Whenever I want a great breakfast or a quick snack, I start thinking about where to get the best croissant in Chicago. Bakeries all over the city make these flaky, buttery treats, and it’s fun to see how each one is a little different.
Whether you live here or you’re just visiting, it’s worth checking out these places to see what all the excitement is about.
1) La Fournette
When I walked into La Fournette, the warm wood decor made me feel like I was in a cozy French bakery. The smell of fresh bread and pastries filled the air.
The croissants looked just like the ones I’ve seen in France, with a golden, flaky crust. I tried one with my coffee and it was crisp on the outside and soft on the inside. The flavor was rich but not too buttery, and you could tell it was made with care.
The owners are from Alsace, France, and have been baking for generations. Their family recipes go back over a hundred years. They use natural sourdough starters, which makes everything taste really fresh.
The bakery uses local ingredients and changes what they bake based on the seasons. There were other things to try, but I would go back just for another croissant.
Rating: 4.7 (724 reviews)
Location: 1547 N Wells St, Chicago, IL 60610
Contact: (312) 624-9430
Website: Visit Website
2) La Boulangerie & Co Wilson
When I visited La Boulangerie & Co Wilson, I felt like I had stepped into a café in France. The place is cozy, with a relaxed vibe that makes it easy to settle in and enjoy fresh pastries. The smell of bread and sweet pastries baking was the first thing I noticed.
I tried their classic croissant, which was so flaky and light that it barely held together in my hand. The buttery taste was rich, but not heavy. You can tell the bakers use high-quality ingredients, and the flour is imported from France.
They have other options too, like crepes, sandwiches, and French desserts. I saw people ordering coffee and tea to go with their food, and the staff was friendly and patient, even during the morning rush.
You can enjoy your food at the café or order some treats to take home.
Rating: 4.5 (705 reviews)
Location: 1945 W Wilson Ave, Chicago, IL 60640
Contact: (872) 208-3479
Website: Visit Website
3) Sugar Moon
I went to Sugar Moon on a Saturday morning after hearing a lot of buzz from friends. The bakery is small and cozy, with a sweet smell that hits you as soon as you walk in. The staff was friendly, and everyone inside seemed excited to try what had just come out of the oven.
Their croissants are flaky and fresh, baked in small batches. The texture was just right—crisp on the outside, but still soft inside. They have a smaller window of hours, which means almost everything is still warm when you get it.
Sugar Moon keeps things simple. The display cases weren’t overflowing, but what was there looked great. I tried a classic croissant and a chocolate one, and both were buttery and not too heavy.
It was busy, but the line moved quickly. By the time I left, the trays were nearly empty. I learned to come early since they only serve until they sell out.
Rating: 4.9 (255 reviews)
Location: 3612 W Wrightwood Ave, Chicago, IL 60647
Contact: Instagram: @sugarmoonchi, Twitter: @SugarMoonChi
Website: Visit Website
4) Lost Larson (Andersonville)
When I walked into Lost Larson, I noticed it had a relaxed and welcoming vibe. The space felt cozy, with a retro touch that made it feel different from other bakery spots. Fresh bread and pastries filled the air with a great smell.
Their croissants are buttery and flaky, with just the right amount of crunch. They mill their own flour and let the dough rise slowly. The cinnamon rolls looked amazing, and people seemed to love the seasonal pastries made with fresh fruit.
The owner, Bobby Schaffer, has worked at some famous restaurants, and his experience shows in the attention to detail here. The cafe menu changes to make the most of what’s in season.
You can grab a coffee, pastry, or even a sandwich, and it never feels rushed or crowded. I like coming with friends to share a variety of pastries and chat by the window.
Rating: 4.5 (859 reviews)
Location: 5318 N Clark St, Chicago, IL 60640
Contact: (773) 944-0587
Website: Visit Website
5) Verzênay Chicago
When I walked into Verzênay Chicago, the first thing I noticed was the warm and cozy vibe. The counter is filled with golden, flaky pastries that look almost too good to eat. The smell of fresh baked goods drifts through the air.
The croissants here are light, buttery, and crisp on the outside. I could taste the care that Chef Arshiya Farheen and her team put into each one. They use simple, local ingredients, which makes everything feel extra fresh.
There’s a nice mix of sweet and savory choices, but the classic butter croissant is my favorite. I love enjoying it with a cup of coffee at a sunlit table inside. All the products are made without artificial ingredients.
Rating: 4.7 (467 reviews)
Location: 2507 N Lincoln Ave, Chicago, IL 60614
Contact: (773) 799-8312
Website: Visit Website
6) Floriole Cafe & Bakery
When I walked into Floriole Cafe & Bakery, I immediately noticed how bright and open the space felt. The big windows let in lots of sunlight, and the atmosphere was calm, making it a nice spot to sit with a pastry and coffee.
The croissants here are European-style, with a crispy shell and soft, buttery layers inside. They pay close attention to each detail, from the delicate flakiness to the rich flavor. The bakery case was full of tempting options, but the classic croissant stood out to me.
People around me ordered everything from breakfast sandwiches to sweet pastries. The whole place felt relaxing and friendly, and I liked that I could see the bakers working behind the counter. It’s the kind of spot I would come back to for a treat or a quiet moment.
Rating: 4.5 (705 reviews)
Location: 1220 W Webster Ave, Chicago, IL 60614
Contact: (773) 883-1313
Website: Visit Website
7) Hendrickx Belgian Bread Crafter
When I walked into Hendrickx, the smell of fresh bread and pastries greeted me. The place feels warm and cozy, with a small seating area that invites you to stay awhile. I loved seeing the bakers work in the open kitchen—it made the experience feel more personal.
The croissant selection here impressed me. There are 13 different kinds, and each one is flaky and buttery with just the right amount of crunch. My favorite was the classic plain croissant, but the chocolate version is also a must-try. They make everything from scratch using Belgian baking methods, which makes a big difference in taste.
I also tried one of their homemade sandwiches, which was simple but fresh and tasty. While waiting, the chef even stopped by to chat and offered a sample of a new pastry he was working on. The staff really care about what they make.
The bakery is open Tuesday through Sunday, and they offer delivery through apps if you can’t make it in person.
Rating: 4.6 (518 reviews)
Location: 100 E Walton St, Chicago, IL 60611
Contact: (312) 649-6717
Website: Visit Website## 8) Good Ambler
I visited Good Ambler in the West Loop for a midday treat. The vibe felt modern and relaxed, with lots of natural light and a cool atmosphere. It’s a comfortable spot to bring a laptop, hang out, or just enjoy a coffee.
The croissant stood out. It was flaky on the outside and soft and buttery inside. I tasted the freshness and rich flavor right away.
They offer pastries, handcrafted chocolates, cakes, and coffee. During lunchtime on weekdays, they close off some seating, but I still found a spot easily. The staff greeted me warmly, and everything looked fresh and well-made.
If you like sweets or want a pastry with your coffee, this place is worth a visit. The menu includes both sweet and savory options.
Rating: 4.4 (598 reviews)
Location: 216 N Peoria St, Chicago, IL 60607
Contact: (312) 872-7165
Website: Visit Website
9) Aya Pastry
I went to Aya Pastry on Grand Ave and found a hidden gem in West Town. The storefront looks modern and cozy, always busy with people picking up coffee and pastries. They offer walk-in service, but I like using their drive-thru for quick morning pick-ups.
The croissants are flaky, buttery, and soft inside. They use quality ingredients and pay attention to details. There’s a good variety of pastries, but I prefer the plain croissant for a simple treat.
Pre-ordering helps, especially for special cakes or large orders. They bake everything fresh, so I order ahead when I need something specific. They also offer local delivery, which is convenient when I want to stay home.
Rating: 4.6 (224 reviews)
Location: 1332 W Grand Ave, Chicago, IL 60642
Contact: (312) 846-6186
Website: Visit Website
10) Pan Artesanal Bakery
I visited Pan Artesanal Bakery on Fullerton and liked the welcoming atmosphere. The space feels cozy but has enough room to sit and relax with a pastry and coffee.
Their croissants were flaky and buttery, easy to pull apart and enjoy. They offer several flavors, each made with care. The staff answered my questions and suggested good options.
I tried the classic butter croissant and a chocolate-filled one. Both tasted fresh and not too sweet. They also serve other pastries and breakfast items.
Parking out front was easy, and I never felt rushed. The relaxed setting made it a pleasant place to start my day.
Rating: 4.6 (414 reviews)
Location: 3724 W Fullerton Ave, Chicago, IL 60647
Contact: (312) 286-5265
Website: Visit Website
What Makes a Great Croissant
The best croissant stands out because of its perfect texture and how it’s made. I always notice the ingredients and how they work together to create great flavor.
Texture and Flakiness
When I bite into a croissant, I want a crisp outside and a soft inside. That crunchy shell is important. Good croissants have visible layers that pull apart easily.
The inside should feel light and airy, not doughy or heavy. I know a good one when flakes fall everywhere at the first bite. If it’s chewy or dense, it wasn’t made right. Texture matters as much as flavor. Here’s what I look for:
- Crunchy exterior: The surface should be golden and crackly.
- Flaky layers: You should see lots of thin sheets inside.
- Tender crumb: The inside feels soft and pulls apart easily.
Ingredients and Technique
A true croissant uses simple, high-quality ingredients: butter, flour, yeast, milk, sugar, and salt. Real butter brings out richer flavor and better texture.
Technique is just as important. The best bakers use “lamination,” folding and rolling the dough with butter many times. This creates the delicate layers I love.
Baking at the right temperature matters. If it’s too hot, the outside burns and the inside stays raw. Croissants baked just right come out golden and smell amazing.
A croissant made with care always tastes better.
Tips for Enjoying Croissants in Chicago
Enjoying a great croissant is about more than just the pastry. The right drink and timing can make the experience even better.
Pairings and Drinks
When I get a croissant, I think about what to drink with it. Coffee is the classic choice, and a simple drip or creamy cappuccino pairs well with a buttery, flaky pastry. For sweet croissants like chocolate or almond, I sometimes choose a latte or mocha.
For a lighter option, I choose hot tea—Earl Grey or breakfast blends balance the richness. Kids or anyone avoiding caffeine can have a glass of cold milk. Sometimes, fresh orange juice is perfect, especially with a plain or cheese croissant.
Here’s a quick table for pairing:
| Croissant Type | Good Drink Pair |
|---|---|
| Butter/plain | Cappuccino, OJ |
| Almond/chocolate | Latte, Mocha, Milk |
| Cheese or savory | Black Tea, Coffee |
When to Go for Fresh Bakes
I always try to get my croissants early in the day. Most bakeries in Chicago bake fresh in the morning, so I arrive soon after opening whenever I can. That way, the croissant is warm, crisp, and extra flaky on the outside.
Some cafes bake an extra batch around lunchtime, but the selection gets smaller as the day goes on. When bakeries get busy—especially on weekends—they often sell out of the best ones fast. If I want a certain flavor or a big order, I call ahead or order online.
Weekdays are less crowded if I want a quieter atmosphere. In summer, I like to sit outside if there’s seating, especially with a sunny view and a fresh croissant.
