The past two months in Chicago had been a blur. I quickly learned to navigate the neighborhoods without a GPS and discovered hidden gems along the way. Most importantly, I’ve been busy stuffing my face with some of the best food in Chitown. Besides trying out different cuisines from around the world, I’ve also been preoccupied with searching for the best dessert aka another excuse to eat MORE. Chicago is packed with some of the best and unique dessert places in the country. My sweet tooth kicked in to some major gear.
Hot Chocolate from Mindy’s Hot Chocolate
The most popular and expensive hot chocolate in the country belongs to James Beard awardee pastry chef Mindy Segal’s Hot Chocolate in Bucktown. It is so rich and decadent that it’s pretty much a dessert and not just a drink. For $10, the Old-Fashioned is a milk chocolate with a touch of dark and a hint of caramel topped with a whipped chocolate ganache. It was definitely sweet. So sweet my sweet tooth couldn’t handle it. Mindy’s Hot Chocolate offers more than just hot chocolates and desserts, it is also a hot brunch spot. I had to book a reservation two weeks in advance just to eat brunch on a Saturday. Something I highly recommend.
Mindy’s Hot Chocolate
1747 Damen Avenue, Chicago
773-489-1747
Macaron Ice Cream Sandwich from Snow Dragon Shavery
I was having dinner at a Korean barbecue restaurant when I found out about Snow Dragon Shavery. I had asked our server for a good dessert place recommendation and he named this joint. So really, he caused my new obsession and weight gain. But this unique treat is something I’ve never had before and the variety of ice cream flavors they offer are immense. Snow Dragon Shavery sells tasty shaved ice cream, french macarons, milk shake, mochi ice cream and of course, my favorite – macaron ice cream sandwich. The best part of it all is that they serve “exotic” ice cream flavors. I figured I’ll let you discover them yourself!
Snow Dragon Shavery
2618 N. Clark St., Chicago
773-281-9866
Churros from XOCO
I’ve been craving for churros ever since I got back from Spain last October. Although no churro will ever be as authentic and as great as the ones I had in Spain, XOCO does have some good ones to satisfy my cravings. It is after all a Rick Bayless bistro. From regular churros with chocolate shot to glazed hazelnut and pistachio. I’m usually a purist when it comes to some traditional food or snacks and would normally go for the plain churro with hot chocolate but I really liked the pistachio glazed churros more than anything. Churros with chocolate shot are 3 for $5 while the glazed ones go for $3 each.
XOCO
471 North Milwaukee Avenue
Chicago
(872) 829-3821
If you are ever in Chicago and are looking to satisfy your sweet tooth, you can at least start with these three. If you need any recommendations, feel free to send me a message or if you have some good inside knowledge of awesome dessert joints for me to try, let me know!
My sweet tooth is not done yet. I just started.
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Jen is a Chicago-based traveler and creative. She is a full-time development & communications executive specializing in non-profit organizations. Originally from the East Coast, she created The Jetsetter as a place to share her travel stories and photos with friends and family. Now, it is a place for adventurers and dreamers. Its purpose is to inspire and encourage busy professionals to see the world and achieve a better work-life balance.