La Fournette

"A croissant from La Fournette is like a boxer punching above their weight. Free of any hefty fillings, the plain option is lighter than other croissants on this guide, and it managed to knock out nearly half of the contenders (including some from our favorite bakeries). It tastes more like flavorless bread crust than rich, buttery dough—but that just means it’s the perfect vehicle for sandwiches with salty fillings like ham and cheese, which you can also get at this Old Town bakery." - john ringor, veda kilaru, nick allen

"You could eat nothing but bread at La Fournette, and leave feeling quite pleased with your decision. Freshly baked baguettes and miche loaves line the wall of this Old Town French bakery, ready to be snatched up by the stream of locals looking to channel their inner Parisian. But besides their signature bread, La Fournette also churns out baskets of flaky croissants, soft brioche buns, and danishes involving the entire fruit section of a Jewel. The pastries are good, and while the plain croissants taste more like flavorless bread crust than rich, buttery dough, that just means they’re the perfect vehicle for sandwiches with salty fillings like ham and cheese, which you can also get here. photo credit: Veda Kilaru" - Veda Kilaru

"Stop by and feast your eyes on macaron heaven! Not one for sweets? Well sit back and enjoy sourdough delights, open faced sandwiches and freshly made coffee in this wood decorated Old Town French cafe! Although narrow, La Fournette Bakery boasts a wide selection of breads and sweets stretching the length of their Wells Street location." - Kake

"La Fournette Bakery, Old Town. Stop by and feast your eyes on macaron heaven! Not one for sweets? Well sit back and enjoy sourdough delights, open faced sandwiches and freshly made coffee in this wood decorated Old Town French cafe! Although narrow, La Fournette Bakery boasts a wide selection of breads and sweets stretching the length of their Wells Street location."

"One of Chicago’s top French bakeries is still cranking out loaves to go. Grab some baguettes and more for the perfect accompaniment to any at-home meal." - Jeffy Mai