Eli’s Cheesecake’s confetti cheesecake—a 2021 Fabi Award winner—which boasts housemade yellow confetti cake topped with a layer of birthday cake confetti cheesecake, handpiped vanilla mousse and more sprinkles.
A Chicago institution since it made its debut at the first Taste of Chicago in 1980, this supercreamy confection invented by Eli Schulman has been enjoyed by Chicago mayors, U.S. presidents and celebrities galore in classic flavors like original plain, chocolate chip and strawberry, and new varieties like chocolate hazelnut crunch and cookie butter. 6701 W. Forest Preserve Drive, 800.354.2253, elicheesecake.com
From old-fashioneds and chocolate glazed to signature peanut butter pockets, this L.A.-born shop has found thriving success in Chicago with its delectable offerings, which also include an expansive variety of coffee drinks and an assortment of breakfast items. Multiple locations (including now in Hyde Park), stansdonuts.com
Treats from Sweet Mandy B’s
A playful menu of sweet treats— from snickerdoodle and vegan vanilla cupcakes to iced confetti Rice Krispies treats, double doozie cookies, banana chocolate chip muffins and custom cakes—has made this a Lincoln Park fave since 2002. Now in Streeterville too. 1208 W. Webster Ave., 773.244.1174; 254 E. Ontario St., 312.255.1632, sweetmandybs.com
No need to fly to Paris: Some of the best macarons you’ll ever have are served up at this storefront, a Lincoln Park mainstay since 2002, manned by classically trained chefs. From classics like pistachio, chocolate and vanilla to quirkier flavors like Bailey’s, carrot cake and Lucky Charms, you can’t go wrong with any selection. 2108 N. Clark St., 773.868.4574, vanillepatisserie.com
Photography by: COURTESY OF ELI’S CHEESECAKE; BY ASHLEY DUARTE
