(773) 489-1747
1747 N Damen Ave
Chicago,
IL
60647
41.9137
-87.6774
Neighborhoods: Wicker Park, West Side
Hours:
Monday To Sunday From 10:00 AM To 03:00 PM Tuesday To Wednesday From 05:30 PM To 10:00 PM Sunday From 05:30 PM To 10:00 PM Thursday From 05:30 PM To 11:00 PM Friday To Saturday From 05:30 PM To 12:00 AM
Price:
$
Last updated 8.16.11
Category:
Payment Methods:
American Express, Visa, MasterCard
Restaurant Special Features:
Local Favorite, Notable Chef, Hidden Find, People Watching, Lunch Spot, Group Dining
General Info:
Open 7 Days
Cuisine:
What People Are Saying About Hot Chocolate
Featured Review
Contributor
Contributor
You thought Segal's desserts were good. From tender morsels of mussels in a slurpable curry broth (waiter! more bread!) to sprightly spring beet salad, the kitchen at this perennial Bucktown hot spot turns out one delectable plate after another. You could easily make a meal of dessert, too: Faves include warm chocolate souffle tart with salted caramel ice cream and pretzels; warm brioche donuts with sinful chocolate dipping sauce; and light, lovely orange- and vanilla bean-infused creme brulee. The muted color scheme features fittingly chocolate walls, hardwood floors, sleek light fixtures and…
Editor's Tips
- The Extras:
- During the summer, the restaurant will run a lemonade stand out front.
- What to Drink:
- Choose from five different tempting hot cocoas, from creamy white chocolate to a "black & tan" with one-third hot fudge and two-thirds medium hot chocolate--all served with house-made marshmallows.
- Parking:
- Valet parking will be offered during the evenings only.
- What to Drink:
- Choose from five different tempting hot cocoas, from creamy white chocolate to a "black & tan" with one-third hot fudge and two-thirds medium hot chocolate, all served with house-made marshmallows.
- When to Go:
- You'll have an easier time getting a table on weeknights, but the time to see and be seen is during weekend brunch, when the pretty people of Bucktown flock here for Segal's warm cinnamon doughnuts with homemade raspberry preserves.
| ambiance | 75.0% positive |
|
|---|---|---|
| dessert | 80.0% positive |
|
| drinks | 100.0% positive |
|
| food quality | 68.17999839782715% positive |
|
| menu variety | 100.0% positive |
|
| overall | 100.0% positive |
|
| service | 85.71000099182129% positive |
|
| value | 50.0% positive |
|
| wait time | 0.0% positive |
|
Amazing Experience, More than just Desert
by NorthsideWicker at Citysearch
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 egg, bacon, and cheddar. Definitely a top 5 burger in Chicago for me. We followed up dinner with two hot chocolates and the pumpkin desert. Both of us agreed, it was the best desert experience we have ever had. Greg was our server and he did a fantastic job of walking us through the menu and answering questions. He really took a consultative approach which we appreciated. Our only regret was not having enough room left to order the mac and cheese. That will be the first thing we order next time.
Their menu is much more than deserts, and I would recommend this place to any of my friends and family!
So delicious! My favorite date place
by Caitlintw at Citysearch
Hot Chocolate is my favorite special date place in Chicago. My boyfriend and I have been several times, and it's always fantastic! The dinner entrees, are good, but not super amazing, but you really go there for the desserts. Their sandwiches are tasty and not too expensive too. But the desserts.... Get the hot chocolate. DO IT. I ordered the black and tan (dark chocolate fudge with hot milk chocolate) and I could barely finish it, it was so rich. But it was also amazing!
Great ambiance -- Food Liquored up...
by lovely626 at Citysearch
I went to this cafe specifically for dessert -- the ambiance, server and hostess was great -- The dessert selections were unique. I was greatly looking forward to trying dessert however my dietary restrictions kept me from being able to have any. If you have no dietary restrictions -- this cafe is great , however they are not able to modify the dishes if you do. All the desserts have alcohol , some are made with pork, and you must be lactose tolerant. Just be warned if you specific restrictions this is not the place for you and you will walk away hungry as I did, otherwise good pick.
- Pros: Beautiful ambiance, creative desserts
- Cons: No flexibility in accomodating customers with dietary restrictions
5 Star desserts but the burger is a beauty. You don't need the egg and order it medium rare to truly experience an exceptional burger. One of the best not only in Chicago but the USA.
by hpbecker at Citysearch
I went for the burgers. winner of a Time Out magazine contest. gave it a 93 because of the bun and a few minor items. Well it is now as close to a perfect burger as any in the USA. Don't order the egg on top unless you don't care about cholesterol. Medium Rare. So I went back for desserts...knock yourself out Then I had to try brunch on Sunday. Could barely get in. Crowded. Wife, daughter and I had 3 different items. The smoked fish plate -- at $14 it was a bargain. Smoked salmon and smoked fish. Wife had the brioche french toast. Daughter had steak and eggs. All excellent. Plus the plate of assorted pastries. Only negative comment was the $4 for coffee and another $4 for the refill. Coffee is easily 2 cups in its own container but a second $4 was just too much.
So go for burgers, brunch, and any desserts... try specials for lunch or dinner. Mindy Segal...a star on the rise. (james beard top pastry chef in USA nominated)
- Pros: Creative anything. Mindy has a unique twist on all food items. Just enjoy!
Worst brunch I've ever had
by northby_nw at Citysearch
The brunch at this place was absolutely terrible. I've never been served hash browns that weren't at least edible. The potatoes at this place were disgusting! And my brunch entree had NO flavor or substance - it was basically a fried egg on ciabatta. And the coffee is a ridiculous $4!! My friend ordered the "mixed greens with seasonall vegetables," and they gave her lettuce with some tomatoes and a cucumber. It would have barely passed as a side salad, but instead was a pathetic excuse for an entree. There was nothing good about this place. I've been there in the evening for dessert and cocktails, and those were mediocre and overpriced as well. The decor's nice, but can't begin to compensate for the bad food.
- Pros: Ambience
- Cons: Overpriced, bland, uninteresting food
The Details on Hot Chocolate
Place Categories:
- favorite special date place
- bad food
- outstanding cheese service
- not that good place
- equally disappointing desert
- not too expensive sandwiches
- absolutely fantastic server
- absolutely terrible brunch
- otherwise good pick
- mediocre fish
- good nothing
- mediocre s meals
- not order egg
- warm chocolate souflee
- tasty pretty
- nice decor
- unique dessert selections
- poor treatment
- very good dessert
- perfect burger
- great appetizers
- great cafe
- good chocolate
- good whipped drinks
- amazing puppies


