5 tips on how to snag Del Sur Bakery pastries
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Clockwise from top: Bibingka filled with guava and cream cheese, seasonal corn hand pie and longanisa croissant from Del Sur Bakery. Photo: Monica Eng/Axios
Justin Lerias opened Del Sur Bakery in March to great acclaim and demand, but the long lines and his one-pastry-per-type rule (to address hoarding) have spurred online haters who've even accused Lerias of orchestrating the hype.
Driving the news: Last week, I interviewed the 24-year-old chef at our Hideout show to learn more about his culinary inspirations and how he's handling sometimes two-hour waits at his Lincoln Square bake shop.
- The young baker says he doesn't think people should be waiting two hours for a pastry, but it doesn't excuse disrespectful behavior toward his staff.
The latest: Del Sur is expanding to the space next door with tables and seating as soon as the city permits come through, Lerias tells Axios.
The pastries: Lerias and his team create artisanal Filipino-Midwest treats that are intentionally unique to avoid stealing customers from nearby traditional bakeries.
- His faves include the sweet and salty longanisa sausage croissant ($10) drizzled with soy sauce caramel and the turon danish ($8) with sweet plantain and flan.
Here are five tips from Lerias for a successful visit:
🌅 Visit Thursday or Friday mornings (starting at 8) when the wait is 20 minutes or less.
🚴🏽♀️ Walk, bike or take public transportation if possible. The bakery sits under the Damen Brown Line stop and the area is blanketed with permit parking.
🥐 Study the online menu to make ordering easier.
🌺 Enjoy your wait in line by taking in the flower arrangements (by Lerias) and the Filipino cookbooks laid out on the table.
👦🏻 Ask staff for recommendations: "They're so good at answering questions and building you a box based on your preferences," Lerias says.
⏱️ My visit: I arrived at 10am Thursday to find about 15 people in line and had my pastries 20 minutes later.
- The rice flour bibinka with guava and cream cheese, longanisa croissant and fresh corn hand pie knocked my socks off.
- I stupidly drove and parked in a 15-minute spot, but luckily, some nice ladies let me cut when I explained my time was up.