Craving something sweet? Indulge at these suburban shops
The suburbs have many great places to satisfy your sweet tooth, from home-baked cookies and cakes to creamy ice cream.
From whimsical cupcake creations to handcrafted chocolates, there’s a treat shop waiting to satiate your cravings. Whether you’re a longtime resident or just visiting the area, here’s a list of must-try shops to add a touch of sugary delight to your day. Explore unique flavors, decadent desserts and charming atmospheres that will have you coming back for more.
Anderson’s Candy Shop — Barrington
This destination candy shop with its original location in Richmond has been crafting homemade candies and chocolates for more than 100 years. Established in 1919, Anderson’s offers a huge variety of treats, including chocolate dipped fruit, chocolate dipped nuts, fudge, chocolate creams, molded chocolates, and more than 30 varieties of candy bars. 128 E. Main St., Barrington. andersonscandyshop.com
Haylie B’s Bakery — Batavia
Haylie B’s specializes in scratch-made cakes, cupcakes, cookies and bar desserts. The flavors of the delicious treats vary monthly. Some cupcake flavors include not only the classic chocolate and vanilla, but blueberry pancake, cookies & cream and mocha chip. Try a lemon cheesecake cookie or oatmeal cream pie. 109 E. Wilson St., Batavia. Visit their Facebook page for more information.
The Inside Scoop Ice Cream & Candy Shop — Crystal Lake
This shop in downtown Crystal Lake serves “super premium” ice cream, ice cream cakes, old-fashioned candy and Anderson’s chocolates. The shop has been in business since 2001, and is a perfect stop while strolling around the city’s downtown area. 53 N. Williams St., facebook.com/crystallakeicecream
HEY SUGAR — Geneva
Just like its title suggests, this place is heaven for sugar lovers. They may be famous for their English toffee, but the deliciousness doesn’t stop there. Other popular menu items include several cupcake flavors, frosting shots, cakesicles, soft serve ice cream, cookie dough bites, shakes and a wide variety of coffees, hot cocoas and teas. 507 S. 3rd St., Geneva. heysugargeneva.com
All Chocolate Kitchen — Geneva
Award-winning chef Alain Roby is the mastermind behind this iconic downtown Geneva sweet shop. Menu items include homemade gelato, gourmet chocolates, a rotating selection of seasonal desserts, fudge and more. There’s also a coffee bar, and savory delights like pizzas and quiches. Marvel at Roby’s chocolate and sugar sculptures, some of which are located in the restaurant. Some of his life-size sculptures have been featured on national TV shows. 33 S. 3rd St., Geneva. allchocolatekitchen.com/
Riverside Chocolate Factory — McHenry
This truly iconic sweet shop in McHenry has every kind of decadent chocolate you can want, including chocolate bacon. There are plenty of familiar favorites, like a variety of chocolate caramels, chocolate and peanut butter confections, chocolate-covered pretzels, English toffee, homemade fudge and much more. 2102 W. Route 120, McHenry. riversidechocolatefactory.com
Milkshake and Cookies — Plainfield
Try a spicy PB&J milkshake, butterscotch caramel pecan cookie or orange dream float at this locally-owned bakery. Other menu items include truffles, brownies, coffee and lattes, hot tea and more. The shop also offers limited-time flavors and creations for holidays and other special events. 16122 S. Route 59, Plainfield. facebook.com/MilkshakeandCookies
Mad Batter Bakery & Confections — St. Charles
This cute “neighborhood bakery” in downtown St. Charles is a great spot for the perfect breakfast pastry like croissants, muffins and cinnamon rolls, or yeast or cake doughnuts in flavors like apple cinnamon preserve, blueberry glazed, among others. Pick up a gourmet cupcake, mini cannoli or cream puff, or fudge-covered brownie bite for an after-dinner treat. Mad Batter also specializes in custom cookies and cakes for special events. 320 Main St., St. Charles. madaboutbaking.com/
Sweet Vibes Dessert Lounge — Warrenville
Decorated with pink flowers that adorn the walls and retro furnishings, Sweet Vibes offers Belgian waffles topped with ice cream, chocolate sauce, fruit or whipped creams, bubble waffles, waffle balls and more. The ice cream menu includes delights like Marshmallow Dreams, The Blondie, Strawberry Shortcake and so many more you’ll have to see for yourself. 28258 Diehl Road Unit 1, Warrenville. sweetvibesdessert.com/