The best bakeries & sweet shops in Evanston

“Paleteria and ice cream shop featuring a wide variety of flavors, from traditional Mexican desserts to snow cones.”

“Long-standing seasonal ice cream destination serving cones, shakes, sundaes & banana splits.”

“Petite, understated spot dishing up signature ice cream & sundaes, plus brownies.”

“Traditional store selling chocolates, confections & fudge, as well as original recipe ice cream.”

“Craving a legit croissant that flakes like confetti?”

From the Arlington Heights newsletter, August 3, 2026

“When you need a dessert win that actually delights your inner 8-year-old and adult palate, this week Windy City Sweets delivers with weekly handmade chocolate blends, famous fudge, truffles, s’mores, gummy candy and legit ice cream options, plus thoughtful gift boxes when you want to look like you planned ahead.”

From the Chicago newsletter, August 3, 2026

“Delighting North Shore taste buds since 1938, Bennison's Bakery turns out irresistible cakes, sweet treats, and some of the best bread around, all made with family passion and quality ingredients.”

From the Palatine newsletter, August 8, 2026

“Belgian Chocolatier Piron, Inc. has been handcrafting European style chocolates since 1983, from signature assortments and silky dark or milk pieces to brandied cherry cordials, nut barks, pâte de fruits, and English toffee.”

“Family-owned candy shop offers a range of sweets, with gluten-free, kosher, organic & vegan treats.”

“Got a family get-together this week? Ms. D's Candy Shop has soulful brunch and dinner pans, flexible pick ups, and easy drop-off catering for everything from casual hangouts to milestone moments, all with that cooked-with-love vibe your crew will talk about long after the plates are clean.”

“Bakery offering made-from-scratch bread, pastries & sandwiches in a warm, rustic space.”

“Traditional store selling chocolates, confections & fudge, as well as original recipe ice cream.”

“Longtime, old-fashioned ice cream parlor serving up ice cream sundaes & homemade candies.”

“Chocolatier and ice cream purveyor with friendly staff also selling packaged candies.”

“Busy bakery offering an array of cakes, scones & cupcakes as well as serving breakfast & light eats.”

“Bakery specializing in thick, soft cookies (including chocolate-chip banana, peanut butter and s'more varieties) as well as scones.”

“Made from scratch daily, the center-filled cupcakes here come in a variety of flavors.”

“Southern-style bakeshop specializing in traditional sweet treats & custom cakes.”

“Kid-friendly shop dishing up ice cream and milkshakes, along with candy.”

“Family-run shop dishing up nachos, ice cream and old-school candies, plus tacos.”

“Longtime candy counter doling out handmade sweets & specializing in custom items for any occasion.”

“French pastries, cakes & breads in a relaxed bakery/cafe with brick walls & a compact dining area.”

“Bakery offering cakes, cupcakes, and other sweet treats.”

“Bakery specializing in traditional and Hawaiian cakes, plus cupcakes.”

“Sweet Grabs is all about gourmet cookies, brownies, and bundt cakes that taste like a small party in a box. Treat yourself this week, stash a few for late-night cravings, and suddenly chores in Palatine feel way more doable, one crumbly victory at a time.”

“Retailer offering premium chocolate & other confections, plus cocoa & gift baskets.”

“Welcoming bakeshop for old-fashioned treats from cupcakes & pies to cookies, plus breakfast bites.”

“When the usual chips won't cut it, Ichiban Candy has KitKats, Pocky, fizzy Ramune, and other Asian treats that somehow disappear on the drive home... Perfect for a quick weeknight pick-me-up or sharing during movie night.”

“Modern bakery with vintage decor touches known for cupcakes & sweets plus support for local schools.”

“Cozy cafe baking up gluten-free options alongside breakfast, coffee, and desserts.”

“Casual bakery dishing up the chain's popular chocolate chip cookies, along with muffins and other baked goods.”

“Established independent supermarket offering a standard range of produce, meats & other groceries.”

“Bakery for playfully decorated cupcakes, specialty cakes & European pastries, plus an outdoor cafe.”

“Bakery featuring a wide selection of cupcakes, cakes and pies, as well as brownies and cookies.”

“A. Burdick Handmade Chocolates for hand-crafted assortments, the iconic chocolate mice and penguins, rich drinking chocolate, and patisserie-level pastries. It’s a chic little reset for your week, equally great for treating yourself, grabbing a gift, or braving Chicago weather with a cup of molten bliss.”