L.A. Burdick Handmade Chocolates — Restaurant in Chicago

If you’re looking for a high-quality, artisanal chocolate shop in Chicago, L.A. Burdick Handmade Chocolates is definitely worth a visit. I stopped by specifically for one of their famous hot chocolates, and I had a pretty unique experience that I want to share in detail. They offer three hot chocolate options: dark chocolate, milk chocolate, and white chocolate, which is perfect if you like having choices tailored to your chocolate preference. Normally, I always go for the milk chocolate because it’s creamy, rich, and classic—but this time, I figured I’d try the dark chocolate, since I do enjoy dark chocolate in other forms.

Here’s the honest truth: if you’re a casual hot chocolate drinker or expecting something creamy and milky, the dark chocolate hot chocolate might not be your favorite. It’s very strong, intense, and tastes almost like a clump of dark chocolate melted down, with very little milkiness or sweetness to balance it out. For me, it wasn’t quite enjoyable—it almost felt more like straight-up chocolate in liquid form than the smooth, comforting hot chocolate I was expecting. That said, if you are a true dark chocolate aficionado, this might be right up your alley because it’s bold, authentic, and uncut.

Despite my hot chocolate experience, what I really admire about L.A. Burdick Handmade Chocolates is their unwavering commitment to quality and authenticity. This is a place that does not cut corners. When they use vanilla, they’re using real vanilla bean, not artificial flavoring. Every chocolate is handmade and artisanal, which really comes through in the flavors, the textures, and the presentation. You can tell that this is a shop where craftsmanship and care are prioritized over shortcuts, which makes it a premium chocolate experience in Chicago.

The shop itself is immaculate—spotlessly clean with a bright, inviting atmosphere. I noticed how meticulously everything was arranged. Their display cases are stunning, showcasing a beautiful array of handcrafted chocolates, truffles, and confections, each one looking almost too good to eat. The presentation alone makes it clear why this is one of Chicago’s must-visit chocolate cafes. The staff is genuinely friendly, welcoming, and helpful, making the experience smooth and pleasant from the moment you walk in. They’re happy to answer questions about flavors, chocolate types, and even the history of their products.

One thing I loved about the shop is that it also has in-shop seating, which is perfect if you want to linger and enjoy your chocolate on-site. There’s also a small book available that details the beginnings of L.A. Burdick Handmade Chocolates, which adds a charming, personal touch to the visit. It’s always nice to see a chocolate shop that not only focuses on great products but also shares its story and values with customers.

A practical tip: parking in the area can be challenging, so if you’re driving, plan on walking the nearby streets. The effort is worth it, though, especially if you’re a chocolate lover looking for a truly artisanal chocolate experience in Chicago.

Overall, while the dark chocolate hot chocolate wasn’t my favorite, I still think L.A. Burdick Handmade Chocolates is a gem. It’s perfect for anyone who enjoys premium, handmade chocolate, gourmet hot chocolate, and clean, beautifully curated chocolate shops. Whether you’re stopping in for a classic milk chocolate hot chocolate, exploring the wide variety of truffles, or simply enjoying the shop’s visual appeal and friendly staff, this place delivers a memorable chocolate experience in Chicago.

If you’re in the city and want to indulge in authentic, high-quality chocolate, I would definitely recommend a visit. It’s an ideal spot for chocolate enthusiasts, couples on a date, or anyone looking for a chocolate shop that combines taste, quality, and craftsmanship. Even if the dark chocolate hot chocolate isn’t your personal favorite, you can still enjoy the milk chocolate or white chocolate versions, and take home some of their beautifully handmade chocolates to...

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 4/5

If you’re a true chocolate lover, LA Burdick Handmade Chocolates is a must-visit in downtown Chicago! 🍫✨

🍫 The Chocolate & Pastries Experience

✅ Hot Chocolate – 3.5/5 ☕️🍫 It’s thick, rich, and indulgent—basically melted chocolate in a cup. If you love ultra-sweet, decadent drinks, this is heaven in a cup. For me? A little too much! But if you want the ultimate chocolate fix, you’ll love it.

✅ Handmade Chocolates – 5/5 🍬 This is where they truly excel! Their chocolates are smooth, handcrafted, and full of unique flavors. They also create adorable seasonal chocolates (think bunnies & penguins! 🐰🐧). My 2-year-old is already a fine chocolate connoisseur, and she loves them.

✅ Pastries – 4/5 🥐🍰 I tried their chocolate cake and almond croissant—both were delicious and well-made. Nothing mind-blowing, but still solid pastries that pair well with coffee or tea.

⸻

🚗 Parking & Atmosphere

🚗 No dedicated parking lot – just street parking (aka city parking struggles!). 💰 Prices? Definitely on the higher side for chocolate and pastries, but it’s handmade and high quality, so it’s a splurge-worthy treat. 🪑 No high chairs, but I brought my daughter and had no issues—staff was friendly, and the vibe was welcoming.

⸻

💭 Final Thoughts

Would I recommend it? YES, especially for serious chocolate lovers. If you’re looking for a rich, indulgent experience, this is THE spot. If you prefer something lighter, maybe try a...

Visited Burdicks in Chicago today with my daughter. With all of the many bakeries and cafes around, we unfortunately chose this one. The man at the register was literally propped up by the register and could not look any more bored being there. No greeting or smile. Just stood there and looked at us until we ordered. He stood there the entire time of our visit with the same enthusiasm. At this point, we should have left but Ubered here, so we stayed. Placed our order, and proceeded to sit down with a number. I noticed a water container so decided to get some water while we waited for our drinks and desserts. Water was empty so I proceeded to ask the girl at the counter for some water who told me that it was self serve (but it was empty). I was sorry I asked with the response and the attitude. After drinking our tea and americano coffee out of paper cups, and eating our desserts, we went to the front to browse the chocolates. The worker here kept her back to us the entire time by the window as we looked in the chocolate case. She was not going to be bothered. We left and will never be back. Service, ambiance and attitudes were horrible. With the many other cafes that Downtown Chicago has to offer, stay away from here and patronize a friendly and worthy establishment. 0 stars. Read the other reviews about staff...