Strugglebeardbakery: Hyde Park's Veteran-Owned Source for Gourmet Cookies and Community

Strugglebeardbakery Introduce

Illinois's food scene is defined by its diverse and meaningful local businesses, and in Chicago's Hyde Park neighborhood, Strugglebeardbakery stands out as a true culinary and community gem. More than just a place to satisfy your sweet tooth, this establishment has a powerful story rooted in resilience, passion, and community service. It was founded by Quinton McNair, a retired U.S. Army veteran who found baking to be a therapeutic outlet after 24 years of military service, helping him navigate challenges like PTSD and depression. What started as a personal way to find purpose has since blossomed into a thriving small business.

Strugglebeardbakery specializes in jumbo, handcrafted cookies and other baked goods, all made from scratch and often featuring unique, indulgent flavors—including some infused with premium spirits. Their famous cookies, each with its own clever name like the Charles Anthony Pecan & Chocolate Chunk or Redder Fox Red Velvet, have quickly become a local obsession. The bakery also serves as a welcoming cafe, offering high-quality coffee from Kikwetu Coffee and teas from Serena Tea, making it an ideal spot for a quick morning visit, a relaxed afternoon treat, or a special weekend stop in the 60615 zip code. Strugglebeardbakery is proudly identified as a Black-owned, veteran-owned, and disabled-owned small business, fostering an inclusive and supportive environment that makes every visitor feel at home.

Strugglebeardbakery is perfectly situated in the vibrant Harper Court area of Chicago's historic Hyde Park neighborhood. Its location makes it easily accessible for students, local residents, and visitors from across the Chicago area.

The physical address is: 5221 S Harper Ct, Chicago, IL 60615, USA.

Accessibility is a key focus for this community-minded business:

Transit and Parking: The bakery’s Hyde Park location is well-served by public transportation. For drivers, a variety of options are available, including Free street parking (where available) as well as **Paid street parking**, **Paid parking lot**, and **Paid parking garage** options nearby for added convenience.
Physical Accessibility: The premises are designed to be fully accessible, featuring a **Wheelchair accessible restroom** and **Wheelchair accessible seating**, ensuring a comfortable visit for all patrons.
Community Amenities: The cafe offers **Wi-Fi** and a **Gender-neutral restroom**, emphasizing its inclusive and modern community space design.

The bakery offers a comprehensive range of services, catering to everything from a personal coffee break to large-scale corporate events.

In-House and To-Go Options: Customers are welcome to Dine-in and enjoy the cool, comforting vibe of the cafe, or choose quick service options including **In-store pickup**, **In-store shopping**, and **Takeout**.
Event and Custom Catering: Strugglebeardbakery is available for **Onsite services** and full Delivery within the local area, specializing in custom cakes and catering for corporate events, weddings, and parties. They can accommodate large orders of their signature cookies, muffins, and brownies.
Nationwide Shipping: Recognizing their broad appeal, the bakery offers **Nationwide Shipping** for their cookie collections, allowing Illinois users to send a taste of Hyde Park to friends and family across the country.
Custom Gift Packages: They provide various **Corporate and Individual Gift Options**, such as the SBB Gift Bag, SBB Gift Box, and The Executive Basket, perfect for special occasions or business gifting.
Beverage Service: A full café experience is provided with **Coffee** from Kikwetu Coffee, **Tea** from Serena Tea (with unique options like Earl Gray Lavender and Hibiscus Berry), **Espresso**, and a variety of flavored syrups and milk/non-dairy creamers (Oat Milk, Almond Milk, Soy Milk).
Payment Flexibility: Accepting multiple forms of payment, including **Credit cards**, **Debit cards**, **NFC mobile payments**, and traditional **Checks**, for convenient transactions.

Strugglebeardbakery has carved out a distinct identity in Chicago by prioritizing quality, unique flavors, and social values.

Artisan & Spirit-Infused Cookies: The signature feature is their line of jumbo, handcrafted cookies, many of which are subtly **spirit-infused** (e.g., the Charles Anthony Pecan & Chocolate Chunk with brown bourbon, or the Chief Bartley Salted Caramel Oatmeal with salted caramel whiskey). This adds a complex, adult layer of flavor that elevates the classic cookie.
Thematic Menu: The menu is thoughtfully curated, with cookies named after friends, mentors, and inspirations—including The Strugglebutter LRBC (Lunchroom Butter Cookie), a nostalgic nod to classic Chicago Public School treats. The menu also includes rotating features like the **Cookie of The Week**.
Dietary Inclusivity: The bakery makes an effort to cater to different dietary needs, notably offering popular **Vegan options**, such as **The Professor (Vegan) Chocolate Chunk Cookie** and **The Hipster (Vegan) Oatmeal Raisin**.
Community & Inclusivity: The bakery identifies as **Black-owned, veteran-owned, and disabled-owned**, and is dedicated to being an **LGBTQ+ friendly** and **Transgender safespace**, fostering an environment of kindness, support, and acceptance that goes beyond great food.
High-Quality Baked Goods: Customer reviews consistently highlight the exceptional taste of their core offerings, describing the brownies as "very tasty and rich with deep and nutty flavor" and the cookies as "excellent... made from scratch." The focus is on dense, indulgent, and satisfying treats.

For direct inquiries, custom orders, or to simply check hours before your visit, you can use the following information:

Address: 5221 S Harper Ct, Chicago, IL 60615, USA

Phone: (773) 675-5994

Choosing Strugglebeardbakery is an easy decision for Illinois residents seeking a bakery that offers a truly unique product and supports a powerful mission. What makes it worth choosing is the deeply personal story of founder Quinton McNair, a retired veteran who transformed his personal struggle into a successful, community-serving business. Every purchase directly supports a Black-owned, disabled-owned, and veteran-owned small business that is actively working to make the Hyde Park area a kinder, more inclusive space.

The unparalleled quality and creativity of the menu are the secondary draw. The signature line of jumbo, gourmet cookies, particularly the subtly **spirit-infused** varieties, offers a sophisticated indulgence you won't find at a typical bakery. Whether you're craving the deep, nutty goodness of the Charles Anthony Pecan & Chocolate Chunk or a nostalgic taste of the Strugglebutter Lunchroom Butter Cookie, the consistency and made-from-scratch quality are evident. Combine these phenomenal sweets with high-quality coffee and a uniquely warm, safe, and engaging cafe atmosphere, and Strugglebeardbakery transcends the role of a simple bakery—it becomes a local institution and a true point of pride for the Chicago community.

Strugglebeardbakery Food & drink

WE SHIP!
Charles Anthony Pecan & Chocolate Chunk $25.00
My signature cookie is a perfect blend of gourmet chocolate chunks, pecans roasted with brown sugar and cinnamon, and my brown butter cookie recipe. A splash of top-shelf brown bourbon in the dough gives it a soulful voice and will make you forget the slight guilt of finishing this decadent jumbo cookie.
James 'Tod' Miles Limoncello cookie $25.00
Life gave us lemons and Limoncello Liqueur so we made a cookie! This super soft, sweet, and tangy lemon cookie is made with real lemon zest, freshly squeezed lemon juice, and of course Limoncello Liqueur. The flavor in the icing will hit your taste buds like an Alabama folding chair!
The Bearded Lady White Chocolate Cranberry Oatmeal $25.00
White chocolate, cranberries, and Amaretto in a delicious oatmeal cookie. A well-balanced breakfast! Well, that's what we are calling this excuse to eat a cookie at 8 AM..
No Shave November White Chocolate Macadamia Nut $25.00
How do you make a classic white chocolate macadamia nut cookie even better? Add top shelf Amaretto then hide it, because once your friends find out they will want you to share.
The Hipster (Vegan) Oatmeal Raisin $25.00
We kept it simple with this one. Plant based butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, oats, and raisins. Lots of raisins. Lots of (pause for dramatic affect after each word) delicious, chewy, organic, golden raisins. This cookie is oatmeal raisin amazing!
The Professor (Vegan) Chocolate Chunk Cookie $25.00
Home / ONLINE MENU / The Professor (Vegan) Chocolate Chunk Cookie, Dozen/Half Dozen PrevNext We made sure the chicken stayed on the other side of the road when we crafted this delicious vegan cookie. Plant based butter, top shelf bourbon, and vegan chocolate chunks create a chewy masterpiece with crispy edges. You don’t have to be vegan to enjoy this cookie, it’s as good as you would expect a StrugglebeardBakery cookie to be!
Trez V. Pugh Caramel Turtle $25.00
Imagine a caramel turtle candy but as a cookie. This dark chocolate cookie is made with caramel turtle bourbon, rolled in fresh pecans roasted in brown sugar with a pinch of cinnamon, all wrapped around a soft and chewy caramel candy. The perfect cookie to have with your favorite Sip & Savor beverage.
Chief Bartley Salted Caramel Oatmeal $25.00
Premium salted Caramel whiskey, oatmeal, chocolate chips, soft caramel bits, and gourmet sea salt gives this cookie a contrasting flavor that will percolate on your tongue.
B3 (Big Belly & Beardless) Peanut Butter and Chocolate Cookie $25.00
This is the peanut butter cookie your parents warned you about. Packed full of creamy peanut butter, chocolate chips, peanut butter chips, peanut butter cups, and chocolate liqueur. Let the B3 take you to the peanut butter moon, stay as long as you like, It’s ok to be greedy with a cookie this good.
Struggletree Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Walnut $25.00
A simple yet delicious oatmeal cookie chock full of chocolate chips and walnuts.
Dr. GQue Rocky Road $25.00
Looking to blend the soft gooeyness of marshmallows with the crisp crunch of almonds? I thought you were! This chocolate cookie with almonds, chocolate chips, marshmallows and Bourbon equals all the Rocky Road goodness without having to drive through your city’s local streets.
Redder Fox Red Velvet $25.00
If red velvet cake and white chocolate chip cookies met on Tinder and had a love child it would be this cookie. The deliciousness of red velvet cake combined with the moist chewiness of a cookie. Now with cream cheese chips!
Strugglebuddies Mini Cookies $24.00
Having an event and need a treat that guests love? Try these cute little fellas. We took our deliciously huge cookies and shrunk them down to a miniature size so guests can enjoy as many as they like. "Phenomenal cosmic powers! Itty bitty living space." Choose as many flavors as you like, a minimum of 6 cookies per flavor and 24 cookies total. Please use the "Custom Text: field to tell us which flavors you would like.
Strugglebutter (LRBC) Lunchroom butter cookie Dozen/Half Dozen $50.00
Food is fond memories and our Chicago Public School Lunchroom Butter Cookie is everything you remember it to be and more. We took the crisp brown edges and soft buttery center you love and gave it the Strugglebeard Bakery treatment. BIGGER, BOLDER, BUTTERIER! Try saying that 3 times fast…
Firedoodle - Cocoa Cinnamon Snickerdoodle $25.00
Say hello to our latest cookie creation, the Firedoodle! A snickerdoodle made with premium Callebaut cocoa powder and cinnamon whiskey. This chewy cookie with crispy edges is the perfect blend of cocoa and cinnamon. We added a little punch to it with the cinnamon whiskey that has ruined many a college night.
The Struggle Pack $25.00
We've got options! The Strugglepack is now available in 7 variations. That’s 6 huge cookies, 3 different flavors in every pack. Do you like nuts? We have nuts! Want to get chocolate wasted? We got that covered. We have a Strugglepack to cure any kind of cookie craving. Order one or order them all to share with family and friends, or eat them all yourself. It’s ok, we don’t judge. OPTIONS: Nuts About You[Charles Anthony/Trez V.Pugh/No Shave November] [Let’s Go Nuts: Charles Anthony/Trez V.Pugh/Struggletree] [Your Royal Oats: Struggletree/Bearded Lady/Chief Bartley] [Rock The Oat: Struggletree/Chief bartley/The Hipster] [No Chickens Were Harmed: The Hipster/The Professor/Strugglebutter LRBC] [Big Red Road: B3/Red Foxx/Dr. G Que] [Coco Bothers:Trez/Dr. G Que/B3]

Hand-crafted Sweets
Cookies $5.25
Indulge in our handcrafted, spirit-infused cookies made with premium ingredients and bold flavors. Try The Sweet 7, our signature collection of seven gourmet cookies available daily, or grab the Cookie of the Week, a rotating specialty flavor featuring creative and seasonal ingredients.
Muffins $5.00
Perfectly baked with a soft, moist crumb, ideal for breakfast or a snack.
Brownies $5.25
Fudgy and rich, crafted for chocolate lovers.
Cupcakes $3.50
At Strugglebeard Bakery, our specialty cupcakes take indulgence to the next level! These premium treats are crafted with unique flavors and high-quality ingredients, making each bite unforgettable.
Specialty Cupcakes $5.25
We love pushing the boundaries of flavor, blending unexpected ingredients to create bold, delicious cupcakes you won’t find anywhere else.
Cake Slice $6.00
Rotating flavors of freshly made cakes available by the slice.
Loaf Slice $4.50
Our Blueberry Lemon Loaf, now affectionately known as The Tam Loaf (in honor of Dr. Tammera L. Holmes), is a beloved treat that harmoniously blends the sweetness of plump blueberries with the bright zest of lemon.

Drinks
Jarritos $3.00
Coffee $3.50
At Strugglebeard Bakery, we proudly serve Kikwetu Coffee, a premium, locally roasted Kenyan coffee known for its bold, smooth flavor and rich aroma. Sourced directly from Kenyan farmers, Kikwetu’s high-quality beans create a deep, full-bodied brew that perfectly complements our sweets.
Hot Chocolate $3.50
Tea $3.25
At Strugglebeard Bakery, we proudly serve SerenaTea, a locally sourced, premium tea brand offering a variety of black, green, fruit, and herbal blends. Crafted from the finest ingredients, SerenaTea delivers a rich, flavorful experience in every cup.
Juice $3.00
Milk $2.75
Water $4.50
Espresso $4.00
Iced Coffee $3.50

Creamers
Whole Milk $0.80
Half & Half $0.80
Oat Milk $0.80
Almond Milk $0.80
Soy Milk $0.80

Syrup
Vanilla $0.80
French Vanilla $0.80
Hazelnut $0.80
Caramel $0.80
Peppermint $0.80
Amaretto $0.80
Pumpkin Spice (eww!) $0.80

Struggle Beard Bakery's Sweet 7
Charles Anthony Pecan Chocolate Chunk
Browned butter, chocolate chunks, bourbon, & bourbon roasted pecans
James "Tod" Miles Iced Lemon Cookie
Lemon, lemon zest, limoncello with lemon icing
Chief Bartley Salted Caramel Oatmeal
Oatmeal with chocolate chips, caramel bits, salted caramel whiskey, and sea salt
Struggletree Oatmeal Chocolate Chip
Oatmeal with chocolate chips and walnuts
The Professor Vegan Chocolate Chunk
Plant-based butter, oatmeal, golden raisins & cinnamon
The Strugglebutter Lunchroom Butter Cookie
Classic Chicago Public School butter cookie
Redder Fox-Red Velvet
Red velvet with cream cheese chips

Cookie of The Week
Dr. G Que
This chocolate cookie with almonds, chocolate chips, marshmallows and Bourbon equals all the Rock Road goodness without having to drive through your city's local streets
The Hipster
We kept it simple with this one. Plant-based butter, brown sugar cinnamon, oats, and raisins. This cookie is oatmeal raisin amazing!
Big Belly & Beardless
This is the peanut butter cookie your parents warned you about. Packed full.of creamy peanut butter, chocolate chips, peanut butter cups and chocolate liqueur.
No Shave November
How do you make a classic white chocolate macadamia nut cookie even better? Add top shelf Amaretto then hide it, because once your friends find out they will want you to share.
Trez V. Pugh
This dark chocolate cookie is made with caramel turtle bourbon, rolled in fresh pecans roasted in brown sugar with a pinch of cinnamon, all wrapped around a soft and chewy caramel candy.
The Bearded Lady
White chocolate, cranberries, and Amaretto in a delicious oatmeal cookie. A well-balanced breakfast! Well, that's what we are calling this excuse

Menu
Cookies
Reg. Jumbo Cookie $5ea. / $60 Dozen | Mini Cookie $1ea. / $12 Dozen
Cupcakes
Reg. Cupcake $3.5ea. / $40 Dozen | Specialty Cupcake $5.5ea. / $66 Dozen | Mini Cupcakes $1ea. / $12 Dozen
Muffins
Jumbo Muffins $5ea. / $60 Dozen | Regular Muffins $3.5ea. / $42 Dozen
Extra Bakes
Cake Slice $4 Slice / $50 Whole | Specialty Cake $55ea. / $150 | Brownies/Bites $5.25 ea. / $55 Half Sheet | Cake Pops $2.50ea.| BBerry Lemon Loaf $4 Slice / $40 Full Loaf
Chocolate Dips
Strawberries $2.5 ea.| Pretzels $2.50 ea. | Mini Cookies $2.50 ea.

Flavors and Options
CAKE/CUPCAKES
Traditional Flavors
Vanilla | Chocolate | Caramel
Specialty Flavors
German Chocolate | Pineapple Coconut | Red Velvet | Strawberry Lemonade | Custom*
Icing Options
Vanilla Buttercream | Lemon Buttercream | Cream Cheese | Chocolate Buttercream | Strawberry Lemonade | Buttercream | Caramel Buttercream | Creamy Coconut Pecan | Custom*
Brownies
Everything Brownie | Chocolate Caramel
Muffins
Blueberry (seasonal) | Cranberry (seasonal) | Pumpkin Spice (seasonal) | Banana nut (vegan) | Cinnamon | Double Chocolate | Carrot
Others
Quick Breads | Blueberry Lemon Loaf

Cookie Flavors
Charles Anthony-Pecan Chocolate Chunk
Browned butter, chocolate chunks, bourbon, & bourbon roasted pecans
No Shave November - White Chocolate Macadamia Nut
White chocolate chips, macadamia nuts and amaretto
Chief Bartley-Salted Caramel Oatmeal
Oatmeal with chocolate chips, caramel bits, salted caramel whiskey, and sea salt
Trez V. Pugh - Chocolate Turtle
Chocolate with caramel candy contour, caramel turtle whiskey, and bourbon roasted pecans
The Boarded Lady - White Chocolate Oatmeal & Cranberry
Oatmeal with white chocolate chips. cranberries, and amaretto
Struggletree-Oatmeal Chocolate Chip
Oatmeal with chocolate chips and walnuts
Redder Fox-Red Velvet
Red velvet with cream cheese chips
The Strugglebutter LRBC - Chicago Lunchroom Butter Cookie
Classic Chicago Public School butter cookie
James "Tod" Miles Sr - Iced Lemon Cookie
Lemon, lemon zest, limoncello with lemon icing
Dr. CQue - Rocky Road
Chocolate with almonds, chocolate chips, marshmallows, and bourbon
Big Bolly & Beordloss-Chocolato Peanut Butter
Chocolate with Reese's peanut butter, peanut butter chips, chocolate chips, and chocolate liqueur
The Hipster - Vegan Oatmeal Raisin
Plant-based butter, oatmeal, golden raisins & cinnamon
The Professor - Vegan Chocolate Chunk
Plant-based butter, bourbon, chocolate chunk

Corporate and Individual Gift Options
SBB Gift Bag $25
Sometimes all we need is a simple gesture to take us from struggles to smiles! This gift package includes three (3) of our signature troats in a gift bag
SBB Gift Box $45
A little pick me up goes a long way. This package pairs 4 of our delicious treats in a custom gift box
SBB Gift Basket $75
Why not pair it with a drink? This package includes 4 of our delicious treats with an exclusive Strugglebeard Bakery whiskey glass or coffee mug in a gift basket.
The Executive Basket $95
Some enjoy sweets and then there's the confection connoisseur. Enjoy 5 of our tasty treats, and an exclusive Strugglobeard Bakery coffee mug or whiskey glass.

Drinks
Jarritos $3.00
Kikwetu Coffee $3.50
Hot Chocolate $3.50
Serena Tea $3.25
Juice $3.00
Milk $2.75
Water $4.50
Espresso $4.00
Iced Coffee $3.50

Tea
Early Gray
Earl Gray Lavander
Indian Chai
Cup of Serenity
Lemon Ginger
Green
Hibiscus Berry

Syrup
Vanilla $0.80
French Vanilla $0.80
Hazelnut $0.80
Caramel $0.80
Peppermint $0.80
Amaretto $0.80
Pumpkin Spice (eww!) $0.80

Creamers
Whole Milk $0.80
Half & Half $0.80
Oat Milk $0.80
Almond Milk $0.80
Soy Milk $0.80

Strugglebeardbakery Details

From the business
Identifies as Black-owned
Identifies as disabled-owned
Identifies as veteran-owned
Small business

Service options
Delivery
In-store pickup
In-store shopping
Onsite services
Takeout
Dine-in

Accessibility
Wheelchair accessible restroom
Wheelchair accessible seating

Offerings
Coffee

Dining options
Breakfast

Amenities
Gender-neutral restroom
Restroom
Wi-Fi
Wi-Fi

Crowd
LGBTQ+ friendly
Transgender safespace

Planning
Quick visit

Payments
Checks
Credit cards
Debit cards
NFC mobile payments
Credit cards

Parking
Free street parking
Paid parking garage
Paid parking lot
Paid street parking

Strugglebeardbakery Photos

Strugglebeardbakery Location

Strugglebeardbakery

Illinois Cook County Chicago Hyde Park South Harper Court

5221 S Harper Ct, Chicago, IL 60615, USA

Strugglebeardbakery Reviews

An average rating of ★4.6 from 132 user reviews.

browniecupcakessweetflavorlemon blueberry loafmuffinpricescaramel cakeveteranfox

★ 5★ 4★ 3★ 2★ 1

I love their brownies! At first sight, it looks almost like a crime to have a brownie this big! It is very tasty and rich with deep and nutty flavor. The amazing thing is that even eating when it is cold, it is still gooey and delicious. I am looking forward to going back to have more pieces and try other items as well. The staff here is very kind, asking about warming up the brownie and getting the bag for me as well.
June 16 · Tee Ponsukcharoen
This bakery has excellent cookies made from scratch, cupcakes, and cake slices! I have had their espresso multiple times and it is consistently delicious.Get over to Strugglebeard for delicious cookies / cupcakes / cakes / coffee and a cool vibe.
July 02 · Larry Wojciechowski
They didn't have food but they did have desserts. I tried the original cookie..it was okBut the Caramel cake slice was bomb. It was more like a pound cake with a rich and creamy Caramel. The Caramel was thick but not overly sweet. It kinda reminded me of peanut butter. The color was beautiful, that let's me know time was taken to make it.
December 30 · Tonya Snow
Strugglebeard Bakery might have “struggle” in the name, but their cookies definitely don’t struggle—they slap. That peanut butter cookie? Smooth, rich, and straight-up addictive. 🥜🍪The location is prime Hyde Park real estate, and their cookie and cupcake flavors are as unique as the name. Service was a little shaky (young staff, new biz—comes with the territory), but the vibe is promising.I’ll definitely be back—next time with a sweet tooth and a little patience. Support Black-owned. Support flavor.
April 05 · Sarah “Fitness Realtor” EVANS
Possibly the finest cookie I've had in my life. I don't do upscale cookies much because they're too sweet, but this was just right. Delicious, well balanced, creative. I had a Dr G. Que, dunno if it's a regular item or a special but it's amazing.
April 10 · Alex Sramek