Destinations / New York City / Top Things to Do in New York City for Chocolate Lovers in Queens
Top Things to Do in New York City for Chocolate Lovers in Queens
1. Aigner Chocolates
A Forest Hills institution crafting European-style confections by hand—think silky truffles, nutty pralines, marzipan, and rich drinking chocolate in cooler months.
✓ Why Go:
It’s old-world craftsmanship in Queens, perfect for assembling a bespoke chocolate box or picking up seasonal specialties for holidays.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Weekday late mornings for shorter lines; November–February for the coziest hot chocolate and holiday molds.
✓ Insider Tip:
Ask for a custom assortment heavy on dark chocolate marzipan and hazelnut pralines; they’ll pack it to travel.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Beloved neighborhood gem with a nostalgic vibe—guests rave about consistent quality and knowledgeable staff.
2. Eddie's Sweet Shop
A century-old soda fountain where sundaes, house-made hot fudge, and chocolate malts are served in vintage glassware and wooden booths.
✓ Why Go:
Chocolate lovers come for thick hot fudge and classic ice cream flavors topped with real whipped cream.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Afternoons on weekdays; summer evenings draw lines that can wrap out the door.
✓ Insider Tip:
Bring cash and split a hot fudge sundae—portions are generous and perfect for sharing.
✓ What Visitors Say:
A time-capsule treat—guests praise the old-school charm and decadent fudge.
3. Schmidt's Candy
A family-run Woodhaven shop hand-dipping pretzels, turtles, barks, and cordial cherries in small batches.
✓ Why Go:
For classic, handmade chocolates sold by the pound with plenty of dark options and seasonal novelties.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Midday on weekdays; order ahead around Valentine’s Day and Easter when favorites sell out.
✓ Insider Tip:
Ask for a mixed box of fresh-dipped pretzels and pecan turtles—staff will guide you to the day’s freshest trays.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Warm, old-school hospitality and craveable classics keep locals returning for gifts and holidays.
4. Martha's Country Bakery
Astoria’s dessert landmark with towering chocolate cakes, blackout slices, lava cake, and cocoa-forward drinks.
✓ Why Go:
One stop for an array of chocolate desserts—ideal for groups with different sweet-tooth levels.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Late mornings or mid-afternoons on weekdays; evenings and weekends can be packed.
✓ Insider Tip:
Pair a slice of blackout cake with a mocha and grab a window seat for premium people-watching on Ditmars.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Lively, cozy, and reliably indulgent—visitors love the variety and generous portions.
5. Cannelle Patisserie
A refined French bakery near Jackson Heights known for opera cake, chocolate eclairs, and glossy entremets.
✓ Why Go:
Expert technique meets Queens flavor—perfect for a sophisticated chocolate fix or elegant takeaway dessert.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Morning for the freshest selection; arrive early on weekends before signature cakes sell out.
✓ Insider Tip:
Order an opera cake slice and a chocolate almond croissant; take extras to go for afternoon coffee.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Fans applaud patisserie-level finesse at fair prices and call it a destination bakery.
6. Max & Mina's Ice Cream
A quirky Kew Gardens Hills scoop shop churning creative, often limited-run flavors—including plenty of chocolate riffs.
✓ Why Go:
For offbeat, fun chocolate variations you won’t find elsewhere—great for families and adventurous palates.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Afternoons to avoid evening lines; peak summer weekends get busy.
✓ Insider Tip:
Check the flavor board and ask for hand-packed pints of any chocolate flavor you fall in love with.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Playful and nostalgic—guests love the surprise-and-delight factor and friendly service.
7. Levain Bakery
LIC outpost of the famed bakery serving thick, gooey cookies—especially the dark chocolate flavors that verge on brownie territory.
✓ Why Go:
It’s a pilgrimage for chocolate cookie lovers, with fresh bakes that are best enjoyed warm.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Right after opening for minimal wait and maximum warmth; weekdays are quickest.
✓ Insider Tip:
Split a dark chocolate peanut butter chip cookie and stash another for later—they travel well.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Worth-the-hype indulgence—visitors rave about the texture and intensity of the chocolate.
8. The French Workshop
A chic Bayside cafe showcasing chocolate mousse domes, ganache tarts, and eclairs alongside espresso drinks.
✓ Why Go:
Elegant chocolate desserts without leaving Queens—ideal for date night or a leisurely afternoon treat.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Late morning for a calm cafe vibe; evenings draw neighborhood crowds.
✓ Insider Tip:
Pair a chocolate dome with a cappuccino and stroll Bell Blvd’s lively strip afterward.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Polished pastries and a stylish setting win praise from locals and day-trippers alike.
9. Queens Night Market
Seasonal open-air market where rotating vendors sling chocolate-forward treats—brownies, babka, churros, and more—under the stars.
✓ Why Go:
Sample a globe’s worth of chocolate desserts in one evening with a festival atmosphere.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Saturday nights from spring through fall; arrive near opening to beat the longest queues.
✓ Insider Tip:
Scan the vendor list online before you go and map a chocolate crawl so you don’t miss limited-run specials.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Festive, diverse, and delicious—guests love the variety and wallet-friendly prices.
10. Rudy's Bakery and Cafe
Historic Ridgewood bakery turning out classic chocolate tortes, Sacher slices, and black forest cakes.
✓ Why Go:
Old-world recipes meet Queens comfort—great for grabbing a slice or ordering a whole cake for celebrations.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Morning for the widest selection; pre-order whole cakes for weekends and holidays.
✓ Insider Tip:
Ask about seasonal chocolate specials and call ahead if you’ve got your heart set on a full torte.
✓ What Visitors Say:
A neighborhood standby praised for tradition, generous portions, and fair prices.
