ZipPicks Awards
Best Bakery in Lincoln Square
Best Breakfast in Lincoln Square
Best Hidden Gem Restaurants in Lincoln Square
Master Critic Review
Del Sur Bakery & Cafe
8.7
Filipino-Midwestern fusion bakery opened in March 2025 by pastry chef Justin Lerias, drawing multi-block lines for laminated pastries like longanisa croissants and turon danishes. The entirely nut-free operation produces three-day fermented sourdough bases and has quickly become one of the most buzzworthy bakeries in Chicago.
Must-Try Dishes:
Turon Danish, Longanisa Croissant, Ube Oatmeal Cream Pie
Scores:
Value: 8.3
Service: 8
Consistency: 8
Food Quality: 9.2
Atmosphere: 8.5
Cultural Relevance: 9
What makes it special: Filipino heritage meets Midwestern comfort through meticulously laminated pastries and creative flavor combinations
Who should go: Adventurous pastry lovers seeking unique cultural fusion
When to visit: Arrive before 8am opening Thursday-Sunday to avoid lines
What to order: Turon danish with caramelized banana jam, longanisa croissant, ube mo cha latte
Insider tip: They sell out early so checking their Instagram for daily menus is essential
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking very limited on Damen Ave - transit strongly recommended via Damen Brown Line station (steps away) or Damen 50 bus
Dress code: Ultra casual - you're standing in line outdoors, dress for weather and comfort
Noise level: N/A - currently takeaway only with no indoor seating (expansion with seating pending city permits)
Weekend wait: N/A - closes at 3pm
Weekday lunch: Thursday/Friday: 20-30 min typical; Saturday/Sunday: 45 min to 2 hours, arrive before 8am opening to minimize wait
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes - multiple sweet pastry options plus seasonal savory items
Vegan options: Yes - dedicated vegan options including food for the gods muffin with date caramel and pumpkin seeds
Gluten-free options: Yes - bibingka (brown butter coconut rice cake with guava and cream cheese) is naturally gluten-free; additional options available
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Only if you both enjoy the adventure of waiting in line together - there's no seating, so plan to grab pastries and find a nearby bench or park. The shared experience of anticipation and the wow factor of the pastries can spark great conversation.
Will I actually get what I want? Arrive 15-30 minutes before 8am opening for best selection. Popular items like longanisa croissants and turon danishes sell out by late morning. They enforce a one-per-type policy to prevent hoarding, so everyone gets a fair shot.
Is it kid-friendly? The pastries will delight adventurous young eaters, but the long outdoor waits can be challenging for small children. Several parents have been spotted giving up mid-line with restless kids. Thursday/Friday mornings with shorter waits are your best bet with little ones.
Best For
Better for: Exceptional lamination technique and genuinely inventive Filipino-Midwestern flavor combinations you won't find elsewhere - the longanisa croissant and turon danish are in a league of their own. Entirely nut-free facility is a major advantage for allergy concerns.
Skip if: You need a sit-down experience, hate lines, want predictable classic pastries, or are visiting Monday-Wednesday when they're closed. Also skip if you're running on a tight schedule - this is a destination, not a quick errand.