L.A. Burdick Chocolates

Clinical studies have shown that chocolate promotes the same congenial cocktail of brain chemicals as does sex. Aha! Perhaps now we understand why Burdick opened his pricey chocolate wonder store but a few paces from a community of undersexed students. Patrons demurely sip the legendary hot and heavy chocolate drinks ($3-5), sample orgasmically dense pastries ($2-3.50; try the Harvard Square, a brownie-like concoction with chocolate ganache), nibble handmade dark chocolates filled with fresh raspberry or smooth cognac cream, lavender, espresso, orange or (Lord have mercy) PISTACHIO!, all the while gasping (and rightly so) that Burdick makes the best chocolate in the Boston area. The store also serves those who have already found love with immaculately presented wooden gift boxes ($13-57), including the too-cute-to-eat chocolate mice and penguins. Don't have a date to share a steamy cocoa beverage with in the cozy interior? Take home a 2 lb. bag of hot chocolate mix ($30) and attempt to replicate the indulgence solo in the comfort of your own dorm room. This section contains information from Harvard Student Agencies' Unofficial Guide to Life at Harvard. With just nine tables and little standing-room, the cafe's usually crowded at night. Tables are first-come, first-serve, so prepare to be aggressive or to take your order to go.