I was visiting Ukrainian village from out of state . Naturally, being of Ukrainian ancestry , I wanted to taste delicious authentic foods! Was not disappointed. Delicious borscht with soft fluffy knot rolls, varenyky with cabbage, A pleasant urban gem !
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 4
Madeline Dowling
I’m obsessed with this place. I like to order beef stroganoff on Thursdays, potato pancakes on the weekend, the pelmeni every visit and a 32oz chicken soup to go when I’m sick. Everyone who works there is super sweet.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Potato Pancakes, Pelmeni, Chicken Noodle Soup, Soups, Soup of the Day
Madeleine Mermall
sometimes you just need a big bowl of delicious borsch to make everything alright ♥️
Olga Maihutiak
One of my favorites to visit when I am in Ukrainian village. Delicious traditional dishes and very tasty sweets. Napoleon is my favorite.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Three Crepes Combination, Borscht
Mark Coffey
One of our favorite places for lunch in Chicago. Tried the pickle soup this time and it was delicious. Just a hint of brine and filled with potatoes, barley and carrots.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Pelmeni, Soup of the Day
Ray Morgan
The best borscht I've ever eaten!
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 4
Mona Tong
Overall Thoughts: A cute and homey spot with an old-school feel, Shokolad serves a wide variety of Ukrainian breakfast/lunch dishes and pastries/desserts. While I haven’t tried the pastries/desserts yet, I felt that the food I tried generally lacked flavor, though there were some highlights. The restaurant had a good amount of people for a Thursday afternoon with plenty of seating still available. There was only one server who seemed really busy, so the food came out a little slow, but the service was good and friendly overall.Food I tried:- Ukrainian Cheese Pancakes (4/5): These were not as flavorful as I would’ve liked, but still tasted good— I liked the textures which featured a hot, slightly crispy exterior and a soft, curdy cheese interior. It paired nicely with the sour cream and sweet berries.- Eggplant, Green Pea & Potato Varenyky (3.7/5): This dish lacked a lot of flavor. Though I liked the fresh and chewy skin texture, both the sauce and the filling had dull flavors.- Mushroom Varenyky (4.5/5): The mushroom varenyky flavors were much more robust than the eggplant ones— exceptionally creamy with a nice, earthy flavor. The skin here was also fresh and chewy.—Price (relative to peers): 4.3/5Food: 4.1/5Ambience: 4.4/5Service: 4.5/5Overall Value: 4.2/5
Mona T.
Overall Thoughts: A cute and homey spot with an old-school feel, Shokolad serves a wide variety of Ukrainian breakfast/lunch dishes and pastries/desserts. While I haven't tried the pastries/desserts yet, I felt that the food I tried generally lacked flavor, though there were some highlights. The restaurant had a good amount of people for a Thursday afternoon with plenty of seating still available. There was only one server who seemed really busy, so the food came out a little slow, but the service was good and friendly overall. Food I tried: - Ukrainian Cheese Pancakes (4/5): These were not as flavorful as I would've liked, but still tasted good-- I liked the textures which featured a hot, slightly crispy exterior and a soft, curdy cheese interior. It paired nicely with the sour cream and sweet berries. - Eggplant, Green Pea & Potato Varenyky (3.7/5): This dish lacked a lot of flavor. Though I liked the fresh and chewy skin texture, both the sauce and the filling had dull flavors. - Mushroom Varenyky (4.5/5): The mushroom varenyky flavors were much more robust than the eggplant ones-- exceptionally creamy with a nice, earthy flavor. The skin here was also fresh and chewy. -- Price (relative to peers): 4.3/5 Food: 4.1/5 Ambience: 4.4/5 Service: 4.5/5 Overall Value: 4.2/5
Krzysztof Bebnik
Not worth it. Nothing special.
Anna L.
The borscht is amazing. Light fresh and warm and cozy all at the same time. If you like garlic, the ricotta rolls come with a fresh garlic butter for dipping that's so good. I get the bowl and split it but it never feels like I've had enough. I get the pierogis in scallion sauce and they are the absolute best. I've wanted to try other things in the menu but having immediate favorites makes it hard to order other things knowing how much I want the stuff I love. The Ukrainian sausage and eggs is next on my list if I can ever be convinced not to get my usual at this place. The service is warm and attentive. On a Sunday expect a small wait but nothing crazy. It feels like you're in someone's dining room eating food made with love. Happy to recommend this place to anyone.
The best Ukrainian restaurant in Chicago!!!Food is always fresh and deliciousI will definitely recommend this place ❤️
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
jo ander
This is a mixed review. I really wanted to like this restaurant, because the food was good and it’s a quaint, clean, & pretty cafe, but it’s hard to give this place a good review when the customer service was so poor. Customer service & being greeted in a friendly manner are important to me. Sadly, the last two times we dined here, the server, a young man, was un-attentive, unfriendly & ignored us. Because the food was so good I gave this restaurant a second chance, but sadly on my second visit, the service was just as bad, if not worse . I noticed the waiter was busy on his laptop & looking at his phone, instead of focusing his attention on the customers. To make matters worse, he was very unfriendly. A smile goes a long way in making somebody feel welcome, but I did not feel welcome at all. For these reasons, I will not be returning to this restaurant. In spite of the fact that their food was good, the service was so terrible that I just can’t return.
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 4
Service: 1
Adam Styles
Excellent dumplings. We got the pork filling dumplings which came with sour cream (great combo) and the farm cheese scallion dumplings. Both phenomenal. The honey pecan cake and chocolate coconut desserts were great. And it is BYOB which is a big selling point. Great visit.
This place is heavenly. Great food, beautiful interior, and fresh pastry and hearty meals, with great jazz in the background. My favorite place.Kid-friendliness: Frequently see families with children
I was visiting Ukrainian village from out of state . Naturally, being of Ukrainian ancestry , I wanted to taste delicious authentic foods! Was not disappointed. Delicious borscht with soft fluffy knot rolls, varenyky with cabbage, A pleasant urban gem !
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 4
I’m obsessed with this place. I like to order beef stroganoff on Thursdays, potato pancakes on the weekend, the pelmeni every visit and a 32oz chicken soup to go when I’m sick. Everyone who works there is super sweet.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Potato Pancakes, Pelmeni, Chicken Noodle Soup, Soups, Soup of the Day
sometimes you just need a big bowl of delicious borsch to make everything alright ♥️
One of my favorites to visit when I am in Ukrainian village. Delicious traditional dishes and very tasty sweets. Napoleon is my favorite.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Three Crepes Combination, Borscht
One of our favorite places for lunch in Chicago. Tried the pickle soup this time and it was delicious. Just a hint of brine and filled with potatoes, barley and carrots.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Pelmeni, Soup of the Day
The best borscht I've ever eaten!
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 4
Overall Thoughts: A cute and homey spot with an old-school feel, Shokolad serves a wide variety of Ukrainian breakfast/lunch dishes and pastries/desserts. While I haven’t tried the pastries/desserts yet, I felt that the food I tried generally lacked flavor, though there were some highlights. The restaurant had a good amount of people for a Thursday afternoon with plenty of seating still available. There was only one server who seemed really busy, so the food came out a little slow, but the service was good and friendly overall.Food I tried:- Ukrainian Cheese Pancakes (4/5): These were not as flavorful as I would’ve liked, but still tasted good— I liked the textures which featured a hot, slightly crispy exterior and a soft, curdy cheese interior. It paired nicely with the sour cream and sweet berries.- Eggplant, Green Pea & Potato Varenyky (3.7/5): This dish lacked a lot of flavor. Though I liked the fresh and chewy skin texture, both the sauce and the filling had dull flavors.- Mushroom Varenyky (4.5/5): The mushroom varenyky flavors were much more robust than the eggplant ones— exceptionally creamy with a nice, earthy flavor. The skin here was also fresh and chewy.—Price (relative to peers): 4.3/5Food: 4.1/5Ambience: 4.4/5Service: 4.5/5Overall Value: 4.2/5
Overall Thoughts: A cute and homey spot with an old-school feel, Shokolad serves a wide variety of Ukrainian breakfast/lunch dishes and pastries/desserts. While I haven't tried the pastries/desserts yet, I felt that the food I tried generally lacked flavor, though there were some highlights. The restaurant had a good amount of people for a Thursday afternoon with plenty of seating still available. There was only one server who seemed really busy, so the food came out a little slow, but the service was good and friendly overall. Food I tried: - Ukrainian Cheese Pancakes (4/5): These were not as flavorful as I would've liked, but still tasted good-- I liked the textures which featured a hot, slightly crispy exterior and a soft, curdy cheese interior. It paired nicely with the sour cream and sweet berries. - Eggplant, Green Pea & Potato Varenyky (3.7/5): This dish lacked a lot of flavor. Though I liked the fresh and chewy skin texture, both the sauce and the filling had dull flavors. - Mushroom Varenyky (4.5/5): The mushroom varenyky flavors were much more robust than the eggplant ones-- exceptionally creamy with a nice, earthy flavor. The skin here was also fresh and chewy. -- Price (relative to peers): 4.3/5 Food: 4.1/5 Ambience: 4.4/5 Service: 4.5/5 Overall Value: 4.2/5
Not worth it. Nothing special.
The borscht is amazing. Light fresh and warm and cozy all at the same time. If you like garlic, the ricotta rolls come with a fresh garlic butter for dipping that's so good. I get the bowl and split it but it never feels like I've had enough. I get the pierogis in scallion sauce and they are the absolute best. I've wanted to try other things in the menu but having immediate favorites makes it hard to order other things knowing how much I want the stuff I love. The Ukrainian sausage and eggs is next on my list if I can ever be convinced not to get my usual at this place. The service is warm and attentive. On a Sunday expect a small wait but nothing crazy. It feels like you're in someone's dining room eating food made with love. Happy to recommend this place to anyone.
Restaurantji Recommends
A very beautiful and cultural place with Ukrainian cuisine. I recommend it, it's very tasty!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Seared Chicken Breast Panini, Ukrainian Cheese Pancakes, Borshch Ukrainian Beet Soup, Napoleon Cake, Potato Pancakes, Coffee Cake, Pelmeni, Roast Beef Panini
The best Ukrainian restaurant in Chicago!!!Food is always fresh and deliciousI will definitely recommend this place ❤️
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
This is a mixed review. I really wanted to like this restaurant, because the food was good and it’s a quaint, clean, & pretty cafe, but it’s hard to give this place a good review when the customer service was so poor. Customer service & being greeted in a friendly manner are important to me. Sadly, the last two times we dined here, the server, a young man, was un-attentive, unfriendly & ignored us. Because the food was so good I gave this restaurant a second chance, but sadly on my second visit, the service was just as bad, if not worse . I noticed the waiter was busy on his laptop & looking at his phone, instead of focusing his attention on the customers. To make matters worse, he was very unfriendly. A smile goes a long way in making somebody feel welcome, but I did not feel welcome at all. For these reasons, I will not be returning to this restaurant. In spite of the fact that their food was good, the service was so terrible that I just can’t return.
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 4
Service: 1
Excellent dumplings. We got the pork filling dumplings which came with sour cream (great combo) and the farm cheese scallion dumplings. Both phenomenal. The honey pecan cake and chocolate coconut desserts were great. And it is BYOB which is a big selling point. Great visit.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Walnut Cake, Cream Sauce, Pelmeni
This place is heavenly. Great food, beautiful interior, and fresh pastry and hearty meals, with great jazz in the background. My favorite place.Kid-friendliness: Frequently see families with children
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 4
Recommended dishes: Ukrainian Scrambled Eggs, Three Crepes Combination, Potato Pancakes, Chicken Noodle Soup