You’ve had a long week and your pleasure center needs a jump start. Simply inhaling within a stone’s throw of the Blommer Chocolate Factory (600 W. Kinzie St.; 312-226-7700) is enough to give you an endorphin rush, but luckily their outlet store offers more substantive relief. If free samples of bargain-priced everyday favorites like truffles and nonpareils don’t cure what ails you, maybe you’re ready for their 10-pound brick of pure, dark chocolate. Pastry cravings are serviced at Sweet Mysteries Bakery (3335 N. Southport Ave.; 773-404-2900); their rich and flaky ruggelah is particularly irresistible. First-class caffeination can be found at Intelligentsia Coffee & Tea (3123 N. Broadway; 773-348-8058), whose java is among the city’s finest; their perfectly crafted cappuccino with top-notch foam very nearly raises coffeemaking to an art form. The genteel Old World furnishings of the Viennese Kaffee Haus (3423 N. Southport Ave.; 773-528-2220) encourage you to linger while savoring delightful homemade ice creams and desserts. But for all-out decadence, nothing tops perennial favorite Margie’s Candies (1960 N. Western Ave.; 773-384-1035). With hand-dipped chocolates, gut-busting sundaes, thick and creamy milkshakes, and a wonderfully garish decor, this place is sensory overload that beats any virtual reality hands down.
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