One of the biggest culinary jewels of not only the Bridgeport neighborhood, but the entire city of Chicago is Pleasant House Bakery – the best bakery in the city. But it looks like a pile of shit sitting along 31st Street. Its ugliness is only a sign of how spectacular the food made inside is. A restaurant that spends too much time on its appearance while trying to make the most amazing food in the city will usually fall short. Pleasant House does not. In fact, they are so dedicated to delivering an amazing product that 80% of their ingredients are grown on their own farm directly behind the facility. If that isn’t farm-to-table dining then I don’t know what is.

Steak and Ale Royal Pie

Although they carry a minimalist appearance, the food is anything but that. Instead of your common run-of-the-mill bakery items like cakes, breads and rolls, Pleasant House specializes in British royal pies. Yes, it is Chicago’s only British bakery. Royal pies are generally made from meat and vegetables. They have a very crispy, buttery crust that melts in your mouth. Some of their pies include steak and ale, chicken balti, mushroom and kale, and cold pork pie. The masterful combination of all the meats and vegetables creates an eating experience you will not find anywhere else. All the flavors blend and mix well on the palate.

Aside from pies, Pleasant House also has several daily special foods and other sides. Some days they do burgers. Sometimes bangers and mash – a British favorite. Fish and chips on fridays – yet another British favorite. Sometimes they even do pizza. One of the best parts about Pleasant House is the fact that they are BYOB and located next door to Maria’s Community Bar. You can bring your booze to the bakery or bring your pies to Maria’s. If you haven’t tried Chicago’s best bakery yet, give Pleasant House a try, then head on over to Maria’s.