Lincoln Park, with its charming streets and vibrant atmosphere, offers a delightful array of dessert destinations. Whether you crave classic comfort or innovative creations, this guide explores 17 of the best dessert spots in the neighborhood, ensuring a sweet ending to any Lincoln Park adventure. We'll cover everything from decadent cakes to artisanal ice cream, highlighting what makes each location special.
Decadent Cakes & Pastries
1. The Goddess and Grocer: A Lincoln Park Institution
The Goddess and Grocer isn't just a grocery store; it's a culinary haven. Their in-house bakery boasts an impressive selection of cakes, pastries, and cookies. From classic cheesecakes to elaborate celebration cakes, their offerings are visually stunning and incredibly delicious. They frequently feature seasonal flavors, ensuring a constantly evolving menu of delectable treats. Don't miss their seasonal fruit tarts – they're a masterpiece of flavor and texture.
2. Floriole Café & Bakery: Parisian Charm in Chicago
Floriole Café & Bakery transports you to a Parisian patisserie with its elegant ambiance and exquisite pastries. Their macarons are a must-try, showcasing a perfect balance of delicate sweetness and rich flavor. Their croissants, whether plain or filled with chocolate or almond cream, are flaky perfection. The café's charming atmosphere makes it ideal for a leisurely afternoon dessert break.
3. Summer House Santa Monica: California Dreaming, Chicago Style
While known for its California-inspired cuisine, Summer House Santa Monica also boasts a tempting dessert menu. Their selection often includes innovative takes on classic desserts, showcasing fresh, seasonal ingredients. Look for their seasonal fruit cobblers or their decadent chocolate lava cake – both are sure to impress.
Ice Cream & Frozen Delights
4. Glace: Artisanal Ice Cream Parlor
Glace elevates ice cream to an art form. They use locally sourced ingredients to create unique and unforgettable flavors. Expect unexpected combinations and creative presentations. Their seasonal flavors are always a highlight, often incorporating unusual fruits and spices.
5. Dove's Luncheonette: A Classic Soda Fountain Experience
Dove's Luncheonette offers a nostalgic trip back in time with its classic soda fountain atmosphere. While known for its diner fare, their ice cream sundaes are a delightful treat. Choose from a variety of ice cream flavors, toppings, and sauces to create your perfect sundae.
Unique & Creative Dessert Spots
6. Mindy's HotChocolate: Hot Chocolate Heaven
Mindy's HotChocolate isn't just about hot chocolate (although that's amazing too!). They offer a curated selection of desserts that complement their signature drink perfectly. Their seasonal offerings, often incorporating unique flavors and textures, make each visit a delightful surprise.
7. Stan's Donuts: Chicago's Donut Destination
Stan's Donuts is a Chicago institution. With multiple locations, including one near Lincoln Park, they provide a fantastic range of donuts – from classic glazed to inventive, gourmet flavors. Their unique donut creations are perfect for sharing (or not!).
8. Pequod's Pizza: Deep Dish with a Sweet Twist
While primarily known for its legendary deep-dish pizza, Pequod's also offers a surprisingly delicious dessert pizza. Their dessert pizza is a unique and satisfying twist on a classic dessert.
9. Sweet Mandy B's: Cakes and Cupcakes Galore
Sweet Mandy B's offers an array of custom cakes and cupcakes, perfect for any occasion. Their designs are stunning, and the flavors are equally impressive. They are a great option for birthdays, celebrations, and special occasions.
Other Notable Dessert Options in Lincoln Park
The following establishments might not solely focus on desserts, but their sweet offerings are well worth a mention:
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North Pond: Fine Dining with Exceptional Desserts (Upscale)
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RPM Italian: Elegant Italian with Exquisite Sweets (Upscale)
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Andros Taverna: Greek Dessert Delights (Mediterranean)
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Geja's Cafe: Romantic Atmosphere with Classic Desserts (Romantic)
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Boka: Award-Winning Restaurant with Creative Desserts (Upscale)
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Big Star: Tacos & Tequila, but also awesome Churros! (Casual)
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Cafe Ba-Ba-Reeba!: Spanish Tapas with Sweet Endings (Mediterranean)
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Parsons Chicken & Fish: Fried Chicken Perfection with a Side of Sweetness (Casual)
Planning Your Lincoln Park Dessert Crawl
This list offers a diverse range of options, catering to various tastes and budgets. Consider the atmosphere, type of dessert you crave, and your budget when choosing your destination. Whether you're looking for a casual bite or a luxurious treat, Lincoln Park has a perfect dessert experience waiting for you. Happy exploring!
Note: Restaurant menus and availability can change. It's always a good idea to check the restaurant's website or call ahead to confirm their offerings and make reservations, if necessary.
