We’re living in a time of pastry bounty. New bakeries, old bakeries and many in between are in the mix when people are asked for their favorite. One thing is certain, residents have a sweet tooth and are not afraid to indulge it. In our highly unscientific poll, we asked for recommendations on social media for where the dough was worth the dough. Here are the answers ranked by number of responses:
1. Broken Tart
1108 Chicago Ave., Oak Park
Their kale scone has been described as “life changing.” David G. explains, “Why? I don’t really like scones. I don’t like kale. I hate raisins. This scone has kale and raisins. And it’s amazing … I don’t know what kind of alchemy they do to make these work, but they do.” Kylee B. lists their espresso cinnamon roll and pimento cheese biscuit. And Angie G. slam dunks with “There is nothing bad at Broken Tart.”
2. 3 Fold. A Bakery
401 South Blvd., Oak Park
This recent add to the bakery field is “like you just stepped into France,” according to Amy B. All the dough there is laminated croissant-type. Joan A. said, “Obviously the croissants are fantastic, but the quiche, the cinnamon roll, the lemon meringue. Unreal.” And there is competition for the above mentioned scone too. “That raspberry and cream croissant changed my life,” Wsk K. said.
3. Sugar Fixé Pâtisserie
119 N Marion St., Oak Park
Many hands raised for their macrons and croissants. Nallely S. said, “Their bread pudding is probably my favorite pastry ever.”
4. Oak Park Bakery
904 S. Oak Park Ave., Oak Park
If chocolate donuts are the yardstick, Danny H. said this is the place. Laura D. is fangirling not just on their eclairs, pecan custard coffee cake, cheese strip coffee cake, blueberry cheese coffee cake, chocolate chip coffee cake, but also, “The only thing that has changed about their pastries in my lifetime is the price.”
5. Happy Apple Pie Shop
226 Harrison St., Oak Park
“Their pie of the week usually, especially the derby day pay, Irish crème mudslide and their chocolate chess mini pies are an everyday standard for me,” said Alice B. Quiches got a round of applause too.
6. Spilt Milk
811 South Blvd., Oak Park
“If you are looking for pie, you must Spilt Milk. Their coconut cream, when they have it, is swoon-worthy,” Angie G. said.
The rest are ties, so I’m going to list them all with one recommended item.
#7-9 are:
• Publican Quality Bread, 211 Harrison St., Oak Park – Dubai chocolate croissant
• Léa, 106 N. Marion St., Oak Park – pain au chocolate
• Gabi Cakes, gabicakes.shop – According to Ana A., “Everything she does is top notch.”
#10 belongs to many:
• Crumbcrusher, 805 South Blvd., Oak Park – lavender cupcake
• Dunk Donuts, 1912 W. Lake St., Melrose Park – buttermilk old fashioned
• Mamma Susi’s Bake Shop, 6501 W. Roosevelt Road, Berwyn – lobster tail
• The Local Flour Stand Cafe, 6814 Windsor Ave., Berwyn – “Everything” Kay T.
• Carli’s Cookies, carlicookie.com – guava cheese cookie