Spinning J Bakery and Soda Fountain

An absolute treat for Humboldt Park, which needed something a little more trendy and approachable for dessert.
Located between Cc Ferns and the Clipper, Spinning J provides an all ages appropriate spot for pie, coffee, and soda jerk creations (malts and egg creams).
Lovely spot that echoes back to the American diner experience with bar stools at the counter, but with modern touches.
Had the s’mores pie which our server torched a la minute, which was awesome. Quality spot and will return for more sweet bites.

Really great pie!!! I had the key lime hibiscus. It was really smooth, light, and flavorful. My daughter had the s’mores pie which had chocolate ganache like filling with marshmallow cream on top (which they roasted a bit) — delicious. I was a little disappointed they only offered those two pie flavors, but I’m sure it depends on the day. Also, the service was not great. We went right ahead and sat at the counter only to be ignored for several minutes before realizing we had to order up front. It also took them a while to clean up after people left. To their defense though, they were pretty busy.

I didn’t realize that I was missing a soda fountain in my life until Spinning J opened. Chocolate sodas! Coffee! Breakfast sandwiches! Better yet, breakfast pie!

I finally got to this amazing place yesterday. I had their apple pie a la mode. The crust is incredible. Great portion, too. It’s a really great place to hang out and it has free wifi, too. I will be back.

I really think these are some of the best chocolate chip cookies I have ever tried in my life. I love the look of this place it is so cute and want to take all of my friends and family here to check it out. The baked goods are all amazing! The service is friendly and it is in a chill neighborhood.

I can’t live without these Scones.
The quiche is pretty great too.
This place is heaven.

I was caught outside in a dark, bone-​chilling December rain when I stopped by a few evenings back. Demoralizing rain, this was… like in the opening scenes of a film noir movie. I shuffled through the door. «Pie», was the only word that ambled out of my windpipe as the gent behind the counter smiled and watched me wring myself out.
Sitting at the counter as the gorgeous key lime hibiscus slice was set in front of me, I felt like I had just walked into that scene from the Wizard of Oz when the whole world is rendered in Technicolor. Oh how I love thee, technicolor pie…
Go here. Go late. Sit in the window. Have your friend stand across the street and take a picture of your very own homage to Edward Hopper’s «Nighthawks». (Fedoras optional, but not at all out of place). You won’t regret it. Absolutely lovely addition to the neighborhood.

This place at been on my hit list for awhile but I often don’t end up in this neighborhood at night. But after a dinner in West Town I wasn’t that far away and we ended up sliding in for some slices of pie and decaf coffee. The coffee was fine, they run a nice big Rancilio machine and pull a decent cappuccino. The pie was really nice, the s’more pie had a lot more texture than I was expecting, a brûléed marshmallow gave it a lot more weight than your typically fluff offering. The key lime hibiscus was really nice as well. A unique flavor and I might have my mind stuck too much in the traditional key lime mold but the texture and consistency of this pie was spot on. I’m also happy that they’re open late as a lot of the other pie places in Chicago tend to close a lot earlier.

You don’t see too many of these type of shops nowadays. Spinning J’s is an old school soda shop that makes an endless number of effervescent treats. While the atmosphere does not necessarily transport you back to the 50’s when soda shops were plentiful it does have quite a bit of reclaimed items from previous eras.
While Spinning J’s offers many treats like pies, gelato, and a delectable quiche their sodas are the superstars at this spot. They make their own housemade syrups and it’s all put together in a 1950’s soda machine. A Jupiter Lavender Soda was my order of the day. If you could say a fresh medicinal flavor was present but oh so much better than a Welch’s Grape Soda. It should be noted to ask for a straw or spoon so you can give it the occasional stir so the ingrediants do not settle to the bottom.
The pies are freshly made and contain an airy, creamy presence. My Key Lime Pie with Blueberry Compote was quite a treat and was absolutely beautiful to look at. The texture was light and creamy but not overly sweet. Their pie menu rotates daily including Smores, Apple, Chocolate-​Banana-​Toffee, and Blueberry Plum Crumble. Usually pies are baked early around 6am and another round is made around 4−5pm for the later crowd.
Overall the interior has a small bar with some old time stools decorated with sporadic two seat tables for more intimate gatherings. The sodas are a breath of fresh air, the pies are fresh and light, while other items I have not tried like the Quiche and Chocolate Malt will put Spinning J’s back on my calender. While this spot is a bit off the beaten path it is worth the visit.

I have made it a personal goal to try every notable pie shop in Chicago, so when I heard about Spinning J it was only a matter of time.
The inside is SUPER cute– very quaint. Husband and I tried two pies to go– apple, and the key lime hibiscus. We also got a chocolate chip cookie which is worth the hype. Husband declared it possibly the best chocolate chip cookie he’s had in recent memory.
I thought the apple pie was really good. Not the best I’ve ever had but very good. I liked but didn’t love the key lime– I am used to, and prefer, a denser filling. This one was fluffy, sort of like a cool-​whip consistency. Flavor was good, and it’s served with blueberry compote and whipped cream which is nice. It was good but I wouldn’t get it again.
I hope to come back and try out the soda fountain… and another chocolate chip cookie :)

I’ve driven past this place a few times and have been dying to get in there and give it a whirl. And after my quick breakfast there today, I’m so so so glad I did. I had the breakfast sandwich, which is seemingly so simple. But the English muffin is unlike any I’ve ever tried (which, to be fair, normally come out of my freezer). So fluffy and delightful. Paired with a cup of coffee… perfection.
But, of course, I couldn’t leave without something sweet. I was gonna go for pie — that was my original plan — but then I spotted the PB cookies. And I’m putty in the hands of PB. So, I got one ‘to go’. «I’ll eat this for snack later» I told myself.
But, whoops. 2 minutes later and that badboy was gone. It was the PERFECT PB cookie. Soft, crumbly, peanut buttery, rich. I almost got another one ‘to go.‘
Even more, the place just feels super comfy cozy inside. A great spot to sit and read a book, or grab coffee and treats with a friend. Can’t wait to go back!

I was GENEROUS with 2 stars.
First of all let me start off with saying that the people who work here are very polite, knowledgable, and informative– They KNOW what they are selling and I totally respect that and appreciate that when going to a new place for the first time.
I ordered a chocolate malt milk shake. Thats it.
I PAID 8 BUCKS FOR A CHOCOLATE MALT MILSHAKE. The cup is the same size as a red to go cup. There was nothing spectacular about this milkshake. It tasted like a regular chocolate milk shake. What did I miss?! Maybe this place specializes in something that isn’t a milkshake… i have no idea. 8 bucks for a milkshake in a small cup is robbery.

I came here with the boy. We both ordered scones (blueberry and everything scones; they were both very delicious) and a root beer float with vanilla ice cream (ice cream was frozen like a rock and very icy).
Service was a bit slow considering we were maybe one of three couples in the store? Scones were already sitting in the display case.
Overall, I would come back for the scones.

This place has excellent latte and amazing pastries and snacks.
If needing coffee near this intersection I would go here

Spinning J is a modern, yet still vintage, take on the soda fountain. The first things I noticed were the vintage fixtures everywhere – the marble counter, the seating, the lights. The ice cream and soda menu is where modern takes over… along with Black Dog’s super premium gelato, you’ll find creative and eclectic soda creations and bakery items made on site.
All their soda syrups are made on site… and these are not just plain jain flavors. I opted for a watermelon hibiscus soda topped with vanilla gelato. Not only was it the prettiest shade of pink/​red effervescence but it was refreshing and delicious. My husband got the butterscotch soda with a scoop of butter pecan and it was creamy without being overly sweet. My son gobbled up his vanilla and dark chocolate scoops of gelato-he’s a huge fan already.
The pie menu looked delicious and the scones beckoned (particularly the bacon cheddar scone), but that I will save for another visit. A great addition to the Agusta/​California corridor.

Love this new addition… really fun place to go to get a dessert for a party or just to satisfy a sweet tooth. I have been here four times and have tried several things. I’ve tried three pies and a scone which I have been so happy with. The graham cracker crust is the best I have ever had! I also had a chocolate chip cookie…($ 2+ per cookie).which I thought was expensive but it was awesome so I don’t mind paying for something if it’s worth it. I was also pleased with their savory scone. the scone taste, texture, and density was proper.
The décor is amazing, very interesting… no cookie cutter atmosphere at this establishment.
I think this would be a good date place and also fun for kids.

Love, love, love this place and then some. ;) So excited that I have been able to experience this best kept secret in «Humboldt Park» before its all the rave, and there are massive lines out the door for their pastries/​pies, their overall décor & ambiance.
Today my husband & I stopped in for a birthday piece of pie and caffeine;). To my surprise I experienced what I have only experience in Pilsen as «time standing still», & loved it. Thank you & a massive to their amazing artisanal pies & pastries.
This times experience had us trying the «Key Lime Pie», OMG; where do I start? The crust was amazingly soft, velvety, moist & finger licking good;) the key limes were perfect, not overly tarty and neither overly sweet as well.
This experience took me back to a childhood memory of my great grandmother or grandmother in the kitchen serving us up homemade postre;)
The owner is as humble, impeccable and genuinely sweet as her pastries & pies. You are definitely able to taste the love that comes out of the kitchen between the two.
I truly hope that others do come from far and wide to experience what I personally consider to be the best simplistic and true dedication to a dying Art Form in the Pastry world. I would come as close to say I experience my first «Julia Child’s of pastries experience in my life». & the best desserts in the Chicago-​land area.;)

Top notch ingredients properly prepared in an old school quality manner. If you like pie you have to come here prepared to make a meal out of the pie selection! The definition of artisanal foodie approach. I had the blueberry & plum pie with a latte. Fantastic flavor without the heavy handed sugary excessiveness so often encountered elsewhere.
I recommend this place unequivocally!

Dinah makes the best pies! This woman has poured her heart and soul into her business. I’m honored to have witness her selling pie pops to now having a store front. She makes everything from scratch — we all know ingredients don’t lie. If you ever made a pie you know it’s a labor of love. When does she sleep??? She once made me a pie she was not 100% completely satisfied with. It was DELICIOUS! That tells you right there how much integrity she has in her work.
*Pie crust — Flaky! Buttery! Wonder if she can sell me the crumbs…
*Fruit — Right from the farmers market. I swear today’s blueberry pie had a whole pint of blueberries in ONE SLICE!
*Whipped Cream — yes, that’s real whip cream she made minutes ago!
All her pies are delicious and she is always right on with her flavors. Spinning J’s pie selection is ever changing so visit often! Sit at the booth and peek at Dinah cutting your pie.
Best advice I can give you. order 2 slices per person — yes, T W O! And then order some to take home…

I’m visiting from the west coast and I have to say this is the best pie I’ve had, maybe ever. It’s the cutest little spot and the service is great.
This key lime hibiscus pie is off the chain. I came back one last time before heading to the airport.
Strawberry soda is delicious!
I’ll definitely be a regular here.