The best bakeries & sweet shops in Marion

Benton’s own The Buzz Cafe keeps things local with breakfasts, lunches, and coffee made from scratch, plus seasonal desserts and gluten free options that actually taste good. For gatherings, their small event catering, party rentals, and custom gift baskets make you look put together.

From the Benton newsletter, October 13, 2026

Near enough for a quick dessert run, Bonali’s Gelato serves real-deal gelato that’s silky, flavorful, and way more interesting than another pint from the freezer aisle. Perfect for post-game treats, low-key date nights, or when Tuesday just needs a little Italian-style sweetness.

From the West Frankfort newsletter, October 10, 2026

Counter-serve bakery/cafe chain serving sandwiches, salads & more, known for its bread & free WiFi.

Longtime chain serving a variety of donut flavors & shapes, plus coffee & frozen drinks.

Whether you crave house-made scoops in fresh waffle cones, a Brown Cow shake with Excel Frostie, or the wildly shareable Ice Cream Nachos, Chilly Jilly's Ice Cream and Treats brings a '90s-inspired, open-kitchen vibe where you can watch the magic happen... then taste it.

From the Southern Illinois newsletter, October 15, 2026

Teen-oriented retail chain for a large assortment of games, snacks, jewelry, room decor & more.

Kozy Cakes is Carbondale’s hometown bakery and café serving weekly rotating Cuppie Cakes, best-selling kream horns, custom cakes, and even Burn Away Cakes for big reveals, with gluten free options too. They also run cookie and cake decorating classes, perfect for a low-stress creative night this week.

From the Southern Illinois newsletter, October 2, 2026

Bakery chain known for warm cookies, ice cream & late-night deliveries.

Cool Spoons lets you build your own masterpiece with 18 flavors of ice cream, froyo, sorbets, plus non dairy soft serve, then crown it with 235+ toppings and sauces. Locally owned with unique in house flavors, it’s the Carbondale treat your week deserves.

From the Southern Illinois newsletter, October 8, 2026

Neighborhood cafe & bakery serving fair-trade coffee drinks plus eclectic eats & pastries.