South Loop · Est. 1986
Every morning, something worth waking up for
Handcrafted pastries, artisan breads, and seasonal comfort food — baked from scratch on-site, served with warmth, on Chicago's Wentworth Avenue.
Our Story
A bakery that became a neighborhood fixture
Golden Apple Cafe & Bakery opened its doors on South Wentworth Avenue in 1986 with a simple conviction: that the best food comes from patience, quality ingredients, and a genuine regard for the people you feed.
What began as a modest bakery counter has grown into a gathering place — a spot where students grab a coffee before class, neighbors meet for weekend brunch, and families celebrate birthdays with a slice of something made that morning.
We still bake everything on-site. Our croissants are laminated by hand. Our breads are leavened naturally. Our seasonal menus shift with what the market offers. It takes longer, but it tastes like it should.
On-site, every day
Everything baked from scratch in our kitchen, starting before dawn.
Seasonal & local
Menus change with the seasons, drawing from Chicago-area farms and purveyors.
A community table
A place to linger, connect, and feel at home — no reservation needed.
From the Bakery
Baked before you arrive
Our ovens fire up at 5 AM so that by the time you walk in, the smell of fresh bread and buttery pastry is already greeting you at the door.
Butter Croissants
72-hour cold fermentation, French butter, 27 layers of hand-laminated dough. Crisp outside, honeycomb inside.
Artisan Sourdough
Our starter has been alive since day one. Wild-fermented loaves with a dark, crackling crust and a tender, tangy crumb.
Seasonal Tarts & Pies
Changing with the market: peach and berry in summer, apple and pear in fall, citrus in winter. Always a shortcrust you can count on.
Coffee & Espresso
Single-origin pour-overs and classic espresso drinks from a local Chicago roaster. Paired with something sweet, naturally.
Gallery
A glimpse inside
Visit Us
We'd love to see you
Walk-ins are always welcome. For catering inquiries or large orders, give us a call ahead.
2409 S Wentworth Ave
Chicago, IL 60616-2201
Monday – Saturday: 7:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Sunday: 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM
