After seeing Strugglebeard Bakery on WGN, I really looked forward to paying a visit. I finally did during an afternoon when my cousin and I were exploring Hyde Park. We went with the James "Tod" Miles Iced Lemon Cookie, fudgy brownie and lemonade. The brownie was delectable, but very rich. Unless you have a mega sweet tooth, this is one to share or save half for later. The cookie, made with limoncello, was fantastic. Just the perfect sweetness, and such a unique flavor. It was the owner who served us, with such pride for his creations, yet humble and happy to have us stop in on a Sunday late afternoon. While the space itself is small, it is inviting and lively. There is some outdoor seating as well. I see they host events sometimes, such as karaoke, and if I lived closer, I would certainly partake. I will be back soon to grab some of the other cookie flavors to take home! read more

I saw this place on online and decided to give it a try. [[HIGHLIGHT]]The shop is extremely clean and organized.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] The owner was super friendly and interpersonal. I had the honey lavender matcha it was delicious. The cookies are amazing they can even heat them up for you. The Charles Anthony and the Chief Bartlet cookies were chefs kiss. Overall I definitely recommend and will be a returning customer. read more

While breaking up my drive back to the suburbs, I stopped in what I now call New Hyde Park for some coffee. Struggle Beard Bakery had been on my list for some time, so I dropped in. I ordered a hot chocolate instead of coffee and was glad that I did. [[HIGHLIGHT]]It's a quaint spot for a quick cup of coffee or a hot beverage.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] There were some desserts in the dessert counter ranging from cupcakes to cookies. I will have to try a dessert another time. For a first visit, I liked it. read more

StruggleBeardBakery - Hot Chocolate - Desserts Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

This is an incredible place. I love everything about them, the cookie is phenomenal. But the mission, history and love for the community that oozes out of here (like the chocolate out of the cookie) is palpable and respectable. I love when a place can truly be a reflection of the community around and this feels like home. The service was so friendly, and upbeat exactly what I needed and I sat on the cute outdoor patio to have my mindfulness moment. Love this place. read more

StruggleBeardBakery - Cookie - Desserts Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Hubby and I had lunch around the corner and came across this delightful bakery so we had to stop and get dessert! It's tucked in a nice corner but we enjoyed the warm welcome! [[HIGHLIGHT]]It's nice, light and airy inside.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] [[HIGHLIGHT]]Great seats and I'm sure outside in the summer weather you can sit.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] We had a cookie and a brownie and we both got coffee as well. It was delicious! They brought out a caramel cake and it looked amazing! We got a slice to go and it was delicious! read more

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Had the pleasure of visiting this place yesterday after finding him on Instagram. The owner was incredibly nice and the selection of cookies and brownies were drool worthy. I had a huge everything brownie which was quite delicious, and I'm definitely going back to try the cookies. They serve coffee as well, so I'll have to try that next time I go, I definitely will return. It's a cute space and he does a lot for the community and is very supportive of the LGBTQ+. read more

Great experience, I was greeted as soon as I arrived and the gentleman went over the available options with me. Everything looked good but I decided on the red velvet brownie. This brownie was delicious and very flavorful. Overall great experience, I can't wait to go back! read more

StruggleBeardBakery - Red Velvet Brownie. - Desserts Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

We came here on Super bowl Sunday to add sweets to our snacks, besides store-bought brands. I like that the cookies are named after people or causes that they consider import or significant. I got the Charles Anthony Pecan chocolate chip cookie and a cupcake with lavender icing. My party got the vegan Professor chocolate chip cookie and Struggle Tree oatmeal raisin. The cookie was fabulous but the cupcake could have been better. It tasted 'old' despite the clerk telling me they made it 2 days ago. [[HIGHLIGHT]]It was quiet in there for a Sunday.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] One of these days I want to get a coffee and pastry to see what it's like in there. [[HIGHLIGHT]]A book signing had been in there earlier in the week; this seems like a nice place to have a gathering.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] read more

This is my second time in here. I've been here before for the brownies and it was soo good. I thought I'd try them again since the good smells were calling my name. Today I came here during the afternoon for cookies and stumbled upon the most delightful cookie with everything amazing in it called "the bearded lady". It did not disappoint. I wanted to save half of the cookie for later, but sadly it did not make it home. [[HIGHLIGHT]]I love the decor, the staff is friendly and they have other cool merch to purchase.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] Also, a rewards program to ensure I'll be back. read more

StruggleBeardBakery - Brownie inside the bag - Desserts Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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A beautiful, black owned bakery in Harper Court (Hyde Park). The owner, Q, was so welcoming and friendly. I stopped in to sit and read and ended up getting the Hibiscus and honey tea and the Blueberry lemon loaf (the Tam Loaf). There was a black owned business pop-up, who had a beautiful display. [[HIGHLIGHT]]The music was vibrant, the place, very clean and aesthetically pleasing, and even the bathroom was clean and carefully thought out with complimentary items for women and resources for anyone who needed it.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] What I love about black owned businesses is that extra little care they put into it. I'll definitely be back, and you should go, to. They are even open late on Friday and Saturday! read more

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Came here after having lunch at nearby Bob's Pizza. They were low on cupcakes and only had 1 so I grabbed it for my husband. I also selected a cookie which was filled with chocolate and walnuts. Yum. My friend got the brownie and it was moist and delicious. The next day I had my cookie with a cup of coffee and it was very soft and delicious. I could taste the butter but in a good way. Prices here were reasonable. My husband enjoyed his chocolate cupcake but didn't think it was anything too special. They had a loaf bread that looked tasty. I would come back to this bakery if in the area. The coffee was priced reasonable and [[HIGHLIGHT]]plenty of places to sit while eating your item.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] Try this black owned bakery, I don't think you will be disappointed. read more

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The customer service was great. My first time visiting and I ended up getting a brownie that I enjoyed later and my first bite made me go back the next day to get another one. I've probably been twice since my initial visit. Will definitely return and I love the fact that I can get an in piece brownie or centerpiece just having that option is excellent. read more

Well I visited the struggle beard bakery and it was super Interesting. This day was his 2yr anniversary and which it was supposed to be $2 cupcakes it started at 2pm and was sold out by 2:30pm. So I had to settle for the Dr Tam loaf which is dedicated to a woman who lived black excellence which is super dope. The service was pretty good and it was a very festive environment. I tasted the cake and it ok. I much rather have had a cupcake but the only other flavor was pineapple coconut. But check it out and form your own opinion read more

StruggleBeardBakery - Desserts Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

We got a lemon cookie and a blueberry muffin, and they were amazing! I don't write all that many reviews, but after my first bite of the lemon cookie it was SO good I grabbed my phone to write a review. Then my daughter took a bite of the cookie and said "oh wow, this is so good! You should write a review for them!" Haha! On it! read more

Please don't take my rating to be a person who is unsupporting or mean! I gave it two stars because I bought vegan cookies with chocolate chips. However the chocolate chip was so dominate throughout the whole entire cookie - it was literally a chocolate bar.This disappointed me to the point that I couldn't enjoy the cookie. I wanted a cookie and not a chocolate bar! Note that this was my 3rd attempt for trying to get a excellent cookie the first time that I visited that was well balanced with cookie dough and chocolate chips not over powering the whole entire product. Nevertheless this is a personal preference of mines that shouldn't dictate what you're preference is. Lastly don't let my rating reflect the wonderful service or the other products on the menu. read more

[[HIGHLIGHT]]This place is soooooo adorable and personal![[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] I had the most decadent blueberry muffin! The coffee was great. I enjoyed the barista, she was vibrant and a whole vibe! I didn't try the cookies but they're calling me for a next visit. They look sooooo good. read more

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Such great treats, a fun, personable owner, an outstanding addition to the Hyde Park neighborhood!

We came for cookies and karaoke... and left filled with JOY! The owner was delightful. His goal to create an experience in community and wow did we get that!! Huge smiles. What a kind person who also makes some kick-ass cookies. [[HIGHLIGHT]]Super grateful for a warm memory made in a quiet corner!![[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] read more

I've been to this place twice. I had the red velvet the first and everything brownies the second time which were good. I prefer the everything brownie over the red velvet. I also sampled the caramel brownie but felt it was too sweet for me but if you really like caramel you will be a fan. The owner seems nice from what I've seen on his social media page My only issue is the service. Both times I've been there the staff (once the owner was a part of this) were so engrossed in their personal conversation that it was difficult for me to ask questions and get more information about their products. I have a disability which results in so many issues with food that I really need someone to assist me with choosing an item so when they get so distracted by personal conversation I feel like I am being a bother. read more

Everything is always right here. The food, the service, the food, the people and THE FOOD. We love the cookies, for sure, but the muffins are great too!! read more

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Pretty good baked goods. I stopped by in on a Saturday morning after swim class with my daughter and instantly liked the space. Two kind souls behind the bar. We grabbed a blueberry muffin (so fresh, soft), coffee and an beautifully crafted but okay tasting red velvet cupcake. I look forward to going back for cookies and happy they are in the neighborhood. read more

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The cookies are amazing! I had the pleasure of meeting the owner who insisted of having me waiting a short time for a grab out of the oven cookie. So happy I waited for this piece of heaven. This is great for Hyde Park- excellence in the bakery space for a reasonable price is appreciated. read more

Loved this tucked away little treasure! [[HIGHLIGHT]]Great people, great baked goods, great atmosphere.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] I grabbed a simple coffee and delicious muffin and it was the best way to start my day. [[HIGHLIGHT]]They were still baking when I came in so it smelled heavenly![[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] I wanted to take 1 of each cookie home with me! read more

It was a great pleasure getting to visit this brick and mortar after following the growth and journey of the business on social media. I went at a non-busy time which allowed me to chat it up with the owner Q, meet his staff and just hang out. The blueberry lemon loaf is out of this world and I'm sad I didn't get an entire loaf to go. It's hands down the perfect breakfast pairing with some coffee. The artwork in the shop and the old shoeshine bench used for seating really give this place the most unique vibe. Now if Q would just treat Waxamus right...lol!! But truly happy I made the stop while I was in the Chi. More than worth it! My friend T was with me as well and fell in love with the muffin she had and of course that blueberry loaf! So glad I made it in. read more

StruggleBeardBakery - a woman standing in front of a store - Desserts Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

I'm not a person who eats sweets out often. I'm often disappointed. My mother was a great baker and I'm fortunate to have skills. However, if my A1C was not a battle I would be in here daily. When I say the lemon cookie is Jesus, Mary, and Joseph...they are everything! The cookie is soft and the flavors so nuanced, the ingredients are top quality. The owner is so personable, kind, and hilarious. Everything we've tried has been really great. I'm not a cupcake fan, but my little one and friend thoroughly enjoyed theirs. I tasted a piece of raspberry lemon loaf bread and it was excellent. We will be back. read more

Cookies are gigantic and delicious! Service was fantastic! A wonderful place to stop for a treat!

I have been there multiple times and I really like the cookies! The cupcakes were not that impressive to me (taste wise)

People say 'black owned' but then what does that mean? At Strugglebeard it means the owner is there everyday and even when they're closed ensuring the quality of the product and engaging everyone in the community. It's a terrific bakery. read more

When I tell you the James "Tod" Miles Sr cookie spoke to my soul, I am not exaggerating! The shop is delightful, the cookies delicious, and the owner is a downright cool guy! read more

I'm speechlesss, yet I have so much to say, I'll start with the James Todd which I have renamed the L spot because it hits the spot for lemon lovers. The cookie itself is moist with this amazing texture in and outside the cookie and the glaze/icing is on point with not a drizzle but a cookie covering of sweet, tangy, refreshing but still rich goodness. Next I'm not even a chocolate fan, I have to be in the mood, but i have been in the mood for almost a week straight for these DARN brownies. I would say don't do it but I'm not going out alone lol. These brownies have a texture and taste that will make you want to SMILE while eating because you're so happy. They are incredibly moist while having the true brownie lovers crunch. The carmel or everything both are equally DELISH!! To top it off I have to shout out the whole staff, who all awesome in their own individual ways. The owner may be stuggling with beard but I am struggling to stay out of this bakery. Kudos to you Quinton and your annointed hands!! read more

Nice location, everyone is always amazing there. Such nice people and the food is excellent. Clean, comfortable feeling place. I always enjoy when I am able to stop in. I travel for work often, and this is one of my little comfort spots to get that little piece of home on the road. read more

Cookies were fantastic, service was great a very pleasant experience! Highly recommend for a great experience and what may be the best cookies you ever had! read more