10 Instagrammable Dessert Spots in Chicago
If your phone always eats first, this list is for you.
From ice cream that’s stacked over the top with every topping imaginable to donuts that are shaped like animals, Chicago’s dessert scene is next level. Having lived in Chicago for 4 years, I can attest that the Windy City is a great place for those with a sweet tooth.
The cherry on top? The desserts and sweets are not only delicious, but they’re also incredibly Instagrammable. Capture your picture-perfect dessert creations in some of the most adorable locations.
So if you’re visiting the city for the weekend or are a local that’s looking for a dessert spot to up your Instagram photo game, I’ve shared some of my favorites below.
Here are 10 of my favorite Instagram-worthy dessert spots in Chicago that are both eye-catching and delicious (in no particular order).
1. Eli’s Ark
📍1843 W North Ave, Chicago, IL 60622
💰Price: $$
Get an Insta-worthy treat at Eli's Ark in Chicago. This spot crafts their gelato and sweet treats into adorable animal shapes, making your dessert not only tasty but also picture-perfect. You can capture the cuteness and satisfy your sweet cravings all in one. I got a cute little koala bear when I went.
2. BomboBar
📍832 W Randolph St, Chicago, IL 60607
💰Price: $$
BomboBar has become a staple in Chicago’s West Loop-Fulton Market neighborhood. The cute walk-up window has gelato, donuts, and customizable sundae-style toppings—along with its famous signature mini bomboloni (a holeless Italian doughnut).
3. JoJo’s Shake Bar
📍23 W Hubbard St, Chicago, IL 60654
💰Price: $$
Hit the sweet spot at JoJo’s Shake Bar in Chicao’s River North. This cafe-bar with whimsical decor and retro-inspired digs has an wide-range of treats, from loaded shakes and cookie flights to frozen bars and cocktails. With plenty of photo-worthy moments, this is a great spot to capture your sweet adventures and even sweeter desserts.
Tip: JoJo’s oftentimes has seasonal offerings and experiences, so be sure to check out their events calendar to see if there is anything fun going on.
4. XO Marshmallow
📍2730 N Clark St, Chicago, IL 60614
💰Price: $$
Cookies, shakes, and gourmet marshmallows–oh my! Say hello to XO Marshmallow in Lincoln Park – a cute cafe that elevates everyone’s favorite campfire treat through premium ingredients and innovative flavors. XO Marshmallow in Chicago is home to the world’s first marshmallow cafe and brings the nostalgia of roasting s’mores but with a modern twist. The playful and colorful decor lends itself as the perfect backdrop to show off the fluffy marshmallow treats.
5. Firecakes Donuts
📍68 W. Hubbard St., Chicago, IL 60654
📍2453 N. Clark St., Chicago, IL 60614
📍1001 W North Ave., Chicago, IL 60642
💰Price: $$
With multiple locations in River North, Lincoln Park, and North Ave, Firecakes Donuts has won the hearts of Chicagoans. This classic counter-serve donut shop offers a rotating roster of unique and artisanal donut flavors, coffee drinks, and housemade ice cream bakery desserts. All of them are picture-perfect. Going big? Try the ice cream donut sandwich.
6. Kurimu
📍1159 W Taylor St, Chicago, IL 60607
📍2668 N Halsted St, Chicago, IL 60614
📍1159 W Taylor St, Chicago, IL 60607
💰Price: $$
Oh sweet soft serve! With 4 locations across the city, Kurimu is the definition of an Instagram lovers dream. The rich and creamy soft serve is drool worthy — and can be wrapped in edible gold or silver + loaded up with all of your favorite toppings. A feast for the taste buds and your eyes.
7. Xurro
📍5644 W. 63rd St. Chicago IL,60638
📍2214 S. Wolcott Ave. Chicago IL, 60608
💰Price: $
Xurro is a cafe in Chicago that serves churros, sundaes, funnel cakes, horchata, milkshakes, coffee, and more! From classic churros to extravagant and over the top creations like churro sandwiches and bouquets, these churros hit the spot. I had my first Xurro at Lollapalooza and recommend getting a hot churro with cold ice cream, the mix of hot + cold is heavenly.
8. Sweet Mandy B’s
📍254 E Ontario Street, Chicago IL 60611
📍1208 W Webster Ave, Chicago, IL 60614
💰Price: $$
Good old fashioned desserts come in all forms at Sweet Mandy B’s in Chicago. A classic bakery with a selection of cakes, cookies, and more – and has festive treats for almost every holiday or occasion. Photogenic and melt-in-your-mouth good.
9. Pretty Cool Ice Cream
📍2353 N California Ave, Chicago, IL 60647
📍709 W Belden Ave, Chicago, IL 60614
💰Price: $$
Loved by locals for good reason, this ice cream shop offers artisanal ‘popsicles’ with a fun twist. With locations in both Logan Square & Lincoln Park, Pretty Cool Ice Cream specializes in hand-dipped and decorated ice cream on a stick. The ‘ice cream-sicles’ come in unique flavors that are not only easy on the eyes but also easy to devour.
10. Doughnut Vault
📍401 N Franklin St, Chicago, IL 60654
💰Price: $
Another well known Chicago favorite. The Doughnut Vault is located in River North and is a tiny bakery that sells a handful of freshly made donut choices every day until stock runs out. This iconic doughnut shop has earned a devoted following for good reason, so make sure to arrive early as the daily selection tends to sells out quickly, adding to the allure of this hole-in-the-wall gem.
Two other bonus spots that I haven’t been to but have heard good things about:
11. Churro Parlor
📍1604 W Roscoe St, Chicago, IL 60657
💰Price: $
Churro Parlor is a Latino-owned hotspot in Glenview, Chicago offering artisanal churros, creamy helados, and a robust café. Since 2019, they've been celebrated as the home of the Midwest's best churros.
12. Beacon Doughnuts
📍In The Alley, 810 W Armitage Ave, Chicago, IL 60614
💰Price: $
Beacon Doughnuts serves up small-batch, vegan donuts alongside expertly brewed coffee from Dollop Coffee Co.—and easy to miss with it being tucked away in an alley.
