Scafuri Bakery

For over a century, Scafuri Bakery has stood as a cherished pillar in Chicago’s historic Little Italy neighborhood. As an Illinois institution, this family-owned establishment—operating since 1904—offers more than just baked goods; it provides a direct, delicious connection to the rich Italian culinary traditions brought to the state by its founders. For local users in Illinois, visiting Scafuri is a journey into history, where time-honored recipes are blended with the convenience of a modern cafe and espresso bar.

Positioned prominently on West Taylor Street, Scafuri Bakery has successfully married the "old and the new." While the atmosphere evokes the cozy, classic elegance of an Italian bakery from a bygone era, the services are fully contemporary. They remain dedicated to baking from scratch, utilizing original, generational Italian recipes for items like their famous cannoli, cuccidati (fig cookies), and a wide assortment of Italian cookies sold by the pound. At the same time, they serve up a comprehensive menu of cafe offerings, including specialty coffee drinks and light, savory breakfast and lunch options.

The core identity of Scafuri Bakery lies in its authenticity and the feeling of warmth it projects. Customers in Illinois appreciate that they can find genuine Italian pastries—items often described as perfectly balanced in sweetness—alongside freshly baked bread loaves and American classics like their much-loved croissants. Whether you are seeking a quick, quality breakfast to start your day, a beautifully crafted custom cake for a special occasion, or a generous box of classic Italian cookies to share with family, Scafuri Bakery consistently delivers a memorable experience rooted in quality and tradition.

Though some reviews note the occasional minor service hiccup or slight disorganization—which can be expected from a popular, old-school shop—the overwhelming sentiment highlights the delicious food, affordable prices, and the welcoming nature of the staff. Scafuri Bakery is not merely a place to grab a treat; it's a piece of Chicago's cultural and culinary history that continues to thrive and serve the entire Illinois community.

Scafuri Bakery is perfectly situated at 1337 W Taylor St, Chicago, IL 60607, USA. This highly accessible location in the Little Italy/University Village area makes it a convenient and well-known landmark for Chicagoans and visitors from across Illinois.

Being on West Taylor Street, the bakery is deep within a vibrant commercial district, ensuring easy travel access. The neighborhood is well-connected for public transportation users, with several bus lines running nearby and proximity to the CTA blue line and pink line stops. This makes it simple to reach the bakery from downtown Chicago, the surrounding suburbs, and other Illinois communities connected by the regional transit network.

For customers who choose to drive, the area features Paid street parking. While finding a spot in a dense city neighborhood always requires a bit of patience, the availability of street parking options supports quick pick-up visits or a leisurely dine-in experience. The combination of its established location and good transit/parking options ensures Scafuri Bakery remains an easily reachable destination for all its patrons.

Scafuri Bakery functions as a full-service Italian bakery, a neighborhood cafe, and a dedicated espresso bar, providing a wide array of products and service options for the Illinois customer:

• Authentic Italian Pastries: A vast selection of time-honored Italian treats, including Sfogliatelle, Mini and Regular Cannoli (assembled fresh in-store), Italian-style donuts, and specialty cakes.
• Italian Cookie Sales: Featuring an impressive assortment of classic Italian and European cookies, such as Cuccidati (Italian fig cookies), Pignoli (pine nut cookies), Lemon Knots, Almond Crescents, and Tri-Color Cookies, sold primarily by the pound.
• Freshly Baked Bread: Offering a variety of rustic and classic Italian breads, as well as specialty loaves like the popular Lemon Ricotta Pound Cake and Chocolate Orange Ricotta Loaf.
• Full Espresso Bar and Cafe: Serving a complete range of coffee and espresso drinks, including Americanos, Lattes, and specialty mochas, to be paired with any pastry. They are officially listed as offering Coffee and functioning as an Espresso bar.
• Breakfast and Savory Options: Catering to a Breakfast dining option, they offer items like their delicious, flaky breakfast croissants (plain, with blueberry cream, or savory options like ham/egg/cheese and pesto chicken).
• Specialty and Custom Cakes: Known for their custom wedding and event cakes, continuing a long tradition of high-quality celebration desserts.
• Convenient Service Options: Providing Delivery, In-store pickup, Onsite services, and Takeout, catering to modern customer needs.
• Catering Services: Offering cookie trays, mini cannoli, and other goods in bulk for events, parties, and family gatherings.

Scafuri Bakery is recognized in the Illinois community for several distinguishing features that underscore its unique position in Chicago’s culinary landscape:

• Historic Chicago Legacy Since 1904: The bakery is a fifth-generation, family-owned institution, representing over a century of continuous Italian baking tradition in the same historic Little Italy location.
• Authentic Italian Cookie Selection: Scafuri is highly regarded for its wide selection of classic Italian cookies, such as the highly recommended Cuccidati, Pignoli, and Lemon Knots, which are often purchased by the pound for holidays and family events across Illinois.
• Handmade Croissants and Savory Breakfasts: Beyond the Italian specialties, their croissants are praised for being "light and flaky and filled perfectly," and their savory breakfast options, like the pesto chicken sandwich, are noted for great flavor.
• Focus on Freshness: The bakery prioritizes freshness, with staff assembling famous items like the cannoli right in front of customers to ensure the best possible quality and texture.
• Gluten-Free Options Available: The bakery offers select items that cater to dietary preferences, including popular gluten-free cookies like the coconut macaroons and pignoli cookies.
• Welcoming and Traditional Atmosphere: The interior maintains a classic Italian elegance, which many customers find charming and inviting, providing a warm, family-oriented feel—a true local gem.
• National Shipping Capability: While deeply rooted in Chicago, the bakery has the capability to ship its famous Italian cookies and other non-perishables nationally, extending its reach beyond Illinois for gifts and distant family members.

Connecting with this historic Chicago establishment is simple for patrons across the Illinois region. Here is the direct contact information for Scafuri Bakery:

Address: 1337 W Taylor St, Chicago, IL 60607, USA

Phone: (312) 733-8881

The mobile phone contact number is also available as: +1 312-733-8881

Whether you need to place a large custom order for a cake or simply want to check the daily availability of their signature Italian cookies, the bakery’s contact information is readily available for all local users.

Choosing Scafuri Bakery is not just a decision to buy baked goods; it is a choice to invest in an authentic piece of Illinois history and culinary tradition. For the local user, Scafuri is worth choosing for several compelling reasons that surpass the offerings of a typical modern cafe or commercial bakery.

Firstly, the bakery's historic legacy since 1904 means you are tasting recipes that have been perfected over five generations. This commitment to traditional, scratch-made Italian baking provides an unparalleled level of authenticity. Items like their Cuccidati, Pignoli, and freshly filled Cannoli are neighborhood staples, often celebrated for being made "just like Nonna used to make," and possessing a balanced sweetness that avoids being overpowering.

Secondly, Scafuri’s dual function as a dedicated Italian bakery and a modern espresso bar offers total convenience. You can find high-quality breakfast fare, such as their popular, light, and flaky croissants, alongside specialty coffee for a quick morning visit. Furthermore, the selection of delicious cafe sandwiches is a great option for a light lunch.

Finally, the bakery’s specialization in Italian cookies sold by the pound makes it the definitive choice for any family gathering, holiday celebration, or gifting occasion across Illinois. Customers know they can rely on Scafuri for high-volume, high-quality, authentic cookie assortments that capture the spirit of an Italian feast.

While the coffee preparation might not always meet the expectations of a high-end specialty coffee shop, the value, history, friendly service, and sheer quality of the baked goods—especially the Italian cookies and croissants—make Scafuri Bakery an irreplaceable Chicago treasure and a must-visit for anyone seeking a true taste of Italian-American heritage in Illinois.

Scafuri Bakery

1337 W Taylor St, Chicago, IL 60607, USA