Hendrickx Belgian Bread Crafter

100 E Walton St, Chicago, IL

★★★★★4.6(570 Google reviews)

Crema's Take

Hendrickx Belgian Bread Crafter is a beloved neighborhood institution where serious croissant lovers keep coming back for buttery, flaky pastries that justify the early morning visit, paired with genuinely solid coffee that feels like an afterthought to the real star of the show. The warm, family-friendly space works equally well for a quick morning grab or lingering over breakfast—regulars speak fondly of stopping in day after day for the chocolate almond croissant or prosciutto breakfast croissant, which keep them coming back years later. Fair warning: while the croissants and quiches shine, specialty items like macarons seem to miss the mark, so stick with what made this gem legendary.

What to expect

Quick grabFull breakfastFamily friendlyTraditional drinksMeetingsLight foodPastriesSlow sit

Google Reviews

Eric Hudson
★★★★★a month ago

The best hidden gem of Chicago! I have been coming here for at least 14 years, every time I visit the city. They have amazing croissants, with my personal fave as the chocolate almond. Go early because they sell out of things pretty quickly! It’s tiny, but some seating is available. Do yourself a favor and get some to take home too!

M Lin
★★★★2 months ago

The rating is for my personal preference . I wouldn’t say this is my favorite type of croissant. The body is a little thick and dry. I ordered the chocolate almond croissant. The filing is a thicker paste, I would say I had better feelings before, which blends with croissant better. They do you have a nice seating area, although a bit stuffed.

Kai
★★★★★2 months ago

Hendrickx Belgian Bread Crafter is such a gem. An amazing bakery with the fluffiest croissants and genuinely solid coffee. I was working next door for a week and getting to stop in every morning felt like a small daily luxury. I did not get the chance to try their sandwiches which I regret because everything looked incredible, so that alone is reason enough to come back. I am absolutely returning for more. Also the man working there was so sweet and welcoming it honestly made the experience. He kind of looks like someone out of a baroque painting somehow warm + timeless. One of those places that makes a city feel special.

Amy
★★★★★3 months ago

We specifically stopped here for macarons. They had great reviews and thought it would be great. The macarons were hard and dry. They were very pricey at 3.75 each and definitely not worth it. It was very disappointing. Staff was very friendly.

A.L. Nazarian
★★★★★11 months ago

We discovered this on our trip to Chicago. We loved the prosciutto breakfast croissant and the mini quiche. We had breakfast there 3 days in a row. Kudos to the gentleman at the register every morning. He was pleasant and informative. I definitely recommend this place!!!

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