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Best Chocolate In Chicago

Many people do not consider Chicago when they think of chocolate - we have made more headlines in other culinary categories. Chicago has a diverse and delicious chocolate scene ranging from award winning chefs to iconic boxed candies. If you don't believe me, please visit a few of these places to enjoy amazing chocolate in all different forms. - Jeff Rapp

Alinea

1723 N Halsted St
Chicago, IL 60614
(312) 867-0110
www.alinearestaurant.com

The grand-finale at America's best restaurant is a chocolate masterpiece. Chef Achatz personal comes to your table to create a final course with freeze dried chocolate bricks, menthol, coconut and chocolate gelatin. His methods are a mystery, but it is hard to find a more creative and beautiful use of food and flavor.

Black Dog Gelato

859 N Damen Ave
Chicago, IL 60622
(773) 235-3116
www.blackdogchicago.com

Gelato is the hot topic in Chicago these days and the store creating the most buzz is Black Dog. This corner storefront is a cash-only destination that regularly enjoys lines around the block. The flavor combinations are interesting and unique, but the Mexican Hot Chocolate is a must.

Canady Le Chocolatier Ltd.

824 S Wabash Ave
Chicago, IL 60605
(312) 212-1270
www.canadylechocolatierchicago.com

Canady is downtown Chicago's high end Chocolatier located a block off of Michigan Ave. Stop in for a box of chocolates or gelato and witness "where chocolate making is an art form."

Geja's Café

340 W Armitage Ave
Chicago, IL 60614
(773) 281-9101
www.gejascafe.com

Geja's is the neighborhood fondue specialty spot since 1965. The private tables with personal curtains has earned Geja multiple "most romantic" awards. Most people agree that dipping fruit and marshmallows into melted chocolate is the best way to end a meal.

Ghirardelli Ice Cream and Chocolate Shop

830 North Michigan Avenue
Chicago, IL 60611
(312) 337-9330
www.ghirardelli.com

What better way to end a long day of shopping on Michigan Ave than to pull a stool up to the counter at a Ghirardelli Ice Cream and Chocolate Shop? Enjoy your treats - there are only three such shops in the country outside of California and Las Vegas.

Mindy's Hot Chocolate

1747 N Damen Ave
Chicago, IL 60647
(773) 489-1747
www.hotchocolatechicago.com

Mindy Segal is an award-winning pastry chef that cooks more than just desserts. However, with chocolate in the name of her restaurant, there are plenty of reasons why people come here for only one course.

The Lobby at the Penninsula Hotel

108 E. Superior
Chicago, IL 60611
(312) 573-6760
www.peninsula.com/Chicago/en/Dining/default.aspx#/Chicago/en/Dining/The_Lobby/

On Friday and Saturday nights from 8pm-midnight, The Lobby offers live jazz and their famous chocolate buffet for $38 per person. Sounds like a good way to end a night out on the town.

Macy's

111 N State St
Chicago, IL 60602
(312) 781-1000
www.macys.com

Department stores are not usually the first place to look for gourmet chocolate, but that is different Chicago. No visit to Chicago is complete without a box of Marshall Field's original Frango Mints - they also double as a great gift.

Sweet Mandy B's

1208 W Webster Ave
Chicago, IL 60614
(773) 244-1174
No website

This old-fashioned local bakery is the best choice for gourmet treats in a cute setting. They make everything in-house, including cupcakes, brownies, mud pies and cookies. The recent ice cream parlor addition serves delicious frozen treats.

Vosges Haut-Chocolat

951 W. Armitage
Chicago, IL 60614
(773) 296-9866

520 N. Michigan Avenue
Chicago, IL 60611
(312) 644-9450
www.vosgeschocolate.com

Vosges is where most people I know go for great and unique chocolate gifts. The staple is their chocolate bacon bars and bacon truffles. Their moto: One Love, One Chocolate.

Jeff Rapp is a Chicago native currently living in the Lakeview neighborhood. When he is not eating and writing, Jeff enjoys skiing, mountain climbing and running. Follow Jeff on Twitter and you can find his blog at jjrappeats.blogspot.com.
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