The Best Cinnamon Rolls In Chicago | Legendary Eats

In the late 1980s, cinnamon roll shops began opening up across the country. Bakery giants like Cinnabon and T.J. Cinnamons gained national attention, and in Chicago alone, there were already a dozen specialty cinnamon roll shops. With the rise of America's appetite for cinnamon rolls, how did a small mom-and-pop called Ann Sather withstand the intense competition and test of time? We visited the original restaurant in Chicago’s Lakeview neighborhood to get a closer look at how the iconic cinnamon rolls are made and learn why they are so loved by the local community.
Editor's Note: Insider visited Ann Sather's in March 2020, before Chicago restaurants closed to dine-in service. The restaurant has reopened for limited dine-in and outdoor service, and you can still order cinnamon rolls and more for pickup and delivery. For more information, visit: www.annsather.com
MORE LEGENDARY EATS CONTENT:
Chicago's Most Legendary Cheeseburger | Legendary Eats
• Chicago's Most Legenda...
Jim’s South Street Makes The Quintessential Philly Cheesesteak | Legendary Eats
• Jim’s South Street Mak...
The Halal Guys' Chicken And Gyro Platter Is NYC’s Most Legendary Street Food | Legendary Eats
• The Halal Guys' Chicke...
------------------------------------------------------
#Breakfast #Bakery #FoodInsider
Insider is great journalism about what passionate people actually want to know. That’s everything from news to food, celebrity to science, politics to sports and all the rest. It’s smart. It’s fearless. It’s fun. We push the boundaries of digital storytelling. Our mission is to inform and inspire.
Subscribe to our channel and visit us at: www.insider.com
Food Insider on Facebook: / foodinsider
Food Insider on Instagram: / thisisinsiderfood
Food Insider on Twitter: / insiderfood
Insider on Snapchat: / 4020934530
Insider on Amazon Prime: www.amazon.com/v/thisisinsider
Insider on TikTok: / insider
Food Insider on Dailymotion: www.dailymotion.com/foodinsider
The Best Cinnamon Rolls In Chicago | Legendary Eats

[@ananonymousidiot3156]

Stranger: So, what’s your hobby? Me: Watching others enjoy food I can’t have while also tasting it vicariously through them. Stranger:.......

[@davinazaf3126]

Bruh....., me

[@ananonymousidiot3156]

@@davinazaf3126 😆😆

[@chicodemilton]

🤤

[@eri.09]

I feel ya brotha

[@infinity7647]

same

[@mhesham22007]

Great now I'm craving cinnamon rolls

[@heyyitstiff]

I have actually never had one

[@francesleones4973]

Same 🤤

[@visu550]

jigglypuff_wuff Playz try some with a cold glass of milk

[@allieb.1006]

Agreed tho!

[@allieb.1006]

jigglypuff_wuff Playz they are soooooooo good! You would probably like them!

[@chloelibrando2156]

How to torture yourself: Watch food videos while fasting

[@RoseyRosies]

Dude 🤦🏾

[@georgeth4421]

weird flex but ok

[@henrybp797]

Fasting is so last year

[@madisoncook4925]

Oh my gosh I’m literally doing that right now!😂what a coincidence

[@thefrogthatlivesnextdoor7122]

when I fasting there videos mystery pop up om my recommands.

[@bridgetmcdonald8514]

I have been going there for years and it literally has the best cinnamon rolls I’ve ever had.

[@ksam8987]

Better than cinnabon or cinnzeo?

[@nathannguyen1762]

@@ksam8987 The point of the video is to show how its on par or better

[@ye23.]

@@ksam8987 cinnabon is too sweet

[@prbrown29]

@@ksam8987 way better

[@user-ec1vt8cz3y]

I love how calming the chef's voice and the way he talks makes me feel home

[@doubled7302]

Yay Ann Sather! Really almost the whole menu is fantastic but the cinnamon rolls are the stars! There is so much good food in Chicago, watching this really makes me nostalgic. I miss Chicago!!!

[@rawr1016]

Please recommend more places!! I’ll be visiting Chicago soon first time

[@doubled7302]

@@rawr1016 It has been a while since I have been back and I'm not sure if all my possible recommendations would be accurate. Beside Ann Sather (obviously!), I recommend eating Chicago style deep dish and/or stuffed pizza, a real Chicago hot dog, and authentic Mexican food. I would also watch the youtube channel "Chicago's Best" for the most up to date food recommendations.

[@rahmahdalhat8484]

Commenting to stay here

[@bloatedsodium7301]

I want to bathe in those cinnamon rolls, judge me. happy Friday, kids!

[@zakariyasheikh1149]

HWAPPY FWIDAY!!!

[@LoveAndDreems]

This comment is blessed

[@ilovefabricandflowers8543]

If Cleopatra could bathe in Asses milk then you can bathe in cinnamon rolls.

[@Toni29360]

Happy early Friday

[@APERSON-ib7jv]

E

[@bawalumehidetomayaso4121]

Tom: the recipe is a secret I cant tell you the ingredients Also Tom: the recipe is in a cookbook😂😂

[@southernindigo1973]

It means the recipe in the cookbook is not the complete recipe. Something is left out, but not too much that you don't have a cinnamon roll recipe. The dry mix is probably proprietary and mixed in some warehouse just for the bakery.

[@joliecide]

Ya that's a trick that's always done by companies. There's always that one thing that'll make yours different from the real thing.

[@TryingtoFood]

those cinnamon rolls are more beautiful than my face

[@ClassyPrissy27]

😂😂😂

[@bobbobby1987]

They can't be that bad

[@melinavaladez6140]

bobbobby1987 DAYUMMM YOU AINT GOTTA DO HIM LIKE DAT

[@codingninja03rawe74]

Oh honey your beautiful In the inside and out don’t let any one tell you differently

[@blizzrdd]

well you're sure ugly I guess

[@abrahamkim1078]

Absolutely love this story. Great to see the current owner staying loyal to the legacy and paying the homage it deserves.

[@holesareprettycool1495]

From the time I saw elderly staff I knew they weren’t lying about them being the best

[@cll581]

Ohh my kids really love to eat cinnamon rolls so much.

[@HelenGPitts]

Coronavirus pandemic continues to improve daily throughout the planet; there are many taxpayers who are kept in isolation, protected inside their houses, waiting for the circumstances to get much better. To hold back a possible epidemic, offices have closed, and the government and health care experts advise people to remain in the home and be safe. Until and unless there is a remedy to this circumstance, we're stuck in the home; then why not to think to do some successful work it could be anything such as performing online outsourcing tasks or taking online courses which could help you in additional conditions. Thus, to make you deal with this hard time, we have assembled this best work from home job that can help you to earn better and cross your time efficiently >>>>>>> *grab26­.­c­o­m*

[@Kingofavolon]

Helen G. Pitts Ok...but what does that have to do with this video or anything she said?

[@emilyguzman277]

Just went there today, and they’re AMAZING❤️

[@ohthelovelypoems]

LUCKY! Lived up there for 7 yrs and haven't been back in years. Ann Sather's was always one of my favorites.

[@Mp51995]

Everyone else: "Ann Sathers" Insider:" Ann Saethers" If you heard it you know what i'm talking about

[@justindubin5166]

Marisha Pinas this also annoyed me lol. Thank you for realizing as well

[@KhoiAnNguyen]

OMG I was just gonna say the same thing ugh~! 🤦🏻‍♀️

[@tmccormick892]

immediately went to look for this

[@nunyanunya4964]

Was just wondering why she was pronouncing it Say-ther.

[@abbysather5031]

It is gratifying to hear the name pronounced correctly.

[@shanerose7204]

I made a deal with my parents that if I pass my final two semesters of college we take a trip to Chicago in the summer for my graduation present. Now I'm really gonna work hard to earn it because aside from the attractions I hope to see, there are four foods I REALLY want to try: 1. Deep Dish Pizza from Giordano's 2. An Italian Beef Sandwich from Al's 3. A Northside Twist Pretzel at Wrigley Field 4. A Cinnamon Roll from Ann Sather's

[@ksmooth2671]

5. A stray bullet from a gangbanger's gun. Seriously. I live in Chicago and I can't imagine why this would be anyone's top choice for a trip. People in Chicago don't even wanna be in Chicago.

[@leleprtk]

Had to go to the kitchen and immediately make cinnamon rolls, those look absolutely amazing! My mouth was watering!!!

[@luciasodapops6089]

Video: “how can you not have eaten one of these cinnamon rolls unless your outta town” Me a Chicagoan who’s never heard of this place before: 👁👄👁

[@Kadasberry11]

Whaaaaaaaa you must go. I want this for you 😂 The food is okay but the cinnamon rolls Slap!

[@ye23.]

Chicago has some good food

[@APERSON-ib7jv]

Your live in Chicago? Make sure to be careful-!

[@aroundtheworldinaprildays]

I really shouldn't watch videos like this when i should be sleeping already. 😅

[@PookieWaters]

My fav! I miss living there just for those rolls! Only 2-3 hrs away now and worth the drive! 🤤

[@joshuagabriel5528]

Cinnamon rolls are my favorite!😋😋

[@kurlykayla9013]

I'm drooling thinking about these...I miss them so much.

[@bexyPTX]

So I’m definitely going there if I’m ever in Chicago... these look so good

[@lanietalk]

I love the Chicago vids and this producer from Chicago. Everyone just seems sweet and well intentioned

[@AngieA717]

They are the best! We always stop in when in town!

[@Tanyakirkwood]

Love this place can’t wait to go back ❤️❤️❤️

[@ksully1999]

i clicked on this video just to see if it was about Ann Sather's and it was!!! best cinnamon rolls i've ever had

[@dcbornmike]

I first saw this video about three years ago. I love cinnamon rolls. I promised myself that if I ever get to Chicago I will for sure visit this place. I am now planning a trip out to Chicago in September 2024, and I will be at Ann Sathers that first morning!! Assume it is best to get there very early as they come out of the oven. Any comments from you guys in Chicago???

[@Blueeyesopenalways]

Yes I loved this place!!!

[@johnpossum556]

The dry mix probably just has soft wheat AKA Cake Flour in it. It's how I'd make an award winning cinnamon roll.

[@bechoyvlog753]

Wow my all time favourite cinnamon rolls.

[@marylounorwell2134]

Simply the best!

[@MeghanPaints]

These cinnamon rolls are no joke. Worth a trip to Chicago just for them.

[@emilywhitfield2780]

I miss my Grandma's cinnamon rolls they were fabulous!!!!

[@cookwithaqib]

Wow amazing Recipe love it, thank you for sharing, 💕💕💕💕❤❤❤❤👍👍👍👍

[@sugarplumchum421]

Ooohhh, that sauce! Love to try this!

[@zakur0hako]

Lived in Chi 2011-2018. Still crave those rolls a lot

[@LP-kl6sn]

The sad thing is, is that some ppl never got to enjoy one yet😔, it's very sad, missing out on that nice warm goey cinnamon dough with a thick layers of cream cheese, it's just amazing 😍

[@joliecide]

It's not cream cheese bruh.

[@noobmaster31]

Knew it would be Ann Sathers. I had it two times, and it was unbelievable. I agree they make the best cinnamon rolls.

[@sandstorm714]

Literally one of the best things to eat

[@leaht3819]

It’s in my neighborhood...I LOVE THOSE CINN ROLLS!

[@AndreaMagdalenaKosha]

In Eastern Europe, we have several recipes, so far I tried three different kinds. It is a lot of work but it worth the effort.

[@camty]

At 0:15 sounds like she's saying "salmon rolls"

[@YourMajesty143]

You mean 0:18

[@emu_vee]

I think that would be sushi

[@rogerploch1251]

Crack is the ingredient they left out. With how addictive those things are, I wouldn’t be surprised.

[@PxperCuts]

Esra Marulcu You’ll know in a couple years child...

[@NoName-rn6up]

One word: sugar

[@anushkasapru]

What is crack

[@kjford587]

@@anushkasapru type of cocaine

[@anushkasapru]

@@kjford587 oh ok thx

[@brianazuniga877]

Those look 🔥🔥🔥

[@Kadasberry11]

I used to eat 2 with brunch and then take 2 to go lol When I ordered Ann Sather for delivery, I added food just so they wouldn’t judge me only ordering cinnamon rolls 😭

[@bonbonsukii]

This is making me hungry!! 😭😭

[@tangerine0928]

Its 1 a.m and my stomach is growling watching this😢💕idk why im the only one in our family who loves cinnamon roll😂

[@marilynh8085]

Been here !! The cinnamon rolls are delicious 😍😍

[@gmcauliffe3649]

Just mapped this and its fifteen min way:) def my next field trip

[@emilyspector2728]

YeeeAahhhh! Ann Sather’s also has amazing food.

[@jennyliu6167]

Watching this is srsly making me crave cinnamon rolls and now I'm making cinnamon rolls

[@jenniejennie3884]

It's look delicious. 😋

[@kaistockman6443]

Ok I’ve lived in Chicago my whole life and I’ve never been there. Now I need to see if my family and friends have just never told me about this or if they’ve never been there either. I need to try those.

[@GlobetrotterBR]

I'm addicted to cinnamon rolls!!!

[@cookingwithgulnazkhan988]

waooo looks so delicious 😋 yummy

[@tosht2515]

Delicious but cinnamon rolls are not my favorite pastry so I order them only when I end up at a Scandinavian bakery. That said, next time I make it to Wrigley Field I’m definitely going to swing by Ann Sather.

[@penguindrum264]

Are the Scandinavian variety less sweet? Cinnabon and the stuff at my local bakeries are too sweet for me.

[@secretpopey5738]

My dream is to have my own restaurant and what Tom do I like that facing my costumer making them feel at home because when I see people eating my food what I made i feel the happiness.

[@sarahjones9393]

Thats it , I need to go to the store and get more cinnamon rolls 😂

[@eliseolopez2790]

the savory smell that greeds you satisfies your heart

[@nestorsalvador9236]

Man i wish to try these one day

[@narmiataf3993]

This is my favorite dessert all the time 😋

[@samanmoeen9158]

Ahhhh I’ve been here. These are the best cinnamon rolls ever

[@evanstalledo584]

Yummy watching from manila philippines

[@naomib5047]

Sad thing I've never eaten a cinnamon roll :( Now ai really wanna taste them

[@earli649]

No way. Every country has cinammon rolls

[@maamoulashta159]

Go on google. Type in " cinnabon clone allrecipes". Go to all recipes link. Follow it. Turns out amazing. Do it

[@AH-gb5dm]

what :O they’re so good, you have to try them one time

[@denagustafson6070]

Tasty has an EXCELLENT recipe with cream cheese icing that’s to-die-for! Try them….you will not be sorry (unless your pants get to tight, which is a very real issue!).

[@tinashirafkan7389]

Omg so good i want it

[@cocoaorange1]

I am on Belmont Ave all the time, their prices are expensive, but I aim to try the cinnamon roll.

[@mathieucowl8903]

so delicious make me want to it all of them

[@eliseolopez2790]

A good quality coffee bean enhances your delight

[@AverytheCubanAmerican]

We don’t have Ann Sather here but we have Cinnabon. Its smell lingers throughout the mall

[@7volcast]

😂🤣😂

[@Pipsqueaker88]

I keep seeing you in the comments in videos?

[@mubaraqadedayo7616]

cinnabon would be good if they didn’t charge 3 bucks for a freakin roll

[@MyDNAAStory]

Wow!!! Dont they look amazing?

[@jjmachtej3387]

Okay great video and I am so glad Ann Sathers is getting recognition because it is amazing, however the narrator mispronounced it the entire time. Listen to how the other people say it (Sathers not Saythers), that’s how it is really said.

[@DLITGAMING]

The type of stuff I see on my feed while dealing with a hangover..

[@nickstemberger1289]

Crazy to think that I might've walked passed unassuming without my brother mentioning how amazing this place is. Just a warm, welcoming and humble Midwestern place. Can't wait to go back!

[@jawahirrobleh7048]

Delicious

[@nomam7358]

Im craving 😋

[@Beezzzzy_]

I LOVE this place and have missed going to get some rolls during quarantine.

[@missal604]

I’m Scandinavia and I’m telling you we make the best cinnamon rolls!

[@jasminetheconqueror5136]

Maaannnnn, everytime I think about eating Ann Sathers cinnamon rolls as a kid I 🤤🤤🤤🤤🤤

[@majameda9584]

I'm italian and I LOVE Cinnamon Rolls

[@Liasos88]

4:26 Hmm the dough is green. The secret ingredient must be grass.

[@sonicswimmer2000]

You know what else is green and addictive

[@crystalkasane9663]

Omg im so jealous umu I love cinnamon rolls ;-;

[@golaco237]

Yes. YES.

[@Ananth8193]

I am craving for this . Fantabulous

[@ceciliafloren4444]

It is kinda funny because in sweden we don’t have frosting on cinnamon buns and they don’t look like the ones they are making in the video

[@thunter5265]

Do they look like a bun? These are rolls

[@moonbean2765]

@@thunter5265 they’re usually made as rolls in Sweden as well (occasionally they’re made more like knots) but each layer of the roll is thinner, the cinnamon is more prominent, and they’re less doughy. They’re topped with pärlsocker, not frosting , and they usually have cardamom in the dough

[@aleahjodevasia]

Best friend: so what is your favorite food? Me: anything I can watch that will make me go hungry Best friend: Wha?

[@unknown-ywuux_bus]

Nice.

[@ThePhyze]

Wow looks so delicious! ♥️

[@edwu8253]

I could eat that whole tray in about 48 hrs 😍

[@greeninggamer5321]

0:20 oh boy I love salmon rolls!

[@barbaramartin5931]

Alderman Tunney's not adhering to the Covid-19 restaurant rules but definitely busy on the hustle game with his sweet rolls 👀

[@TravellingAlchemist]

Anyone looking for these in Melbourne Australia should go to Mister nice guys bakeshop! The biggest softest cinnamon buns in Australia!

[@anizazaini3253]

I think i've seen a lot of cinnamon rolls video these days. Maybe it's time for me to make them. I've been postponing in making them.

[@andreamoscoso4065]

😍😍😍😍😍😍 I want !!!

[@LMV123]

I used to live right next to on of these

[@tionast9198]

This looks so good for a person who hate cinnamon rolls 🤤

[@capitalistpropaganda9165]

Me who lives in Britain: can I just get a crane to lift up the shop

[@yteru6024]

yummy‼️💗

[@richb5478]

Literally nobody wakes up and before work eats cinnamon rolls

[@christelynmargatinez7583]

my favorite of all time#cinnamonrolls

[@whatisyourbloodtype]

This came up in my home page, and I'm currently in the process of making cinnamon rolls!