The excitement of the holidays is in the air as you hear holiday music and see people shopping for presents. As the holidays get near, many people look forward to holiday-inspired treats. Whether you’re going to a party or family get-together, bringing treats is a must!
There are many restaurants and bakeries in the city that offer holiday treats, but I have narrowed down my favorites. Here are my “Top 5 Holiday Treats” in the city…
5. Shake Shack
Shake Shack is a fast-casual restaurant specializing in burgers, hot dogs, fries, and shakes. Up until a couple of weeks ago, I always overlooked their desserts and shakes. You definitely don’t want to miss out!
They offer specialty, seasonal flavor shakes during the holidays. Flavors include Pumpkin Pie, Peppermint, and Christmas Cookie. This Christmas Cookie Shake is made with sugar cookie frozen custard and topped with whipped cream and sprinkles. In my opinion, it tastes exactly like eating a freshly baked sugar cookie.
Christmas Cookie Shake at Shake Shack // Photo: @topchicagoeats
FAB TIP: The holiday shake flavors are available until January 1.
{Location}
Shake Shack
River North || 66 E Ohio St, Chicago, IL || P: (312) 667-1701
The Loop || 12 S Michigan Ave, Chicago, IL || P: (312) 646-6005
Skokie || 4999 Old Orchard Shopping Center, Skokie, IL || P: (847) 380-1240
{Price Range}
$ (Under $10)
{Fab Ratings: 3.5 Fabs}
4. Beatrix
Beatrix is a restaurant and coffee shop, which is open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. There is plenty of space to grab a meal with friends or get some work done. On one side of the large space is the restaurant and on the other side is the coffee shop. On the coffee shop side, they offer a variety of pastries, cookies, and seasonal desserts.
The Peppermint Marshmallow Patty is crunchy with a thin layer of marshmallow covered in chocolate and topped with a candy cane crumble.
Peppermint Marshmallow Patties at Beatrix // Photo: @topchicagoeats
FAB TIP: For every $100 you spend on Lettuce Entertain You gift cards, receive a $25 FREE Holiday Bonus.
{Location}
Beatrix
River North || 519 N Clark St, Chicago, IL || P: (312) 284-1377
Streeterville || 671 N St. Clair St, Chicago, IL || P: (312) 642-0001
{Price Range}
$ (Under $10)
{Fab Ratings: 3.5 Fabs}
3. Public House
Public House is a sports bar featuring upscale bar food and a selection of over 100 beers. In addition to being a well-known spot for craft beer, they also serve boozy milkshakes. Who wouldn’t want a boozy milkshake to stay warm in this frigid weather?
The Chocolate Porter and Vanilla Stout Cake Shake is available throughout the year, but they are currently offering a special milkshake for the holidays. The Gingerbread Cake Shake is made with ginger beer, vanilla ice cream, whipped cream, and gingersnap crumbles. It also comes with two cute gingerbread cookies. The milkshake is creamy with pieces of cake mixed in. The gingerbread taste is subtle, which I enjoyed since I’m not a huge fan of gingerbread.
Gingerbread Cake Shake at Public House // Photo: @topchicagoeats
FAB TIP: Any of the cake shakes can be made without alcohol.
{Location}
Public House
River North || 400 N State St, Chicago, IL || P: (312) 265-1240
{Price Range}
$$ ($11-$36)
{Fab Ratings: 4 Fabs}
2. George’s Ice Cream & Sweets
George’s is a popular ice cream shop serving all-natural ice cream from Chocolate Shoppe Ice Cream. They offer a large selection of classic and unique ice cream flavors along with milkshakes, sundaes, baked goods, hot & cold drinks, and more. With so much to choose from, there is sure to be something for everyone!
I opted for their seasonal ice cream flavors, Peppermint and Eggnog, in a waffle cone dipped in white chocolate and coated in candy cane pieces. You can also top your ice cream with any of their homemade chocolates. I chose a chocolate dipped Oreo decorated like a penguin and peppermint bark. This dessert made me nostalgic of eating peppermint ice cream as a kid, so that is why this is one of my favorite holiday treats.
Peppermint and Eggnog Ice Cream at George’s Ice Cream & Sweets // Photo: @topchicagoeats
FAB TIP: Spend $15 on chocolates or $10 on gift certificates and receive a FREE junior scoop of ice cream.
{Location}
George’s Ice Cream & Sweets
Andersonville || 5306 N Clark St, Chicago, IL || P: (773) 271-7600
{Price Range}
$ (Under $10)
{Fab Ratings: 4 Fabs}
1. Do-Rite Donuts
Do-Rite Donuts specializes in handcrafted, artisanal donuts and serves Dark Matter Coffee. They also serve a variety of breakfast and chicken sandwiches.
Try the Gingerbread and Peppermint Bark donuts during the holiday season. The Peppermint Bark donut is my favorite. It is a chocolate old fashioned donut covered in white chocolate and topped with crushed candy cane pieces, a mini candy cane, and a piece of chocolate. I’m a fan of this donut because… not only is the donut itself delicious, but they also use just the right amount of candy canes to give it a peppermint flavor without overpowering the flavor of the donut.
Peppermint Bark Donut at Do-Rite Donuts // Photo: @topchicagoeats
FAB TIP: Breakfast sandwiches are served all day.
{Location}
Do-Rite Donuts
Streeterville || 233 E Erie St. Chicago, IL || P: (312) 344-1274
The Loop || 50 W Randolph St, Chicago, IL || P: (312) 488-2483
{Price Range}
$ (Under $10)
{Fab Ratings: 4.5 Fabs}
What are some of your favorite holiday treats in the city? Share below.
Eat, Eat, Repeat,
Lisette
Note: These items were not complimentary. The views and opinions expressed herein are those of the writer.
