Gourmet New England Chocolatier L.A. Burdick Debuts in Chicago

L.A. Burdick Chocolates, a gourmet chocolatier that has outlets in Boston and New York, has opened its first Chicago location. This is the chain’s fifth store and it features drinking chocolates and novelty candies including chocolate mice and penguins. The store sits on the same block as Pops For Champagne and Alliance Bakery at 609 N. State St. L.A. Burdick debuted in 1987 with a store in Walpole, New Hampshire.

The Chicago location features seating for 25 inside a 1,000-square-foot space that includes a full-service cafe, according to a news release. The drinking chocolates and hand-made chocolate mice are the signature items. The mice go through a 12-step process over three days using techniques company founder Larry Burdick honed while working at a chocolate maker in Switzerland. But even though Burdick has brought over old-world practices, they’ve embraced modern ones, too. For example, they offer vegan chocolate. It also offers a selection of decadent pastries, small cakes, tortes, and morning pastries including croissants.

Dana Hong/L.A. Burdick Chocolates

This is L.A. Burdick’s 30th anniversary, and the New England company is excited about its expansion. They hope to hook customers from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Thursday by giving away free hot chocolate. While it’s still September, this place could be a place to escape as holiday shopping season approaches downtown. Take a look at the menu below.

L.A. Burdick Chocolates, 609 N. State St., (312) 635-8975, hours not posted yet.

Daniel Gerzina