As you've all probably read (perhaps
here), Dave and Megan Miller sold their interests in Bang Bang Pie Company to their business partner, and decided to open up Baker Miller, where in addition to baking breads, pastries, sweet and savory items, they'll also be milling their own flour. Equally exciting is the news that they'll be serving Sparrow Coffee.
Today is their grand opening, and while I didn't make it in for the made morning rush (thus missing out on the breads and most pastries), I made it in for a couple of slices of pie and an iced Sparrow coffee. If first impressions are indicative, this place is going to be a major hit.
The cheesecake pie (with what tastes like a dulce de leche topping) is fantastic, from the crust (I believe oat) to the smooth filling to the wonderful topping, the latter being the highlight for me.
Cheesecake PieEven better was the butterscotch pie, easily one of the best pies I've ever tasted. The combination of the butterscotch filling (not too sweet, with almost the rich taste of pumpkin, sans spices) and the toasty oatmeal crust (maybe coconut too?), is sensational. While my preference is usually all-butter crusts, these crusts are absolutely delicious.
Butterscotch PieUnfortunately, I had tasted both pies by the time I decided to take pictures so don't blame Baker Miller for any visible imperfections.
I saved plenty to share with a friend of mine coming over for the Bears game.
They're also serving a couple types of breads, muffins, popovers, savory items and breakfast, brunch and lunch. Eater posted a copy of
their opening menu. And of course, there's the Sparrow coffee. I had a terrific iced coffee this visit, and I can't tell you how excited I am to finally have great coffee in the neighborhood.
In terms of seating, there are a couple of benches out in front of the restaurant, several tables inside, and a back patio that is not yet set up for seating (but will be). There are a lot of excellent restaurants in Lincoln Square, but great coffee and baked goods have been sorely missing. That is no longer the case.
Baker Miller Bakery & Millhouse4610 N. Western Ave. (next door to Spoon Thai and steps from Western Ave. Brown Line station)
Chicago
[no phone listed yet]