Destinations / New York City / Top Things to Do in New York City for Chocolate Lovers in Harlem
Top Things to Do in New York City for Chocolate Lovers in Harlem
1. Harlem Chocolate Factory
Small-batch bars, bonbons, and bark inspired by Harlem’s heritage make this boutique a must for cacao purists and gift hunters.
✓ Why Go:
It’s the neighborhood’s signature chocolatier, spotlighting flavors like brownstone-inspired pralines and city-savvy caramels.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Afternoons on weekends for the fullest selection; earlier in the day for limited seasonal runs.
✓ Insider Tip:
Build a custom assortment of bars to taste the spectrum of cacao percentages side by side.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Visitors praise the creativity, silky textures, and Harlem storytelling in every bite.
2. Sugar Hill Creamery
Beloved neighborhood creamery scooping imaginative flavors, often including deep, fudgy chocolate and dairy-free dark chocolate sorbets.
✓ Why Go:
House-made small batches and Harlem-inspired names make chocolate treats feel both local and luxe.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Late afternoon and warm evenings; come early on summer weekends to skip the line.
✓ Insider Tip:
Ask for a split scoop of a chocolate base with a swirl flavor for a perfect cocoa contrast.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Regulars love the creamy texture and welcoming, community-first vibe.
3. Levain Bakery Harlem
Home of the famously gooey, ultra-thick cookies—including dark chocolate varieties that feel like handheld brownies.
✓ Why Go:
The chocolate chip walnut and dark chocolate peanut butter chip have a cult following for good reason.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Mornings on weekdays to beat peak queues; cookies are best still warm.
✓ Insider Tip:
Grab an extra cookie to share—portions are generous and reheat beautifully.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Travelers say it’s a bucket-list bite that lives up to the hype.
4. Make My Cake
Celebration-worthy slices and Southern-inspired classics, from towering chocolate layer cake to German chocolate.
✓ Why Go:
Decadent frostings and moist crumb make it a dessert destination for birthdays or just-because treats.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Late morning for the freshest case and widest chocolate options.
✓ Insider Tip:
Call ahead for whole cakes or to reserve popular slices before they sell out.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Fans rave about nostalgic flavors done right and friendly service.
5. Lady Lexis Sweets
Family-run bakery known for brownies, chocolate cupcakes, and occasional rum-inflected cocoa cakes.
✓ Why Go:
Small-batch bakes deliver that homemade, straight-from-the-oven charm.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Mid-morning when daily bakes hit the counter.
✓ Insider Tip:
Quantities are limited—if you see a chocolate special, snag it.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Locals love the personal touch and reliably rich chocolate treats.
6. Settepani
Italian café-bakery turning out glossy chocolate tortes, cannoli with cocoa-kissed fillings, and flaky pain au chocolat.
✓ Why Go:
Pair espresso with a refined chocolate pastry while people-watching on Lenox.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Weekend brunch or late afternoon for a leisurely dolce break.
✓ Insider Tip:
Ask about seasonal chocolate specials that rotate with the pastry case.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Guests appreciate the elegant bakes and warm, neighborhood feel.
7. Patisserie Des Ambassades
Franco–West African bakery-café where chocolate mousse, éclairs, and pain au chocolat meet bissap and attiéké plates.
✓ Why Go:
Classic French techniques with Harlem flair make for memorable cocoa desserts.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Late morning or early evening to avoid peak mealtimes.
✓ Insider Tip:
Pair a chocolate pastry with ginger or hibiscus drinks for a vibrant contrast.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Visitors highlight the flaky viennoiserie and generous portions.
8. Chocolat Restaurant & Bar
A stylish Harlem staple where dinner can end with molten chocolate cake, mousse, or a cocoa-forward cocktail.
✓ Why Go:
It’s a lively spot to cap a neighborhood night with an indulgent chocolate finale.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Weekend evenings for the buzzy lounge energy; earlier for a quieter dessert date.
✓ Insider Tip:
Ask about off-menu chocolate desserts or seasonal martinis.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Diners love the ambiance and dependable dessert lineup.
9. Harlem Shake
Retro burger joint pouring thick, old-school chocolate shakes and malts—perfect after a stroll along Lenox.
✓ Why Go:
Sometimes the best cocoa fix is a classic, extra-creamy shake.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Afternoons and late nights; expect lines at peak lunch hours.
✓ Insider Tip:
Add malt for extra depth or ask for a swirl of hot fudge when available.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Guests call the shakes addictive and the vibe quintessentially Harlem.
10. Whole Foods Market Harlem
A surprisingly deep bean-to-bar aisle featuring single-origin, fair-trade, and vegan chocolate from global and local makers.
✓ Why Go:
It’s a one-stop shop to sample different cacao percentages and origins without crisscrossing town.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Weekday evenings for a calmer browse and frequent restocks.
✓ Insider Tip:
Look for limited-edition bars near the checkouts and compare tasting notes by origin.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Shoppers praise the variety and easy price comparisons for building a chocolate flight.
