My daughters are of the opinion that the only reason you go outside in the snow is so that you can come back in and have hot chocolate. Kari wrote about her hot chocolate obsession at Chicago Parent which prompted us to ask our fans who they thought had the best hot chocolate. We combined her list, with their answers and a few we scouted out on our own and we can say this is the list of all the best hot chocolate in Lake County.
Best Hot Chocolate in Lake County
Listed in alphabetical order by restaurant name because we like order.
Arriva Dolce Gelato & Coffee Bar
182 Johns Ave, Highland Park | 847-43-103
An image of the ArrivaDolce Signature hot chocolate passed by our Facebook Feed and we considered licking the screen it looked that good. Their private recipe made with Belgian chocolate, also available to take home.
The Chocolate Sanctuary
5101 W. Washington St, Gurnee | 224-944-0808
If you like chocolate everything, this is the place to go. See Jennifer J.’s open house review here. Pair your hot chocolate with chocolate flan or cocoa chili to warm you up further. Sit by the fireplace or drool over the gourmet handmade chocolates up front.
Dalton’s Cakes
970 Harris Road, Shops at Prarie Crossing, Grayslake | 847-223-2344
“Miss Alison at Dalton’s cakes recently made the boys “the best hot chocolate ever!” She even adjusted the temp to perfection, with lots of TLC!” MJ.
While you are there check out the amazing cakes!
Emily’s Pancake House
1910 E. Grand Ave., Lindenhurst | 224-372-7158
A family-owned restaurant with locations in Beach Park, Waukegan, and Lindenhurst fans tell us they have the creamiest hot chocolate around.
Honey Hill Coffee Co.
107 S. Main St., Wauconda | 847-487-8484
“When the lines out the door you know it’s good” Kari.

The Latte Cafe1185 Main Street, Antioch | 224-788-5076
This Antioch café serves up Ghirardelli Hot Chocolate. The baristas are stellar and love to get creative with additions to your drink. Do you want strawberry hot cocoa? No problem. Feeling extra? Try their Big Cups Hot chocolate, it can’t really be beaten.
Milwalky Taco
605 N. Milwaukee Ave., Libertyville | 224-513-5766
Oh don’t let the name fool you–sure, Milwalky Taco is known for its excellent tacos, but they also serve the best Mexican Hot Chocolate this side of the border, at least according to Loralie. To be honest, Loralie has never really had Mexican Hot Chocolate on the other side of the border, but that is neither here nor there. One small sip of this molten gold concoction and you’ll know, you’ve never really tasted chocolate before. The added kick of cinnamon and arbol chile are just enough to keep you from slowly falling under the spell of clouds of melting marshmallow.
Something’s Brewing
1126 E. Washington St., Grayslake, and Center St. Downtown Grayslake | 847-543-1600
Kari describes their hot chocolate as “a cup of a melted chocolate bar” and if that’s not enough the array of sweets and pastries can satisfy your chocolate craving. Read Natalie’s review.
Whisk Bakery and Coffee Shop
216 S. Main St., Wauconda | 847-487-2253
They top their drinks with homemade whip cream, which is reason enough in my book!
Did your favorite spot for hot chocolate make our list? Let us know in the comments section below if you have a favorite purveyor that we should add in future updates!

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