Having The Publican the night before, had me on a hunt for their sour dough. Unfortunately we came a bit late on Friday afternoon after the lunch rush and they were out. My kids and I opted for pastries with a vow to return early for bread. The cookie, the brioche and the almond croissant were fantastic. The cream filling in the brioche was my fav. A little on the sweet side, but oh soo good! My daughter established that the espresso cookie is her new fav. read more

Publican Quality Bread - Bakeries Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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My boyfriend picked up some bread and pastries here on a Saturday around 10am. There was a line but he said it moved quickly. We wanted to get french bread, but they were all sold out at that point. He got the sourdough instead to bring on our beach picnic and we ate the pastries for our breakfast. The almond croissant was delicious and flaky. The paris brest was soft and the filling was creamy and had some strawberry filling in it. The sourdough was soooo soft. Probably some of the softest and fluffiest sourdough I've ever eaten! Would love to come back myself so that I can see the inside and try out their other pastries. I saw on their website they have a hazelnut almond croissant, but they didn't have it this time. read more

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PQB is a very special place- along with an outstanding pastry selection, they're funneling some of the highest quality bread to the best restaurants in town. No matter what you order, you can be confident that anything on their menu is going to be absolutely delicious! The inside was cute, small, and down to business- there wasn't any seating, so this was a strictly takeout operation. The staff was very kind, patient, and efficient when I visited. I opted for the berry scone, double espresso chocolate cookie, veggie sandwich, and a loaf of their famous sourdough. Buttery, melt-in-your-mouth, and topped with crunchy sugar, the seasonal scone was everything a scone should be. The homemade blueberry compote topping was not at all too sweet. The cookie was fudge-y and brownie like in texture without being too dense, and the espresso flavor shined through perfectly. I loved how the sandwiches were priced by the pound, so you can order as much or little as you like. The veggie sandwich was zesty, herbaceous, and not too heavy. There was a lot going on in the best way, so I felt it was definitely worth the price. The bread loaves were pretty reasonably priced and you get a lot for your money. It was every bit as delicious as I hoped and made for the best toast at home. Truly the gift that kept on giving. This wasn't my first time visiting, and it won't be my last- if you haven't given PQB a chance yet, it's well worth making a trek out of the way! It might change your life a little bit. read more

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PQB is a tiny lil bakery with no seating so it's really a grab n go type of place. However, the morning bun & lamington were phenomenal. The morning bun was perfectly crispy yet soft n chewy on the inside. The chocolate + orange flavors were both present with neither overpowering the other. There's chunks of candied orange and dark chocolate in the middle! Soooo good. I think I preferred this over the lamington, but the lamington was great as well. The cake was super moist and had the perfect amount of frosting and coconut. There was a nice tartness from the raspberry - the cake looks very sweet but is very well-balanced! The prices are better than most other gourmet bakeries in the city as well. Pro tip: if you sign up for One Off rewards, you get $5 off! read more

Publican Quality Bread - Inside of morning bun - Bakeries Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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Everything came out to around $35 for a loaf, 2 drinks, and a pastry, which honestly didn't feel too crazy considering the quality. The service was TOP TIER. They were super patient, sliced the sourdough loaf for us, and even had sourdough starters available which was really cool. The space inside is pretty small, but they do have outdoor seating. The vanilla oat latte (9.8/10) was AMAZING. They partner with La Colombe and somehow made one of the best vanilla lattes I've had. Slightly lighter espresso, but still super delicious and balanced. The blue matcha (4/10) looked beautiful but mostly just tasted like milk to me. The chocolate morning bun with candied orange (8.5/10) was really good. Crispy, chocolatey, and the orange filling actually worked really well without overpowering everything. The Spence sourdough loaf (8/10) had a nice crust with a soft fluffy inside. Solid classic sourdough. read more

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This store has a very small retail space. The drinks in the cooler were priced like a bodega and not a supermarket. The La Colombe cans of coffee were $6.00 each. Some of the loaves of bead were over $11.00 each. They did have sandwiches available for purchase. This is a great place to purchase bread and take to someone's house for a dinner party. Artisanal bread with many options. When their doors open they are very busy and the small retail space fills up quickly with people. read more

Just moved back from LA and then Seattle spent the past 30+ years in the food, pizza and bread industry. I've had the privilege to work with top names in the industry so I think I know a little. I just moved back to Chicago having grown up here and met Demi at the Oak Park location. She truly understands the craft and knows her shit. We talked about the grains milling and production she is a true craftsperson. Lastly the products speak for them itself. I'm shocked at what Chicagoan think is good bread. Chicago needs more Demi's and more Publican's. Don't sacrifice the craft keep up the good work. read more

Their Twice Baked Key Lime Pie Croissant caught my eye on social media, so I finally had my first visit to Publican Quality Bread. They have a small interior, but there is a long wooden bar outside that you can stand and eat at. It looks like they may have outdoor seating once it is warmer outside. I got the croissant ($7.50) as well as the Maple Pecan Brioche ($6), a Coconut and Grapefruit Sweet Danish ($6), and a loaf of the 1979 Multigrain bread ($10). A bit pricey but not too extreme. Everything was tasty and good quality. read more

Publican Quality Bread - Twice Baked Key Lime Pie Croissant ($7.50) , Maple Pecan Brioche ($6), Coconut and Grapefruit Sweet Danish ($6) - Bakeries Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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Stopped in for a quick couple of pastries before running errands. Small inside but orders were quick. Friendly staff and plenty of bread and pastries to choose from. Can't forget the coffee too (la colombe). Went with chocolate croissant and a focaccia like pastry with roasted tomato's (forgot the name). Chocolate croissant was so flaky and rich where the focaccia was light and salty. Perfect sweet and salty combo. read more

Publican Quality Bread - Chocolate croissant - Bakeries Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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This bakery is legendary in Chicago - so much so that if another restaurant served their bread, they'll always call it out and write as "Publican Quality bread" on the menu. And I can see why. By the time we got there around 9a, all their loaves were sold out. We tried a plain croissant and their famous chocolate cinnamon roll - the one that's a crossover between a cinnamon roll and a croissant. That was so delicious! Definitely get there early to have more of a selection! read more

We were back in town visiting family again when they told us about this new bakery that just opened a few blocks away. Publican Quality Bread. We walked over and had a hard time picking just a few of the fresh baked pastries. We settled on an almond croissant, my personal favorite, the kouign-amann and their seasonal strawberry cream cheese pastry. They change the fruit with the season. We loved all of the pastries. Their kouign-amann was lighter and crispier than the one from my favorite place back home. Also instead of the top being more caramelized, the bottom was more caramelized. Still delicious! The surprise was the strawberry cream cheese. That pastry was crispy, creamy and sweet. Almost addicting. They also have a nice selection of fresh baked breads too that we definitely have plans to try on our next visit to Publican Quality Bread. read more

Publican Quality Bread - We couldn't wait - Bakeries Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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Fantastic bakery we stop by after a lesson at Goldfish swim school. Excel at bread work such as croissants and cheesy bread read more

In my opinion bast bakery in Chicago. I may not be from Chicago but I go anywhere and everywhere for food eats. One thing I take pride in is my love of baked goods lol. This place bakes with love, care, and appreciate for the art. Thisbis probably why they got a James Beard. The people/ service here are great and if they ran out of something your looking for? They will tell you the next time they'll have it. Come early because the stuff goes quick. I wish I could share pictures of the my loot but I ate it all. I couldn't help myself lmaoo. read more

Publican Quality Bread - Baked greatness - Bakeries Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

What a joke. Stopped in at 9:15 today and tried to get a loaf of sliced sourdough. Team member told me it was too "early" for sliced bread. Lazy. Nobody was in line behind me . Had planned to buy other items and treats for my staff. Won't be going back! read more

I got a jambon beurre and a chocolate orange morning brioche. I couldn't help taking a bite out of the sandwich before taking a photo. Despite only having a few ingredients, it was super flavorful and the bread was crusty on the outside and chewy on the inside without being tough. The price seems a bit steep at $13 for a sandwich but if you're a light eater, it'll last two meals. I normally don't like chocolate and orange together, but they actually worked really well here and the chocolate flavor was quite prominent. I would definitely come back for the sandwich! read more

Publican Quality Bread - Jambon beurre and chocolate orange morning brioche - Bakeries Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Fantastic sourdough breads. They are delicious and of great quality. I especially loved and recommend the olive loaf! read more

Publican Quality Bread - Bakeries Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Everything I've ever had here has been wonderful! Sandwiches, breads, and pantry items are all *chefs kiss*.

Ultimate in masterful baking. I bought some olive sourdough and toasted sesame bread. Exquisite. The baker was leaving just as I was pulling out. I wanted to get out of my car and kiss him because the bread is that good. Truly a Michelangelo artisan of his trade. Grazie! Can't wait to try the other products. read more

I can only speak for their pastries because the one time I went, I went too early and didn't know they don't sell bread until 9am daily. Bummer. But the pastries were really good. I got an almond croissant, quiche, chorizo danish and another savory pastry. The savory pastries stood out the most to me!! read more

Publican Quality Bread - Pastries! - Bakeries Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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The pastries were delicious and the Spence sourdough is the best sourdough I have had in the city. We tried the cardamom monkey bread, chocolate croissant, and pumpkin cheesecake sweet danish. The cardamom monkey bread was my favorite. The team was attentive and gave us some great recommendations. It's not really a sit down place but they had a few seats outside. Perfect morning pick me up. We went on a Wednesday morning and there was no line. read more

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Went to Publican Quality Bread for the first time yesterday to purchase some of their baked goods. I had visited their shop a few months before, but it was later in the day, and all they had available was some rye bread and a few random pastries. Yesterday, on a Monday around 12:30pm, they were fully stocked and had a tempting selection. I purchased a half pullman loaf of sourdough bread for $10 (interestingly, and incorrectly, their website says that it's $9). I haven't tasted it yet, but it's a nice, dense loaf of bread. Although, $10 for a half loaf (16 pieces, and that includes the end piece) is extremely expensive for bread, I am hoping that it's amazing! I purchased two of PQB's cardamom monkey breads. They were $5 each. I did not watch as the counter person boxed them up. When I got them home, I discovered that the two breads were wildly different in size and quality...one was half the size of the other... and the bigger bread was burnt on top (closer to the top of the oven or left in too long). Usually baked goods from a professional bakery are consistent in size and quality, but not in this case. The smaller bread, and the bottom half of the burnt one, tasted great. But with the price they charge for these muffin-sized breads, the burnt bread should not have been sold, and the half-sized bread was not worth $5. I also purchased a double chocolate cookie. It was thick, dense...and from what I understand very tasty (I bought it for my husband). At $3, it was a relative bargain compared to everything else in the store. When I walked in the shop, there was only one person ahead of me being served, and three people behind the counter. I was lingering for a while deciding what to buy, but no one behind the counter greeted me, or asked if I needed help. And the person who boxed my monkey breads should have seen that one was burnt. I wish there was a rating between 3 and 4, because the service and product consistency just isn't there. But I am giving a 4 rating because Publican's bread selection is incredible and I love and appreciate the products that bakeries provide. I will definitely give them another chance, and I am looking forward to trying their sourdough bread later today. As a follow-up, the sourdough bread was dense (I like my bread dense), but relatively flavorless, with little of the tang that I expect from a good sourdough bread. And although I had it well-sealed, the bread dried out really quickly. I ended up throwing out half the loaf. read more

Publican Quality Bread - Cardamom Monkey Bread...the one at the top was huge and burnt, that one on the bottom was half the size, but baked properly. - Bakeries Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Felt compelled to update this review because my last few experiences here have been poor. I went in to get a baguette and they were sold out. It happens- next batch was in 45 mins. When I asked if I could buy a Demi instead they refused and said it was only for sandwiches. I've purchased a Demi baguette from here many of times? Really disappointed, I panicked and grabbed a piece of pumpkin bread that honestly needs to be removed from their menu immediately. DRY AS ALL HELL and unbalanced flavors. It's a sad day when your bakery can't sell you bread read more

Ordered the dark rye marble round The taste was amazing. I believe it was a daily special and certainly lived up for being "special".

The vibes are good and the bakery is huge. I only wish they had more options. How did I come here and not get their bread?

Friendly staff that is churning out really good looking baked goods. Interior is very small but the staff moved the line along really well. Tried two sandwiches which are priced by weight. The big sandwich and also the veggie big sandwich. Overall, sandwiches were good but not mind blowing. If I visit again will focus on the baked goods. read more

Publican Quality Bread - The big sandwich and veggie sandwich - Bakeries Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

This place was amazing! But the place was really cramped, so I had to sit outside for a couple of minutes. But the people were really nice and kind. I saw all of the bread and food being made fresh, so I would definitely try it! The food was to die for!! It was super duper amazing and Delisous! This is a must try! read more

Publican Quality Bread - Fresh bread - Bakeries Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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THIS PLACE IS HEAVEN. Their croissants are croissanting!! They've got unique breads and they bake their breads on the premises. I read a review that this place is their #1 enemy of their wallet and waistline and I concur most definitely omg wow. Come here and have their croissants. No seating inside but they have got some outdoor seating for the warmer months. read more

Publican Quality Bread - Bakeries Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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PBQ makes some of the best bread in the city. For the longest time, they weren't open to the public, but their bread would be served at their One Off Hospitality restaurants. I've been obsessed with their sourdough for quite sometime now and will usually order a dish that comes with their sourdough bread. Words couldn't explain how I felt when they announced they were opening up a retail store. The line wasn't to long when I arrived but did start getting long once we were all done. I picked up a loaf of sourdough and a couple of pastries. Everything is made fresh the day off and loved everything we ordered. We got their chocolate croissant, their chocolate hazelnut croissant which was absolutely delicious and their kouign-amann which was also outstanding. The staff here was very nice and their prices were great. There's a few other things that caught my eye, especially their "big sandwich." Can't wait to come back and check out some other goodies. read more

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Came across this bakery on a hunt for the best sourdough in the city and oh my gosh I don't feel the need to search any further. The sourdough is so bouncy and soft on the inside with a contrasting crispy crust on the outside. Will be back to try the olive sourdough! Of the pastries, I tried the chocolate orange morning bun and so happy that I did. It tasted like it was made of quality ingredients. If you like chocolate pastries but don't like them too sweet then this is perfect. Everyone was nice and they'll happily slice your loaves for you! read more

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Who doesn't love a freshly baked croissant?! This is a tiny little store front so it's just grab and go. There's tons of freshly baked bread and bakery items. They serve la Colombe coffee. Their bakery items are unique and eveything tasted so good. I had a ropa vieja tart or pastry and it was so good! The beef was tender and delicious. Their "kitchen sink" cookie was unique with cherries, white chocolate chips, and possibly ginger snaps (?). I bought croissants for friends to try and they all loved them! The people were so friendly and service was quick. There was a line but it moved so fast. Will definitely be back soon!! read more

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They're big goods are fantastic. It's a small shop with the limited selection, but they do vary it and everything that you get is incredibly tasty. read more

love the bread and pastries, really good! service? not so great.. most of the time the people behind the counter are very slow and it takes forever to get served, chaotic ambience sometimes... also I had been noticing that there's a 3% extra charge on my receipt that no one explained to me, after reading some other reviews I realized what it is, are we supposed to know before hand? how can I decline the charge when there are no signs or else? no one tells you about it.. that's not an honest pratice.. let people know and let them decide.. some people are leaving tips on top of that.. bread is already expensive! read more

Came around 1pm on a Saturday to grab sandwiches. There were 5+ people ahead of me plus others waiting for sandwiches so a bit crowded in a small space. This was my first time here so I wasn't entirely sure what to expect. The pastries were pretty much gone, only a corn macaron and some jam cookie, lots of bread, the big sandwich and the specialty sandwiches which are made to order I guess. I ended up ordering approx. 1/2 lb of the big sandwich and the Jambon Beurre sandwich...a whopping $30. Missed the sign that says they include 3% hospitality supplement and tipped $2 on top. Which I regret given I ended up having to wait, no joke, 25 mins for the Jambon Beurre. There was one person ringing people up and one person making / cutting sandwiches. Not the least bit efficient when there's a line of people waiting. The sandwich breads were good, but rest was just fine. Not what I was expecting after 25 minutes and $32, whomp whomp. I'd come back in the morning for pastries and maybe a $10+ loaf of bread but I'm out on the sandwiches...I'll go to Tempesta instead. read more

A drive across town is warranted just to come inhale their freshly baked sourdough bread. My favorite is the olive. I buy a few each time and always gift one or two loaves. Always so well received. A few weeks ago Chef Sarah from Monteverde was in here chatting with head baker. I mean, Chef shops here so... as if I needed any more confirmation that this place is legit for all my loafy / carby cravings! read more

Publican Quality Bread - Olive Sourdough - Bakeries Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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Sadly no photos, but glad that I stopped at this James Beard winner for coffee and pastries while waiting for a table at the nearby Uncle Mike's. The twice-baked churro croissant and guava quesito were great choices! They made for great plane snacks! read more

Pretty impressed with PBQ! I've been following them on Instagram and I finally had a chance to stop in while I was in the area. It's a really small space - mostly a kitchen (you can see them baking from the windows) with seating outside. I didn't see a restroom. It seemed like most folks were there for La Colombe - especially the draft oat milk latte. But, I was there for the pastries! They no longer had the maritozzi I've been vying for, but I had: *Chocolate Morning Bun - holy wow. I've had some really really good Morning Buns (see Tartine) but never a chocolate version. Absolutely fantastic. As I was eating the layers of rich chocolate, I could also see some pieces of candied orange peel, which I gladly ate it! It was a really nice non-chewy texture (unlike some orange pastries I've ha lately) *Heirloom Tomato Pastry - So flaky with wonderful laminate. It was like eating a pizza for breakfast but not actually pizza. read more

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Great service. Free smells. Amazing variety! Wandered in after breakfast across the street. read more

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I very rarely give 5 stars to a bakery in Chicago. I ran a bakery for 5 yrs so my standards are high. This place literally blew me away with my fist bite of the chocolate morning glory roll studded with chocolate and fruit the crispy layers of pastry and carmalized sugar made my taste buds sing. They also have amazing croissants and the best sourdough in Chicago. It's worth the drive. Keep the good work up! read more

The sourdough bread was so good! And the chocolate morning bread with orange was crisp, flaky and delicious!

Best bread in the city and probably my favorite bakery. Big fan of their efforts to source locally and promote a nutritious and biodiverse diet. Love their rotating menu and following them on instagram is a treat and great way to see special items they have, especially Friday-Sunday. No seating inside but really good casual seating outside, perfect for a quick breakfast/lunch on the weekend! read more

Publican Quality Bread - Bakeries Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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