West Town Is Getting a Taste of Paris: Guillotine Bakery Brings Authentic French Pastries to Chicago Avenue

By Socialhood News · Il/Chicago/West Town · May 26, 2026

West Town's already-thriving Chicago Avenue dining corridor is about to get a whole lot more buttery. Guillotine Bakery, a brand-new French bakery from the team of Vincent Didry, Alizé Bikard, and head baker Vince Le Bec, is set to open its doors at 1711 W. Chicago Avenue this spring — and early buzz suggests it's going to be one of the neighborhood's most exciting new arrivals of the year.

The concept is a love letter to the French "art de vivre" — the art of living — brought to life through a curated lineup of gourmet breads, laminated pastries, coffees, and sandwiches. True to form, the team is importing high-quality French flour and butter to make sure every croissant, baguette, and pain au chocolat is the real deal. Situated just down the block from the incoming pintxos bar Gilda at 1450 W. Chicago Ave., Guillotine's arrival further cements Chicago Avenue as one of Chicago's most compelling restaurant rows — a stretch where independent, chef-driven concepts are genuinely thriving.

For West Town neighbors who've been watching this corridor blossom one ambitious opening at a time, Guillotine feels like a natural and delicious next chapter. Keep an eye on Guillotine Bakery's social channels for an official opening date announcement — and start clearing space in your Saturday morning routine for a proper French breakfast, neighborhood-style.

Sources:
1. https://www.modernluxury.com/most-anticipated-chicago-restaurant-openings/
2. https://www.wttw.com/playlist/2026/03/19/upcoming-restaurants-spring-2026