Chicago Bakeries for Bread?

[jcruz1966]

Are there any recommendations for bakeries with great bread in the Chicago area? The Jewel/Dominick's are OK but I'd love to find some good hearty bread, especially to go with soup during these cold wintery times.

JC

[Beth]

On the Cooking Light BB, you know someone will have to remind you that you can make your own anywhere. We have bread thread on the Great Food board with lots of support for newbies. ;)

Unfortunately, my only experience with bakeries in the Chicago area was being driven to one somewhere a number of years ago. Either way, good luck.

[funnybone]

I'm not sure where you are located, but Panera is always a good bet. We have a Breadsmith (www.breadsmith.com) nearby (St. Charles) and they are great. I know they have several locations in IL. I'm sure there are great choices in the city though if that is where you are located.

[zwieback]

I'm not sure how far you are from Evanston but, there is a really good bread company on Central St. called Great Harvest Bread Company. They make their breads fresh and they always have samples - Yum!

Also, here is a listing of bakeries in the Chicago area. I don't know what's good & what's not but, it sure would be fun taste testing! :)

http://www.carba.com/bakeries.htm

[Grace]

Where in Chicago are you? There are several, but they may not be convenient for you. The Red Hen Bakery is fantastic, they're all in the city, and my mostly Polish neighborhood, there are lots of little bakeries that make really good bread. There's also Great Harvest Bread - locations all over the place, as well as Prairie Bread Kitchen in Oak Park. I could go on and on. The best thing is to tell us where you are and then we can narrow down some choices for you!

Here's the website for Red Hen:

http://www.redhenbread.com/

and Great Harvest Bread:

http://www.greatharvest.com/

[jcruz1966]

Thanks for all the replies.
I'm up in Northside-ish near Foster/Pulaski.

I use to go to a bakery (Ann's?) on Chicago/Leavitt, but now that's out of the way for me.

JC

[JenniferDV]

I don't know if you've ever noticed, but my Jewel carries bread from La Brea Bakery, which is good in a pinch. If I don't have time to stop by Panera or Great Harvest or Prairie Bread, then I do that. The olive oil rosemary flavor is my favorite. Otherwise, these are all some great suggestions. Is there a Great Harvest in the city?

[Silvery Moon]

The Whole Foods grocery stores have good bread. I used to shop at one when I lived in Evanston.

[BakerJane]

Turano Baking co. has good bread. I've seen it sold in some local stores but I'm not sure if I've seen it at a large grocery store like Jewel. They do have a store connected to the bakery - I think it is at North Ave and Austin Ave?

http://www.turanobaking.com/homepage.html


(hmm, not sure why the hyperlink isn't working)