Spinning J Bakery & Soda Fountain

Restaurants, Cafés Humboldt Park
5 out of 5 stars
(26user reviews)
Spinning J Bakery & Soda Fountain
Photograph: Jaclyn Rivas

The charming Humboldt Park pie and soda spot has spinning stools that lend a retro feel, but the flavors here aren’t stuck in time—the creative slices rotate regularly, but think blueberry-rose or key lime-hibiscus flavors. The house soda program is just as successful, with sodas like a lively pineapple-lemongrass or lavender grape. Savory options, including ham and cheese scones and breakfast sandwiches, round out the menu.

By: Amy Cavanaugh

Posted:

Venue name: Spinning J Bakery & Soda Fountain
Contact:
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Address: 1000 N California Ave
Chicago
60622
Opening hours: Tue-Fri 7am-9pm, Sat-Sun 8am-9pm
Transport: Bus: 52, 65, 66.
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Average User Rating

4.9 / 5

Rating Breakdown

  • 5 star:23
  • 4 star:3
  • 3 star:0
  • 2 star:0
  • 1 star:0
LiveReviews|26
1 person listening

The pie is to die for, the staff is incredibly friendly and the ambiance makes feels like you are walking into an old movie. Truly love!


This place is the real deal. Simply the best breakfast sandwich I have ever eaten. Incredible pies, sodas, and shakes. Small business run by a sweet couple. I love Spinning J!


Spinning J is AMAZING!! Everything is made completely from scratch and will most definitely be the best version of that item you've ever had. I highly reccomend the tuna melt followed by the s'mores or key lime hibiscus pie... Come hungry! Bonus points for the incredibly sweet owners and staff, too.


Best breakfast sandwich in Chicago, and that barely taps into all of the things they do wonderfully. Pie, milk shakes, quiche, cookies, strata, sang paneer pot pie, etc... it's all mind blowing.


Here's 3 reasons why I love this venue
1 this venue has good vibes
2 very good sandwiches and pastries
3 last but not least a nice place to take a date as well as a chill spot to hang out and relax


I love everything I've had here. The variety of desserts, food food and soda beverages is why it's my favorite. If I'm in the mood to treat myself or just refresh from a hot day I think Spinning J.


I've been going to the Spinning J since it's opened and loved it from the beginning Every slice of pie kinda makes me want to cry it's so good! And everything else is just as good and made with care . The Sponning J never let me down!


I could tell you all the reasons I love Spinning J itself: the ambiance, the food, the vibe, the community... but what I love best are the amazing owners. They work their butts off, stay organized, are responsive, and are constantly making the effort to improve: their business processes, kitchen flow, and customer experience. I couldn't be more impressed with this small business.


Spinning J is amazing place- full of heart and amazingly delicious foods and treats for the whole family and we're so grateful to have them in the neighborhood!


Past meets present. Creative spin on the old fashion soda shop. Pies to die for


Love this place. Had some of the best pie here in S'mores pie. It's filled with delicious goodness. One bite and you'll be in dessert (pie) heaven. I don't know how they make it so good and perfect but aawwh...it's fantastic. Their homemade Soda Phosphates are pretty good too. I dig the old-fashioned decor and style of this place. They have got good variety on their menu. I definitely recommend this place. Go here, folks. Check them out.


A friend has accurately called Spinning J's pies "a symphony and a prayer." The atmosphere is charming, welcoming, and warm, and our family celebrates all of our special occasions with treats made by Dinah.


Spinning J is a Chicago gem. The food is fantastic and there is nothing quite like it. All the pies are good. I recommend starting with the apple. Stop reading this review and get some of the pie.

I told you to stop reading. Why are you still reading?

tastemaker

The hibiscus key lime pie here is a real standout for me. It combines my two favorite types of pies: blueberry (via the blueberry topping) and key lime. I was a huge fan! I will be back for a slice of that for sure. The milkshakes also look unreal (worth skipping dinner for). I also tried the quiche and the Indian paneer pot pie for lunch and they were both excellent! I loved that the quiche had potatoes in it because I'm basically obsessed with potatoes. This place is a super cute, fun and tasty lunch and dessert spot, and a welcomed addition to the neighborhood. 


It's a soda fountain and pastry shop on the corner of Augusta and California, plus all the food is delicious and they've got chocolate egg creams and peanut butter cookies? Yes please! 

They do both savory and sweet snacks, a real old fashioned soda machine, Black Dog Gelato, breakfast sandwiches, quiche, strata, pies, cookies. The place is sweetly decorated but not kitschy, and they're the perfect stop after having dinner at one of the restaurants on the corner. 

tastemaker

Looking for a touch of nostalgia and a slice of pie? Check out Spinning J in Humboldt Park! They have a small smattering of food but their real stars right now are their pies, sodas and shakes, all nestled in 50's style diner.  I sampled both the S'mores and Peanut Butter Pie but should have considered the Key Lime Hibiscus too! The S'mores had toasty marshmallow layered over thick chocolate on a graham cracker crust, The Peanut Butter Pie has a creamy PB fluff with a chocolate drizzle on top of a chocolate crust. The environment is kid friendly but also a sweet spot for catch up with a friend or a replacement for the "coffee" first date.

tastemaker

Ok guys like for real.  OUTSTANDING EVERYTHING!  Pie that will have you asking for a slice to go home and milkshakes like you've never had before.  Dina, the owner/pastry chef before opening her own shop has one the Humboldt Park pie contest so many years in a row they had to ask her to stop entering and just be a judge.  Took a friend here that was visiting from San Francisco last summer and she still brings it up every time we catch up.  A true fat kid experience, it's really hard to not get pie and a milkshake or one of their all natural soda fountain drinks with hand cultivated sarsaparilla and other herbs for their classic diner drinks.  It's open early for morning risers and makes it kid friendly however their also open late so I recommend it as a post dinner date end of the night non alcoholic cap on the evening making a lasting statement on someone special at a true gem place.