On a mobile device? Try our mobile site, optimized for faster browsing.
Argyle (Red)
I know it's up on Argyle, but this place makes better Chinese buns than anyplace in Chinatown. I've been buying the baked Chinese buns and Asian desserts here since the early 90's (back when it was called Hong Kong Bakery), though less frequently now since moving out to the burbs.
We typically pickup a couple boxes filled with curries, shu mai, BBQ, chicken, coconut, and even ham and cheese and hot dog buns, and sesame balls. And for desert all the sweet buns with melon, red and green bean, and coconut. Then we drive over to the Montrose Harbor to eat them by the lake. Veggies? We don't need no stinken veggies!
Though the neighborhood is still a little bit dicey (even after 20 years), it's still worth a special trip.
Frankly, I've only tried a couple of the non-Asian items. A Napoleon here and there, but maybe we'll try some of that Anglo stuff next time.
_Chocolate eclairs with real chocolate topping, and not some sweet chocolate-coloured goo.
_Flaky almond croissants, all snug under a blanket of sliced almonds, lightly dusted with confectioner's sugar
_Corned beef buns that will make you reevaluate your prejudice against tinned mystery meats
You be the judge.
First off, Peter is NOT an asshole. Chef B, what are you talking about?!?
La Patisserie P offers a…
Read more »
At first, I was blown away by this bakery. I liked the variety and the quality of the pastries. However, the second time I went, I saw a cockroach crawling IN the display place next to the custard pies. Needless to say, I will NOT be coming back. What a pity.
Sorry La Patisserie P. CDPH forced closures (July 13-16, 2009) don't excite me. When someone tells you to clean your place please listen.
I guess on the brightside, at least it wasn't for vermin.
A French bakery in the middle of Vietnamese town? Hmm ... interesting. I walked in and it felt very cramped on the inside. The seating area is extremely small, more like a bakery for pastries to go. The selections seemed more Asian than Western and they look like any other pastries that you can get in Chinatown. I was not going to buy anything but the croissants caught my eye. It looks fresh. So I got a croissant and an egg custard tart. Looks can indeed be deceiving. The croissant was soft and not flaky at all , and the egg custard was less than great. Thank goodness I didn't get their entremets because they were super small and expensive. Definitely not worth the money.
I like this place a lot. I have been going there once a week lately.
The vietnamese coffee is good, BBQ bun, and their mousse cake.
Finally checked this place out today. Small store, but a good selection. For the first foray I always check out the puff pastry quality, so I got some pain au chocolat and two melon cakes(?). The pastry is buttery, light and flaky. Not a bit oily or bready. Fantastic.
The chocolate filling for the pain au chocolat was decent. I like it to be darker and drier, but it was still good.
I also got a bunch of the sesame balls stuffed with bean paste. Very delish, though I'm a sucker for those.
My tab came to $11ish. I have no idea if this is pricy or not. I don't care. I'll be back for more.
I was seriously obsessed with the custard buns here for a while--a couple of these with a cup of coffee makes a great $3 breakfast. Once I ordered a custard bun and they accidentally gave me a corned beef bun--not a pleasant discovery for a vegetarian. But even this hasn't deterred me from going back many, many times.
The Asian and French pastries are equally good here. It's fun to mix and match.
It's kind of dangerous to have a place this good and so cheap in the 'hood.
This place is in a weird area when you think "Patisserie". However, you must check it out. The chef makes french and asian pastries, so you can get a delicious croissant and asian buns. I went there and almost died, because my craving for a good, flaky croissant just like in France was satisfied. I think most American croissants come out too greasy and these were SOOOO good! I tried some new things too like the red bean paste bun which was also great. If you're in the neighborhood, check it out. yum!
It's odd for a diabetic to review a patisserie: I don't have the pancreas to sport Duff Goldman's credibility in this arena so bear in mind that any dessert without Splenda is considered a lavish foodstuff for folks like me.
Having arrived early for dinner, I wandered Argyle and happened upon this place. Not like I circumnavigated the globe or anything: In a world overflowing with Vietnamese signage, an awning in French kinda sticks out. The inside is cozy with a few tables for people to lounge, but I took my cake to the streets.
There are quite a few pastries to choose from here, and since I struggle with making firm decisions in a timely manner I asked an attendant for recommendations. She bobbled the ball somewhat but after a little prodding directed me to the red bean cake because it's very popular. I paid my 93 cents, ate the cake, and went on my way. The crust was flaky and the red bean was just sweet enough. It was a decent, quick, and eminently affordable snack.
Later I returned with some friends. We shared a taro cake, a cupcake, and a sesame ball with (I think) red bean filling. All were good except for the cupcake which was mediocre. If I go back I'll try the buns as they get mention in some of the newspaper articles that line the walls.
OMG! Had a craving for croissants when I left the gym this morning so I drove past and decided that if there was parking I'd stop for a few. As luck would have it there was some parking around the block. I picked up a few. WOW! The chocolate and *plain* were amazing! They were nice and warm and flaky. MMMM!
OMG! I think I've had the best eclair ever from La Patisserie P last night. They were huge. The… Read more »
Their delicious cream puffs put my friend out of commission for an hour. Complete butter cream overload.
I enjoyed their coconut rolls and I prefer their ham and egg roll to Chiu Quon's. Aesthetically, it's very nice inside.
Their almond cookies melt in your mouth, and we came home with a box full of still warm goodies.
And, damn, it's nice that they accept credit cards. Though Chiu Quon will probably continue to get more of my business, as a poor college student.
I have been here a number of times but I have stuck with the classics, croissants and pains au chocolat. And they are some of the best in Chicago at this time that I know of. They are so good that they would do well in France.
I have nothing but good things to say about this place. From their coconut rolls and assorted amazing buns to more traditional bakery items like cupcakes and croissants - everything is fresh and delicious.
You cannot beat the prices - for under two bucks you and a friend can have an awesome treat.
The staff is very nice, and the owner - besides being talented and award-winning - is incredibly friendly!
This is a cute little pastry place with lots of choices! I had a taste of the red bean pastry patty and the taro pastry patty. The taro was not so great. The red bean was off the hook. So fresh and delicious! Service was friendly and great. It is unfortunate this place has very limited seating to enjoy the desserts (two small tables and about five chairs). I hope to be back here again to try all the french pastries everyone is raving about here on yelp!
Baby I love their buns. ..... Not those buns you sicko!
The ham and cheese stuffed yummy delicious buns that I could live on for days. The bread they use to make these buns is the most tasty, soft, and delicious bread that I have ever had.
You also have to try their amazing deserts! Their tiramisu is my favorite in town!
Warning: you might fly right past this place because it is a small little shop on Argyle. But once you find it you will never forget where it's located! YUM!
This bakery is awesome. Peter, the owner, is super friendly and all about customer service. They stayed open an hour after close... waiting for me to bike from downtown to Uptown so that I could buy some treats for my family who lives in Kansas City. Their red bean buns are the best (lots of filling). I also appreciate that they are a lot cleaner looking than the other bakeries on Argyle.
Peter also won an award for his extreme chocolate cake (I think that's the name of it...) Just ask them for Peter's award winning chocolate cake and they will point you in the right direction.
Some of the cakes are hit or miss- that might be my too-sugary American taste buds... but the coconut croissant is amazing and the (low) prices are insane.
I highly recommend stopping by La Patisserie P the next time you're in the area. I haven't tried their Asian pastries, but the French ones are fantastic. Very authentic, fresh, delicious, and quite reasonably priced (you'll pay way more for the same items in other parts of town). I was so excited when I stopped in one evening after dinner - a great find, indeed!
Hooked on their red bean buns.... And coconut rolls, and windmill cookies.
I've never had a problem with the staff, but then again I never take aloofness personally when a cultural barrier is present.
They make some really nice pastries, and all sell for pretty cheap. My one complaint is that, upon going later in the day, they've sold out of the red bean buns. I know now to simply go earlier...
Came by after NYE party, hungover to say the least. Just needed carbs quickly and got a ham and cheese bun for 80 cents. Definately hit the spot, but just wish you had more filling. Can't expect much, I suppose, but I would pay extra for more ham and/or cheese.
:D Give it a try, it's very inexpensive, plus it's a nice decor compared to all the other restaurants in Argyle. Don't really have much to lose but a couple of bucks.
My fiance and I set up an appointment with La Patisserie P for cake tasting based on our trusted caterer's recommendation. I must admit, initially, I was a bit skeptical since how the Web site wasn't so good/informative and I thought they only did Asian sweets and cakes that's like Chinatown bakeries cakes (good but plain.)
The tasting blew us away. Peter, the pastry chef, is award winning in terms of French style baking and his wedding cakes were amazing. They are unique in terms of flavor (not just chocolate or vanilla with one layer of filling...)
We tried three cakes. Initially, Peter gave us two cakes to try but as we talked further, he took out a third cake for us to try. First cake we tried is a chocolate cake (with subtle strawberry flavor) with strawberry mousse, thin strawberry gelatin-like layer that is intense with the strawberry flavor, lemon curd (in between the strawberry mousse and the cake), with a crunchy cookie base. Second cake we tried is a mango mouse, thin mango gelatin-like layer, cocnut cake, and coconut flake base. I think I am missing a layer in between... Third cake is called Celebration cake with dark chocolate cake, white chocolate mousse, lychee lime curd, chocolate mousse, and something else. EVERYTHING we tried was so good. The flavors had depth and complexity. It's so obvious that he used real fruits and/or fruit purees instead of extracts. My mouth goes through phases of tasting everything and in complete euphoria. I loved the subtle aftertaste of what would be a fragrant flavor in the lychee. It was subtle and so pleasant as the final taste in a very chocolatey cake.
We immediately signed with Peter because not only was the cake flavors so unique and delicious and also because Peter is one of the most enthusiastic person we've met. He is so passionate about his craft that it got us really excited.
We also tried his other sweets from the bakery as we are having a sweets table and I highly recommend the tiramisu and all the other Asian goods!
Lastly, his price on wedding cake is VERY good in terms of city wedding cake pricing.
I've only had a few of the pastries and breads here but am truly impressed. Very delicious. I would recommend the raisin bread or the custard or coconut buns. The bread even keeps for a few days if you keep it in an airtight bag.
Moist and yummy!
I like this place. Their cake slices are a bit overpriced but solid. I picked up a 12 pack of wheat rolls for $2.50 and was pissed that I didn't close the bag and left it open overnight...They were still fresh. They stayed fresh all week! I'm sold!!!!
This bakery on Argyle has a split personality as far as its goodies go. Since it is located along this Asian corridor, it sells Asian buns and baked goods. On the other hand, its master chef is Peter Yuen who has been in numerous pastry competitions, so they also serve elegant French-style pastries like croissants and cakes. The Asian-style buns are less expensive, so you can get your usual suspects like BBQ pork buns as well as curry meat rolls with chicken or beef. On the pricier continental side, the pecan pie disk was good and perhaps fortunately not too sweet. I have not been bowled over by any of my selections, but there are enough choices so eventually I may find the award winner for my taste buds yet.
Nestled in north side Chinatown Argyle Avenue is La Patisserie. The owner is Asian but has studied abroad and the desserts offered are half Asian and half French (in other words, deserts in both of these traditions) Prices are incredibly reasonable and I have never been disappointed with any of the French or Asian deserts I have tried here. Owners are really sweet as well. Though it is a smaller place, there is a space to eat and it has never been too crowded. Definitely check this unique place out!
This place is absolutely AMAZING!!! The atmosphere is great, the place offers both French and Vietnamese style delights, and everyone is always so attentive and friendly there! I can't even bring myself to order dessert at restaurants now because I have been spoiled! I know about a dozen or so native French people and they recommended this place to me and definitely agree, La Patisserie is BY FAR the best pastry shop in the city in both presentation and taste!!!
I liked it. It wasn't the best chinese bakery I've ever been to, but it has solid pastries. It is open at 8, which kind of sucks when I want to get some food early in the morning before work.
I've had:
BBQ Pork buns - 4/5
Croissants - 5/5
Shrimp and Pork turnover - 3/5
I want to try their sweet pastries just for kicks, even though I don't usually eat sweet pastries.
Probably been going here since I was in kindergarten. I know that there also is a selection of French pastries, but i tend to stick with the ethnic Chinese stuff. This place has grown and has just been getting better and classier. We always get their steamed BBQ pork buns (sio pao) that come in bags of a dozen....very cheap and delicious! Also, their rice cake called "puto" (well, "puto" is the filipino word for it, but they know what I mean) is delicious as well. Just be sure to eat it within a couple days because it'll get hard! Oh, and sio mai buns are good too! They're steamed pork dumplings inside the bun. I can go on and on, but I'll stop!
Absolutely outstanding French-Chinese pastries. In one case, you'll find sweet taro cakes, spicy curry beef rolls, and savory Chinese sausage buns, each with wonderfully flaky pastry and smooth, well-seasoned filling. The second case is stocked with chocolate mousse cakes, tiny tiramisu squares, and beautiful blue-and-pink swirled-frosting cupcakes. Everything is inexpensive but very high quality: the owner/master baker has competed in a number of national (possibly international?) pastry competitions, and he's happy to talk about his specialties. They have tables, so although I didn't check, they may serve coffee and other things as well. Definitely worth a look if you're in Uptown or on Argyle St.
I went here after a trip to Chiu Quon bakery to check out how their goodies compare. Menu items are similar, only Patisserie P's are more expensive. However, Patisserie P gets major store style points. It's very clean and can rival French bakeries downtown. I ordered a green mun bean bun, which was very good. The mung bean taste wasn't overly sweet and they put the right amount inside the bun. Definitely recommend it. They have cookies and pretty cakes, but I feel I can get better tasting goods from other bakeries.
Been here a couple of times. The pastries were reasonably priced. I had a warm sponge cake my first visit. Warm is definately better. My second visit, the servers could be more helpful and better attitude as well. Not sure if I would come back here.
I wasn't pleasantly surprised by this little shop on the corner. When one thinks of a patisserie, visions of that pretentious little bakery on the corner of Oui Oui and Je Ne Sais Quoi with overly priced gold leafed confections that scintillate the taste buds with sinfully decadent overzealousness come to mind. This little bakery shop looks more like a hard working ethnic shop and has a small variety of treats which range from chocolate chip cookies (or M&M), fudge cheesecake to ham and cheese Chinese buns. Now I appreciate small ethnic shops but this is one area that the Vietnamese should leave to the French; snobbery and pastry.
the stuffed buns are amazing and only 95 cents!!!
Do not waste you time or money at this place! It has a nice name and a decent environment. A nice review is posted in a window and some sort of award certificate on the wall lead you to believe this will be like going to Pari. I have tried the place twice with the same extremely disappointing experience. First the staff is not friendly or helpful. [perhaps this is cultural, but I doubt it since I have some Vietnamese friends who in businesses that serve the public and are most caring]
The presentation of the pastries looks fantastic. They are not tasty. I have made some of them myself. It takes a lot of time for some. But mine turned out just like Pari, not like these flat drab tastless things that I actually discarded. Nothing like throwing $$$ in the garbage! I feel like I was a fool.
The croissants are terrible! They are small, always baked too long and are crusty and dark brown. They are dry and taste miserable. It is a horrid experience to eat this abomination. If you choose to bake and sell croissants you open yourself to a high standard of comparison. "La Patisserie" rates a -5 or lower. They shouldn't even make them, much less foist them on the public. Ah, if only the original Patisserie located on Diversey at Pinegrove were still around. I still can remember the delicate flaky texture and taste. These are a bitter insult to the art of the croissant.
If you are enticed to enter this place, just look around and do not purchase anything and continue your search elsewhere.
been going here since i was a kid. all i can add is delicious you won't be disappointed. go now!
Took a walking tour of Viet-Chinatown in Argyle this weekend and visited all the bakeries along the way. Stepped into this nice looking bakery and went a little overboard in my purchases. This bakery has traditional Chinese baked goods, as well as Western style pastries and cakes (cannolis, napoleons and eclairs) as well as Western-style cakes. Purchased a package of steamed chicken buns (10 to a package at $7), steamed char-siu buns (BBQ pork, also 10 to a pkg at $7), some baked pastries and some "cake scraps" (when they trim their cakes or cake-rolls, they collect the edges in a bag which they sell for $.75- kinda like broke pieces found in other Western bakeries). Came home and was severely disappointed with the steamed buns - miniscule filling and even worse, the texture of the bun was all wrong - dry and crumbly. Who'd have thought such a clean, nice and classy-looking place would sell such horrible buns (and now I had 20 of them, ugh). A bad sign when I got home was noticing that the packages of buns were actually cold (as if they were previously made and had sat in the fridge) - in any Chinatown bakery these buns would have been fresh and even maybe warm. Also, in my baked bun selections, I had bought a green bean and a red bean bun (they gave me two reds instead). The baked buns were tasty, albeit small. Considering there are less expensive and better quality pastries in other Chinatown bakeries, I'd be hard-pressed to visit this bakery again.
Neighborhood: Uptown
Category: Bakeries
Neighborhood: Wrigleyville
Category: Bakeries
Neighborhood: Lincoln Park
Category: Bakeries
Neighborhood: Edgewater
Category: Bakeries
Neighborhood: Montclare
Category: Bakeries
All that is necessary to survive around Lawrence…
Chicago's finest (and most unique) bakeries, sweet…
My local dry cleaner, watering hole, deli, cafe,…
Places that do a great job of satisfying my sweet…
Loading...
