Destinations / New York City / Top Things to Do in New York City for Chocolate Lovers in DUMBO
Top Things to Do in New York City for Chocolate Lovers in DUMBO
1. Jacques Torres Chocolate
Mr. Chocolate’s original Brooklyn shop is a cocoa playground—glass cases of bonbons, brownie bars, cookies, and famously thick hot chocolate just steps from the waterfront.
✓ Why Go:
It’s the neighborhood’s artisan-chocolate landmark, perfect for gifting and for savoring a cup of rich, velvety cocoa before or after a bridge stroll.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Weekdays late morning to early afternoon (11am–2pm) to skip lines; winter is ideal for hot chocolate.
✓ Insider Tip:
Try the spiced “wicked” hot chocolate or a seasonal ice cream sandwich and enjoy it on nearby Pebble Beach for bridge views.
✓ What Visitors Say:
A beloved DUMBO staple—families and chocoholics rave about the quality and variety, calling it a must on any sweet-focused itinerary.
2. Almondine Bakery
Classic French boulangerie known for flaky viennoiserie, glossy eclairs, and chocolate-almond croissants that taste like a quick trip to Paris.
✓ Why Go:
The croissants and tarts make an ideal cocoa-leaning breakfast or snack before exploring DUMBO’s cobblestone blocks and riverfront parks.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Early morning (8:30–10am) when pastries are warm from the oven and selection is fullest.
✓ Insider Tip:
Order a chocolate-almond croissant and a coffee, then grab a bench in nearby Main Street Park to people-watch with skyline views.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Consistently praised for buttery layers and authentic French flavors; many call it their favorite bakery in Brooklyn.
3. OddFellows Ice Cream Co.
Small-batch scoops with creative flavors and indulgent sundaes—look for chocolate riffs like malted or fudge-streaked specialties.
✓ Why Go:
Decadent chocolate ice creams and shakes in a playful shop just a minute from the East River.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Weekday late afternoon or early evening; summer nights are lively but lines move quickly.
✓ Insider Tip:
Build a chocolate-forward sundae and walk 2 minutes to the riverside for sunset shots of the Manhattan skyline.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Visitors love the creamy texture and inventive flavors; a hit with kids and date-night dessert hunters alike.
4. Burrow
A hidden Japanese-French patisserie tucked inside an office lobby, famed for elegant cakes, cookies, and chocolate ganache treats.
✓ Why Go:
It’s a connoisseur’s stop: meticulous technique, restrained sweetness, and jewel-box pastries you won’t find elsewhere.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Tuesday–Friday 10am–2pm; arrive early as items often sell out.
✓ Insider Tip:
Seek out the chocolate ganache cookie or an opera-style slice; there’s no seating—plan a sweet-to-go for a nearby park bench.
✓ What Visitors Say:
A cult favorite that rewards the hunt—guests gush over craftsmanship and delicate, memorable flavors.
5. Breads Bakery – Time Out Market New York
The city’s famed bakery brings its legendary chocolate babka and pastries to DUMBO’s waterfront food hall.
✓ Why Go:
Few chocolate bites are as iconic as a warm slice of babka—perfect fuel for a gallery hop or riverside walk.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Late morning or early afternoon before peak lunch crowds; weekends sell out of babka fast.
✓ Insider Tip:
Ask for a warm slice and head to the market’s rooftop for panoramic bridge views with your cocoa-swirled treat.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Travelers call it a bucket-list bake; locals rely on it for consistently rich, chocolatey comfort.
6. Sugar Hill Creamery – Time Out Market New York
Harlem-born small-batch creamery scooping seasonal flavors, often with chocolate twists and playful mix-ins.
✓ Why Go:
Distinctive, chef-driven ice creams for chocolate lovers who enjoy inventive combinations beyond the classics.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Afternoons between lunch and dinner to avoid the busiest queues.
✓ Insider Tip:
Order a duo of chocolate flavors and enjoy it at Empire Fulton Ferry’s lawn just outside.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Praised for creativity and friendly service; many note flavors you can’t find anywhere else.
7. Van Leeuwen Ice Cream
A scoop shop at the historic Fireboat House offering ultra-creamy dairy and vegan chocolate scoops, sundaes, and shakes.
✓ Why Go:
Classic and vegan chocolate options in a postcard setting at the foot of the Brooklyn Bridge.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Golden hour (about 1–2 hours before sunset) for photos; weekdays to minimize wait times.
✓ Insider Tip:
Choose a fresh waffle cone and walk to the Fulton Ferry Landing for skyline snaps with your scoop.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Tourists love the location; regulars praise the dense, premium texture and rich chocolate flavors.
8. L&B Spumoni Gardens
The Brooklyn legend’s DUMBO outpost serves its nostalgic tri-color spumoni—yes, including a chocolate layer—alongside iconic Sicilian pies.
✓ Why Go:
Finish a waterfront meal with an old-school chocolate spumoni for a taste of classic Brooklyn dessert culture.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Late afternoon or after dinner for dessert without the pizza rush.
✓ Insider Tip:
Ask for extra chocolate-heavy spumoni if available; enjoy it on Old Fulton Street’s benches under the bridge.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Longtime fans are thrilled to have it in DUMBO; newcomers love the creamy, nostalgic flavors.
9. Brooklyn Ice Cream Factory
A retro scoop shop near the bridge, making classics like Chocolate and Chocolate Chocolate Chunk in-house.
✓ Why Go:
For purists who want simple, top-quality chocolate ice cream served with unbeatable harbor views.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Weekdays 3–6pm; on hot days, come after sunset for cooler lines.
✓ Insider Tip:
Double up on chocolate and stroll to the nearby pier for breezy riverfront seating.
✓ What Visitors Say:
An enduring crowd-pleaser—guests love the old-school vibe and clean, rich flavors.
10. Cecconi’s DUMBO
A chic waterfront Italian restaurant inside Empire Stores—ideal for lingering over coffee and a refined chocolate dessert.
✓ Why Go:
Cap your chocolate crawl with a polished, date-night sweet in a setting framed by bridge and skyline views.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Sunset or late evening for a relaxed dessert course and striking vistas.
✓ Insider Tip:
Request a window or terrace table and share a chocolate-forward dessert from the seasonal menu with an espresso.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Guests swoon over the atmosphere and service; many call it a memorable finale to a DUMBO food day.
