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.
Jun 17 · Tee PonsukcharoenBAKERY PROFILE
Strugglebeardbakery
★ 4.0132 recorded reviews$1–10
5221 S Harper Ct, Chicago, IL 60615, USA
Directory information can change. Confirm current hours, prices, products, dietary needs, and custom-order requirements directly with the bakery.
PLAN THE VISIT
Essential details
- Address
- 5221 S Harper Ct, Chicago, IL 60615, USA
- Phone
- (773) 675-5994
- Website
- Visit official site
- Rating signal
- 4.0 from 132 recorded reviews
HOURS
Listed operating hours
- MondayClosed
- Tuesday9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
- Wednesday9:00 AM – 8:00 PM
- Thursday9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
- Friday9:00 AM – 8:00 PM
- Saturday10:00 AM – 8:00 PM
- Sunday10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
About and visit notes
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.
VISIT FEATURES
Services and accessibility
These attributes come from the directory record and should be confirmed when essential.
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
PHOTOS
See the bakery
VISITOR FEEDBACK
Reviews and recurring themes
Read individual comments as personal experiences, not verified guarantees.
brownie 14cupcakes 13sweet 8flavor 7lemon blueberry loaf 5muffin 5prices 5caramel cake 3veteran 3fox 2
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.
Jul 3 · Larry WojciechowskiThey 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.
Dec 30 · Tonya SnowStrugglebeard 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.
Apr 5 · Sarah “Fitness Realtor” EVANSPossibly 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.
Apr 10 · Alex SramekNEARBY ALTERNATIVES
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This page combines directory records, available business details, submitted photos, and visitor feedback. Information may be incomplete or change without notice. For corrections, contact server@heavenlydelightsbakery.com.