The dining scene in Illinois is one of the best in the country — from fine dining to the mom-and-pop chicken shack. But, in my opinion, there’s really nothing quite like a fresh-baked loaf of bread or pastry. Baking reveals the true skill of a chef — can they master the arts and sciences needed to create perfectly laminated croissants or structurally-sound puff pastries? This neighborhood spot in Chicago does just that, and is the best bakery in Illinois as a result.

Lost Larson, 5318 N. Clark St., is located in Chicago's Andersonville neighborhood on the Far North Side of the city. The bakery opened in 2018 and is headed by owner-chef Bobby Schaffer and his sister Bree Schaffer.
best bakery in Illinois
Michael U/Tripadvisor
Its peaceful, minimalist design makes it a great place to sit down and enjoy a meal.
Lost Larson/Facebook
It serves fresh-baked bread, cakes, pastries, and Swedish-inspired confections that quickly earned it the title of the best bakery in Illinois — and one of the best in North America. These cardamom buns are among its most popular selections.
Lost Larson/Facebook
There's a sister location in the Wicker Park neighborhood of Chicago, meaning there are now twice the opportunities to try one of these top-rated treats.
Lost Larson/Facebook
These ham and cheese croissants have my name all over them.
Lost Larson/Facebook

Related Stories

Locals Can't Get Enough Of The Artisan Creations At This Tiny Neighborhood Bakery In Illinois

Locals Can't Get Enough Of The Artisan Creations At This Tiny Neighborhood Bakery In Illinois

 This Is The Most Hippie Town Near Chicago And You Need To Visit

This Is The Most Hippie Town Near Chicago And You Need To Visit

 The Best Little Bakeshop In America Is Right Here In Chicago

The Best Little Bakeshop In America Is Right Here In Chicago
Add a fresh-brewed cup of coffee and bring a book, laptop, or friend to pass the time.
Lost Larson/Facebook
The bakery mills its own grains to create cloud-soft bread and crunchy crusts.
Lost Larson/Facebook
Pro tip: Don't need a whole loaf? Try the Avocado Smørrebrød — avocado on a slice of country loaf, topped with pickled red onions, radish, and almond-pistachio dukkah.
Lost Larson/Facebook
This stunning berries and floral cake is a work of art. It features an angel food sponge cake base with layers of blackberry mousse, orange blossom and ricotta mouse, and fresh black raspberry jam.
Lost Larson/Facebook
Seasonal and holiday pies and cakes are also available by special order. Serving these after dinner would be a gift in and of itself.
Lost Larson/Facebook

Do you think Lost Larson is the best bakery in Illinois? What would you order here? What do you look for in a local bakery? Tell us in the comments! Start planning your visit by checking out the Lost Larson website and the Lost Larson Facebook page. And while you’re on the North Side of Chicago, consider stopping by to see the world’s largest pin button collection!

OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

Related Articles

Featured Addresses
Lost Larson (Andersonville), 5318 N Clark St, Chicago, IL 60640, USA