Destinations / New York City / Top Things to Do in New York City for Chocolate Lovers in Brooklyn
Top Things to Do in New York City for Chocolate Lovers in Brooklyn
1. Jacques Torres Chocolate
The DUMBO flagship of Brooklyn’s best‑known chocolatier is a sweet-tooth playground of hand‑dipped bonbons, rich hot chocolate, and nostalgic confections near the waterfront.
✓ Why Go:
Taste classic New York craft chocolate at its source—signature bonbons, cookies, and the famed Wicked Hot Chocolate warm up any Brooklyn stroll.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Weekday afternoons in winter for hot chocolate; mornings on weekends to beat DUMBO crowds.
✓ Insider Tip:
Grab a cup to go and wander over to nearby Brooklyn Bridge Park for skyline views that make the cocoa taste even better.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Visitors rave about the silky hot chocolate and well-balanced bonbons, calling it a must on any DUMBO itinerary.
2. Raaka Chocolate
Red Hook’s bean‑to‑bar specialist is known for unroasted cacao bars that spotlight origin flavors with a sleek, airy factory shop.
✓ Why Go:
Explore inventive bars—from Pink Sea Salt to Coconut Milk—and sample how single-origin cacao shines without roasting.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Late morning to midday on weekends for the fullest selection and relaxed browsing.
✓ Insider Tip:
Ask about Factory Seconds bags—imperfect bars at a discount that still taste superb.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Chocolate nerds love the transparency and clean flavor profiles; casual tasters appreciate the friendly staff and approachable flights.
3. Fine & Raw Chocolate
A Bushwick favorite for velvety truffles, raw-style bars, and decadent hot chocolates in a plant-forward, artful space.
✓ Why Go:
Indulge in dark, dairy‑free treats and hazelnut spreads that convert even skeptics to the raw‑leaning style.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Late morning or early afternoon when the cafe is calm and the cases are freshly stocked.
✓ Insider Tip:
Order a customized hot chocolate—extra thick with oat milk—and pair it with a Dream Bar for peak richness.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Guests describe the vibe as creative and chill, with standout service and surprisingly creamy vegan options.
4. Nunu Chocolates
A cozy Park Slope spot crafting small-batch truffles, caramels, and sippable chocolate in a neighborhood cafe setting.
✓ Why Go:
Nosh on sea-salted caramels and delicate ganaches; it’s a perfect pre- or post‑Prospect Park treat.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Evenings for a relaxed, date‑night vibe; weekends before noon for best pastry and chocolate selection.
✓ Insider Tip:
Try a truffle-and-stout pairing—staff can suggest chocolates that match what’s on tap.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Locals praise the mellow atmosphere and balanced flavors; many call it their go‑to neighborhood chocolate fix.
5. Li-Lac Chocolates
This century-old chocolatier’s Industry City factory shop marries old‑school molds with modern Brooklyn energy.
✓ Why Go:
Stock up on classic butter creams, pecan chews, and whimsical chocolate shapes while peeking at production through glass.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Weekdays mid‑afternoon to see the kitchen humming and avoid peak weekend crowds.
✓ Insider Tip:
Seasonal molded pieces sell fast—ask what limited batches just dropped.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Families love the nostalgia factor; serious chocoholics appreciate the consistent quality and generous samples.
6. Almondine Bakery
A beloved DUMBO boulangerie known for textbook pain au chocolat, chocolate éclairs, and French tarts.
✓ Why Go:
Buttery pastry meets deep chocolate—ideal breakfast fuel before exploring cobblestone streets and waterfront views.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Early morning for warm pastries straight from the oven; lines build after 10 a.m.
✓ Insider Tip:
Pair a pain au chocolat with a chocolate tart to sample both flaky and creamy styles in one visit.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Travelers call it a Paris‑worthy stop; many return specifically for the croissant layers and balanced cocoa.
7. Levain Bakery
The Williamsburg outpost of the cookie icon serves hulking, gooey cookies with serious chocolate cred.
✓ Why Go:
Order the Double Chocolate Chip or classic Chocolate Chip Walnut—crispy at the edges, molten inside.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Mid‑afternoon on weekdays to skip lines; evenings for a warm cookie nightcap.
✓ Insider Tip:
Split a cookie and rewarm for 10–15 seconds; the texture goes next‑level without overmelting.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Fans gush over the fudgy centers and generous chunks, calling it a bucket‑list Brooklyn bite.
8. One Girl Cookies
A sunlit DUMBO cafe crafting dainty sandwich cookies, whoopie pies, and chocolate cakes perfect for a sweet pause.
✓ Why Go:
Their petite chocolate cookies and cocoa‑forward whoopies pair beautifully with a latte between neighborhood galleries.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Late afternoon for a quiet break after the post‑lunch rush.
✓ Insider Tip:
Order a hot chocolate and snag a window seat facing Main Street for great people‑watching.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Guests love the calm ambiance, pretty presentation, and not‑too‑sweet flavor profiles.
9. Brooklyn Farmacy & Soda Fountain
A time-capsule soda fountain in Carroll Gardens mixing chocolate egg creams, malteds, and towering sundaes.
✓ Why Go:
Sip a real-deal New York chocolate egg cream at the marble counter and bask in retro charm.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Weekday afternoons to avoid family rush; evenings for a lively, nostalgic scene.
✓ Insider Tip:
Order a Black & White—vanilla ice cream with hot fudge—for the perfect sweet‑salty balance.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Families and vintage lovers swoon over the throwback vibes and generous fudge pour.
10. L’Appartement 4F
A Brooklyn Heights bakery bringing Parisian flair to chocolate lovers with famed cookies and pain au chocolat.
✓ Why Go:
From crackly‑edged chocolate chip cookies to glossy chocolate croissants, everything is meticulously crafted.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Early morning—popular items often sell out before midday.
✓ Insider Tip:
If the cookie line is long, snag a chocolate escargot pastry—it’s a sleeper hit.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Visitors praise the buttery layers and high‑cacao bakes, calling it worth the detour off the Promenade.
