The Battle of the Chicago Donuts: Stan's Donuts & Coffee vs. Firecakes

“With a doughnut in each hand, anything is possible.” - Jameela Jamil

Before our wonderful trip to Chicago, one of the most suggested places G and I should visit were donut shops! I’ve visited Chicago many times growing up, but most recently this city has been boosting up some amazing donut and coffee shops! So, we did our homework on a few spots before traveling to the Windy City.

Firecakes has been featured on the Food Network, and received rave reviews from Chicago natives. Also, right outside out hotel, Stan’s Donuts was a hot place amongst locals and tourists.

My husband and I did the hard work for you guys, and visited two of the most popular spots for coffee and donuts - Stan’s Donuts & Coffee and Firecakes.


Stan's Donuts & Coffee

Stan’s has the cutest little location on Michigan Avenue, which was right by our hotel. This California based donut shop made its way to Chicago, and has made a huge impact on this city. When we arrived into town, this was one of the first places we popped into, and the line was so long - needless to say that Stan's was very popular. The service was quick, and they had an amazing variety of donuts! It was hard choosing just one donut, but G and I finally made some amazing selections. The donuts were a really good size, and were definitely filling, but most of all super delicious. Also, their coffee was amazing, my husband grabbed a cappuccino and was super impressed with it.

The most colorful and cutest donut and coffee shop.

The most colorful and cutest donut and coffee shop.

The cutest little pink bag filled with goodies.

The cutest little pink bag filled with goodies.

Enjoying the cinnamon sugar donut from Stan’s.

Enjoying the cinnamon sugar donut from Stan’s.


Firecakes

This quaint little shop is tucked away on W Hubbard Street, and away from all of the hustle and bustle. The shop is cozy and filled with some of the most unique donuts. Firecakes uses amazing ingredients in their baked goods, and you can taste the quality. The staff was super sweet, and patiently helped any customer that came in. This experience was much different than the popular Stan’s shop, and we were able to leisurely pick out donuts and chat with the staff. Also, there was no seating in this location, but a cute gazebo and patio was set up right outside the entryway for you to enjoy your baked goods.

Arriving to Firecakes first thing in the morning to pick out something super delicious for breakfast!

Arriving to Firecakes first thing in the morning to pick out something super delicious for breakfast!

Firecakes Donuts’ entryway.

Firecakes Donuts’ entryway.

Enjoying the morning with Firecakes.

Enjoying the morning with Firecakes.

All of the amazing selections for the day.

All of the amazing selections for the day.

My favorite pick, as well as G’s was Stan’s Donuts & Coffee. G preferred the coffee and donut combination much more at Stan’s. I loved Stan’s because their selection was much more vast than Firecakes. While I enjoyed both during my visit to Chicago, Stan’s won in my book!

Also, another popular donut spot in Chicago is Do-Rite Donuts. We did pass by a Do-Rite’s in Chicago, and honestly were not super impressed with them, which was a bummer.

If you are heading to Chicago anytime soon definitely give these sweet spots a try!

XO, Analise

Dining Out: Esoteric

es·o·ter·ic /ˌesəˈterik/ intended for or likely to be understood by only a small number of people with a specialized knowledge or interest.

My recent visit to Esoteric this past weekend, was absolutely phenomenal. G and I were blown away by the cool ambience, and the warm welcome by the staff. The contemporary gastropub features craft beers on tap and a specialized wine menu. Also, this spot has the cutest indoor and outdoor seating. Located near the Virginia Beach Oceanfront, it is an attraction to everyone around. There is stunning artwork located right on the property, and it’s bright signage on top of the building, make it visually appealing to all guests.

I’ve heard how amazing this little gem was, and had absolutely no clue it’s been open for 4 years! I’m so glad the hubby and I were able to dine at this restaurant. The food was exceptional, and we cannot wait to get back very soon.

Today, I’m sharing what we ate, and how much we loved this fantastic restaurant. Esoteric is now a new fave of mine, and you’ll exactly why, very shortly.

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