Discover La Brea Bakery at McCormick Place: A Premier Chicago Destination for Artisan Bread, Breakfast, and More

La Brea Bakery Introduce

Introduction / Overview

For Illinois residents and visitors attending events in the Windy City, discovering a quality spot for a satisfying start to the day or a quick, delicious break is key to a productive visit. La Brea Bakery, situated within the expansive McCormick Place Convention Center, stands as a beacon for those seeking expertly crafted artisan bread and a delightful array of baked goods, breakfast items, and coffee. While its location serves the bustling convention crowd, the legacy and quality of La Brea Bakery's offerings make it a noteworthy culinary fixture in the Chicago area.

La Brea Bakery first rose to prominence in Los Angeles, founded by Chef Nancy Silverton, who sought to create truly authentic, rustic bread. Her dedication led to the development of a unique, signature sourdough starter that underpins the bakery's famous loaves—characterized by a caramelized, golden crust, a soft, airy interior, and a rustic aesthetic. This commitment to quality and traditional techniques has followed the brand to its Chicago location, ensuring that guests in Illinois have access to world-class baked goods.

The atmosphere at the McCormick Place location is tailored for efficiency and convenience, recognizing the fast-paced environment of a major convention center. It offers a perfect blend of high-quality ingredients and quick service, making it an ideal choice for convention-goers, exhibitors, and venue staff, as well as local Chicagoans who frequent the area. The bakery’s presence here ensures that even during busy, long days, a moment of culinary pleasure is always within easy reach. Whether you are craving a buttery croissant, a hearty breakfast sandwich, or a simple yet perfect cup of coffee, La Brea Bakery provides a consistently excellent experience right in the heart of one of Chicago’s most important hubs.

Location and Accessibility

La Brea Bakery is exceptionally well-placed for those doing business or attending large events in the region. It is specifically located in the West Building of the McCormick Place Convention Center. This placement makes it highly convenient for the thousands of people who traverse the facility daily. Its address is: MCCORMICK PLACE CONVENTION CENTER-West Building, 2301 S DuSable Lake Shore Dr, Chicago, IL 60616, USA. Being within the convention center means that it benefits from the extensive public transit access that serves McCormick Place, including Metra Electric and proximity to major roadways like DuSable Lake Shore Drive, connecting it easily to the broader Chicago metropolitan area and Illinois. However, potential visitors should note that access may be tied to convention center operating hours or event schedules.

A crucial element of the location’s design is its commitment to serving all patrons. The facility proudly features a wheelchair accessible entrance, ensuring that all customers, regardless of mobility requirements, can enjoy the high-quality food and service offered by the bakery. This accessibility is a significant benefit in a high-traffic public venue, upholding a standard of inclusivity.

Services Offered

La Brea Bakery at McCormick Place focuses its services on providing quick, high-quality, and convenient food and beverage options for the busy professional and local resident alike. The service model prioritizes speed without compromising the flavor and integrity of their renowned products.

Takeout Service: Designed for maximum convenience, the primary service model is takeout, allowing customers to quickly grab their orders and return to their meetings, convention booths, or travel plans without delay.

Breakfast Offerings: A dedicated selection of breakfast items is available, perfect for starting the day right. This includes both savory and sweet options to suit various tastes, from quiches and egg dishes to classic pastries.

Coffee Service: Essential for any morning or midday pick-me-up, the bakery serves fresh, quality coffee to complement its baked goods and complete the breakfast or break experience.

Payment Flexibility: To ensure a smooth and rapid transaction process, the bakery accepts a wide range of modern payment methods, including major Credit Cards, Debit Cards, and the use of NFC Mobile Payments.

Quick Visit Planning: The operational structure is geared towards a "Quick visit" planning style, meaning the menu and service are optimized for patrons who need a speedy, efficient experience.

Artisan Bread Availability: Though a convention center outlet, the core offering of world-famous artisan breads, such as their signature sourdough, French Baguettes, and rustic loaves, remains a central service.

Features / Highlights

The features of La Brea Bakery at this key Chicago location truly set it apart, making it a compelling choice for a local meal or snack.

World-Class Artisan Bread: The bakery's primary highlight is the heritage and quality of its signature breads, developed from a unique sourdough starter. This dedication to authentic, rustic baking techniques ensures a superior crust and flavor profile.

Convenient Convention Center Location: Positioned inside the West Building of McCormick Place, it offers an unparalleled level of convenience for anyone attending a major trade show, conference, or event in the complex, saving valuable time and travel.

Diverse Menu of Baked Goods and Quiches: Beyond the classic loaves, the bakery offers an appealing variety of baked goods, including Danish pastries, muffins, cookies, croissants, and various flavorful quiches (such as Ham and Cheese, Spinach and Feta, or Mushroom and Goat Cheese), perfect for a quick yet satisfying meal.

Accessibility for All Patrons: The inclusion of a wheelchair accessible entrance demonstrates a commitment to broad customer service, ensuring ease of access for every visitor to McCormick Place.

Efficient Service Model: The operation is perfectly tuned for a high-volume environment, prioritizing fast, takeout service to cater to the needs of busy professionals and event-goers in the Chicago area who need to make a quick visit.

Quality Coffee Pairing: The availability of fresh coffee ensures a complete breakfast or break experience, perfectly pairing with the rich, complex flavors of their baked and savory goods.

Contact Information

For inquiries about catering, operational hours (which may vary based on convention center events), or general information, the bakery can be reached via the following contact points:

Address: MCCORMICK PLACE CONVENTION CENTER-West Building, 2301 S DuSable Lake Shore Dr, Chicago, IL 60616, USA

Phone: (312) 791-7216

Mobile Phone: +1 312-791-7216

What is Worth Choosing

For an Illinois local or a visiting professional, La Brea Bakery at McCormick Place is worth choosing for several key reasons, ultimately centered on quality and convenience in a high-demand location. The primary draw is the uncompromising quality of the foundation of their business: the bread. Choosing a quick meal here means you are choosing artisan quality, far superior to typical convention center fare. The distinct flavor of their sourdough and the flaky texture of their croissants are an indulgence that stands out. Whether you’re grabbing a Ham and Cheese Croissant, an Everything Bagel with cream cheese, or a savory quiche, the freshness and integrity of the ingredients are apparent.

Furthermore, the establishment is perfectly adapted to the rhythm of the convention center. If your time is limited between sessions or events, the takeout service and efficient payment options (including NFC mobile payments) mean you can minimize waiting and maximize your day. This combination of speed, accessibility (including the essential wheelchair accessible entrance), and world-renowned baking quality makes La Brea Bakery more than just a convenient stop—it’s a guaranteed moment of high-quality refreshment. It’s the ideal spot to transform a rushed breakfast or break into a satisfying culinary experience without ever having to leave the convention center grounds. Choosing La Brea Bakery is choosing a taste of artisanal excellence in the midst of Chicago's biggest meeting place.