If you're part of Chicago's chocoholic population and you've never been to The Fudge Pot, you'd best start making up for lost time. But consider yourself warned: It's impossible to walk in without being floored by (and buying some of) the plethora of chocolate molds on display. From Noah's Ark to Ninja Turtles, pretty much anything you can think of has been made out of chocolate here (or could be, as Fudge Pot takes special orders).

This Old Town institution has stuck to the same family recipe since it was established in 1963. I was lucky enough to get a behind-the-scenes pass as owner David Dattalo whipped up some of that famous fudge, using all natural ingredients and stirring each 25-pound batch by hand in a great big copper pot. You can watch the magic happen through the window, though you'll inevitably have to come in and try one of the 10 flavors (plain chocolate for the purists; chocolate marshmallow nut or vanilla peanut butter for the avant-garde).

Once you've had your fill of the fudge (though I'm not sure that's possible), move on to peanut brittle, almond bark (milk, dark or white chocolate) or a giant hand-dipped caramel apple, which can be kicked up a notch with peanuts or walnuts. Other handmade confections include chocolate-dipped cookies, marshmallows, caramels and frozen bananas that are completely irresistible. But don't take my word for it. Stop reading, and start nursing that sweet tooth—stat.

Centerstage Reviewer: Natalie Goldstein