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PILSEN. This bold, bright café is filled with artistic types, local paintings, vivid tables in primary colors, and plenty of fresh coffee and coffee drinks. Diverse crowds of ethnic groups regularly hang out at the relaxed coffee house (tee shirts proclaim "No human being is illegal"). Try an espresso or a liquado, a Latin-inspired drink similar to a milkshake.
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MAGNIFICENT MILE. You'll face an important decision when you arrive here, so allow plenty of time to ponder before choosing your cheesecake flavor from the list of 34 decadent options. There's also a large dinner menu with plenty of great dishes and other desserts, but the obvious draw is cheesecake. Try white chocolate raspberry truffle, chocolate mousse, or double chocolate upside down Jack Daniels varieties. The dining room fills up quickly, so go early or late. EL: Red Line to Chicago
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MAGNIFICENT MILE. Famous Ghirardelli chocolate, made by the Italian chocolate maker, is served in upscale style at this Chicago favorite. The place serves plenty of ice cream drinks, along with amazing hot fudge sundaes and a dish called "Strike it Rich" that's as decadent as it sounds. This is also the perfect place to buy a souvenir; vast assortments of chocolates are boxed and ready to give – or keep.
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THE LOOP. This street-side shop, winner of Chicago Magazine's "Best of Chicago," enjoys a loyal local following thanks to its expert gourmet coffee blends. Aside from tasting heavenly, Intelligentsia's coffees bear such colorful names as Black Cat and Librarian's Blend (it's decaf!). Here, you'll find everybody from wannabes and artists to local business types sipping fresh-brewed coffee, perusing the daily news, and enjoying a pastry or two.
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Julius Meinl
3601 N Southport Ave, Chicago, IL 60613 · 773-868-1857
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LAKE VIEW. A fixture in Austria for upwards of a century, this European coffee company now has a location in the States, and Chicago is the lucky recipient. Incredibly fine coffee blends are on offer and can be had in shots of espresso, lattes, mochas, and the like. Accompanying the tempting list of hot drinks is an equally tantalizing collection of Old World pastries. Rich tortes and cakes – most filled and flavored with chocolate, jam, nuts, and buttercream – are difficult to resist. Bring a newspaper and while away the morning in this pleasant, light-filled space.
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IRVING PARK. Although many people just pick up boxes of delights to go, try to snag a place on the attractive outdoor patio and enjoy your treat on the premises. A picture-perfect display of pastries, marzipan, cookies, and cakes is on-hand, and each table gets a pot of coffee as an ideal accompaniment for delectable European pastries and fruit tarts. Many people come for tea and scones or even a light lunch.
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BUCKTOWN. Since 1921, Margie's has been dishing out the best homemade ice cream in Chicago. The shop also sells homemade candies, and you can taste the quality, freshness, and care put into each piece. The family-owned business has a long list of ardent fans who have been frequenting the place for decades, and most of them recommend the unparalleled ice cream sundaes. Milkshakes are so thick you may need a spoon. A local favorite.
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LITTLE ITALY. If you haven't had an Italian lemonade, then this stop is a must, particularly in the summer. The slushy, fruity drink comes in a variety of refreshing flavors, ranging from pińa colada to chocolate, and this vendor has repeatedly been named the best in the city. The small stand offers friendly service from owners Dorothy and Mario DiPaolo, not to mention off-the-wall snacks like lupini beans, seeds and nuts, and assorted candies.
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RIVER NORTH. This long-lived live music club and champagne bar (25-plus years!) is a city mainstay, now relocated from its original Lake View neighborhood. A sleek, stylish bar lets patrons sip and mingle, while a downstairs lounge envelops folks in intimate surroundings and terrific live jazz. The shop sells sparkling wines and offers lunchtime and light evening fare, including scrumptious housemade desserts like brown butter cheesecake, mini tarts, and chocolate fondue with berries. A raw bar and caviars are included in the upscale offerings, and more than 125 champagnes are available. Jazz sets begin at 9pm.
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LINCOLN PARK. If your sweet tooth needs a little TLC, head to this bright favorite for a beyond-tempting spread of home-baked desserts, pies, cakes, and cookies. Regulars rave about vanilla and chocolate cupcakes slathered in vividly-colored buttercream frosting and scattered with candy sprinkles. Grab one of the inviting booths and dig into a miniature cheesecake with blueberries or a signature whoopie pie – indulgent vanilla frosting sandwiched between two chocolate cookies. If the sugar rush isn't enough for you, coffee from local beanery Intelligentsia is at the ready.
Coffee fiend? Sweet tooth? You’re in the right spot — our selections serve rich roast coffees and gourmet desserts. Expect to find specialty shops as well as traditional restaurants with an expert pastry chef. Take the time to enjoy a relaxed atmosphere where you can linger and enjoy music, conversation, or a good book.
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