Destinations / New York City / Top Things to Do in New York City for Chocolate Lovers in Long Island City
Top Things to Do in New York City for Chocolate Lovers in Long Island City
1. Cannelle Patisserie
A beloved French bakery where chocolate takes many shapes—silky praline cakes, opera slices, pain au chocolat, and seasonal hot chocolate—perfect before a waterfront stroll.
✓ Why Go:
For refined, classic chocolate pastries made by pros, with flavors that feel Paris-by-the-East-River.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Morning for warm viennoiserie; late afternoon for a cake slice and espresso break.
✓ Insider Tip:
Ask for the chocolate praline or opera if you want maximum cocoa depth without excessive sweetness.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Locals rave about consistent quality and value—many call it their ‘go-to’ for celebration cakes.
2. Sweetleaf Coffee & Cocktail Bar
A dual-purpose cafe-bar on the LIC waterfront pouring rich mochas and hot chocolate by day and spiked cocoa cocktails after 5 pm.
✓ Why Go:
For a chocolatey drink with skyline views—great pre- or post-sunset treat along the promenade.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Golden hour to sip a mocha or spiked hot chocolate, then watch the lights come on over Manhattan.
✓ Insider Tip:
Pair your cocoa with a house brownie or cookie; seating fills fast near the windows.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Praised for atmosphere and drinks; regulars love the bar program’s playful cocoa twists.
3. Sweetleaf Coffee (Jackson Ave)
The original neighborhood haunt with vintage vibes and a precise espresso program—order a mocha or hot chocolate with a chocolate croissant.
✓ Why Go:
For a cozy, true-LIC cafe experience anchored by well-executed chocolate drinks and bakes.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Weekday mornings for quieter seating; weekends get lively.
✓ Insider Tip:
Grab a mocha to-go and wander to nearby Court Square’s murals for a sweet mini-walk.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Fans call it a LIC staple—friendly baristas, consistent drinks, and nostalgic ambiance.
4. Spot Dessert Bar
A destination dessert spot where warm cookie skillets, chocolate-forward creations, and shareable plates meet late-night hours.
✓ Why Go:
For inventive, photogenic desserts—think gooey cookies, torched toppings, and cocoa-rich sauces.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Late night post-dinner; it’s open late and perfect for a sweet nightcap.
✓ Insider Tip:
Order the cookie skillet for a tableside, melty-chocolate moment—shareable and satisfying.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Highly social and fun; groups love splitting multiple plates to sample seasonal specials.
5. Chip City
Queens-born cookie icon famous for gooey, jumbo cookies—don’t miss the dark chocolate varieties and rotating chocolate-heavy specials.
✓ Why Go:
For ultra-indulgent, fresh-baked cookies that hit the chocolate craving hard.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Afternoons when fresh batches roll out; weekends can sell out of popular flavors.
✓ Insider Tip:
Ask which chocolate cookie is warmest from the oven; warmth amplifies the gooey center.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Cookie lovers call it ‘worth the hype’ for texture and richness.
6. Black Star Bakery & Cafe
A neighborhood cafe known for pastries and brunch—look for chocolate hazelnut croissants, brownies, and cocoa-leaning cakes.
✓ Why Go:
For casual, sit-down pastry time when you want something chocolatey with coffee or tea.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Morning or mid-afternoon for the best pastry selection and quicker counter lines.
✓ Insider Tip:
If you see a chocolate babka or brownie tray, grab it—favorites can disappear fast.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Appreciated for friendly service and reliable baked goods in a bright corner space.
7. Taste Crème
Small-batch cake studio turning out elegant petite cakes and creative croffles—don’t miss the fudge brownie croffle or chocolate-forward specials.
✓ Why Go:
For boutique-style sweets with nuanced flavors and refined sweetness levels.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Late morning to early afternoon; limited daily bakes sell out.
✓ Insider Tip:
Pre-order petite cakes for guaranteed pickup—ask for chocolate or mocha-forward designs.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Guests love the balance—not overly sweet—and the polished presentation.
8. Paris Baguette Long Island City
A spacious bakery-cafe in the heart of LIC offering chocolate éclairs, ganache cakes, chocolate croissants, and hot chocolate alongside coffee.
✓ Why Go:
For grab-and-go chocolate treats with plenty of seating near transit and galleries.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Morning for warm pastries; evenings for cake slices after dinner.
✓ Insider Tip:
Pair a chocolate éclair with a cafe mocha for a classic, quick indulgence.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Popular for variety and convenience—easy win for travelers and commuters.
9. Cafe Henri
A cozy French cafe known for mousse au chocolat, chocolate crepes with Callebaut sauce, and classic hot chocolate.
✓ Why Go:
For sit-down, old-world dessert charm a block from the East River.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Post-dinner dessert hour; brunch is also popular for crepes.
✓ Insider Tip:
Order the mousse au chocolat for a simple, timeless cocoa fix.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Warm neighborhood favorite—guests linger over dessert and coffee.
10. Finback LIC
Finback’s Queens Plaza taproom often features barrel-aged stouts and dessert-inspired brews with chocolate, cacao, or pastry notes.
✓ Why Go:
For a grown-up chocolate detour—savor cocoa-rich stouts in a sleek, creative space.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Evenings or weekends when the tap list is widest; look for limited stout releases.
✓ Insider Tip:
Ask staff for any chocolate-forward seasonal or barrel-aged pours; flights help compare cocoa profiles.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Beer fans applaud the variety and atmosphere—stouts draw special praise from chocolate lovers.
