Kari's Rating 9.9/10…read more TLDR: -Seriously my favorite bakery ever and I'm a bakery connoisseur -The flakiest most delicious pastries -Handcrafted sweets and made to order cakes This is my absolute favorite bakery to go to when I am home in Barrington. I've been coming to ambrosia for at least 20 years since my childhood, and this bakery never disappoints. The only reason it didn't get a 10 out of 10 was because sometimes they're closed on days when I need them open, and I find myself to be extremely disappointed I forgot to read the website! Of course error on my side! I remember coming here before I was tall enough to peep over the pastry case, and I've always been so fascinated by the little show window where they have cake decorating or someone demonstrating how to roll pastries-what an art! My number one pastry that I come here for is the ham and cheese croissant. Ambrosia's ham and cheese croissant is the flakiest most savory ham and cheese croissant I've ever had. They don't add any mustard or gimmicks and yet it is so flaky and savory that it doesn't need an extra dash of flavor. I know for a while they were making them smaller, but this time I came, I realized that the ham and cheese croissants are bigger than ever-which probably makes me think they've gone up in price, but I will happily pay the up charge for a little more. Now that I am older, and I have adult money, I find myself going in and trying one new item to add to my repertoire of treats. Today's new addition was the almond Bear-claw which I already had extremely high hopes for because I do love a good almond croissant, but I was a little worried what bear-claw meant. Truthfully, it just meant the shape of the pastry as it still had the classic buttery flaky crust, as well as a sweet almond interior. I was not disappointed! I did end up bringing home four ham and cheese croissants, an ambrosia roll for my dad, the almond Bear-claw, and two freshly made baguettes. I come home relatively frequently, but every time this bakery is added to my morning agenda, I realize I have such few moments left with my family, and I want to cherish them all and I love that ambrosia has been that tradition for us. I feel like most bakeries I go into in the city are mass produced and everyone is just trying to place orders and then rushing to get out the door, but ambrosia the workers really try to make you feel seen and have a way to uplifting conversation with you. Through all of the order, placing chaos, they're willing to explain what's in everything, what's new on the menu or what flavor profile would go with which handcrafted drink. There's a certain side of human conversation to this bakery that makes this visit extra special for me. I can sense everything is made overnight and then baked in the morning, so as soon as you walk in, you can smell an overwhelming bakery scent, which only makes your mouth water more, which I'm starting to think is actually a really strategic sales tactic! Haha! I would never miss a chance coming back here and spending time my parents and picking up a few surprise treat for them. I will keep the tradition of picking up a few extra treats as I would love for this bakery to continue being something my whole family can look forward to whenever I come home

I've been wanting to try this place forever, so was happy to find out my husband ordered a birthday…read morecake for me from here. The Chocolate Bavarian Torte is amazing. I love that it is light, rich, but not overly sweet. I am a huge fan of chocolate mousse in cake and they have perfected it. And to top it off with the chocolate ganache... YUM! I told my husband it's probably the best birthday cake I've had and I hope he remembers that for next year. We also picked up some almond croissants and chocolate croissants and both were delish... to me they were a bit on the smaller side though. The cafe is really cute and clean with a sitting area. We came an hour before closing, so options were limited but they do have a big display case and would love to go back and check out what else they have to offer. I am a fan of flourless cake- so hoping to get to try a slice the next visit.

Great bread and pastry. Good people. That's as good as it…read moregets. Even if the review rules say you must have more.

I love this place!! Their breads are delish my favorite is the sourdough…read more Pastries especially the pineapple oh my gosh heaven. Service is extremely friendly and accommodating. Place is clean and you can also catch them at the farmers markets

A cute little bakery in a two story old house with lots of cookies , cakes and specials that change…read moreweekly. I bought a Buttercream Frosted Vanilla Cake, a Peanut Butter Chocolate bar , a Triple Chocolate Cookie and a Dulce du Leche Cookie.All so good. The Chocolate Peanut Butter Bar was a special and I think it's like a Reeses Peanut Butter Cup on steroids so rich and good!!!!!The cake was moist and iced so beautifully. Hard to find but go by construction signs to park. I vote for coffee service for the cute sitting area!

Nice little shop. Owners are very friendly. Everything I…read morehave tried its amazing, the cheesecakes, the butterfinger cream cheese pie, the cookies and the tres leches cake has excellent flavor and texture but felt I needed a coffee to pair with. Just a recommendation of considering selling coffee!

We stopped in the while visiting family and omg, I need this in the city. The churro was so fresh…read moreand delicious! I had the strawberry one and my sister got apple which shockingly was really good because I don't like apple desserts. The inside is really nice too, they have some cool painting, decor, and games to play while you wait or enjoy your sweets. I can't wait to visit again!

Stopped in for a quick Valentines Treat before our son's hockey game ! Selection was great and…read morethat Churro Sundae was AWESOME!!

I love Joe + D!! They have been at the farmers market in Crystal lake on Saturdays and they are…read moresooooooo good! Mini doughnuts are amazing! And the coffee is really good! The service is outstanding! I will definitely be back for more chai and donuts! My kids love the mini doughnuts, so good!

Amazing coffee! Delicious warm doughnuts! Super friendly staff. Try the chai and add some pumpkin…read morecreamer. Sooo good! Highly recommended!

Amazing service amazing quality and exciting new flavors weekly!!! So excited to have this location…read moreopen up :)

Overpriced cookies and portions are crazy big for people. Hence why they must charge more…read more Location is hidden in strip mall.

Peterson's Bakery came as a recommendation to me for their amazing donuts. I stopped in on a…read moreSaturday mid morning and they were still fully stocked with donuts, cookies, danishes, breads, and other sweet treats. They also had premade holiday cookie platters, cakes, gingerbread houses and more. I got a bavarian cream filled donut and cinnamon sugar twist. Both were so soft, fresh, and delicious! I loved the thicker bavarian cream filling and their chocolate frosting. The two donuts were just over $4 which was a steal! The woman who helped us was very sweet and made me smile.

Excellent everything. A family favorite and I have never had anything that wasn't wonderfully…read morefresh and tasted amazing. My grandfather was a Danish baker so my standards are high and Petersons is the best.

Been wanting to go but it's ale late at night when I go by. Finally got in. So cute. Staff is…read moresuper friendly. It was 1030 and a few people in there I got the waffle sundae . So yummy. My friend had the ham egg and cheese sandwich. The sandwich was warm and gooey. The ham was real like off the bone. Can't wait to have lunch. Maybe on our way home lol. The sundae was fun and a cute thing with mini waffles. Worth the trip. Also after that we saw they have a back room with a nice selection of beverages. So local drinks also. Go support Thai cute gem

Cutest little place! A real gem! My friend and I had ice cream and they had lots of fun choices…read more There is a counter area as well as tables to sit at. They serve sandwiches too. There were a group of men that had sandwiches. Food looked fresh and yummy. They sell a small amount of necessities making it a general store. In the back they have a liquor store with a selection of cigars. What a neighborhood gem!