Throw away any notion you have of what a marshmallow should be, because XO Marshmallow Cafe and Wonderland in Chicago is changing the name of the marshmallow game. With marshmallow flavors like salted caramel, raspberry, bourbon, and more, visiting this café will take you into marshmallow territories you didn’t even know existed.

chocolate, cream, sweet, cake, cookie
Leah Valenti

Although you can eat the marshmallows by themselves, they can also be incorporated into a number of treats like classic s’mores, donut s’mores, and s’macos (s’more tacos). Yes, I just said S’MORES TACOS.

Co-founders Kat Connor and Lindzi Shanks gave me the privilege of trying many treats including the s’maco, the whoopie pie, their housemade caramel sauce, and several different flavors of marshmallows (don’t judge me, it was research). Nothing disappointed. Each treat was as fresh and tasty as the last, and I look forward to trying more!

cake, chocolate, birthday cake
Leah Valenti

If you’re looking to get a good Instagram pic, the cafe’s aesthetic makes it easy. The style conjures up feelings of whimsy and wonder as you bask in the glow of the pink neon “I love you s’more” sign and chow down on 20 treats.

cake, birthday cake, tea
Leah Valenti

Whether you’re more of a traditionalist and just want a plain s’more, or you’re looking to be adventurous with a honey lavender marshmallow s’maco, XO Marshmallow Cafe has a treat that will delight anyone. Now all you need is a ticket to Chicago and someone to calm you down as you hyperventilate with excitement.

cake, sprinkles, chocolate, pastry, candy, sweet, cream, goody, cookie, doughnut
Leah Valenti