ZipPicks Awards
Best Donuts in South Loop
Master Critic Review
Sweet Bean
8.2
A Taiwanese cafe-bakery in the South Loop where the grab-and-go case is the main event, including a rotating pastry lineup and donuts alongside buns and baked sweets. The best move is to pick 2–3 items max so you can eat them at peak softness and glaze shine, then add a drink only if you’re staying to work.
Must-Try Dishes:
Assorted donuts (case selection), Pineapple bun, Salted egg yolk bun
Scores:
Value: 8.3
Service: 7.8
Consistency: 8
Food Quality: 8.5
Atmosphere: 8.1
Cultural Relevance: 7.7
What makes it special: A Taiwanese-style bakery case that includes donuts plus a wide rotation of baked goods in one stop.
Who should go: Pastry hunters and coffee-and-a-treat commuters.
When to visit: Morning for best selection and freshest case rotation.
What to order: Assorted donut pick, pineapple bun, salted egg yolk bun.
Insider tip: Keep it to 2–3 pastries so they stay fresh and warmable.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking is metered and can be competitive during weekday mornings and weekend brunch hours; if you’re in a hurry, plan a quick curb-to-counter run rather than circling for a perfect spot.
Dress code: Casual and comfy—anything from workout gear to office clothes works.
Noise level: Low to moderate—easy to chat, with a little morning buzz when the pastry case is busy.
Weekend wait: No wait typically (it’s more of a daytime pastry stop than a dinner rush spot).
Weekday lunch: 0–10 min—mostly grab-and-go, with occasional short lines.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—many pastries and buns are vegetarian; just confirm fillings if you’re avoiding eggs.
Vegan options: Limited—some rotating items may work, but most baked goods lean butter/egg-forward.
Gluten-free options: Very limited to none—this is a wheat-and-baked-goods-heavy bakery case.
Best For
Better for: Variety-driven pastry runs: you can mix donuts with Taiwanese bakery favorites (like pineapple bun and salted egg yolk bun) in one stop, and the rotating case makes repeat visits feel fresh.
Consider Alternatives If: You want classic American donut-shop depth (lots of glazed/yeast styles in bulk) or you need strong gluten-free/vegan coverage—this spot is about curated bakery variety, not dietary specialization.