After traipsing around trying and failing to find an ATM, I bought an amount that aligned with what I had in my wallet. Specifically, I got a sfogliatelle and, instead of a sandwich, a tomato focaccia. The sfogiatelle was tasty but not my favorite: the outside wasn't as crisp as it should have been, and the inside filling seemed more like pudding than like ricotta. The focaccia caught me off guard with how tasty it was, though. It was a full pizza substitute: the bread was thick, flavorful, and oily, and it was balanced very nicely by the tomato topping. I'd try the breads if I were in the area again. read more

D'amato's Bakery - sfogliatelle - Bakeries Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Coming from Rhode Island, I NEEDED to find an authentic Italian bakery. Thankfully, I came across D'amato's on Yelp and WOW am I glad I did! First off, this place is oozing with Italian culture. Their selection includes (but is certainly not limited to) freshly baked bread, pizza by the slice, cannolis, sfogliatelle, zeppole etc. I wish I could live here and eat one of everything for every meal. The staff is loud, quick and very friendly. It's cash only so don't forget your moola! I can't wait to come back for more deliciousness. Thank you for saving me D'amato's! read more

D'amato's Bakery - Zeppole san giuseppe - Bakeries Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

A visit to D'amato's Bakery requires some preparation. First of all: -Bring cash or go home hungry -Be ready to go up some steep steps or just walk on by. If you have a stroller with you, come in pairs. Leave the partner and the stroller outside or work as a team if it starts raining. -Order quickly by golly because nobody and I mean NOBODY has time for that looking and choosing nonsense. -Be prepared to be barked at. I came home with cookies and an eclair. I might have ordered more had I not felt super rushed, nervous and under performing. They were all really really good. I enjoyed them but would never go out of my way to shop here again. If I was next door, I might buy some more but it's such an intense experience to get a few cookies. Overall, really good baked goods in a boot camp atmosphere. read more

The old school Sicilian style pizza on the counter. The bread is the best. Their sandwiches are very good and the ladies working there are very sweet and charming compare to Bart's read more

My roommate and I recently moved to the neighborhood. We had planned a gathering at our apartment over the Labor Day weekend. Somewhere we got our wires crossed and dropped the ball on the food dept. We called up D'Amato's to place an order, but it turned out they closed 10 min ago. However, the person on the phone said they just made a full pan of cheese pizza not long ago and would be available if we could be there asap. So, I flew over to D'Amato's and even though they were closed, they let me in and had the pizza wrapped up ready to go. Not to push my luck, but had heard their baked goods were legit. I asked the polite young man and woman if they had any cannoli as well. They didn't unfortunately, but the female employee, without hesitation, offered to whip up a box for me. I understand, especially on a holiday weekend, the eagerness to get out asap after work. However, the politeness and attentiveness of the staff was perfect. Even though they were closed, I didn't feel like I was being rushed or chided for being a last minute Charlie. This is the type of service that makes you come back again and again. The pizza might look completely different from what you might be used to, but boy does it make up for it in the taste department. All an all, crisis averted, our guests were more than happy with the food, especially the cannoli. Thank you to D'Amato's for bailing my roommate and I out and even though they didn't know it, welcoming us to the neighborhood. read more

This is the ONLY Italian bakery I will go out of my way to drive to. Fresh, inexpensive and a GREAT selection of things! I'm talking all sorts of breads and rolls, 6 types of foccacia, arancini (2 types!), cannoli, cookies, pastries, cake and of course sheet pizza. I just bought a baguette that is literally 4 feet long and I think I paid like 2 or 3 dollars for it. Everything I have ever ordered has been excellent. You can walk in off the street or pre-order. I would recommend the latter if you need a certain amount, flavour, etc.as I have been there just as they have run out of something I wanted. Oh yeah, bring cash, they dont take credit cards! Independent businesses rock and I am so glad to support this one! read more

First it was $5 cupcakes. Then it was $5 doughnuts. Now people are queued up for blocks to drop $5 on of all things froyo. When will return to the good old fashioned values of our grandparents' generation and start finding delicious treats at reasonable prices. Ladies and gentlemen, I give you D'amato's Bakery. After driving past this place at least 100 times, I finally worked up the nerve to hit up D'amato's for some cannoli. I have to say I was thoroughly impressed. This bakery is old school. They have the old timey depression-era cash register and it's cash only so you know this is gonna be some good old fashioned, questionably book-keeped baked goods. This bakery smells amazing and at 9:30am it was already hopping. I opted for some cannolis, both the regular and chocolate, and they were fantastic and relatively cheap too! They also had a slew of cookies, pastries, pizzas, breads, it was awesome. Parking can be a hassle, but it was well worth it. I will definitely be back to sample more of the baked goods here. Here's hoping cheap cannolis become the $5 cupcake of 2012. read more

Some of the best freshly made Italian bread. Many sizes, all Italian, all $3. Love it. The arancinis are also pretty amazing. But I have this horrible habit of eating them on the way home, usually when they're cold... I haven't tried their desserts, but I assume if their bread is great, so must be the desserts. Oh, and it's cash only. read more

6:22 AM on Christmas Eve, and this place is bumpin'. Rightfully so, let me tell you... The assortment of things on offer here is enough to bring you back a few times without being well-versed on all that they offer. I came in for a couple of loaves of crusty, chewy bread that is going to go along with tonight's dinner. Others were also there for the loaves, but included in their orders things like cookies, canolies, whole pizzas, pizza slices (square cut out of a Roman-style sheet tray), demi-loaves, buns and beautifully crafted pastry cakes. Me being the novice, not having my jolt of coffee yet to sort my head straight, and remembering only to bring just enough cash to cover what I was really there for held me back from adding to my own order. Probably better off that way, because for $9.00 I came home with a 1 Pound Vienna loaf and two Half-French loaves that look, smell, and maybe most importantly at a time when you are buying bread- FEEL perfect. Cash only, so come prepared. read more

Best Italian sub I have ever had! It is the bread. Slight crunchy crust, fresh meats and cheese. We had in the morning with an es

THE BEST Bread I ever tried! Amen! Sometimes I Travel there only cause I want a bite Of Bread. During the lunch Time, there is a huge Line inside, sometimes even outside. People like those sandwiches. I do to. Pretty GOOD coffee and great pastries. You don't believe me? Try brownie. But not only that. They also sell pizzas, pastas. read more

D'amato's Bakery - Bakeries Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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I've been baking homemade bread for almost a year now. That's 12 months of slowly tweaking my recipe between bread, wheat and rye flours all while continually feeding my "b*tch"; what Anthony Bourdain calls a homemade sourdough starter. I've even purchased clay bakers in an effort to get that crusty crust bread lovers strive for. It took some time but I finally found my inspiration: D'amato's Bakery. This place isn't new, it's not well lit at night and it's cash only. The register looks like something out of a 1940's war movie where the numbers don't even line up properly. I love it. And don't forget to bring that Italian-American accent with you when stepping through the door. The sourdough bread has a crust so thick it has it's own crust. And the flavor can't be beat. Do yourself a favor and swing by Bari Foods next door to pick up some cold cuts or pasta and finish your trip with a visit to D'amato's Bakery. You won't ever buy another kind of bread again. read more

What isn't to love about D'amato's. My parents have been frequenting this establishment since I was a little girl - even brining me pizza and goodies when I was away at college years ago. It wasn't until I got older than I realized how great it was to live near such an awesome bakery. Their pizza is amazing! Yes, it is a little greasy and not a traditional pizza but that is what makes it soo good. Same for their different focaccia breads. Also, their cookies are always so fresh. I recently brought a box to my friend that was in the hospital and everyone commented on how tasty and fresh they were. Love that I can stop here the day before a major holiday or party and pick up everything I need, including bread and some of the best cannolis in the city. I am pretty sure they are still a cash only place so keep that in mind if you are checking them out for the first time and ENJOY!! read more

We live in the neighborhood and have lots of choices for Italian bakeries. That said, the bread from D'amato's can't be beat. The bread is always perfectly baked with a crisp, delicious crust. But you have to ask yourself - is the bad customer service worth the good bread? Sometimes yes and sometimes no. Today was a definite no. The young woman with the brown pony tail was not only curt and rude to me, she was also condescending and rude to an apparently new hire, snarling at the poor woman "Just put it in a bag - maybe you can handle that" with total disdain, causing the new hire to sink back into the wall even farther. When I asked for a receipt for my purchase - which I wasn't offered - Miss Pony Tail refused to acknowledge my request and simply barked at the next customer for their order. After standing around for a few minutes while she avoided me completely (with the frightened new hire shrugging sympathetically at me) she disappeared into the back room until after I left the store in disgust - without my receipt. And, oh by the way, Sicilian cannoli's are garnished with pistachio nuts (or chocolate chips or candied fruit) - not peanuts. But then there is that bread........ read more

I have been coming to this place for years! way before it was known.......it was just the local italian bakery my dad took us too to pick up Italian bread.......tomato bread and the pizza bread! It's awesome! The tomato bread is out of this world.........you can buy the big one or the mini's! The pizza.......isn't the cheapest........but it is great! I have family and friends who come to town and ask if we can go pick up some of that "pizza bread". The bread itself is delicious........nice hard crust.....makes great sandwiches and better yet........TOAST! if you are in the area, stop in and check it out! read more

Secret pizza, secret dessert... As far as Italian bread carbs are concerned, if I am gonna eat 'em, I get my fix HERE. First, this is one of the oldest Italian bakeries in the city. One time I needed to get some bread, but they were closed. The owner saw me and waved me in. He brought me to the back and the smell was INCREDIBLE. I'll tell ya, the only other places that have that kinda history are bakeries in Europe. Making bread is as much an artform as it is a labor of love. The wood tables, paddles and ovens were just amazing. You could smell the care and the love this place has for bread, and we are lucky enough to be able to get it every day. Back to the food: BREAD - Remember, it's an Italian bread. French bread sometimes is like cake, while Italian bread is firmer. The regular loaf (like a baguette) has a crisp and chewy crust, and a soft center, great for garlic bread or bruschetta. The sandwich loaf looks like a traditional bread, but has this amazing thin but crisp and chewy crust, with a perfect center. SECRET PIZZA - Secret pizza, remember? They make 3 (it used to be 2) kinds of pan pizza - cheese, sausage, pepperoni. It's not ordinary by any means. It's a rectangular, 1 inch thick slice, with a fragrant tomato gravy (dats right, REAL Italians call it dat) topped with a fontina, romano or something sharp. The cheese is just right, and just below it, the tomato flavor is incredible. If you're lucky enough to get a chewy edge, marron! Order of favorite - cheese, sausage (pepperoni is too strong and takes away from everything). We used to order this BY THE TRAY and it would be gone. They also have foccacia, arancini (stuffed rice balls), a new gelato bar, cookies, pizelle, rolls, etc. SECRET DESSERT - Man, I have no idea why they hide these things, but if you find em, GET EM. Chery slices, apple slices, napoleons, huge chocolate eclairs, and, of course, cannoli. It's like these were just like a little hobby they do back there, yet these are just so perfect, not too sweet, not to heavy, that you wonder why they don't make MORE. Slices - 2 x 4 x 4 inch pies with perfect fillings and vanilla icing. One of each. Napoleons - thin pastry dough with vanilla custard and topped with vanilla icing. I'll take TWO. Eclairs - 5 inch chocolate covered custard eclairs (that are FILLED, baby, no skimping here!). I can only eat one, but I WANT 5. Cannoli - 4 inch delicate round cookie tubes filled with sweetened ricotta and chocolate chips, edged with nuts. Always gimme TWO. Don't go hungry or you'll leave with a few bags. COST - Inexpensive CAVEATS - It small and parking is tough. Be patient. You will be rewarded. read more

From the old as shit cash register, to the racks filled with crusty bread and cookies by the pound, to the sassy Italian women working behind the counter, this place has character. You just don't see newer places like this, and I realize that this makes me sound old ("they just don't make them like they used to"), but really and truly, I'm looking forward to the day that I can hike up my pants to my chest, walk around with a cane, and randomly call people things like 'sonny', and 'whippersnapper'. I imagine that old age will allow me to get away with indiscretions I've only dreamed of so far and I can only hope that D'amatos' will still be there to provide me my damn foccaca with olives. Progress schmagress. read more

Me: "I'm starving, what should I get" Them: "You hungry, try some of da' foca'ch" Me: "I'm not sure, it looks carby" Them: "Just try da' foca'ch, it's good take it" Me: "Oh what the hell!" You certainly get the authentic thing when you come to D'amato's. This is a wonderful little Italian bakery, and it's a gold mine for "da foca'ch" and many other pastries and goodies. The fumes of fresh baked cookies, cannoli, and breads are full bodied and strike your nose the second you enter. The inside is small but to the point. All the food you want to grab is within arms reach (dangerous for us with an empty stomach) and there is a wonderful vintage hand operated cash register where your total is churned into. I've been here a few times now, and can say for a fact that they really have "da foca'ch" nailed down. Last night I had some pizza before the bulls game. I tried two variations of vegetable supreme, and one pita shaped margherita pizza. The veggie supremes were wrapped in a white sheet, and I could see the grease accumulating. Good luck to my heart! The slices were filling to say the least, as the two veggies both had the focaccia base. They had a wonderful taste, however I wish they were heated up. I went in late, and they were taken straight from the pizza tray an wrapped. Fresh I could imagine these tasting great. We sat and ate at the window sill before the bulls game, and enjoyed the atmosphere. Overall good food, service and environment. I put health aside for the night so that I could try something different. This is a wonderful little spot, and I'll be back. read more

Great food, great prices, friendly staff. These people know what they are doing. I especially love the Italian cookies and pizza. read more

This place is love. If you love yourself you will get here and order something you crave because its all so tasty. If you love a friend you can order a made to go sammie on fresh baked bread to share with your bff on an impromptu picnic on a street curb. If you love your mailmanperson for not judging you with the amount of brown paper wrapped packages that vibrate or make strange noises and still delivers safely to your possession, hook them up with the cannoli or the cookies or the pizza or the gelato..its all good. The people here are the nicest. The parking is not so bad if you come off hours. The belly you get after you over indulge is not so much love. but c'est la vie. read more

This is the BEST Italian-American bakery that I've been to. I've been here twice now and the first time I came for the pizza, the second time I came to order 2 dozen canolies for work. Starting with the pizza, it is done in the true Italian pizza-by-the-slice style with nice puffy dough, cut into squares, and the even ask you if you want it warmed up. The flavor packed into these pizzas is superb, the sauce is amazing and the cheese is the real thing. This is easily my favorite true pizza slice joint. Moving on to the canolies, these things are THE DANK! The ricotta filling is massaged perfectly with the appropriate amount of sugar and spices. The shells are also perfectly baked, not too hard yet not overly soft and spongy. They're a real treat and must have anytime you visit. Overall this is a remarkable joint and for anyone who visit the city, it's an absolute must. read more

You don't' have to look elsewhere for pastries, Pizzas or cookies. What D'amato's produces is out of this world. Why? Well, if you're looking for a real pizza, then you've found the true pizza slice joint. They are more Italian in preparation with more bread toppings as opposed to the Cheeses at all of the American version but that doesn't reduce the savory experience. The fruit filled cookies are awesome and you get tasty and fresh quality all the time. Talking of pastries, I almost passed out with pleasure because of the great flavor of the chocolate filled cannoli. Their subs are comparable to Bari's both in price and quantity. I am glad I moved into the neighborhood recently because I don't need to put to much energy and time into preparing a meal with the wonderful sandwiches they introduced lately. This is one place that is convenient and offers good value for your money. read more

The perfect Bari companion. Stop in here and grab a tasty canoli for dessert after you get your Bari italian sub and before you head back to your triple parked car. The sheet pizza on top of the counter is classic as well. Dee-lish as Retched Rachel would say. Seriously though, it's pretty damn good for pizza made in Chicago. I like their sub rolls, obviously, and they have lots of other tasty baked goods. Try them all. If you're dying for a French-style baguette this isn't the place. But it's an Italian bakery so you already knew that. read more

Mmm, arancini. I'm not a big fan of spinach, but they do have one without it. It's just rice and cheese in a delicious ball of fried dough. MMM. I used to work in the loop. Sometimes, I would get a ride and we would pass by here. I'm really glad I was able to try it one day, because everything here is delicious. They have gelato, and I'm pretty sure they have different flavors each day. Yummy. The pizza breads and foccacias are fantastic. D'amato's cookies are not only adorable, they are quite delicious as well. I honestly don't think I have tried something here that I didn't like. Go try it now. read more

This is the bar that any, even the new gluten free whole wheat with all natural seeds bread palace, has to come close too. Bread stacked on one side pizza and cookies and pan apple slices. Real photos on the wall of people that founded the place 70years ago not photos picked by a decorator. Great staff, you better know what you want there's a line already behind you. This place is a treasure, it's real and it works and passes the time test. I hope the young group that is moving into the neighborhood appreciates this wonderful place. read more

Close your eyes and dream of Italy! The breads and rolls have a wonderful texture and always a great crust; the breadsticks are a treat. All of the varieties of the pizza breads are awesome! The focaccia is divine for sandwiches. The subs are terrific--people order them and pick them up early in the morning for lunch. The amaretti, cannoli, pastries, fig cookies and lemon knots are the closest thing to heaven-on-earth. The biscotti are reason enough to stop here! And they also have things like arancini (delish!) and real food. The sad thing is that they are not making the fabulous coffeecake these days because they don't have enough staff! The people who work there are friendly and helpful. They also have a catering menu, which would make for a fabulous party! Bring some bread and biscotti as a hostess gift and you will be the most popular guest. Convenient hours and parking on Grand. read more

Amazing little old fashioned Italian bakery/food place that I go to every time I am in the area. The sandwiches, pizza, and everything else are great and reasonably priced. If you want Italian or some really good food Go Here. read more

I know this place makes good bread, I mean my favorite deli (JPG) uses this bread for their sandwiches, so it must mean something. The bakery here is phenomenal, lots of choices and the bread is just amazing. The sandwiches are also delicious but this review is about my experience today. I tried their tomato basil soup and it was by far the best tomato basil soup I have ever had. I got it as part of the half sandwich/half soup special and my wife got her own sandwich. I literally had to make some serious moves to block access from my wife as she was trying to eat all my soup! We could not stop talking about how good it was. Don't forget to get the cannoli here, they are amazing as well! read more

One of my two favorite Italian bakeries in the city. I called and asked if they had a half sheet of tiramisu. The confirmed that they did and I rushed right over. The place was packed but the ladies behind the counter greeted every customer with the same cheerful smile. The price was very reasonable at $35. Unfortunately, they only accept cash. The next day we celebrated my friend's birthday and the cake was an instant hit. At least five people asked where I purchased it and I told them D'amato's on Grand Ave. It would be great if this place expanded to include tables and chairs. If they did, I would definitely stay for a cappuccino with my baked good. read more

EVERY time I drive down Grand, I always want to stop here. Every. Single. Time. I usually stick to the Sicilian slices. I like inside b/c I like them cheesy, hubs likes the outside corner pieces b/c he likes the caramalization of the crust. They are priced pretty awesomely, about $2 a slice (more for toppings) and they are really freakin' fantastic. When I do have a taste for something else, I get the round pizza on the focaccia bread, which are equally delish, but more filling. Every pizzaish thing I've had here has been yum. Wait, also, you NEED to get the chocolate dipped cookies with the raspberry filling. They are amaaahhhhzzzing. read more

Best bread in Chicago. Hands down! Foccacia = sex in my mouth. The girl who works there with the tattoos (Paula, I think?) rules! Very educational and courteous. Don't know how much she gets paid or what her employee status is, but she went out of her way to make recommendations and indulged me a little in the amazing bread making process. Will be a repeat customer. read more

Thank God D'amato's is a slightly too-far walk from my apartment to make sense on a bitter winter day. Because if it was just a little closer, I'd be eating subs, cannoli, and italian cookies every meal of the day all winter. I've tried the afore mentioned items, as well as the loaves of italian bread (sooooo good), and have been happy with every purchase. Those buttery cookies with the fudgy swirly topping? Stop. Fresh cannoli? Stop. Delicious subs with fresh ingredients for under six bucks. No, really. STOP. I feel like I'm walking into someone's house when I go here; it's got a strong family feel and very friendly staff. Good hours too. I can't wait for spring! read more

I have not had a chance to try much at this bakery. The past few times I just a piece of the Italian bread and called it a day. 3 bucks cash only at their old register, done deal. The bread is soft and freshly made, much better than the stuff you would get at other nameless grocery stores. I will have to come back and try more though... read more

Great Italian Bakery... I'm pretty sure the reason Bari Subs are so popular is because they use D'amatos bread!! They're are also known for their Pizza which is sold by slice/pan and usually have like 8 varieties daily. It's very good/lots of flavor! Many other Baked Goods to choose from---Tiramisu/Cannoli's/Cookies/Brownies, etc. A true "Old World" Bakery and I can honestly say it's "Cheap" for this day and age! GTFJD read more

Cannoli, Cannoli, Cannoli!!! We were having an Italian themed dinner and I was in charge of bringing dessert. I found this bakery on Yelp and decided to go after reading the good reviews. Not disappointing at all. I picked up Cannolis and Tiramisu. Everyone loved it! Didn't try the bread though, that will be on my next visit read more

Aside from the food, these guys have thee worst customer service ever, every order takes about 20 minutes for no reason. The workers are extremely slow and takes their time. The food is good but it's not that good but to keep coming back to be standing around and treated poorly. They are only nice to regular customers or old people. The workers put in no effort and management is the worst. I think family owned places need more quality control than they think, it's sad because that's how places end up closing then the people don't know why. If you know of a different bakery it's better to just go to that one or Bari's. The service is definitely 0 stars but the 2 stars is for the food. read more

Love D'amatos! I have been coming here since high school. $3-4 for a slice that will fill you up! The slices are pretty greasy, but they are so yummy. Will def leave you with cravings. I am obsessed with the artichoke and olive slice but last time I came they were all gone :(. Hopefully you guys still offer that combo it's my favorite! :) Also, cute patio outside to sit in. Try joes tea too! It's amazing you'll love it. read more

Chocolate Dipped Cannoli: My rating is based purely on this. The cannoli was decent and I wished I had been a little less adventurous and ordered only this. The other items listed below were dry, bland, and disappointing. Pastry filled with raspberry mouse: I remember a pastry with no mouse. I would describe it more as a weird gelatin floury mush thing. Lobster tail filled with french cream: I had my very first at Mike's Pastry Shop in Boston, and sadly the version here was such a disappointment. The pastry tail was soggy and more chewy. There was no freshness to the bite. The cream was dense, lumpy, and custard like vs the lighter cream that I prefered at Mike's. Pastry filled with custard: It was similar to the lobster style in taste and texture, but of a different form ... this was more rectangular rather than bugle shaped. The place was incredibly busy, with most ordering the fresh baguettes and breads. Perhaps I ordered the wrong things? read more

I'm going to go back here to try the sandwiches. I grabbed a cannoli and Americano to go. The service and coffee were so very nice! I love the atmosphere of this Italian bakery deli coffee shop read more

D'amato's Bakery - Cannoli - Bakeries Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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This is one of the many perks of living on Grand. I miss it. My days off living in the neighborhood consisted of (at least,but not limited to): 2 slices of pizza (the best thick pan slices), 2 cuccidati (fig cookies), and a can of limonata. I knew I was spoiled living 3 doors down... and I took advantage. I don't have much of a sweet tooth, so aside from the cuccidati I really only ate biscotti (anisette) which are great, but I can say that their cookies all look great and I'd back any of them. The focaccia is a great runner up to the pizza, super nice and doughy. Arancini... I could only handle 1 at a time, but they are amazing and super rich. On the weekends this place gets pretty busy. Between Bari and D'amato's the chaos of double parking out front is pretty intense... but its definitely a sign they're doing something right. Always friendly service even before I made a day-off-ritual of coming in. Order a pound or 2 of cookies for the holidays and you'll be a champion with your family. T'amu D'amato's. *Say hi to Joe... If he's standing out on grand just east of bari. read more