Good Ambler Second Bakery Location Now Open Downtown

Good Ambler has now opened its second location at ‘The Pass’ at Two North Riverside Plaza. The new location from 16” on Center aims to become a neighborhood spot for commuters, office traffic, and nearby residential buildings by offering easily accessible items, full service catering, grab-and-go bites, and a fresh new lunch menu. 

Executive Pastry Chef Meg Galus, a DeKalb native, leads the new location, bringing a distinct Midwestern sensibility to her French-trained techniques. She is a three-time James Beard Awards finalist for “Outstanding Pastry Chef”, Jean Banchet’s “Pastry Chef of the Year” in 2017, and she was inducted into the Chicago Culinary Museum Chefs Hall of Fame in 2021. Chef Galus has led the pastry programs for some of Chicago's restaurants, including TRU and BOKA, as well as led openings for Somerset, Momotaro, Swift and Sons, and the Park Hyatt Chicago (NoMI).

Her philosophy is rooted in familiarity, creating seasonal items with approachable flavor combinations. Guests are able to enjoy Good Ambler classics baked onsite daily. Everything at the bakery are made from scratch behind a glass wall, fully visible to customers, showcasing the bakery’s work.

“We think it’s important that we show our guests that everything in our bakery is made directly on-site and from scratch,” said Chef Galus. “We’re very excited to bring that level of authenticity to the weekday crowds in The Loop.”

The menu at Good Ambler’s Loop location includes new specials like their Commuter Combo, featuring the choice of coffee and a pastry together in a convenient carrier. Visitors can grab morning staples like signature double chocolate croissants, Kouign-amann, banana bread, and blueberry muffins. Seasonal specials include a Rhubarb Toasted Coconut Cruffin, Asparagus Ricotta Twist, and an Herb & Gouda Scone. Diners can also find Good Ambler’s signature handcrafted chocolates, curated collections of artisanal bonbons, and confections.

Midday offerings addresses The Loop’s demand for fresh lunch options, including soups, salads, croissant sandwiches, and housemade focaccia. Featured beverage options include drip coffee and cold brew from Hexe, iced and hot teas from Rare Tea Cellars, and chai from Freeman House Chai.

The full menu is be available for mobile order-ahead and quick pick up upon opening day. The bakery also provides small celebration cakes, cookies, afternoon sweets, office catering and more. 

Formerly the Chicago Daily News building, Riverside Plaza is one of Chicago’s oldest expressions of Art Deco architecture. “Our goal is to create neighborhood concepts in cool, historic spaces, and that’s certainly what we’re doing with the new location of Good Ambler,” said 16” on Center Managing Partner Bruce Finkelman. “We want to make our guests feel like they’re part of a community, giving them a taste of some of the best chefs in Chicago.”

Good Ambler is now open at The Pass at 2 N Riverside Plaza, Chicago, IL 60606. Hours are Monday through Friday, 6 a.m. to 3 p.m.