I really loved my experience at this cafe. And the owner is just such a sweet lady! I ordered savory crepes, an iced coffee and had a crème brûlée dessert that was absolutely divine. It's a quaint little cafe that requires street parking. It's a nice spot to get work done and relax. My friend and I brought work to do while we chatted and ate delicious food. I'm sure they're known for their chocolate but I did not really indulge. I Would absolutely return. read more

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Very charming Cafe offers a good range of chocolates, pastries, crepes and drinks including chai. Such a gem. Service is very warm and attentive. Great place for friends for happy time together. Highly recommended. read more

Leonidas Chocolate Cafe - Cafes Near Me - Evanston, Illinois

This place is SO good. Tons of different savory and sweet options for all preferences. This will be one of our go to spots when we're in town. It was so good we went back a second time before we left. The service is great and they are fast. The place itself is very European Cafe vibes, plenty of seating. Highly recommend their vegetarian crepe and their Bretagne milk chocolate with salted caramel drink is a must try. read more

Leonidas Chocolate Cafe - La Vegetarienne Crepe - Cafes Near Me - Evanston, Illinois

Delicious coffee, state of the art espresso machine, lovely Euro interior, a copy of the NYT for me (those of you younger than 45 might not know what I'm talking about or why I would want one in a coffee shop), amd two talented barisitas who don't want to know my name or want to write on my cup. In fact, no disposable containers for ordering in! The chocolate is magnificent. Its not cheap but it's not much more than SBs. Be careful of the construction in front. read more

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Fantastic crepes and very good coffee. All the pastries look delicious and i loved the European feel inside the café. A very special place!!

Waste of money. Service slow, food not so good. Very disappointed, was excited to try a new place out with the kids.

Very rude staff. Found a gray hair in my food, very unhygienic. Take your money elsewhere, so many authentic, delicious French bakery/crepe restaurants in the area. read more

Order every year two boxes of chocolate, one box dark chocolate one box no liquor only regular chocolate. Quick delivery, delicious chocolate read more

I've driven by here so many times and always thought it looked super cute, but have never gone in -- until now! It's darling. I met a friend here who I hadn't seen in awhile between Christmas and New Years. We got there right when they opened and we were the only folks there, but within an hour the place was jam packed. It's very cute inside (and festive) and my friend loved her quiche. I ordered a peppermint hot chocolate and it was divine. The staff was helpful, too, and service was great. It is a little pricey ($6 after tax for a small hot chocolate), so I wouldn't come here all the time, or at least not for "fancy" drinks. They do have brewed coffee for like $3 I think, which I'd love to try. But, I will definitely be back when I'm looking for a place to catch up with a friend. Metered street parking is available or you may be able to snag a spot on a residential street if you're willing to drive a bit to find a spot -- just be aware of street parking restrictions (some areas are permit only for a few hours in the morning and of course street cleaning/snow restrictions). read more

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The best Hot Chocolate (trifecta) I've ever had! I enjoyed their Quiche Lorraine as well.

Most of the times I've been in here I've been very satisfied. But the last two visits were disappointing. My coffee was warm not hot. I usually have a piece of French Apple cake and the last few times it's been dry and stale. I mentioned this to the cashier and she called the owner. The owner denied it was stale and said if they'd kept it for a week it might be stale. I was incredulous. Whatever happened to the rule against selling day old goods? This place does good business so I don't see why they would engage in selling substandard goods. They've either become complacent or they think their customers don't notice. Either way I'll be going somewhere else in future. read more

Great place. It has the European coffee house vibe. The food is superb. The staff are great. Making it my go to place in Evanston.

Horrible service. Leonidas Cooperation needs to re-evaluate their contract with this location. Lazy people with no training. My huspand requested a box with milk chocolate and they handed him a box of dark and white chocolate because they were so lazy to have a new box prepared with milk chocolate. Ghetto service and Leonidas Chocolate don't go together. Shame. read more

Came here during a trip to Evanston IL. Ordered the Croque Madame crepe, which was delish! It had ham, Gruyère, béchamel, and ofc, an egg on top. My dining partner got their seasonal turkey and cranberry crepe, which was also excellent. They have a great selection of breakfast pastries, coffee drinks, and chocolates as well. There is a yelp check in offer for a latte and butter croissant for $6. Only gripe is that they seemed short-staffed, as the tables weren't wiped clean between clients. Overall, it's a charming cafe. There is indoor and outdoor seating as well as street parking a few blocks north. read more

Leonidas Chocolate Cafe - Croque Madame - Cafes Near Me - Evanston, Illinois

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Tasty crepes, delicious chocolates, flaky pastries! Very cozy French Bistro! They also make a delightful Mexican Hot Chocolate with Oatmilk which is perfect for me! read more

Leonidas Chocolate Cafe - Crepes, Belgian Chocolate and more! Delicious! - Cafes Near Me - Evanston, Illinois

Their coffee wasn't hot, it was just slightly warm, and when I ordered unsweetened almond milk with it the cashier looked at me like I broke the rules! Nevertheless my friend and I sat down for a chat, it was cold so we had to stay inside, someone ordered a meal from the kitchen and the whole place was filled with frying fumes and smell, not pleasant at all, I know it's cold weather but this place needs a better ventilation, we left and not going back again. read more

I love Leonidas. The food is phenomenal and the staff is so nice. The place is small, but so cute. You feel transported out of Evanston. My lattes are always flavorful and warm, and the crepes are phenomenal. Whether savory or sweet, their always filled up and delicious. The staff doesn't skimp out on ingredients and I always leave happy. (from @tastessky on Instagram) read more

Leonidas Chocolate Cafe - nutella crepe - Cafes Near Me - Evanston, Illinois

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When someone shows up with a box of Belgian chocolates from Leonidas, I can't be but extatic. A delicious variety from this store with the original chocolates. The first I ate was the white with coffee cream and a hazelnut as it's an all time favorite. Growing up with these, I don't even need the guide telling me what fillings they have. read more

Leonidas Chocolate Cafe - a box of chocolates - Cafes Near Me - Evanston, Illinois

Fantastic quiche and crepes. Cozy little space and decently fast service despite being packed. Will definitely be back!

I needed a last minute gift delivery and they did a great job! Great customer service and delicious chocolates.

Review is for chocolates only, not cafe. Online ordering is really easy and comprehensive. You can see descriptions and close-up pictures of each item, and order exactly as many as you want of everything; it's all a la carte. After that, the process becomes less customer-friendly. They don't give an estimate of how long it will take, like online restaurant ordering. All you can see is that it's being processed. Then you get an email when it's ready for pickup, which in my case was two days later. I accept that it may take multiple days; I would just like to know that up front. After placing the order, they sent me an email for 15% off my next order, so I went ahead and bought some more the next day. I was planning to make just one trip, but I never received a "Your order is ready" email for the second order. So long story short, I showed up hoping to pick up both orders, but only the first one was ready. However, a very helpful employee volunteered to prepare my order on the spot so that I could take them both. Although I couldn't understand why the second order still was not ready (three days after ordering and two days after my first order was ready), they swung it back to good customer service in the end. But be prepared to wait multiple days, and follow up if you don't hear from them. The chocolates were quite good but the respective flavors (e.g. coffee, vanilla, hazelnut) were very subtle. The pralines were my favorites. read more

We went for "brunch", & the food was delicious, & the service was excellent. We were a group of 5, & the staff went out of their way to find appropriate seating for us, as there were a lot of customers when we arrived. I highly recommend Leonidas, (loved my crepe & the hot chocolate was also delicious!) read more

It's pretty hidden, when turning on central street you can miss it but it's there. Cute little cafe they have coffee, tea, food, crepes and desserts. Also, it vegan and vegetarian friendly too. There is indoor and outdoor sitting. Sitting indoor there cute comfy chair to relax and enjoy the atmosphere. It's is quiet which is nice if someone wants to study and be away from plenty of distractions. Sitting outdoor is fun too. The drinks are really good. You can get coffee or tea. Whatever is easy for you. There is soy, coconut, almond and oats milk. Yes there is a charge on the alternate milk. Right now it's pumpkin season and that drink is good too. read more

Came here for brunch on Labor Day, 2023. The place apparently is a chain based in Belgium. You walk in and grab an empty table; then you place your order at the counter. The staff brings your order to you. There's a separate counter where you grab napkins, utensils, etc., I ordered a savory crepe, the La Classique, while partner got the Croque Monsieur. Both meals were great, except now that I have tried a savory crepe, I'll stick to something sweet in the future, crepe-wise. For drinks, he got raspberry tea/lemonade and I had a strawberry/banana smoothie-- both very good on a hot day. We did not try any of their chocolate nor any of the bakery items on display. read more

Super cozy and European inside, with those qualities reflected in the warm beverages that they serve. Love coming here to catch up with a friend. read more

In today's economy, most people--myself included--can't afford a ticket to France. So us Americans idolize it in our imaginations instead. We parrot their French Fries, their French Press coffee, and their French Vanilla ice cream. We hang pictures of the Eiffel Tower on our walls and long for a place we've never even seen before. But the Leonidas Chocolate Cafe is most definitely the next best thing. I recently walked into this quaint and charming Evanston shop for an early lunch, and found the atmosphere to be quite charming. Gentle French music articulates from the ceiling as chefs stand before professional crepe griddles with buckets of batter. Chocolates cram the display shelves and expensive-looking cappuccino machines steam in the background. Let me say, first, that the Mexican hot chocolate here is absolutely phenomenal. It is, bar none, the finest I have ever tasted in this lifetime. Notes of cinnamon enliven a frothy concoction of cocoa and milk, elevating this commonplace favorite into a world-class specialty. Chili powder's sun-scorched flavor spices up the bittersweet dark chocolate, and this is all beset by a luxurious dollop of homemade whipped cream on top. It comes at $4.25 a cup, but this is a treat worth far more. The savory Saumon Fumé crepe is also commendable. Cream cheese filling makes for a rich, heavy platter. Capers and chopped onions provide a tang of tartness, and the half-smoked salmon complements the whole affair perfectly. I thought the Madame (ham, gruyère, béchamel and a satisfyingly runny egg) was similarly well executed. The chocolate selection is nothing short of stupendous. These are works of art--gourmet delicates of cacao and sugar with varieties I have never ever heard of. If the massive coffee menu doesn't supply enough caffeine, the chocolate display certainly will. It was a joy to visit Leonidas for the first time, but it won't be my last. This is Evanston's best restaurant, and one that would make the nation of France proud. read more

Came here for a treat after enjoying lunch on my husbands birthday. The screen with the hot chocolate drinks was out and they didn't have a paper menu. So from the beginning we are flying blind. The server tried to be helpful but when the menu screen finally came up, we were disappointed that we were only given basically 2 choices verbally. Then, I ordered a mocha LARGE hot chocolate with a shot of espresso. When a small was delivered, the server said "you paid for a small" and then came back and said "I got what I paid for." WTH? I told her the experience had been disappointing and she didn't seem to care. So here on Yelp I vent. Then, I show a Northwestern ID so I should have received a 10% discount but because I pulled out my credit card, she dropped it down to 5%. I had a $20 in the other hand and could have paid cash. Aaaaiya. I'll stick to the Chicago location. They are much nicer there. read more

The food was amazing! The chef accidentally made an extra crepe so she gave it to us for free! this is most definitely the best place I have EVER eaten at! Amazing service, the best food I have ever had, and it even looks cute inside! Totally recommend 100%!! read more

Food was okay. Customer service is horrible. Don't go back. The lady in the front was very rude. Never going back. read more

Sad to say that this Evanston staple is no longer living up to its reputation. Those delicious blueberry muffins have been replaced with a lesser version - heavy, dense, no crumb topping. Long waits may be understandable due to understaffing; today the staff made sure they spent an extra 2 minutes on break while I stood waiting at the register because their co-worker was busy making coffee drinks. A couple of times okay; this has become a pattern. I'll miss this great hang out spot! read more

The customer service was excellent. We decided to do both the savory and sweet crepe and they were just so delicious. It will definitely be in our list to visit again when we come back to Chicago. read more

Leonidas Chocolate Cafe - Lox crepe and strawberry Nutella crepe - Cafes Near Me - Evanston, Illinois

I got the Chocolate Eclair and Bacon and Egg Sandwich delivered to me! The eclair was flaky, decadent and held an amazing balance between the puff pasty and the chocolate pastry filling. Ate it a few hours after receiving but did not get soggy. This croissant sandwich was super savory, not too greasy, and not too salty given the ingredients. The bacon and egg was complimented well by the Swiss cheese (which was melted on top of the sandwich). Delivery made it so the croissant was a tiny bit soggy and cold so can't wait to try this in-store next time! read more

Leonidas Chocolate Cafe - Ham and Cheese Sandwich, Chocolate Eclair - Cafes Near Me - Evanston, Illinois

It's usually okay. My biggest complaint with any of their stores is they have horrible ventilation. I feel horribly for the employees making crepes and I don't know how anyone sits in their while crepes are being made. read more

I just started working in the Evanston neighborhood recently. I was on my way to the nearby Dunkin' for a coffee. Something told me to stop into Leonida's and see what their coffee/drink selection looked like. I'm so glad I did. I just had the most amazing salted caramel hot chocolate. It was exceptional. Perfect for fall, especially since the clocks just changed and now it gets dark at noon. Their savory menu looks great too, I'll be going back soon for their food items. I saw crepe pans, soI'm already looking forward to my next visit. read more

Leonidas Chocolate Cafe - Cafes Near Me - Evanston, Illinois

I love this chocolatier. I first tried this place about 20 years ago when it was in downtown Chicago. The chocolates are great and you can have it with a coffee and just sit there and enjoy the day. I gave these to my now wife 20 years ago so I know they make it with love and you will get the love back when you give it to some one. I bet that line will score me some points lol read more

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Had gluten free savory crepes for lunch. They were delicious. The restaurant is cozy and surprisingly busy on a weekday mid-afternoon.

You are one of my favorite places for chocolates and an entire menu of delicious foods. I love that it makes me feel like if I am away in some different country and time when I step inside your business. There is something specially about each of your orders. And I keep returning for more of your chocolates. I found that they make a lovely gift just because. read more

I had never heard of Liege waffles before and these were great. Dense, cakey, filling. We ordered carry-out so I'm sure they would have been superior eaten right away. The chocolates are good although the marzipan tasted very bitter. read more

Leonidas Chocolate Cafe - Cafes Near Me - Evanston, Illinois

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I visited Leonidas with big expectations -- brought my entire family with me for brunch on a Monday holiday. The waffles, croissants, quiche were 5 stars! So we're the beverages. Ambience was more like a 3: The place was smoky when we arrived (as if in something had burned) and a door in the back seemed open because there was a very cold breeze where I was seating. We had to re-arrange tables to sit together. So it wasn't comfortable. But service was more like a 1 or a 2. We stood awkwardly upon arrival and we were ignored for a while (5 people standing in a small place is hard to avoid). The main server was not welcoming, I would say she was rude (to the point my husband got upset). They only take orders at the counter, you have to serve yourself (but still request a tip when you pay with credit card). The person making things seemed much nicer and pleasant. I do love the concept and the food so I will come back in hope they have other employees. And maybe it's not cold inside. Maybe next time I'll go with fewer people. read more

I received a box of chocolates from my husband for my birthday. I was very disappointed and had to throw the remaining uneaten chocolates away after trying 4 of them. The chocolates and the marzipan all had a stale refrigerator taste. I do not recommend this place for chocolates. read more