Ann's Bakery & Deli — Restaurant in West Chicago Township

Ann's bakery and deli is a hidden delight in the middle of the Ukrainian village. It is a little corner grocery store on the corner of Leavitt and Chicago. The store is jam-packed with staples as well as little European delights from the Ukraine and Poland. Hidden in the back are two deli counters, one with deli meats and cheeses and the other with food. Wow!! The hot deli counter is incredibly tasty and you're always kind of overwhelmed by the selection. Soups, pierogi, and cabbage rolls are regulars. Then everything else is up to the day of the week. They have meatballs, blintzes, soups, about eight different fresh salads. And I go in I grabbed a cabbage roll, four pierogies, and another side.... And walk out for around $5 to $8. And the staff? They are lovely and patient as I quiz them about the different dishes. This is a little Hidden gem that you have to visit

Pros Has regular everyday grocery items for a quick shopping trip Unique foods from Europe Delightful staff Hot deli counter full of incredibly delicious food Great deli prices Free parking on the side at Leavitt Metered parking on Chicago Street Take both cash and credit

Cons I don't speak Ukrainian or polish. So while the staff speaks good English, it is sometimes difficult to get a good translation on what some items are. BE adventurous and try the food even when it's a mystery.... Honestly it all tastes good Really narrow aisles and everything is crowded in but honestly it's also part of the charm

I love this place and the fact that it is tasty and affordable, and has new food I am trying...

Let's start that I am a new generation Lithuanian who does not speak Russian, Ukrainian or Polish. I speak only 2 languages: Lithuanian and English. I go to Anna's Bakery to get Lithuanian produce, some Latvian produce and European candy. The store is conveniently located 15 minutes from my home. The owner is super nice and patient. Always helpful and kind but some staff members should learn how to drop the European (especially eastern European) customer service attitude. Even though sometimes they do not experess it in words but I can see in their facial expressions and body language. Today, 6/6/2021, there was a new cashier and what an experience. Her body language, facial expressions revieled everything. I told her few times that I do not speak her language and she continued speaking to me in Ukrainian. I am sorry but that's rude. I worked in customer service 12 years myself and servered all different client English speaking, non English speaking, Asians, business people, tourist and never gave an attitude that they did not speak English. We communicated in simple words, few time used Google translate but we did it. I might look European but I am sorry I do not speak any eastern European languages. I do not do it on purpose. I think if the staff, especially a new cashier, would drop the attitude they would even attract local people, Americans to try their food, and learn Eastern European culture through food. Please do not show attitude for customers which could be seen and felt without any verbal...

Perhaps one of the best delis in all Chicago. The many breads are baked on premises. Come midday especially on Sundays and get a loaf while it's still a bit warm, then rush home and enjoy it with butter. Pure heaven! They have much homemade traditional Ukrainian fare, which is quite similar to Polish fare, including homemade soups, pierogi, stuffed cabbage rolls, and many specialties. There is a fine assortment of homemade sausages and meats. There are many pastries and cakes, some of which are made by other bakeries, but all are very excellent. Ann's also specializes in imported grocery products from Ukraine, Poland, Russia and other slavic countries, such as jams, jellies, condiments, candies, pickles, etc. They always have a good selection of imported chocolates including the traditional ones with added liquours, brandy or whiskey, especially during the Christmas holidays. There are a few tiny round cafe style tables near the entrance where you may sample the goodies you just purchased. They do have coffee and an espresso and cappuccino machine, although I haven't seen espresso being served. The young Ukrainian ladies who serve you are friendly and very cute as well. Some are fairly conversant in English. Don't be afraid to ask questions. Someone will be able to understand and help you. All in all, Ann's is a great place to shop for real Ukrainian comfort...