Bennison's Bakery

"Veteran bakery offering apfelstrudel, paczki & other European sweets, plus custom-decorated cakes."

Bennison's Bakery is an Evanston bakery operating since 1938, offering European-style pastries, custom-decorated cakes, and a full line of baked goods. Known for European-style pastries, cookies, and custom-decorated cakes made with farm-fresh ingredients including real butter, fresh buttermilk, and freshly cracked eggs; seasonal specialties include paczki and apple fritters. Founded by Larry Bennison in 1938, the bakery has been run by three generations of the Downer family; owner Jory Downer holds the rank of Certified Master Baker from the Retail Bakery Association and won the grand prize at the Coupe du Monde de la Boulangerie in Paris in 2005. Located at 1000 Davis St. in Evanston, IL, with online ordering available for pickup. Reviewers highlight the paczki, croissants, custard morning buns, petit fours, and macarons, and note the bakery has served the North Shore since the 1930s with consistent quality.