- Attraction: Underbrink’s Bakery
- Location: 1627 College Ave, Quincy, IL 62301
- Industry: Bakery
- Website: https://www.underbrinks.com/
What happens when a German immigrant’s 96-year-old family recipes meet modern-day cravings for authentic, scratch-made treats?
You get Underbrink’s Bakery, where bakers start arriving at 4:30 in the morning to continue a legacy that has made this humble College Avenue storefront the top bakery in Illinois according to Taste of Home magazine.
This isn’t just another neighborhood bakery – it’s a time capsule where Claude Underbrink’s original 1929 recipes still guide every batch of their legendary angel food cupcakes.
You can schedule tours of the quaint store, filled with original display cases, antique ovens, mixers, and gadgets from the 1930s, making this a genuine behind-the-scenes experience of a working German bakery that has remained virtually unchanged for nearly a century.
Signature Treats You Can’t Find Anywhere Else
Angel Food Cupcakes: These aren’t your ordinary cupcakes – they’re “huge” pillowy clouds of angel food cake covered in decadent buttercream that have become local legends for good reason.
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Keep Exploring →Everything is made fresh each morning and sold out that same day, so arriving early isn’t just recommended, it’s essential. You’ll understand why loyal customers have been making special trips here for decades when you sink your teeth into these impossibly light, perfectly sweet masterpieces.
Sweet Danish Pastries: The cheese danish has been described as a pillowy soft cloud of goodness and the best danish by multiple visitors. The cherry and cream cheese varieties are particularly beloved, with generous portions that make the reasonable pricing even more impressive.
These morning treats perfectly balance flaky pastry with rich, creamy fillings that taste like they came straight from a European bakery.
Radio Rolls: These sweet rolls are mentioned consistently as customer favorites, perfect for sharing at the office or enjoying as an afternoon snack.
The name itself hints at their old-fashioned charm, and you’ll find they live up to their reputation as comfort food at its finest.
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Discover MoreOrange Chiffon Cake: “To die for” according to multiple reviewers, this specialty cake showcases the bakery’s mastery beyond their famous angel food creations.
The light, airy texture combined with bright citrus flavor makes it a standout choice for special occasions.
Chicken Pot Pies: Available only on specific days, these “fabulous” savory options prove that Underbrink’s isn’t just about sweets.
You’ll want to call ahead to check availability, as these homestyle pot pies demonstrate the bakery’s versatility in creating comfort food classics.
Specialty Cheesecakes: The bakery rotates through impressive flavors including Reese’s, Snickers, Turtle, Raspberry, Caramel Apple Crisp, and Oreo varieties.
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Keep Exploring →These aren’t your typical diner cheesecakes – they’re rich, creative combinations that change regularly, giving you reasons to return throughout the year.
Atmosphere & Historic Charm
Vintage Display Cases: Original display cases, antique ovens, mixers, and gadgets from the 1930s create an authentic museum-like experience while you shop.
“The bakery is old fashioned with lots of antique cookie jars” that transport you back to an era when neighborhood bakeries were community gathering places.
Aromatic Welcome: “Just the smell of Underbrinks is enough reason to return,” visitors consistently note.
The moment you step inside, you’re enveloped by the warm, sweet aromas of fresh-baked goods that have been wafting from this location for nearly a century.
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Discover MoreNo-Seating Setup: This is a carry-out bakery with no seating, which keeps the focus on the authentic bakery experience rather than trying to be a café. This old-school approach means you’re getting the real deal – a working bakery where the priority is crafting exceptional baked goods.
Working Bakery Tours: Unlike many commercial operations, you can witness the actual baking process during weekday tours, watching skilled bakers continue traditions that have been passed down through generations.
Other Considerations
Pricing Philosophy: “Not the cheapest, but always great tasting,” perfectly summarizes the value proposition. “Reasonable prices considering how big the rolls are” means you’re getting substantial portions of artisan-quality baked goods. The pricing reflects the hand-crafted, made-from-scratch approach that you simply can’t find at chain bakeries.
Early Bird Advantage: Get there early so you won’t miss out, as they’re very busy during holidays and popular items sell out quickly.
The bakery operates on the old-fashioned principle of making everything fresh daily until it’s gone.
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Keep Exploring →Custom Orders: They accept custom orders and are particularly known for “exceptional wedding cakes and heavy cream frosting.”
For decorated items, you’ll email your order directly to their specialized department.
Shipping Options: They ship iced angel food cupcakes and other select items via USPS, so even if you can’t visit in person, you can still experience their famous treats. Local delivery is available for orders over $20 with a modest fee.
Operating Schedule: Open Tuesday through Saturday, this isn’t a seven-day operation, which speaks to their commitment to quality over convenience.
The limited schedule ensures every day they’re open, everything is fresh and made with care.
Gluten-Friendly Options: Surprisingly progressive for such a traditional bakery, they offer gluten-friendly versions of their famous angel food cupcakes, ensuring more people can enjoy their signature treats.
Underbrink’s Bakery
📍 1627 College Ave, Quincy, IL 62301
