Description:
Mindy Segal's desserts got raves when she worked at the restaurant mk, so when she opened her own place in early 2005 -- with a dessert theme, no less -- there were lines almost immediately. Although Segal knows her way around high-end kitchens, she's designed Hot Chocolate to be more of a casual neighborhood spot, although the chocolatey brown color scheme makes it look more sophisticated than your standard corner bakery. It's the kind of place you can stop in for a brioche and coffee in the morning, a Kobe beef steak sandwich at lunch, or a plate of glazed pork tenderloin in the evening; there's also a wide selection of specialty ales and lagers -- as well as a full wine list -- aimed at late-night diners. However, desserts are the main event here; many use seasonal fruit (apple-cider potpie, or the banana napoleon, with layers of caramelized bananas, banana coffee cake, graham crackers, and a topping of banana ice cream), but chocoholics can get their fill, too, with dishes such as the rich chocolate soufflé with caramel ice cream. Or you can finish up with a flight of mini hot chocolates served with homemade marshmallows. My only complaint is that Hot Chocolate has been a little too successful; come on a weekday (for a late lunch or early dinner) to avoid a wait.
- © Frommer's 2012
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User Reviews for Hot Chocolate
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Tasty and Inventive Desserts
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Hot Chocolate does some serious business so you may have to wait a while even late at night but it's worth it. We went for dessert after dinner nearby, this has become my go-to...
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TripAdvisor
- posted on 05.02.12
- by GaryMcg
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Great brunch but very noisy
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Freshmade food, awesome drinks,nice ambience. NOisy to the point of not hearing the people ypu are with
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TripAdvisor
- posted on 04.21.12
- by ReeveC
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Had to try this place since seeing it on the Cooking Channel.
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I saw this place featured on the Cooking Channel, "Unique Sweets". I came on a Tuesday evening about 6:00pm and sat at the bar. I was promptly greeted by the bartender....
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TripAdvisor
- posted on 04.14.12
- by ltl_leah
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Amazing Experience, More than just Desert
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Last Friday I took my girlfriend to Hot Chocolate for her birthday and she had an amazing time. We started with the pretzels and a couple specialty cocktails. I ordered the burger with...
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- posted on 10.12.11
- by by NorthsideWicker at Citysearch
Awards:
- Details
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Contact:
- visit website
- tel: 773/489-1747
- fax: +1 773 489 1777
- send email
Address:
- 1747 N. Damen Ave
- At Willow St
- Chicago, IL 60622
Neighborhood:
Wicker Park/BucktownPayments:
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Hours:
- Tues-Fri 11am-3pm; Tues-Wed 5:30-10pm; Thurs 5:30-11pm; Fri 5:30pm-midnight; Sat 10am-2pm and 5:30-midnight; Sun 10am-2pm and 5:30-10pm
- User Rating
