Time Out Chicago: Don’t let the name fool you—it’s not just desserts here; the seasonal, savory menu is just as tempting. But Hot Chocolate shines with finales like banana brioche bread pudding.
Time Out Chicago: Try seasonal creations (from strawberry-rhubarb in spring to apple and pumpkin in fall) and signatures (like the incomparable banana-cream) with a coffee. The pies are, in a word, extraordinary.
Time Out Chicago: The brilliantly airy cocoons of choux pastry here hide a copious amount of vanilla custard cream, enough that walking and eating is out of the question. Get the original size. Get the green-tea.
Time Out Chicago: Go late-night to get a caffeinated “cream express” milkshake (vanilla and espresso). Or go earlier in the evening to grab a scoop of the Lakeview Barhopper (chocolate ice cream with Jack Daniel’s).
Time Out Chicago: Solid coffee cakes and streusel-topped fruit tarts make nice latte companions. Chocolate proves the best of the macaron varieties, while filled croissants outshine even their classic sibling.
Time Out Chicago: Try seasonal creations like candied Buddha hand citrus with cheesecake custard and lemon sherbet or go for the chocolate peanut-butter terrine with banana meringue, bacon and curried peanut brittle.
Time Out Chicago: The sweet side of the menu hits all the right notes (think light and simple blueberry cake), as do the impressive cocktail and wine programs.
Time Out Chicago: 312 keeps season in mind by topping crumbly pistachio shortcake with ripe strawberries and a delicious ricotta-stawberry jam gelato and gives a blueberry-coconut crostata a scoop of coconut gelato.