Hot Chocolate
3.5
from - Neighborhood: Bucktown/Wicker Park
- 1747 N. Damen Ave.
- Chicago, IL 60647
- 773-489-1747
- Price range: $$$ ($16-$25)
Much-lauded pastry chef Mindy Segal is behind this casual, chocolate-hued cafe in Bucktown where it's as common for folks to come just for dessert as to stop in for dinner. Look for signature creations such as her celebrated Chocolate No. 1, a chocolate-caramel composition completed with a house-made pretzel, as well as seasonal selections. Milkshakes and several varieties of hot chocolate (of course) are available too. Chef Mark Steuer handles the savory side of the operation, and his menu includes everything from sophisticated small plates to heartier seasonal entrees to a killer burger. Weekend brunch, which features Segal's pastries and sweets (don't miss the house-made doughnuts) alongside savories such as scrambles, quiche and several excellent breakfast sandwiches, is among the most popular in town. Hot Chocolate's bar, which is not a bad seating option if the wait for a table is intimidating, as it often is, serves hand-crafted cocktails, wine and a small but thoughtful beer list.
Getting There
- Cross Streets:
- St. Paul and Damen Avenues
- Parking:
- Street Parking Difficult, Valet, and Metered
- Public Transportation:
- CTA bus: 50-Damen, 73-Armitage, 72-North; Blue Line "L" stop: Damen
- Wheelchair Access:
- Yes
The Basics
- Hours:
- 11:30 a.m.-2 p.m. Wednesday-Friday (lunch); 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturday-Sunday (brunch); 5:30-10 p.m. Sunday, Tuesday-Wednesday, 5:30-11 p.m. Thursday, 5:30-midnight Friday-Saturday (dinner and dessert); closed Monday
- Cuisine:
- American Contemporary and Desserts
- Meals Served:
- Weekend Brunch, Dinner, and Lunch
- Price Range:
- $$$ ($16-$25)
- Reservations:
- Accepted. Table reservatinos accepted for dinner only (tables can't be reserve for dessert only).
- Alcohol:
- Full Bar
- Smoking:
- No
Features
- Carryout:
- Yes
- Private and VIP Rooms:
- Large table at rear of main dining area, separated by a sheer curtain, can be reserved.
- Live Music:
- No
- Features:
- Kids Menu. Grilled cheese, PB & J plus other customized kid-friendly choices available.
- Specialties:
- Desserts, hot chocolate, burger
- Payment Methods:
- Cash and Major Credit Cards
- Outdoor Seating:
- No
- Delivery:
- No. For cakes and custom orders only.
- Seating :
- For 70
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Rate Hot Chocolate
"Great for dinner, bad for brunch"
By sbucog from lakeview, September 20, 2009
We have been to Hot Chocolate for dinner, and had a great time. The service and food were excellent, and we would definitely go back for dinner. ...
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"Our Meal was FANTASTIC!"
By Ang from Gold Coast, June 13, 2009
My date selected HC for our first date, having only been for brunch I wondered how dinner would size up. The atmosphere is lively and I loved the ...
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"Get a Clue"
By Drew3300 from Bucktown, June 6, 2009
We had been going to Hot Chocolate for years. Desserts were great, and we felt that their savory Chef was an undiscovered treasure. Mindy (the ow...
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