ZipPicks Awards
Best Mediterranean in Lincoln Square
Best Bakery in Lincoln Square
Best Greek in Lincoln Square
Master Critic Review
Hellas Pastry Shop
8.4
Lincoln Square institution serving traditional Greek pastries since the 1960s, run by the same family for decades. The display cases overflow with honey-drenched baklava in multiple styles, creamy bougatsa, and hearty spinach pies that locals swear keep their families happy.
Must-Try Dishes:
Spinach Pie, Baklava, Bougatsa
Scores:
Value: 9
Service: 8.5
Consistency: 8.8
Food Quality: 8.8
Atmosphere: 7
Cultural Relevance: 9.2
What makes it special: Over six decades of authentic Greek recipes passed through generations with unwavering quality
Who should go: Those seeking old-world European pastry traditions
When to visit: Mornings for freshest selection, weekdays for shorter waits
What to order: Spinach pie, chocolate-covered baklava, almond cookies, galaktoboureko
Insider tip: Owner Tula often gives kids free cookies and offers samples to newcomers
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Free street parking on Lincoln Ave usually available, easier mornings and weekdays. Small lot behind building with 3-4 spots.
Dress code: Come as you are - this is a neighborhood bakery counter. Joggers and yoga pants fit right in.
Noise level: Quiet - small shop with soft Greek music, easy conversation at the few café tables
Weekend wait: N/A - bakery closes early evening. Weekend mornings expect 5-10 min line for counter.
Weekday lunch: No wait typically - walk up to counter and order
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes - spinach pie, cheese pie, most sweet pastries are vegetarian
Vegan options: Very limited - some bread items only. Traditional Greek pastries rely heavily on butter and honey.
Gluten-free options: Not recommended - phyllo dough is the foundation of nearly everything here
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better as a casual add-on than the main event. Grab pastries and coffee for a low-pressure neighborhood stroll along Lincoln Ave. Sweet and memorable without the pressure of a formal sit-down.
Can I get a table without a reservation? No reservations needed or taken - it's counter service with a handful of small café tables. Grab a number, order at the case, find a spot or take your treats to go.
Is it kid-friendly? Extremely. Owner Tula is known for slipping kids free cookies. The display cases mesmerize little ones, and nothing on the menu breaks the bank if they don't finish it.
Best For
Better for: Authenticity and value - six decades of family recipes at neighborhood prices beats trendy patisseries charging $8 for a single pastry. The baklava variety here outpaces any competitor.
Skip if: You need gluten-free options, want a full café experience with espresso drinks and laptop space, or prefer French/modern pastry styles over traditional Greek.