Chicago has a wide variety of desserts to offer. From hidden donut shops to classic ice cream parlors, the city has something for everyone with a sweet tooth. In this guide, we’ll explore several notable dessert spots across Chicago, highlighting which neighborhood to find these sweet treats in.
Want to taste the best donuts in Chicago without the planning? Join a guided Chicago Donut Tour!
Bang bang pie & biscuits
Logan Square.
Bang Bang Pie and Biscuits has some of the best pie in the city. This shop offers pie, biscuits, and coffee. While they have some consistent classics, such as key lime pie, their menu changes frequently so you can always try something new. Each pie is a unique combination of flavors and from sweet pies to savory pies, I’m sure you will find something you like!
The Cookie Bar by Summer House
Streeterville.
This delicious cookie spot just opened up this summer in Streeterville and is already a hit! When you enter the store, you’re met with a beautiful and colorful array of freshly baked cookies along with the glorious smell letting you know they are made fresh and in house. It’s difficult to not buy one of each but my personal favorite is the raspberry cheesecake swirl! If that’s not enough, they also offer iced coffee, sundaes, soft-serve, and shakes.
Van Leeuwen
Wicker Park.
Going along with the theme of grand openings in Chicago, we have our very first Van Leeuwen shop in Wicker Park. Another location will be opening soon in Willis Tower (Loop). This New York-based ice cream shop boasts a variety of unique, delicious, and creamy ice cream flavors!
BEacon Donuts
Lincoln Park.
Beacon donuts is an absolute must-try in the city! This donut spot stands out because of its eccentric location – it’s hidden in an alley way, past a couple garbage cans. It would be easy to miss if it weren’t for the long lines. Make sure to get there early, before they sell out!
Kurimu
Multiple Locations.
Kurimu is an Asian-inspired dessert shop that serves soft-serve and Boba. Their two featured flavors change weekly but they always have a variety of soft serve flavors from ube to Thai iced tea!
MArgie’s Candies
Bucktown.
If you want to experience what eating at an ice cream parlor was like in the 1920’s, look no further! Margie’s Candies is a classic ice cream shop that offers ice cream sundaes, fudge, and other sweets while transporting you back in time. It’s truly a wholesome experience!
Annette’s Italian Ice
Lincoln Park.
This walk-up window Italian ice spot is a local staple in the Lincoln Park neighborhood. Perfect for hot summer days – you can choose from a wide selection of Italian ice flavors (made in-house daily), specialty ice cream, and sundaes. My personal favorite is adding their vanilla soft-serve to my Italian ice. Don’t miss out on this local favorite!
🍩 Want to discover more of Chicago’s best desserts? A Chicago Donut Tour is the perfect next move. Get a taste of the donut bakeries most loved by locals. Along the way, you’ll get to explore the city’s downtown Loop neighborhood. It’s fun, filling, and a great way to experience the city beyond the usual tourist spots. Book your Chicago Donut Tour on Viator here.