WINTER IN CHICAGO | eat & drink

As Winter is upon us, there's nothing like warm, cozy foods to beat the freezing weather. Chicago has amazing food year-round but in my opinion, there's nothing like the comfort food options we have. Read on for the places in Chicago that will make you glad that it's cold & snowy //

Brunch -

Three Arts Club Cafe | Gold Coast

// delice de bourgogne cheese - warm baguette, preserves

// truffle grilled cheese - cheddar, sourdough

Elegant cafe inside the atrium of the Restoration Hardware.

Cozy Corner | Logan Square

// fiesta skillet - avocado, onions, jalapeños, cilantro, tomatoes, jalapeño cheese salsa

// chocolate chip pancakes - by ghirardelli

They do comfort food like no other with every classic breakfast food you could possibly want.

Bongo Room | Wicker Park

// white chocolate & caramel pretzel pancakes - crushed salted pretzels, warm white chocolate cream, buttery caramel swirl

// gingerbread, pear, & vanilla french toast - brioche bread, warm vanilla bean cream, sauteed butter, brown sugar pears, gingerbread citrus crumble

This is a Chicago favorite with really unique pancake flavors.

Bang Bang Pie & Biscuits | Logan Square

// scratch biscuits - seasonal butter & jam

// farmers biscuits - earl grey poached cherries, toasted pecans, fennel, sherry-honey vinaigrette, mixed greens, earl grey goat cheese

// chocolate pecan pie - dark chocolate, pecans, maple filling, graham crust

Can't get enough of this place - amazing biscuits, amazing pie.

The Allis | West Loop

// warm coconut pudding - asian pear, nuts, seeds, cocoa nib

// bourbon vanilla chai

One of my favorite spots that feels like home.

Hot Chocolate Goals -

Mindy's Hot Chocolate | Wicker Park

// mexican - dark chocolate, milk chocolate, fresh cinnamon & cayenne

// old fashioned - medium hot chocolate, milk chocolate cocoa nib whipped ganache

Pro - tip: The hot chocolate here is so indulgent and rich that it's perfect to share.

Katherine Anne Confections | Logan Square

// hazelnut drinking chocolate

// brown butter & sage marshmallow

// lemon poppy seed white chocolate truffle

This is hands-down the best hot chocolate I've had and what makes it even better is that they have flavored marshmallows to top your drink with. Don't worry about figuring out which flavor to get - you can get a flight and try multiple!

Xoco | River North

// aztec - fresh ground chocolate, water, chili, allspice

// classic - fresh ground chocolate, whole milk

Casual Mexican street-food spot specializing in warm churros and bean-to-cup hot chocolate.

Cocoa + Co | Old Town

// la parisienne - a hint of orange and vanilla

// mocha x'tasty - espresso, burnt caramel & fleur de sel

The perfect spot for any chocolate lover.

Warm & Cozy Meals -

Wasabi Ramen | Logan Square

// vegan tan tan men - upton's seitan ragu, mushroom & seaweed broth, buckwheat noodle, scallion, sesame, bok choy, chili oil

Traditional and contemporary vibes - some of the best ramen you'll taste.

Pequods | Lincoln Park

// deep dish pizza with giardiniera - well done

This is a must if you're looking for comfort food. That caramelized crust is everything!

Paradise Park | Wicker Park

// mozzarella bread stix

// oven roasted garlic bread, diced tomatoes, gorgonzola - basil spread

// mr. sanchez - black bean corn salsa, house salsa, black olives, red onions, romas, sour cream, lettuce, cheddar, garlic & olive oil base

This place feels like Christmas year-round with the fun decor & lights.

High Five Ramen | West Loop

// yuzu gimlet

// maitake - mushroom miso broth, maitake mushrooms, locally grown bean sprouts, fresh scallions, black garlic, toasted sesame, full spice

This is the perfect meal to have when temperatures are low. Limited seating but worth it. Grab something hot to sip at Sawada Coffee while you're waiting!

Etta | Wicker Park

// fire baked focaccia, ricotta-honey & truffle

// bucatini cacio e pepe

// farfalle pomodoro, sun-gold tomatoes, basil, olive oil, burrata

They have a fun & relaxed environment with all the delicious pasta, bread, and pizza you could possibly want.

Table, Donkey & Stick | Logan Square

// cheese plate, local honey, candied walnuts

// potato latkes, horseradish aioli

Warm & whimsical restaurant that features creative, seasonally driven dishes with ingredients from local farmers.

Sips & Sweets -

Magnolia Bakery | Loop

// banana pudding - layers of vanilla wafers, fresh bananas, creamy vanilla pudding

I usually am not the biggest fan of banana-flavored anything but this is easily one of my favorite desserts.

Scofflaw | Logan Square

// hearth tax

// sanguine bond

Cocktail bar with a fireplace & fresh baked cookies at midnight. What more could you want?

Ann Sather | Lakeview

// cinnamon roll

Swedish-inspired cuisine with the best cinnamon rolls in town.