Ethel's Chocolate Lounge in Southport is just like the lounges in Skokie, Evanston and the Loop, though not as cool as the one in Armitage (which is an actual house). It's got cutesy pink and brown decor, quotes like "Have a chocolate day" on the wall and, of course, chocolate in every type and color.

The sweets are undeniably tasty, and come in flavors like peanut butter, raspberry rhapsody, pecan and creme liqueur "cocktail" chocolates such as Mucha Margarita and Chocolapolitans. Despite its tasty sweets, it's a bit too gimmicky to feel at home on picturesque Southport Avenue (Chicago is a lab rat for M&M's owner Mars, who chose the Windy City as the place to test its upscale chocolate lounge). Still, I found it to be pretty fun...until I realized how expensive it was.

If purchasing a $4.50 mocha or a $10 treat of a latte and four chocolates seems too extravagant, the best way to go is to bring in your girlfriends for a chocolate fondue party ($25 for four) or a two-hour, three-course "chocolate affair" for $18 a person.

Ethel's is also terrific for gifts, with 12 beautiful pieces of chocolate for $14. My personal favorite is the $15 truffles and tea for two, which includes Tea Forte tea (in the most unique tea bags I have ever seen) and a lovely arrangement of 10 truffles.

Average cost: <$10

Centerstage Reviewer: Steph Yiu