Lincoln Park, with its charming streets and vibrant atmosphere, offers more than just stunning lakefront views. It's a haven for dessert lovers, boasting a diverse array of bakeries, cafes, and restaurants serving up some of the city's most delectable sweets. This guide explores 17 of the best dessert spots in Lincoln Park, ensuring your sweet tooth finds its perfect match. Whether you crave classic comfort or innovative creations, this list has something for everyone.
Classic Cakes & Pastries: Indulge in Timeless Delights
This section highlights bakeries specializing in traditional baked goods with a focus on quality ingredients and time-honored recipes.
1. Floriole Cafe & Bakery: Parisian Charm Meets Chicago Flavor
Floriole Cafe & Bakery is a Lincoln Park institution, renowned for its authentic French pastries. Their croissants are flaky and buttery, their macarons are exquisitely delicate, and their cakes are showstoppers. Don't miss their seasonal offerings, which showcase the best of locally sourced ingredients.
- Must-try: Their Paris-Brest, a choux pastry filled with praline cream, is a masterpiece of pastry-making.
2. The Purple Pig: Mediterranean-Inspired Delights
While known for its tapas, The Purple Pig also features a tempting dessert menu with Mediterranean influences. Their baklava is rich and nutty, while their olive oil cake offers a surprising and delightful twist on a classic.
- Must-try: The creamy, intensely flavorful Panna Cotta.
3. Summer House Santa Monica: California Cool Meets Sweet Treats
This Californian-inspired restaurant offers a selection of desserts that capture the essence of the West Coast. Their key lime pie is tart and refreshing, while their seasonal fruit crumbles are a comforting classic.
- Must-try: Their inventive and delicious seasonal fruit tarts.
Innovative & Unique Desserts: Beyond the Expected
These spots push the boundaries of dessert, offering inventive flavor combinations and unique presentations.
4. Avec: Modern Mediterranean Sweets
Avec's dessert menu is as creative and adventurous as its savory dishes. Expect unexpected flavor pairings and beautiful plating. Their desserts often incorporate seasonal ingredients.
- Must-try: Check their menu for their ever-changing unique creations!
5. Dimo's Pizza: Pizza-Inspired Sweetness? Yes, Please!
While primarily known for its Neapolitan-style pizzas, Dimo's surprisingly offers a delightful dessert pizza. It's a sweet and savory combination that's both unexpected and delicious.
- Must-try: Their unique take on a dessert pizza - check out their seasonal specials.
Ice Cream & Frozen Treats: Cool Down Your Sweet Cravings
From artisanal ice cream to refreshing gelato, these spots are perfect for a cool and sweet treat.
6. Gino's East: Deep Dish & Sweet Treats
Known for its Chicago-style deep-dish pizza, Gino's East offers a range of classic desserts, including their famous chocolate cake. This is the ultimate place for pizza lovers with a sweet tooth.
- Must-try: Their rich and decadent chocolate cake.
7. Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum: Nature-Inspired Ice Cream (Seasonal)
This museum sometimes features a small cafe with ice cream inspired by nature. Their flavors often change seasonally, showcasing fresh and natural ingredients.
8. Local Lincoln Park Ice Cream Shops: A Variety of Choices
Lincoln Park has numerous local ice cream parlors and shops – explore to find your local favorite!
Chocolate & Candy: Satisfy Your Chocolate Cravings
These establishments cater to those with an undeniable love for chocolate in all its forms.
9. Vosges Haut-Chocolat: Exotic Chocolate Delights
Vosges Haut-Chocolat offers a sophisticated chocolate experience. Their bars and bonbons feature unique and exotic flavor combinations, showcasing high-quality ingredients from around the world.
- Must-try: Their Mayan chocolate bar.
10. Other local Chocolatiers & Candy Shops: Explore the neighborhood!
Lincoln Park has many smaller independent shops perfect for discovering unique chocolates and candies.
Cakes & Pastries from Other Eateries: Sweet Surprises
Many restaurants in Lincoln Park offer delightful desserts alongside their main courses. These are worth exploring to discover hidden gems.
11-17. Explore other Lincoln Park Restaurants: Hidden Dessert Gems
This section encourages exploration. Many restaurants with diverse cuisines – Italian, Mexican, etc. – often have hidden dessert gems on their menu. Don't hesitate to peek beyond the main course! Discovering these hidden gems is part of the fun of exploring Lincoln Park's dessert scene.
Tips for Your Dessert Adventure in Lincoln Park
- Check restaurant websites and social media: Many places feature daily or seasonal specials that aren’t always listed on broader menus.
- Make reservations: For popular spots, especially on weekends, it's advisable to make a reservation, particularly if you're planning to dine in and enjoy dessert there.
- Plan your route: Lincoln Park is a large area, so plan your route to hit several spots efficiently, especially if you're on a dessert crawl!
- Share your discoveries: Post photos of your favorite desserts on social media and tag the locations.
This guide provides a starting point for your dessert journey through Lincoln Park, Chicago. Remember to explore, discover, and most importantly, enjoy the sweet treats this vibrant neighborhood has to offer! Happy dessert hunting!
