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Mindy's Bakery
Master Critic Reviews (2 Lists)
Mindy's Bakery
8.4
Mindy’s Bakery is an award-winning Wicker Park bakery from James Beard–recognized pastry chef Mindy Segal, known for bagels, croissants, cakes, and rotating pastries with clearly labeled gluten-free options. It’s a grab-and-go operation more than a cafe, but celiac-aware guests find one of the city’s densest selections of gluten-free sweets and morning breads here.
Must-Try Dishes:
Twice-baked almond croissant, Cinnamon roll, Banana Butterscotch Au Lait
Scores:
Value: 7.8
Service: 7.4
Consistency: 8.6
Food Quality: 8.7
Atmosphere: 6.5
Cultural Relevance: 8.3
What makes it special: High-profile bakery where a deep pastry case includes multiple gluten-free options from a James Beard–level pastry team.
Who should go: Gluten-avoiding pastry lovers who don’t mind lines and takeaway.
When to visit: Early mornings, especially weekends, before the most popular gluten-free items sell out.
What to order: A gluten-free pastry of the day, a bagel with flavored cream cheese, hot chocolate or coffee.
Insider tip: If you’re strictly celiac, note their cross-contamination disclaimer and ask staff which items are best-suited for more sensitive guests that day.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking along Milwaukee Ave and nearby residential side streets; mostly metered and can be competitive on weekend mornings; no dedicated lot.
Dress code: Casual — bakery and grab-and-go environment; everyday wear is totally appropriate.
Noise level: Low to moderate — short bursts of counter noise during rushes, but generally easy to converse while waiting.
Weekend wait: Not applicable — the bakery closes before dinner; expect morning weekend lines of ~15–30 minutes for popular items.
Weekday lunch: Usually minimal wait — brief counter line, often under 5–10 minutes.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — most pastries and breads are vegetarian-friendly.
Vegan options: Limited — selection varies and may be 1–2 rotating items at most.
Gluten-free options: Yes — clearly labeled gluten-free pastries and baked goods, but produced in a shared kitchen with a cross-contamination disclaimer.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better for a casual morning pastry date or quick grab-and-go stop than a seated, linger-friendly date — there’s limited seating and the experience is counter-service.
Can I get a table without a reservation? There are no reservations — it’s walk-up counter service, and any available seating is first-come and limited; plan to take pastries to go if it’s busy.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes for quick visits — families stop in for pastries, but there’s limited seating and no dedicated kid amenities; best for short, in-and-out stops.
Best For
Better for: One of the strongest gluten-free pastry selections in the area, backed by a high-level pastry program with clearly labeled options and rotating specialty items.
Skip if: You need full café seating, a long sit-down experience, savory meals, or a strictly celiac-safe facility with fully separate preparation.
Mindy's Bakery
8.9
Mindy's Bakery is a high-volume Wicker Park bakeshop known for croissants, laminated pastries, and rich hot chocolate that draw steady lines on weekends. The menu leans indulgent, with items like cinnamon rolls, dream bars, and layered cakes anchoring both breakfast runs and dessert stops.
Must-Try Dishes:
Almond croissant, Cinnamon roll, Rich hot chocolate
Scores:
Value: 7.1
Service: 8.6
Consistency: 9.1
Food Quality: 9.3
Atmosphere: 8.7
Cultural Relevance: 8.8
What makes it special: A destination bakery for layered pastries, hot chocolate, and high-volume weekend lines.
Who should go: Pastry-obsessed diners willing to queue for variety.
When to visit: Early weekend mornings before the pastry case is picked over.
What to order: Almond croissant, cinnamon roll, and a cup of hot chocolate.
Insider tip: Go early and plan to grab extra pastries; favorites often sell out quickly.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking on Milwaukee Ave and nearby side streets; can be competitive on weekends and late mornings. No dedicated lot.
Dress code: Casual — bakery counter service; come as you are.
Noise level: Moderate during rush periods — busy counter energy but you can still hold a short conversation.
Weekend wait: Not applicable — bakery operates mornings/early afternoons; expect 30–60 min pastry line on weekend mornings.
Weekday lunch: Typically minimal to no wait outside of peak late-morning pastry rush.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — many pastries and sweets are vegetarian by default, though ingredients vary by item.
Vegan options: Limited — occasional vegan-friendly items, but selection is not guaranteed.
Gluten-free options: Very limited — most items contain wheat; no dedicated gluten-free prep area.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes for a casual, morning coffee-and-pastry style date — expect counter service, limited seating, and a line during peak hours rather than a sit-down vibe.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes — reservations are not used. Seating is first-come and limited; most visits are grab-and-go or short stays at small tables.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes — families are common, but space is tight and lines can be long; best for kids who do well with quick counter service rather than lingering meals.
Best For
Better for: Laminated pastries, indulgent sweets, and specialty hot chocolate with a destination-bakery feel and strong weekend pastry case.
Skip if: You need gluten-free or vegan breadth, quiet sit-down brunch service, or guaranteed seating without a wait.