Pastry window was filled with fruit flies.They were in direct contact with the food. I spotted at least 5 when I made it to the front of the line. Wish I had seen them before I ordered. When I pointed it out to the cashier, she replied with a nonchalant "Yeah..." The fact that the cashier would be so cool about an obvious food safety issue suggests to me that this is the status quo here. I vigorously scraped off the top layer of my chocolate almond croissant before eating it, but I won't be back. read more

Stopped in for the first time on a recent Saturday afternoon. They were out of almost everything except pastries, which is not something I'm interested in, and whole-wheat bread, which I try to avoid on principle. But since I was there and it was a new place I thought I'd give it a try. I love bread--and this bread was amazing. I guess it was whole wheat because it was brown, but it was much more like a sourdough or country loaf in flavor. Great crust, wonderful texture for ww bread, tons of flavor. I'm guessing they use a starter that's been alive for a while, because it's rare to get this much flavor from whole wheat anything. I'm totally impressed and will definitely be back. (Holding back a star since the product was pretty much gone by noon.) read more

The second you walk into the bakery your mouth will begin watering! Whether it is the savory or sweet, Hewn has plenty of options. I loved their olive brioche because it was the perfect consistency with just the right amount of sumac that melted in my mouth. It might not be the cheapest, but it is definitely worth it for the quality. Baking is an art that Hewn has mastered. The staff (and it's a women-owned business) was cheery and nice. Can't wait to try an almond croissant that others rave about! read more

Yep, they are the real deal. The sour dough bread is incredibly balanced and once you toast it you're hooked. The croissants are made by wizards and the cinnamon rolls should be bought by the box. Do yourself a favor and treat your family to something made by people who really care about doing things right. read more

I just got the olive bread and it is some of the best bread I have ever had. The bread was perfectly moist, crunchy on the outside, and had great flavor. read more

I have now visited Hewn on a few occasions and I absolutely intend to become a regular. As you enter by the expertly dressed and festively painted windows, you are greeted by the warm yet industrial decor and the savory sweet smell that makes bakeries so enticing. The establishment also boasts menu boards that look printed but I recently found out were designed and drawn by one of their many in-house talents. The staff are always friendly and give straight forward answers to questions, important in an establishment with a lot of specific focus on grain blends and ingredients. The whole wheat Gruyere and potato rosemary breads knock me off my feet but the real killer is the soymilk dirty chai latte that's so warm and cozy I just want to curl up inside the mug. Crusty breads, the intoxicating smell of cheese and baked fruits and fresh coffee, an array pastries and jams and ingredients, the homey atmosphere in hardwoods and friendly decor, and talented and friendly staff, I will definitely be visiting again read more

so glad i listened to a podcast about sourdough several weeks prior to visiting Hewn so i didn't reel in confusion and hysteria when the bakery answered my question of "do you have any sourdough" with "everything we bake here is sourdough". for those of you who are reeling in C&H right now, a sourdough starter is the standard rising agent that was used for millennia before baker's yeast before a shelf-stable baker's yeast was invented and popularized in the mid-20th century. like all things industrial, baker's yeast was convenient, not as good for you, and not as delicious (subjective opinion)! that's why i love Hewn and all their varieties of sourdough bread, croissants, and pastries. my bf got the everything bagel croissant which i thought was going to be strange since there was just a dollop of baked cream cheese in the middle, but it actually turned out to be delicious. I got a hunk of ciabatta and just ate it plain and it was rly good... interesting fun fact: sourdough starters greatly vary across cultures, geographic locations, and between individual owners. but what mostly differentiates sourdough starters from each other is not gluten content, flour type, or distance from sea level. it is the microbes that subsist on the skin of the baker! read more

Honestly, the only thing I have really eaten from here, other than bread samples, is their cookies! Love them! Love the rustic look, and the décor. Love the outside seating, in front of the bakery as well. Friendly staff! Thank you! read more

I love monkey bread and this place delivers in the best monkey bread. While Hewn is very small, with very short hours if you work a little past normal work hours, it's worth trying to stop in before making dinner. The locale is perfect. Snug with other cure little shops, it's right off the Dempster stop. I do wish there was more selection of pie, though. But, then, that wouldn't really be hewn, right? read more

This place is plain horrible when it comes to customer service. I don't care how rave the reviews are for their baked goods--if you can't treat customers with respect, you won't last out there. I came into this store in the morning a day before thanksgiving just to grab a sweet on my way to work--big mistake! I was behind a woman paying for her items and a line was forming. Another gal finally asked if she could help me and she proceeded to obtain my sweet roll, bag it, and walk away to answer the phone and stayed there for several minutes. No gesture of apology, no nothing! The other clerk ringing up chatty customer 1 was done and she proceeded to look over and around me and greet another customer to inform her she had her bread for her!! WTH? I must've been wearing my invisible suit! Another lady from the back came out and probably noticed my dismay and asked if she could assist me and I responded I just wanted to get my stuff rung up and go. She responded in a condescending manner "oh how can I make it better?" I mean really??? Did she think I was her 5 year old with a boo boo? She proceeded to be defensive and explain that they were really busy especially due to the holidays and they were trying to assist everyone. I cannot stand businesses that get defensive and explain its really busy!! How about, I'm so sorry for your inconvenience, smile and just suck it up?!!! And how about adding more "properly trained" staff during the holidays?? Hey that's a concept! Good luck Hewn, bask in your popularity now but see if you last as long as long as Bennisons! read more

This place was awful, both in pastries and customer service. We chose an assortment of baked goods: chocolate croissants, scones, kouign amanns*. The scone didn't even taste cooked! It was SO doughy - it was unlike anything. I had been wanting to try this place since it opened with all the hype. As someone who cooks and bakes a lot I would expect a lot more. Furthermore, the croissant tasted SO stale. It was unbelievable. We even went early in the morning so you would think the pastries would have been fresh. The scone was literally inedible. We went back inside to explain to them the situation, thinking it couldn't be the usual and that surely their scones and croissants usually were cooked and flaky and delicious. Well boy were we wrong. And to make matters worse we were received with snotty and rude service. They took the scones begrudgingly, threw them angrily into the trash and THEN informed us that they wouldn't replace them and we would have to pay for something else if we wanted it. They really should have informed of us this policy BEFORE they angrily snatched the crappy biscuits and threw them into the garbage. Then they tried to defend the scones too by saying that they were in fact more like biscuits and that the texture is supposed to be dough-y. Well if the scones are like biscuits then maybe they should be called biscuits. Horrible service with subpar food. I never went back, never will and furthermore I made sure my family knew about the experience too. What could have been a place I lauded and recommended a ton became a place with a horrible customer experience. With so many great bakeries in the Chicago and evanston area I would hope the owners have a word with their staff. read more

Today we had the chicken salad sandwich and the Ruben. The Ruben was quite tasty, but it had to be grilled at home-they don't grill it at Hewn, maybe because of Covid? The bread for the chicken salad sandwich was quite dry and there was not a lot of chicken salad in it. Strawberry pastry was delicious but the chocolate croissant had almost no chocolate in it. I noticed that if you order food online you can pick it up in 48 hours at the earliest. You have to show up in person to order food and get it immediately. Their breads are delicious. read more

I stopped in here while on a walk and got the Whole Wheat Seeded loaf. I thought I'd be smart and ask them to slice off a few slices to eat before they wrapped it up nicely in paper and string so that I could munch on my way home. Yeah...that bread didn't stay wrapped long as I quickly tore into the loaf for more and couldn't stop. The bread was so perfectly delicious! The outer crust was nice and crusty while the inside was delectably chewy and light with just a scattering of seeds to keep it interesting. $7 is a little pricey for my everyday bread but it certainly was a nice treat and I can't stop thinking about it and wanting more. The bread kept nicely on my counter for the following day. The space itself is done especially well with the salvaged wood and fixtures. I wish they had a little more space for some tables to sit and enjoy but hopefully they will be able to expand in the future. The sandwiches looked delicious but would love if they did them made-to order where you could choose your bread and filler. Pastries were also beautiful. I can't wait to try more! I think I'm in love. Keep up the good work, Hewn, I look forward to watching this business grow! read more

was so excited for my first visit. I have missed having a really good quality bakery in the neighborhood since I left Denver. I came here after driving by it the past couple of weeks. I was incredibly disappointed. The ham and cheese croissant was lacking in filing, the croissant was flaky, but it was clear the bakery skimped on the butter. What was most disappointing, however, was the service. A shop like this cannot survive solely on quality because it's price point is so cost prohibitive ($4.45 for a ham and cheese croissant) for most in the neighborhood. To survive, the service must also match the top quality product. Upon entering, I told them that I was visiting for the first time, but had two negative interactions in the five minutes I was there. First, after saying hi, another customer was helped even though I was clearly in the store first. Second, and probably the most surprising. I was asking about the herb dinner rolls and what kind of herbs were used. They said Herbes De Provence. I asked doe they us the typical blend that is found in the USA (which includes lavender) or is it the more traditional blend. Lucas at the register proceeded to tell me that the blend was standard and there were no variances in the blend. Without saying it, he was telling me I was an idiot for asking ... I'm fine with having a productive discussion about the product, but to simply tell me that I was wrong is outrageous. I will not be going back. read more

Since the moment they opened, Hewn has been my go-to bakery. From their artisan bread to blueberry muffins to their amazing polenta cake, you can't go wrong. When we lived in walking distance we'd regularly stand in line for some Sunday morning pastries with all the other Evanstonians who love this place. Lunch is equally delicious with grilled cheese, caprese sandwiches on a baguette, their especially yummy ruben, and flatbread on Fridays. Beyond the great selection of baked goods, the staff is wonderful. The owners are incredibly kind and hardworking and their staff reflects that. They remember their regulars, are helpful to new customers who are unfamiliar with their layout and it's impossible to not feel welcome when you walk into the space. If you're in Evanston and you want bread, pastries, or a just a sandwich that is made by bakers who care about their craft this is the place to go. read more

In town visiting colleges with my daughter. We were both burnt and cranky when we stumbled upon Hewn. It's a friendly, welcoming place. Staff was great - helpful with recommendations and patient with our indecision. We both ordered flatbread: beets with blue cheese and roasted red peppers (and maybe another type of cheese as well?) My daughter ordered a basic mozzarella, tomato & basil. They were both incredible. Lemon bar & brownie for dessert. We left in such a good mood. We need a Hewn in NYC! We'll be back soon. read more

Oh the bread is delicious! My personal favorites are the Picholine-Olive Country, the Cheddar Country and the sweet or savory croissants- but really you can not go wrong. If you love toast, like me, this is my favorite breakfast treat. The staff is friendly, everything is always fresh and made in-house. I highly recommend it! read more

I wanted to check this place out since Ive heard good things and it was ok...not great but ok. The place is super tiny so you wait in line half in half out of the establishment. The pastries and bread I got were alright but nothing to drool over. read more

I have had nothing but absolutely deliciousness from Hewn. I first bought a loaf of their bread at Local Foods in Lincoln Park. I've recently moved back to the north shore and visited their brick & mortar bakery. I guarantee you will not be disappointed. Everything is fresher than fresh and irresistible to say the least. Their bread is one of the best I have ever had. The really hard crust and pillowy inside. The croissants are incredible. You will find nothing that isn't the best you've ever had. Service is young and very friendly and welcoming, even for an older person. I usually get treated like a child or simply ignored when I shopped in the city ;-) read more

Hewn gets five stars for integrity alone. Add that integrity to beautiful savory and sweet offerings and it's hard to go wrong. I had a gallete this morning. It's an open-faced flaky pastry. This one had zucchini, onion, goat cheese and pesto. Wonderful flavors. Their loaf breads have also exceeded expectations. The sourdough is some of the best I've had! All in-house. read more

YES YES YES!!! If you love bread, Hewn is the place to go!!! Their line is pretty long on weekends, but it moves pretty quickly. I only notched it down a star because it is a little pricey, but it's the quality of their bread that makes it so good!! I recommend the croissants, you will experience all that buttery goodness!!!!! :) read more

Love this place. Love the decor. Love the bread. In fact, love it so much I'm ordering it specially to have at my wedding. I've had the scones and brioche as well; both are good. But mostly I am obsessed with the bread. read more

They really do a wonderful job with stellar execution. Their bread and pastries are fabulous, and even their coffee is incredible. If I could get here everyday for a breakfast pastry and coffee, I would. read more

Best bakery ever! Bread and other baked goods made with natural ingredients. The staff is very helpful and knowledgable about their baked goods. Everything is made daily and don't even get me started about the ginger molasses cookies which are the best in the world. read more

I would give Hewn 10 Stars if I could! The Chocolate Almond Croissant was heavenly--perfect in taste and texture. The Breads are AMAZING!!!!! The Oat Scone was fantastic as well. I would say this is the best bakery I have ever had the good fortune to come across--excellent in every way. The people that work there were gracious--very nice--and created a great customer experience. I also had a large Latte and it was perfectly foamed (an art lost at Starbucks) and tasted delicious--and yes they use whole milk which made it even more lucious. I give HEWN an A+++ for being great at what they do--for raising bread baking to an artform and for being that perfect respite of a sweet and a coffee-- read more

I always recommend Hewn to people who love bread, but should limit carbs. Their fermentation & baking process makes their bread more easily digestible and healthier. Plus it is delicious. Their products are superior and it is great to support a local, independent, women owned business read more

Thank goodness for extended summer hours! Love their bread. Love their coffee. Love that we moved just a few blocks from here.

i love Hewn. everything about Hewn makes me happy. i would go there everyday if i could, because god damn, their almond croissant and their chocolate croissant are some of the best things i've put into my mouth. the pastry is perfectly flaky, not chewy, like some croissants i have had in the past. having gone to pastry school, i am kind of picky when it comes to croissants, and Hewn has the hands down BEST croissants. i have yet to try the chocolate almond croissant, which i imagine to be a wet dream come true. i also am really happy they carry Karma Kombucha in their beverage case, as it's my absolute fav. thank you Hewn, for being you. read more

I've stopped in occasionally for croissants - almond croissants and chocolate croissants are my favorites, and Hewn has a chocolate almond croissant - perfect combo. Today I also got a selection of other pastries - a savory croissant (sun dried tomato, feta, and dill), olive sumac brioche, and lemon ginger scone. They really have a handle on how to do bread - everything I've gotten is a perfect texture and melts in your mouth. They have a great variety of interesting flavors. The savory croissant was good without being overwhelming, and I could taste all the flavors in it, even though the filling was on the thin side. I didn't really taste the olives or sumac in the brioche, but the brioche itself was amazing enough not to need anything on it. The scone completely filled my mouth with lemon and ginger and was perfect. These pastries are a little on the pricey end - $3-$4, but that's not too out of line for filled pastries, especially the savory ones which are practically lunch sandwiches. And their bread loaves look delicious, I'll have to try one of those next time. read more

Hewn Bakery - Lemon Ginger Scone, Savory Croissant, Olive Sumac Brioche - Bakeries Near Me - Evanston, Illinois

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This is my Sunday breakfast! They always make my Sundays!!! A chocolate croissant, or maybe a chocolate brioche. Or if friends come for tea: a nutella brioche! It reminds me to hometown bakeries in Spain! :) Delicious! read more

Incredible baked goods. Their espresso drinks are exquisite. I'd give them a 5 but their manual espresso machine means the drinks take forever, and well, who has that kind of time in the morning? read more

The best bread in Evanston and beyond. They also serve delicious coffee and pastries. Nice staff too. Honestly, this place is almost perfect. Keep in mind that I'm European and as such love and live off bread, so I'm slightly biased. read more

Delicious coffee and lattes. I have never had any of their food, because I am celiac, but I have purchased things for friends and family to bring them a treat. Everyone has loved all the baked goods. I think they even make sandwiches if you ask... I think I saw a woman get 2. Do not expect to get out of there in a hurry, they take their time, but are not obnoxious about it. It is just more relaxed than other places you may grab a coffee. In the summers there is outdoor seating, which makes it a great place to meet a friend for a relaxing catch-up. read more

Amazing breads and pastries! The staff is super helpful with recommendations for breads to pair with different dinners. Highly recommend the scones and steccas. read more

I dream of their croissants. Their brioche makes french toast next-level. Cutest and most "boulangerie" type of bakery on the North shore.

Authentic bread. Handmade loaves made daily. Once they're out that's it, so get there early. I'm so glad this place opened in my neighborhood. read more

Hewn Bakery - Hewn storefront - Bakeries Near Me - Evanston, Illinois

The smell in the morning of their delicious scones and croissants is pure heaven. I try to go at least a few times a week for the lemon scones and great selection of artisan breads. Staff is always friendly. read more

The people are very nice. The sandwiches, pastries and the bread variety always fresh and delicious! Need to walk in early enough to grab your favorite. I'll be back read more

I've been looking for places to buy kouign amanns from after discovering them only a couple months ago, and stumbled upon Hewn while researching. I live pretty far from Evanston, but found myself having to make the long drive up for other circumstances. I figured why not stop at Hewn--it's right on the way for me! The bakery itself is adorable. Great look, and feels very warm and inviting! We bought a bunch of kouign amanns, and also some chocolate almond croissants, fruit brioches, and savory croissants. The savory croissants were just okay, kind of lacking in filling. I was most impressed by the chocolate almond croissants--these were delicious!! The almonds really make this head and shoulders above a regular chocolate croissant. That was definitely my favorite item from Hewn. The kouign amann (much hype) was good, but not the best ever. I like the little bit of salt they put on the bottom with the sugar, however, I didn't think it was crispy enough. It was a little too dense/soft-crossaint like in the middle, instead of crispy and fluffy and airy like the perfect kouign amann is. However, it is still a great pastry, very delicious, and certainly worth buying. My standards are set very high for kouign amanns, so Hewn's isn't bad by any standards. Overall, this bakery is pretty good. I also heard from a local that the monkey bread is fantastic, but it's really hard to get your hands on! read more

Hewn Bakery - Kouign amanns - Bakeries Near Me - Evanston, Illinois

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Have been wanting to try Hewn since it opened over the summer, and almost a year later, I impulsively took a walk down and got a fruit brioche. It was pretty expensive (a little more than $3) but, I must say, worth it. It had the perfect amount of sweetness and although I was initially disappointed by the small number of blueberries in the brioche, in retrospect, it was a perfect combination. The actual store is super cute and I definitely want to try a loaf (the country loaf looked wonderful) in the future! read more