Café
Lou Mitchell’s
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Hendrickx Belgian Bread Crafter
Hendrickx is a Belgian bakery on East Walton Street run by chef Renaud Hendrickx, with artisanal breads, thirteen kinds of croissant, pastries and house-made chocolates.
At a glance
- Type
- Belgian bakery
- Area
- Near North Side, Chicago, United States
- Price
- $$ · Mid-range
- Opening
- Open 6 days a week (closed Monday)
- Official site
- hendrickxbakery.com
Good to know
- Dine-in and takeaway
- Open kitchen
- Thirteen kinds of croissant
- Belgian chocolates
Why we recommend it
Hendrickx Belgian Bread Crafter is a bakery on East Walton Street on the Near North Side, run by the Belgian chef Renaud Hendrickx. It describes itself as a real Belgian bakery in Chicago, and its open kitchen lets you watch the baking while you wait. The bakery was nominated as Best Bakery in Chicago by Time Out in July 2021.
The range is broad for a small shop. Artisanal breads are the foundation, and there are thirteen different croissants, which makes choosing the main challenge. Macarons, pastries and home-made Belgian chocolates fill the counter, and there is a savoury side as well, with sandwiches, soups, salads and other savoury items for lunch. The chocolates make a good gift to take home.
The bakery is open from 8am to 4pm Tuesday to Saturday and from 9am to 2pm on Sunday. It is closed on Monday. Both walk-in and dine-in orders are available, and you can call ahead for pickup orders on +1 312-649-6717. Delivery is offered through Grubhub and Ritual. Mornings give the fullest choice, as popular items can sell out later in the day.
Hendrickx suits anyone staying in the hotels around North Michigan Avenue who wants a better breakfast than the usual chain coffee shop, as well as pastry lovers, couples and solo travellers. It is a convenient stop before shopping or sightseeing on the Magnificent Mile, and the savoury dishes make it a useful option for a light lunch. Allow 20 minutes for a quick visit, or longer if you eat in.
Prices are moderate for a specialist bakery. For general enquiries the bakery lists an email address, [email protected], on its website, which is useful for larger orders. If you are visiting for the croissants, go in the morning, when the choice is widest, and ask which varieties are fresh from the oven. For a special occasion or a gift, ask about the chocolates, which are made in house, and allow time to choose, as the counter holds a wide selection.
The bakery is on East Walton Street, the same street as the Waldorf Astoria, with the Drake Hotel on neighbouring East Walton Place. That makes it a natural breakfast stop for guests of either hotel, and a pastry here combines well with a morning at 360 Chicago or shopping on North Michigan Avenue.
Hendrickx Belgian Bread Crafter FAQs
What are the opening hours?
Tuesday to Saturday 8am to 4pm and Sunday 9am to 2pm. It is closed on Monday.
Who runs the bakery?
Belgian chef Renaud Hendrickx.
What should you try?
The croissants, of which there are thirteen kinds, plus breads, macarons, pastries and Belgian chocolates.
Can you eat in?
Yes. Both walk-in and dine-in orders are available.
Can you order ahead?
Yes. Call +1 312-649-6717 for pickup orders.
Is there delivery?
Yes, through Grubhub and Ritual.
Does it serve lunch?
Yes. There are sandwiches, soups, salads and other savoury items.
Where is it?
At 100 East Walton Street, near North Michigan Avenue.