When it comes to world-class confections, Chicago holds a special place in the chocolate world. We felt compelled to share a curated look at everything Chicago and chocolate that we love from our favorite local hidden gems to fascinating history facts and must-try cocoa treats. If you are looking to taste the absolute best sweets the city has to offer, checking out local Chicago chocolate tours is the ultimate way to satisfy your sweet tooth.
When locals think of chocolate and the city of Chicago, this is 100% the first thing that comes to mind—not just eating chocolate, but smelling it. For nearly a century, if you ever stepped foot into the West Loop or River North, you likely experienced the almost magical smell of rich, baking chocolate in the air. That legendary aroma emanated from the historic Blommer Chocolate Co. factory. While the historic factory doors recently closed, the legacy of Chicago's chocolate scent remains an unforgettable part of the neighborhood’s identity.
Interested in exploring more of the West Loop and River North? Then check out our Iconic Foods of Chicago Tour and our Gateway to the West Loop Food Tour.
There's some world-class chocolate in Chicago that we just can’t pass on, which is why we have worked these legendary local shops into our curated neighborhood routes. Below, we break down three incredible spots that perfectly satisfy our chocolate cravings. If you are researching the best Chicago chocolate tours, we recommend experiencing these iconic neighborhoods firsthand!
Get there: 1623 N Milwaukee Ave, Chicago, IL 60647
For years, Mindy Segal’s iconic "Hot Chocolate" restaurant was a neighborhood staple. Today, she has channeled that same pastry genius into Mindy’s Bakery in Wicker Park. While the format has changed, her legendary status as a James Beard Award-winning pastry chef has not. You can still count on grabbing her world-class, rich hot chocolate blends to take home, along with an ever-changing menu of artisanal chocolate croissants, decadent brownies, and seasonal chocolate pastries. It is a mandatory stop for any true chocolate lover exploring the neighborhood.
Get there: 1532 N Wells St, Chicago, IL 60610
The Fudge Pot is pretty much the holy grail of chocolate in the Old Town neighborhood, and it has a history we love to share. The family-owned candy shop has been operating in the exact same location since 1963. The current owner, David Dattalo, is a third-generation candy maker. He followed in the footsteps of his father, Jim, who learned the art from his uncle who was a former employee at The Mars Candy Company!
Today, they make a massive variety of gourmet candies and custom chocolate molds right there in the shop window, along with their famous butter toffee, which we proudly taste on our tour.
Pro tip: If you want a custom chocolate mold of anything (and we mean anything), this is the place to go!
Get there: 2950 N Oakley Ave, Chicago, IL 60618
We’ve always been obsessed with Vosges for their avant-garde truffles and wildly creative flavor combinations—like pairing premium dark chocolate with applewood smoked bacon. While their original boutique locations have shifted, true chocolate connoisseurs can now visit their stunning Chocolate Temple Boutique on Oakley Ave. For National Chocolate Month, we highly recommend snagging one of their curated chocolate "libraries" or exotic truffle collections to experience how they have elevated chocolate-making into a true art form.
Craving a mix of sweet and savory? You can explore the city’s incredible culinary diversity by joining us on our Iconic Foods of Chicago Tour.
Chicago has a deeply rooted history with candy, and chocolate is certainly no exception. Below are some fun historical facts about our city's relationship with the cacao bean:
While Milton Hershey was making caramels and candy far before visiting Illinois, it was his trip to the Chicago World's Columbian Exposition in 1893 where the magic truly happened. While at the World's Fair, he saw and purchased state-of-the-art German chocolate-making machinery, going on to launch the Hershey Chocolate Company just one year later in 1894.
The Chicago-based Curtiss Candy Company created the legendary Baby Ruth bar in 1921 and the Butterfinger bar in 1923.
Jim Dattalo, the original founder of The Fudge Pot in Old Town, actually helped in developing the original recipe for the 3 Musketeers bar during his early days at the Mars Candy Company in 1932!
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