Destinations / New York City / Top Things to Do in New York City for Chocolate Lovers
Top Things to Do in New York City for Chocolate Lovers
1. Jacques Torres Chocolate DUMBO
The city’s OG chocolate icon sits under the Manhattan Bridge, where glass cases brim with truffles, dipped fruit, and massive cookies perfumed with fresh cacao.
✓ Why Go:
This flagship pioneered NYC’s modern chocolate scene—come for silky hot chocolate and hand-crafted bonbons that lean classic with seasonal twists.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Late morning on weekdays (10 am–noon) for shorter lines; December–February for peak hot chocolate cravings.
✓ Insider Tip:
Order the Wicked Hot Chocolate for a subtle cayenne kick, then stroll the nearby Brooklyn Bridge Park with your cup.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Visitors praise the rich, European-style drinking chocolate and nostalgic atmosphere that feels quintessentially Brooklyn.
2. Raaka Chocolate
Red Hook’s bean-to-bar darling spotlights unroasted cacao, yielding bright, fruit-forward bars and creative limited releases.
✓ Why Go:
It’s one of the few places to explore unroasted chocolate—taste how origin and fermentation shape flavor in surprising ways.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Afternoons on weekdays; sunny weekends pair nicely with a Red Hook waterfront wander.
✓ Insider Tip:
Pick up the Pink Sea Salt or Bourbon Cask Aged bars; staff often offer micro-tastes if you’re undecided.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Chocolate fans love the transparency, ethical sourcing, and complex, wine-like flavor profiles.
3. Fine & Raw Chocolate Factory
A Bushwick atelier crafting decadent truffles and vegan-friendly bars with a lush café for mochas and chocolate croissants.
✓ Why Go:
Vibrant, design-forward space where you can sip, sample, and stock up on small-batch confections made with organic ingredients.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Late afternoon for a mellow vibe; cooler months for cozy sipping inside.
✓ Insider Tip:
Try the Hazelnut Butter bar and grab a hot cacao sweetened with coconut sugar for a less-sweet, cacao-forward cup.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Guests rave about the creamy vegan options and the creative flavor combinations that don’t taste like compromise.
4. Mariebelle
SoHo sophistication in a jewel-box boutique known for hand-painted ganaches and a tucked-away cacao salon serving Parisian-style sips.
✓ Why Go:
It’s chocolate as art—intricate designs, vivid origin notes, and an elegant atmosphere perfect for a sweet pause downtown.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Weekdays right after opening to enjoy the salon without a wait; winter for classic European hot chocolate.
✓ Insider Tip:
Order the Aztec hot chocolate for deep, spicy complexity and pick up a signature blue box as a gift.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Travelers love the refined service and picture-perfect bonbons that taste as exquisite as they look.
5. L.A. Burdick Handmade Chocolates
Flatiron’s cozy New England import offers European-style drinking chocolate, chocolate mice, and meticulous bonbons.
✓ Why Go:
Their thick, aromatic hot chocolate is a rite of passage for cacao purists, with elegant pastries to match.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Mornings or early afternoons; a perfect warm-up on chilly days from November through March.
✓ Insider Tip:
Ask for a mix of dark and milk in your drinking chocolate for a balanced, ultra-smooth cup.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Fans call it a must for cold-weather comfort and appreciate the attentive staff and craftsmanship.
6. Serendipity
A whimsical Upper East Side institution famous for its over-the-top Frrrozen Hot Chocolate and vintage dessert parlor charm.
✓ Why Go:
It’s an NYC dessert legend—indulgent portions, movie-set nostalgia, and a chocolate drink that’s practically a rite of passage.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Mid-afternoon on weekdays to avoid dinner rush; summer for a frosty treat between museum visits.
✓ Insider Tip:
Split the Frrrozen Hot Chocolate and add peanut butter or mint for an extra layer of decadence.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Visitors adore the playful ambiance and photogenic sundaes that delight kids and chocolate-loving adults alike.
7. Max Brenner Union Square
Part café, part chocolate playground where flowing fondues, thick Italian hot chocolate, and cocoa-dusted everything steal the show.
✓ Why Go:
Come hungry for shareable waffles, crepes, and fondue boards that turn chocolate into a full meal experience.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Evenings on weekdays for lively energy without weekend waits.
✓ Insider Tip:
Order a sharing fondue with caramel and peanut butter sauces—then add strawberries or bananas for contrast.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Groups and families love the theatrical plating and the sheer variety of chocolate-centric choices.
8. M&M'S World New York
A three-level Times Square wonderland with wall-to-wall colors, custom blends, and exclusive NYC-themed chocolate merch.
✓ Why Go:
Customize mix-and-match M&M’s by color and design—an interactive, kid-friendly stop amid the buzz of Times Square.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Morning right after opening or late evening to dodge peak crowds.
✓ Insider Tip:
Use the color wall to build a Broadway- or team-themed mix as a fun edible souvenir.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Families gush over the playful displays and easy souvenir shopping for sweet-toothed friends back home.
9. Hershey's Chocolate World Times Square
An immersive flagship where Hershey’s favorites go big—think custom bars, XL Kisses, and steaming cocoa in winter.
✓ Why Go:
It’s a candy-lover’s dream with NYC exclusives you won’t find elsewhere, perfect for quick treats between shows.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Weekday mornings; November–January for festive displays and limited seasonal flavors.
✓ Insider Tip:
Head upstairs for made-to-order s’mores with torched marshmallow—great pre- or post-theater snack.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Tourists applaud the friendly staff and interactive stations that make it more than just a shop.
10. Levain Bakery Upper West Side
Home of the famously gooey cookies—especially the dark chocolate varieties that draw lines down West 74th Street.
✓ Why Go:
The dark chocolate peanut butter chip and dark chocolate chocolate chip cookies are warm, fudgy, and unforgettable.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Early morning to snag fresh-from-the-oven cookies without the queue; great year-round.
✓ Insider Tip:
Ask for the center-most cookie from a fresh tray for maximum molten texture.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Cookie devotees call it a bucket-list stop and worth any wait for that just-baked, chocolatey core.
