As you cross the Chicago River, you'll often find the air filled with the rich aroma of chocolate from a nearby chocolate factory. It's sure to make you crave a decadent treat, and these sweet spots are just the places to find it.
Beard Papa - A crunchy puff pastry filled with fresh and all natural original custard combined with whipped cream. Block 37 108 N. State Street
Bleeding Heart Bakery - Located in the Roscoe Village neighbourhood on Chicago’s north side. This bakery uses local, organic and sustainable ingredients to provide amazing pastries that are as delicious as they are beautiful. 1955 W. Belmont Avenue
Cupcake Gallery - At this Uptown neighbourhood sweet shop, pastry chef Darius Williams bakes up more than 30 creative cupcake flavours. 1319 W. Wilson Avenue
Cookie Bar - The first thing you'll notice is the familiar aroma of warm chocolate wafting out onto the sidewalk. With 18 varieties available every day and milk shots to go with them, this is the perfect place to grab an afternoon pick-me-up. 2475 N. Lincoln Avenue
Crumbs Bake Shop - Step up to the wood cases here, inspired by old-time candy shops, and choose from 50 varieties of cupcakes baked fresh daily. 303 West Madison Street
Eli's Cheesecake World - Eli's Cheesecake has been one of Chicago's favourite indulgences for more than 50 years. Visit Eli's Cheesecake World to sample one of the more than 30 varieties. 6701 W. Forest Preserve Drive
Garrett Popcorn Shops* - Garrett's fresh-popped mix of caramel and cheddar cheese popcorn is so addictive that it has a steady queue of devoted patrons. 26 W. Randolph 625 N. Michigan Avenue
Ghirardelli Soda Fountain & Chocolate Shop - Indulge in Ghirardelli's famed hot fudge sundae (made with rich homemade fudge sauce) or other ice cream creations, then browse the assortment of chocolate candies and gifts. 830 N. Michigan Avenue
Hershey's Chicago - This interactive retail store on the Magnificent Mile® is a showcase for Hershey's chocolate candies. Find the candy maker's complete line of confections, along with unique souvenirs and a bakery that offers cupcakes, cookies and brownies. 822 N. Michigan Avenue
Hoosier Mama Pie Shop - This tiny, downtown Chicago pie shop has a cute, retro vibe. Rotating over 20 varieties, you can buy them whole or by the slice. 1618 ½ W. Chicago Avenue
Hot Chocolate - Chef Mindy Segal creates amazing chocolate desserts along with a concise menu of casual American dishes. 1747 N. Damen Avenue
More Cupcakes - You’ll want to order more than one of these decadent cupcakes that include flavours such as lemon meringue or the signature dark Valhrona chocolate. 1 E. Delaware Place
Sarah’s Pastries & Candies - Chicago native Sarah Levy developed a passion for all things sweet at an early age. Enjoy handmade pastries, tarts, cakes and chocolate. 70 East Oak Street and Macy’s on State Street
Sprinkles Cupcakes - After conquering Hollywood with their tiny delicacies, Sprinkles Cupcakes sets up shop in Chicago with handcrafted cupcakes made from the finest ingredients, including sweet cream butter, fresh bananas and carrots, real strawberries and natural citrus zests. 50 East Walton Street
Sugar Bliss Cake Boutique - Love frosting? Visit the downtown Chicago Loop and choose from the 20+ flavours in their cupcake collection. 115 N. Wabash Avenue
Vosges Haut-Chocolat - Katrina Markoff, Le Cordon Bleu-trained confectioner, creates handmade truffles by incorporating exotic ingredients like curry, wasabi, edible orchids and bacon. 951 W. Armitage Avenue
*multiple locations
Tips from the locals make sure you don’t miss a thing while you’re here