As every Chicagoan (and Game of Thrones fan) knows, winter is coming. It’s tough keeping warm when the wind blows off the lake, but the best hot chocolate in Chicago can make all the difference in the world.
From Mindy’s Hot Chocolate, BomboBar, to Bittersweet Pastry Sop, there are plenty of destinations in Chicago for the sweets lovers and coffee haters. Here are a few places serving up the best hot chocolate Chicago has to offer as we head into the colder months.
You’re welcome.
Mindy’s Hot Chocolate
1747 North Damen Avenue
It’s right there in the name, so there’s no ignoring the importance of this place in any hot chocolate roundup. Opened in 2005 by James Beard Award winner, Mindy Segal, Mindy’s Hot Chocolate has been serving up sweets for over a decade. Need a quick fix? Pop over to Revival Food Hall to check out HotChocolate Bakery for a special to-go menu that includes Mindy’s hot chocolate, hot or over ice.
Bittersweet Pastry Shop and Cafe
1114 West Belmont Avenue
If you’re looking for the hot chocolate in Chicago, we recommend visiting this European-style cafe! In addition to pastries, soups, and sandwiches, Bittersweet serves up some delicious hot chocolate. A blend of chocolate, cream, and spices, the cafe’s take on this warm and tasty drink isn’t too sweet. It does come topped with whipped cream though, so be ready to lick your lips clean.
Cocoa + Co.
1651 North Wells Street
If you want some of the best hot chocolate in Chicago, go to the chocolate experts! Cocoa + Co. imports chocolate from around the world and sells it in bars, pastries and their special bliss bites – a spoonful of chocolate you can customize with toppings like nuts, dried fruit, or pretzels. And of course, they serve up thick and delicious drinking chocolate as well. Choose from seven different flavors, including peppermint and pumpkin.
BomboBar
832 West Randolph Street
If you tell me you’re not drooling over this photo, I’ll tell you to quit lying and wipe your chin. BomboBar serves hot chocolate in Chicago that includes donuts hanging out of the cups. And biscotti. Bring back summer memories with a s’mores flavored drink, or add a pop of color to your day with some rainbow sprinkles. Can’t wait for the temperature to drop to get your hands on one of these? No worries. Head over today and try one frozen.
XOCO
449 North Clark Street
XOCO offers the best hot chocolate in Chicago that features a Mexican twist. This is the only bean-to-cup establishment in the city. XOCO roasts and grinds its own cacao beans imported from Tabasco to make their steamy chocolate drinks. Try one of their chile-infused specialty hot chocolates for an extra kick.
And there you have it: classic creamy chocolate, new-and-improved flavors, and not-too-sweet recipes from around the world, all right here in Chicago. When the winter winds begin to blow, you know where to go for the best hot chocolate in Chicago.
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