Chicago’s Best Bakeries for Fresh Bread
Where Chicago Home Cooks Pick Up Fresh Bread for the Week
Having fresh, high quality bread at home is an underrated luxury. Few things are better than the smell of an artisan loaf warming in the toaster, filling your kitchen and setting the perfect tone for the day ahead.
I find my appreciation for fresh bread peaks in the winter months when in-season produce is a little less colorful and I turn to other staple ingredients to strike my creative inspiration in the kitchen, and in the late summer when my BLT consumption goes through the roof. Whatever drives your desire to have a fresh crusty loaf at the ready, these Chicago bread bakeries are sure to satisfy!
Best Bakeries for Fresh Bread in Chicago:
Publican Quality Breads
(West Town)
Aya Pastry
(West Town)
Aya Pastry brings precision and creativity to Chicago’s bread scene. Aya offers a variety of classic loaves, but a unique standout is the soft pillowy shokupan, aka milk bread. Aya conveniently also has a drive through window, so you can order or pickup preorders without getting out of your car!
Bad Butter by Dan the Baker
(Fulton Market)
Bad Butter is an exclusive, pre-order-only bakery operating out of the Emily Hotel’s café. Helmed by Instagram famed “Dan the Baker” Daniel Koester, this micro-bakery specializes in meticulously crafted, naturally fermented loaves with deep, complex flavors. Serious bread lovers should plan ahead to get their hands on these sought-after small-batch bakes.
La Fournette
(Old Town)
Bringing a taste of France to Chicago, La Fournette is known for its award winning baguettes, beer bread, and naturally leavened miche (French sourdough). The World Baking Champions and owners of La Fournette perfectly merry time-honored French baking techniques with high quality local and seasonal ingredients.
D’Amatos
(West Loop)
A Chicago institution, D’Amato’s has been baking traditional Italian bread for over 50 years. Their wood-fired loaves offer the perfect base for sandwiches, bruschetta, or just enjoying with olive oil. If you love classic, old-world baking, this is a must-visit spot.
Panes Bread Cafe
(Lakeview)
A longtime Lincoln Park favorite, Panes Bread Cafe serves up fresh, house-made loaves perfect for everyday meals. From soft sandwich bread to rustic, crusty options and dessert breads, they offer something for every home cook looking for simple, wholesome quality.
Mindy’s Bakery
(Wicker Park)
Mindy’s Bakery draws long lines for a reason—its exceptional bagels and high-quality pastries make it a neighborhood favorite. The hand-rolled, perfectly chewy bagels are a standout for home cooks who prioritize flavor and texture. Get there early and grab a 4-pack of their frozen bagels (gluten free and regular) and a spread of your choice for an easy and delicious weekday breakfast.
Gifted Bread
(Online or at local grocers)
Gifted Bread caters to those with dietary restrictions without sacrificing quality or flavor. This female Latina-owned bakery specializes in allergen-free loaves, offering gluten-free, dairy-free, and nut-free options. Whether you have food sensitivities or simply want a clean, wholesome bread option, this bakery delivers exceptional taste and texture.
Chicagoans: Support Your Local Bread Bakers!
Whether you are picking up a fresh loaf of bread to serve at your next dinner party, or to devour it solo with nothing more than some butter and a block of cheese, you are guaranteed to get a jolt of joy from the aromas alone. Our local bakers work for years to perfect their craft, and wake up before the sun to ensure we can get our hands on their beautiful baguettes and boules, so be sure to support your local bakeries as often as you can. And be sure you know how to store different types of bread to keep them fresh all week long!
And may I offer a suggestion? Let’s start considering a fresh loaf of bread as equivalent to a bouquet of flowers. Imagine the joy on your partner’s face if you walked in the door with a warm baguette from the local bakery? Or how happy you would be to receive fresh bagels and a tub of shmear as a gift for hosting? As someone who loves flowers, I can attest that fresh locally baked bread is a very welcome substitute.
Interested in learning more about where to shop for the best quality foods around the city? Check out our roundup of the city’s best butchers and meat counters or our guide to the top Italian markets next!