Dan Koester, known as 'Dan The Baker', is a Chicago-based baker recognized for his artisanal breads, pastries, and desserts. He trained at the French Pastry School and has honed his skills at notable Chicago...
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my favorite bakery! Expect a line/wait of up to an hour or more. They're open until 2pm or sold out, but are typically sold out by 10 am, so plan to come early. That being said, the wait/line was worth it! The line moved at a decent pace as well. The pastries here are so delicious, not a single one disappointed. Amazing bakery, truly. They have a variety of pastries, perfect for any palete. Loved the salsa monkey bread, the mustard pretzel croissant, the chocolate croissant, the banana bread, and the cinnamon knot. Overall 10/10! The caramel miso latte was also really good! Writing about this is making my mouth water lol
I also love how everything is freshly baked right there, and how you can actually see the bakers making the pastries through the window.
I love exploring bakeries in Chicago and Bad Butter is one of my top 3! Went this Saturday and arrived around 7:55am (line was down like 3 doors). We were out the door with our pastries and drinks around 9am, and there were still plenty of options in the case! Got the strawberry shortcake danish, fancy chocolate croissant (a favorite!), rhubarb cruffin, lavender latte, and cappuccino. All delicious! I was pleasantly surprised by the latte - best one I’ve had from a bakery! If you’re going to go, try to get there early and enjoy the experience…pastries are worth the wait IMO, you’re supporting a local family business, and it’s a great neighborhood to explore with the 606 trail nearby!
Totally worth the early morning commute and wait. Each pastry is beautifully crafted and full of crispy buttery goodness. I would love 10 of the strawberry danish please. It is so light, delicate and fresh.
Coffee lovers have to get their latte. The bean taste incredible and the bitterness pairs so well with the pastries!
Yes there is a line, yes it's worth it. When you walk in and see the full case of beautiful pastries it's hard to not want to buy everything. Service was quick and friendly. Can't wait for the pre-order window to open later in the year
This was by far my favorite stop during my day trip to Chicago. Although I did arrive pretty late and most of the pastries were sold out, I did manage to get some great pastries. Cinnamon Knots. Amazing. Almond Croissant. Bomb. The Kouign Amanns. Fantastic.
The service was quick and the employees were very nice. The ambiance of the bakery was great as well. It has a lively, upbeat energy that perfectly fits the neighborhood. Even arriving late in the day, the space felt welcoming, vibrant, and full of character.
