The Bakeries of Dekalb County

Chapter 1 - the Neighborhood Bakery and Deli

There is no more gratifying smell in the world than wafts of fresh baked goods. In all corners of Dekalb there are generous auras that drift and float, beckoning growling and grumbling bellies to indulge. All bakeries offer extraordinary treats for any occasion, meeting, or brunch and the tour begins in Dekalb, at the Neighborhood Bakery, which serves up an array of paramount baked goods:

With a generous and intense selection of cheese, fruit and nut fillings, the coffee cakes are fresh, buttery, and flaky but not overly sweet. If unable to choose just one, full coffee cake, there are plenty of hand held delights such as the almond or cheese claw and cherry turnover that equal their big brother, just more accessible and compact.

Surrounded by a tender, and perfect crust, the peach pie is summer in a bite: tart, juicy and sweet – simply put: voluptuous.

Mind the cliché, but the kolacky, which must make an appearance at all family gatherings, are exactly like grandma used to make and will harken any nibbler with Eastern European heritage back to Christmas Eve. The raspberry, cheese and apricot filled pockets disappear long before other desserts are introduced, but the dusting of powdered sugar upon upper lips spills the secret of who has satiated the need for a bite of Poland. Making good kolacky is an art form, and the Neighborhood Bakery is to kolacky what Edward Hopper is to art: traditional, refined, unassuming and deep, though presented in a bite size masterpiece.

the Neighborhood Bakery and Deli 

2205 PLEASANT STREET UNIT 1

Dekalb, IL 60115

North of the Dekalb Airport

On Pleasant Street

Phone: (815)748-7707

Fax: (815-787-7943

The Neighborhood Bakery is very moderately priced and accepts credit/debit cards, however, the hours are short (especially for a bakery), open from 7am – 3pm weekdays and 8am-2pm Saturdays (closed Sunday and Monday).