"The smell of chocolate does all the advertising for this chocolatier in River North, as do the tempting displays of truffles and pastries in their window. L.A. Burdick is pretty much the Wonka factory of State Street, between the cute animal-shaped treats and their famous drinking chocolate that we wouldn’t mind replacing the Chicago River with. There are several different kinds, including ones made with single-source chocolate shavings. But the spicy dark cocoa served piping hot is the one you want. It has the thick consistency of drinking chocolate, but it’s sweeter and the hint of chili pepper balances things out nicely." - Veda Kilaru