This Historic Illinois Bakery Has Been Perfecting Recipes Since 1929
There’s something truly special about discovering a place where tradition meets freshness with every new day.
At Underbrink’s Bakery in Quincy, Illinois, it’s not just the smell of freshly baked goods that pulls you in, it’s the welcoming embrace of a long-held legacy. Just follow the irresistible aroma, and you’ll find your way there without needing directions.
The angel food cake is what locals rave about, but the magic of this bakery goes far beyond that one legendary recipe. As you step inside, time seems to slow down, with each bite of cake or pastry carrying the warmth of decades of craftsmanship.
Exact Location And Easy Parking
You will find Underbrink’s Bakery at 1627 College Ave, Quincy, IL 62301, tucked into a quiet residential block that feels calm even on busy mornings. The storefront is modest and welcoming, with a small sign and big windows that show off trays of pastries and cakes.
Street parking is available in the neighborhood, and most times you can find a spot right in front or on a nearby side street. The location adds to the easygoing rhythm of the bakery, making it a smooth stop on your way to a treat.
Arriving early helps, not because parking disappears, but because the best sellers tend to go quickly. The neighborhood location adds an easygoing rhythm to the visit, making quick pop-ins feel effortless.
If you are using GPS, the bakery appears clearly, and the approach is simple along College Ave with minimal turns.
There is no sprawling lot or complicated entry, just a classic door and a line that moves briskly. Families pop in with strollers, office runners grab boxes, and long-time regulars chat with the team.
It is a destination that still feels like a neighborhood stop, which is part of its charm.
A Heritage Of Baking Since 1929
Underbrink’s has deep Quincy roots, with recipes and techniques that trace back to 1929. The longevity shows up in the precision of the crumb, the restraint in the sweetness, and the confidence of a shop that knows its audience.
While specific ownership details over the decades are not broadly publicized, the continuity lives in the products and the loyal customer base.
The bakery’s reputation for angel food cakes did not happen overnight. Generations have marked birthdays, graduations, and family gatherings with those light slices and delicate frosting swirls.
That kind of legacy is not flashy, but it is rock solid, and you can taste it.
Walking inside feels like stepping into a living archive, but without any museum stiffness. Staff still greet you by order type and smile, and returning customers recount memories of childhood cupcakes and holiday trays.
The story here is continuity and craft, with a focus on getting the fundamentals right every single day.
Ambiance That Feels Like A Warm Welcome
Inside, the space is bright, tidy, and wonderfully practical, the kind of bakery where every display case has a purpose. You see cupcakes lined like little crowns, cookies stacked with care, and coffee cakes ready to go home warm.
It smells like vanilla, butter, and just enough sugar to make you smile before the first bite.
The vibe is friendly and easygoing, with a counter service flow that keeps things moving even when the line reaches the door. Staff make quick, clear suggestions if you hesitate, and regulars often trade playful recommendations.
It is the sort of place where a half dozen turns into a box because everything looks good.
There is no pretense, just a clean, comfortable setting that takes you straight to the treats. Standing there, you feel the rhythm of a long running bakery doing what it does best.
The ambiance blends hometown charm with the efficiency of people who love this routine.
Menu Highlights You Should Not Miss
The headliner is the angel food cake, available by the slice, whole cake, or as beloved cupcakes with icing that melts just so. Brownies have a rich chew and deep cocoa flavor, landing squarely between fudgy and cakey.
Custard danishes are buttery and soft, with a balanced vanilla custard that is not overly sweet.
Underbrink’s big radio roll coffee cake is a local legend, marked by generous layers and a comforting, breakfast friendly sweetness. Cookies range from classic iced options to seasonal designs that taste as good as they look.
If you enjoy lighter textures, the cupcakes and angel food slices deliver cloud like bites with a clean finish.
Special order cakes bring hand drawn designs and custom messages, from birthdays to anniversaries. Portions are satisfying, not oversized, which encourages tasting a few different items.
That balance of variety and consistency keeps locals coming back and newcomers building new routines.
The Signature Angel Food Cake Experience
Angel food is the soul of Underbrink’s, and the cupcake version makes sampling delightfully simple. The crumb springs back gently, tasting of vanilla and a hint of almond while staying impossibly light.
Icing is smooth, sweet, and tidy, the sort that adds flavor without burying the cake’s delicate structure.
Whole cakes are decorated cleanly, with personal touches for birthdays and gatherings. You can ask for color themes and simple messages, and staff will guide you on sizes that fit your guest list.
The result feels special but never fussy, like a classic perfected across countless celebrations.
Portions are moderate, leaving room to enjoy another treat or second slice. The texture is the star, airy yet satisfying, and it leaves your palate refreshed rather than heavy.
If you are unsure where to start, this is the item people travel for, and it delivers every time.
Service That Remembers Regulars
Service at Underbrink’s is brisk, kind, and incredibly consistent. Even when a line forms, the staff move with cheerful efficiency, answering questions and packing boxes carefully.
Regulars get warm greetings and sometimes a quick check in if someone has missed a usual day.
That attention makes a difference for newcomers, too. If you say it is your first visit, you will likely get thoughtful recommendations and clear guidance on portion sizes and storage tips.
They handle custom cake pickups with a reassuring steadiness that reduces event day jitters.
Orders feel personal even when they are simple, which is why a box of cookies somehow becomes a small occasion. Every interaction feels respectful and upbeat.
By the time you step outside with your pastry box, you will understand why so many five star reviews mention the people behind the counter.
Value And Pricing
Underbrink’s sits comfortably in the mid range for a specialty bakery, offering portions that feel fair for the craftsmanship you taste. Cupcakes, cookies, brownies, and coffee cakes deliver satisfying size without runaway prices.
Whole custom cakes reflect the design work and reliable execution you are paying for.
It is the kind of place where you can treat a team at the office or pick up a celebratory cake without sticker shock. The value becomes obvious when you see the careful packaging, consistent textures, and freshness that carries through the day.
Nothing here feels mass produced, and that quality shows up in every bite.
For best value, plan a mixed box and sample across the menu. A couple of angel food cupcakes, a brownie, and a slice of coffee cake make a shareable spread.
You get variety, classic flavors, and a comfortable total that fits weekday treats or weekend gatherings.
Hours And Best Times To Visit
The bakery opens at 7 AM on Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday, closing at 2:30 PM on those weekdays. Saturday hours are 7 AM to 12 PM, perfect for a morning pastry run before plans.
Sunday and Monday are closed, so plan accordingly if you have events early in the week.
Arriving near opening gets you the fullest selection and the warmest coffee cakes. Late morning can be lively, yet lines move quickly because the team keeps things organized.
If you are customizing a cake, place your order ahead and confirm pickup times that suit your schedule.
Holiday seasons and local events can increase foot traffic, which makes pre ordering especially helpful. When in doubt, call the shop at +1 217 222 1831 or check the website for updates.
A little planning ensures you get the treats you want without missing favorites.
Custom Cakes And Hand Drawn Designs
One of the distinctive joys here is the hand drawn cake art that feels personal rather than trendy. Designs range from classic florals to playful themes, guided by your colors, message, and event size.
The decorating team communicates clearly on timelines, flavors, and practical details like transport and storage.
Customers rave about clean lines, balanced frosting, and cakes that taste as good as they look. You can bring inspiration photos, but their style shines when you describe the mood and let them sketch it in icing.
The result is a cake that looks thoughtful and slices beautifully.
For birthdays, anniversaries, and showers, they deliver consistency worth the drive. Lead times can vary with the season, so early inquiries are smart.
When you finally set that cake on a table, the room tends to go quiet for a moment, followed by appreciative smiles and second slices.
Neighborhood Tradition And Community Love
Underbrink’s is woven into Quincy life, from holiday trays at office parties to angel food cupcakes that show up on birthdays year after year. Reviews keep circling back to the same themes: friendly staff, dependable flavors, and a sense of celebration in every box.
That genuine warmth is why people drive in from out of town and make it a tradition.
The bakery feels like a neighborhood anchor where grandparents, parents, and kids agree on favorites. You see it in the way custom cakes reflect family stories and little touches like favorite colors.
Even first timers get swept into that community feeling without any fuss.
Walking out with a white box is almost a local handshake. It says you know where to find the good stuff and you are happy to share.
That loyalty forms the backbone of a small business that has thrived across decades.
Smart Tips For First Timers
Go early if you can, especially on Saturdays, for the widest selection and still warm coffee cake. Start with an angel food cupcake to understand why the bakery is beloved, then add a brownie or custard danish for contrast.
If you are ordering a cake, bring your date, guest count, and color idea to streamline the conversation.
Keep storage simple: cupcakes hold nicely the same day, and coffee cake tastes great at room temperature. For transport, set boxes flat and avoid leaving them in a hot car, which can soften icing.
When picking up custom designs, allow a few extra minutes for final checks and secure placement in your vehicle.
Finally, leave room for a spontaneous cookie. The seasonal designs are cheerful, and the flavors are classic in the best way.
After one visit, it is easy to see why Underbrink’s is a habit you will want to keep.