I keep a running list of cafés and bakeries worth exploring. Some are across town, others require a longer drive. Occasionally, I find one so good I’d happily travel to another state to return.
But a detour should earn its miles. A beautiful space, a long line, or hundreds of five-star reviews aren’t enough. Sometimes the bread is exceptional and the pastries disappoint. Sometimes the atmosphere is better than the food. And once in a while, everything comes together.
Here’s what I’ve found so far.
Kasama | Chicago
Worth going for the breakfast sandwich. The $16 truffle croissant? Less convincing.
It took three attempts to finally try Kasama. Twice, I arrived, saw the line, and decided against waiting. On the third attempt, I ordered online, only to find myself standing in that same line before realizing pickup customers could walk straight in.
The much-praised breakfast sandwich lived up to its reputation. It was genuinely good.
The black truffle croissant was another matter. At around $16, expectations were understandably high. It was good, but the truffle aroma was so assertive that it overwhelmed the experience a little. Truffle is wonderful when it complements a dish. Here, I found myself wishing for a lighter hand.
Would I go back? For the sandwich, absolutely. But next time, I’ll order ahead and skip the line.
Amazing Breads & Cakes | Des Plaines
Come for the sourdough, not the pastry or coffee.
This Polish bakery has enthusiastic reviews, so I went expecting good things across the board.
The sourdough delivered. Flavorful and easily the highlight of my visit.
The Danish was disappointing. Instead of the buttery, delicate layers I expect from a good pastry, the texture was doughy and bread-like. The coffee was worse. I ended up throwing it away.
I’d happily return for the sourdough, but I’d get my pastry and coffee elsewhere.
Floriole Café & Bakery | Lincoln Park
Good baking, though even a good sourdough can have its flaws.
Floriole is a solid bakery, and I enjoyed its sourdough. But some slices had enormous holes running through them.
An open crumb can be desirable in artisan bread, but there’s a point where those lovely air pockets become a nuisance, particularly when you’re trying to spread something on a slice.
It’s a relatively small criticism of an otherwise good loaf. Still, good bread should deliver on flavor, texture, and function.
Sorelle Italian Market & Café | Long Grove and Glenview
Come for the atmosphere and a leisurely afternoon. The food is good, but the setting is the bigger attraction.
Sorelle is the kind of place where I can happily bring a book and spend an afternoon people-watching.
The sandwiches, including the jamón and fig varieties, are better than average. But having visited since the earlier days of the Long Grove location, I think the food was stronger when it first opened.
What continues to make Sorelle appealing is the atmosphere. It’s attractive, lively, and inviting without requiring much of an occasion.
The downside is its popularity. Finding a seat at Long Grove can be difficult. The newer Glenview location is larger and offers a little more breathing room.
I’d return, but primarily for the pleasure of spending time there, not because I think the food is extraordinary.
The Benchmark: Pisgah Bakehouse | Brevard, North Carolina
The one I’d happily cross state lines for.
I discovered Pisgah Bakehouse while visiting the Brevard and Pisgah Forest area. It was so good that I returned the following morning and brought sourdough home.
What made it memorable wasn’t a signature item designed to attract attention. It was the care evident across the food, from the bread and pastries to the savory dishes. The flavors were balanced, the cooking thoughtful, and nothing felt overworked.
Even the quieter details, like a restrained onion scone or a well-made coffee, suggested people paying attention to what they were making.
Some reviewers complain about the wait. I understand, but I’d rather wait for something genuinely good than receive something forgettable in five minutes.
Pisgah Bakehouse is casual and unpretentious, but the food is seriously good. It’s the kind of place that makes you wish you lived nearby.
Of all the places I’ve visited, this is the one I’d most like to have around the corner. And the one I’d happily make the trip for again.
