the city.
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