In celebration of National Chocolate Day on Oct. 28, here are some favorite chocolate shops in the Western suburbs. If you can’t make it on Saturday, remember that October is National Dessert Month and really, there’s never a bad time for chocolate. Whether you’re taking your little one for a treat, connecting with your tween over a mug of hot chocolate or enjoying a romantic date night, these places offer sweet treats for all ages.
Le Chocolat du Bouchard
127 S. Washington Street, Naperville
1807 S. Washington Street, Naperville
Le Chocolat Patisserie has been a destination for chocoholics in downtown Naperville for a decade. Not only is the store celebrating its 10 year anniversary, it’s also opening a second location, Le Chocolat Bakery, located three miles away in south Naperville.
If you’re not sure what to get, the Death By Chocolate cake, their top seller, doesn’t disappoint. If you need something a little lighter, satisfy your sweet tooth with a chocolate croissant.
Graham’s Fine Chocolates
119 West Front Street, Wheaton
302 Third Street, Geneva (and 318 Coffeeshop is two doors down)
Graham’s ships chocolate all around the country, and lucky for us, they’re based here. The hot chocolate and fondue at 318 Coffeeshop get rave reviews. And locavores will love that the honey truffles are made with honey from their chef’s hives. The chocolate dipped Oreos with seasonal decoration never fail to delight young and old chocolate lovers.
Kilwin’s
Locations in Elmhurst, Wheaton, St. Charles, Geneva
Many know Kilwin’s from trips to Michigan but you can get their delicious Mackinac Island fudge closer to home. And fudge is a fantastic way to get your chocolate fix. Chocolate, turtle and sea-salt caramel are among the most popular flavors. Kilwin’s is also known for tasty ice cream.
All Chocolate Kitchen
33 South Third Street, Geneva
Chef Alain Roby has won many awards and is internationally renowned for the three Guinness World Records that he holds as well as his chocolate sculptures, which you can see at the restaurant, including one honoring Chicago Blackhawks player Eddie Olczyk and one of a dinosaur. Try the chocolate fudge gelato or the ACK Hazelnut truffle, both of which are also works of art.
They will also host the Ooh La La Chocolate 5K benefitting St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital on Nov. 5, which includes a chocolate experience at the finish line.
