As chilly temperatures return to Chicago, now is the perfect time to warm up with a cup of hot chocolate!
There are so many decadent options in the Windy City, offering innovative flavored choices, spicy options, and tried and true favorites. Enjoying a tantalizing cup of hot chocolate is a surefire way to beat those winter blues.
Whether you want to grab a marshmallow-jammed cup or an adventurous flavor, you can’t go wrong at any of these top spots. Keep reading for a list of the best hot chocolate in Chicago!
1. Petterino’s
After a trip to the Christkindlmarket or the Maggie Daley Ice Rink, there’s no better place to warm up with some hot chocolate than Petterino’s!
The charming Italian American restaurant has been a favorite of downtown diners for two decades, and this winter Petterino’s is serving up some delectable holiday treats to accompany your family holiday outing.
Stop by for a delicious cup of hot cocoa, available in four different flavors including vanilla caramel, peppermint, and gingerbread. Adults can add a boozy spike for an extra kick!
Guests can pair their cocoa with some Christmas cookies or one of Petterino’s signature pastries.
2. Ancient Grounds
Ancient Grounds is the perfect place to stop for a warm and comforting drink this winter while exploring Lakeview.
The locally-owned shop was built by founders Jim, Paul, and Josh, who wanted to create a community through good coffee, food, and friends. When you walk in, you’ll be delighted by the inviting aroma of coffee grounds—with your tastebuds beaming after sipping their smooth and creamy coffee. Even better, their hot chocolate is one to remember.
Address: 1022 W Belmont Ave.
3. Bombo Bar
Bombo Bar in Fulton Market is probably best known for their gelato and ice cream creations, the trendy dessert shop makes some of the best hot chocolate in Chicago too.
Their S’mores Hot Chocolate features a decadent cocoa blend topped with marshmallow fluff, chocolate drizzle, and graham cracker biscotti. Whether you go for the S’mores or opt for a classic hot chocolate, odds are you’ll leave satisfied!
Grab a donut as well for the optimal sugar rush—and grab a pup cup for the pets in your life! We suggest the pawsible sundae or the woof-cream!
Address: 832 W. Randolph St.
4. XO Marshmallow
The Lincoln Park location is practically made for Instagram Stories, but the hot chocolate is what you’ll keep in mind once you leave. Thought to be the original marshmallow cafe, try any number of innovative marshmallow flavors in a cup of decadent, Instagram-worthy hot chocolates in town. We recommend the pistachio marshmallow or a s’mores hot chocolate.
Address: 6977 N Sheridan Rd, Chicago, IL 60626
5. Chocolat Uzma
Grab a hot chocolate bomb at this incredible spot in Pilsen. Brimming with South Asian-inspired desserts, you’ll have to try the hot sipping chocolates between bites of scrumptious chocolates!
From a dark Belgian mix to a bittersweet option sourced from Mexico to limited edition seasonal flavors, this lesser-known shop should very well become a go-to spot for the best hot chocolate in Chicago.
Address: 1900 S. Halsted St., Chicago, IL 60608
6. Katherine Anne Confections
This one is perfect for the adventurous pallet! Katherine Anne Confections has a dedicated following for a reason– offering a wide range of flavors; each mi is made from real chocolate. With options like salted caramel, peanut butter, chai, or cinnamon! Big ups on the homemade marshmallows as well. Gab a box of chocolates to go along with the incredible drink!
Address: 2745 W Armitage Ave.
7. Cocoa + Co.
If you want to go fancy, go to Cocoa + Co! The Old Town spot is known for its decadent flavors (like pumpkin!). Here, it’s called drinking chocolate. You’ll want to grab a cookie or 12 as the bakery serves up unbelievable cookies and pastries.
Address: 1651 N Wells St, Chicago, IL 60614
8. Xurro
If you’re a fan of Mexican restaurants, then this spot’s hot chocolate will delight you!
With everything from peppermint to white chocolate, pumpkin spice, spicy Mexican chocolate, and a Mayan mocha, Xurro tops each drink with a decadent churro! They also sell their famous Abuelita Hot Chocolate by the gallon, so you can enjoy it long after leaving the store.
Find the closest Xurro location to you here.
9. Caravanserai
If you’re a fan of Dark Matter Coffee, try this offshoot cafe specializing in Mexican drinking chocolate! Find everything from sweet to spicy options using chocolate from partners La Rifa Chocolatería, their Mexico City-based partners.
Address: 2901 W Belmont Ave, Chicago, IL 60618
10. Mindy’s Bakery
Mindy Segal has been on the restaurant scene in Chicago for almost two decades, and you might have heard or probably gone to her first restaurant, Hot Chocolate, which was a beloved neighborhood staple.
However, the restaurant closed in 2020, morphing into a weekend bakery pop-up that would eventually become Mindy’s Bakery in the summer of 2022. Enjoy delicious hot chocolate blends (medium, dark, or Mexican) and inventive flavors like Earl Grey lavender.
Topped with giant marshmallows, the bakery has become known for bagels and pastries, but we must say, the hot chocolate is up there in our ranking.
Address: 1747 N Damen Ave.
11. Little Goat Diner
Stephanie Izard’s Little Goat Diner in the Southport Corridor has the perfect recipe for hot chocolate! This version features dark chocolate, topped with a fluffy, gooey, housemade toasted marshmallow–and is simply delicious.
Address: 3325 N Southport Ave, Chicago, IL 60657
12. The Graceful Ordinary
The Graceful Ordinary is elevating your childhood hot chocolate dreams with its new boozy Hot Chocolate Flights! Starting December 1st, guests can cozy up with four decadent and rich cocoa options, each with a delightful twist of liquor. For $48 per flight, you can sample the boozy versions of Peppermint, Hazelnut, Bourbon Caramel, and Mexican Hot Chocolate.
If you prefer a non-alcoholic option, you can enjoy a flight for $32, featuring classic flavors—Peppermint, Spiced, Salted Caramel, and Classic Hot Chocolate. These flavorful flights will be available through the end of January.
Address: 3 E Main St, St. Charles, IL 60174
13. Pizzeria Portofino
Experience the ultimate cozy treat with Pizzeria Portofino’s new Signature Hot Chocolate Tableside Service for two! Enjoy rich, velvety hot chocolate poured right at your table, accompanied by a tray of delightful toppings, including housemade marshmallows, spiced gingerbread cookies, classic candy canes, crushed peppermint, and dehydrated orange slices. —Tori Levy
Address: 317 N Clark St, Chicago, IL 60654
14. Château Carbide
Château Carbide at the Pendry Chicago added Chocolate Chaud for two to their winter menu; the creamy and elegant hot chocolate is the perfect winter date night order, complete with seasonal accouterments. —Tori Levy
Address: 230 N Michigan Ave, Chicago, IL 60601